Author's Note:I'm just gonna get this out of the way. This chapter is loooooooooong, at least compared to previous ones. And the reason behind this is the fact that I had written this chapter three whole times before finally settling on something. So after scrapping three almost finished chapters, I just sorta kept writing till I felt like I had made up everything I got rid of.

Of course this meant I've been writing for an extensive period of time, so there may or may not be differing qualities of writing at certain points in the story.

But nonetheless, I feel satisfied with what I wrote and can finally catch a breather. I sincerely hope you guys and gals have fun reading. If you really feel like it, you could leave a review telling me what you thought, or anything of that sort. I'm always happy reading the feedback you all leave.

I hope you enjoy the chapter, and I'll see you guys next time! But for now, I think I'm gonna catch some shut eye.


Dark of the Night.


If there had to be one thing about traveling that Katara disliked, it would have to be the actual traveling part. Living in the South Pole, treks on foot were typically short, as her home village had been nestled in a nice little spot that was close to all the resources they'd need. It was something meant to minimize the risk of getting caught out in bad weather, as well as help the hunters expend as little energy as possible going to and coming back from hunts.

Even traveling with Aang hadn't been so harsh, then again, traveling was indeed easy when you had a ten ton flying bison to get around on.

But with Lee? Nothing but her own two legs for mile after mile. Simply walking wouldn't have been so hard of a task, but after leaving the port town, Lee had insisted on taking several "shortcuts" through thick brush and woods. That had been a day and a half ago, and now, Katara could have sworn they were lost.

" ...We're lost...And my feet hurt… " Katara groaned under her breath.

If Lee had heard her complaint, he made no verbal notice that he had.

Thankfully though, Lee wasn't her only traveling companion though. Nestled within the leather bag that rested against her hip was the serval fox kit Lee had rescued. He had been so adamant that they bring it with them, and Katara wasn't about to reject his demand, as she felt the same way he had about the kit.

The first order of business with the young animal had been naming it. A decision that Katara had pushed for, as she didn't want to just refer to it as "the Kit" the whole time it accompanied them.

But Katara had swiftly learned that naming another living creature was no small task. It must've been the reason that mother's in the Southern Water Tribe would wait a week or so before bestowing their newborns with names.

The whole time Katara had struggled over the naming of the young fox, Lee had watched intently. Studying Katara as she came up with name after name, only to find one reason or another why said name wouldn't work.

And just as Katara was ready to give up, and had started settling on the fact the animal would just be "the Kit, " Lee spoke up.

"Yuki. "

He had said so simply, as if he'd settled on the name right as he brought the kit into their inn room. But what surprised Katara wasn't the abruptness of Lee's choice of name, it was the origin of the name.

Yuki. It was Water Tribe in origin, and had something to do with the word snow.

It was befitting. Yuki, with his snow white fur would have been right at home back south. It made Katara smile, but also curious. Just where had Lee, someone who'd never met a member of the Water Tribe till he met Katara, picked up a name that originated from the poles.

" ...It was just something I picked up while traveling… "

That had been his response. It was half-hearted, but Katara could feel there was honesty in his words. Wherever he had learned the name didn't matter, all that mattered to Katara was that they had a name. Of course the fact that that name originated from her home was an added plus, but she'd never say that. Out loud at least.

And so their little team of two had officially grown to three, and Katara couldn't be any happier, especially as she rubbed the top of the sleeping Yuki's head.

This still left the matter of Lee and how he was trapped so deep in his thoughts.

He seemed so focused on walking down what Katara would have described as the roughest looking path she'd ever seen, but she knew his focus was elsewhere.

It was probably best Lee hadn't been focusing on the shoddy condition of the trail. What once seemed to be an often walked path, was now consumed by the woodland that surrounded it. Only a fraction of the actual pathway was visible, and along with the trail, Katara could just barely make out what looked like footprints, pressed deep into the forest floor.

The forest.

That was what really bothered Katara about the use of Lee's shortcuts. The further they delved into the forest, the colder Katara felt. But this cold wasn't like anything from back home, it wasn't the chill of the elements piercing her clothes and skin. This cold was something more, something that chilled her to the core.

That chilled feeling persisted, only seeming to grow the further they pushed down the trail.

" ...Lee..? "

She tried grabbing his attention again, but only to receive the same results as her prior attempts. Something had been on his mind, that much was clear, and quite frankly, it concerned her. In the week she'd been with Lee, she'd managed to teach herself the difference between the many "faces" of Lee.

At first there was no real way to discern his expression once the mask was on. He kept his body language hidden as well as his actual face, and listening to any distinctive patterns in his voice only worked if he lied. But after the few arduous hours that followed their departure from town, she'd solved the riddle that was Lee's hidden emotions.

It happened while Lee was scouring the roads for any "shortcuts," which alone was something Katara didn't understand. How could it be considered a shortcut to somewhere if there was no set destination in mind. But as Lee searched up and down the main trail, Katara eyed him like a hawk, watching every little movement he made, and the one thing that stood out to her was that when Lee would stop to contemplate a potential alternative path, he'd incline his head in a certain way, not so low that he was staring at the ground, but not so high that he would be looking off in the distance.

Using that, the thought back to the moments she and Lee shared alone, and to her surprise he'd done something similar each of those times. When Lee was in a generally decent mood his head would remain at eye level, so that she could see into his eye holes. When Lee was distressed or upset with something he'd incline his head and turn it left or right.

And then there was the expression she had been looking at for the past day and a half. Lee's "deep thinking" "face" was distinguished by the fact his head would be pointed directly towards the ground, but in an almost unfocused way.

" Lee..? Will you please say something? "

But there was no response.

She sighed. His silence only furthered her concern, making her want to reach out for him, to grab hold of him and pull him from whatever had him so entrapped in his own mind.

But as Katara went to reach out for Lee's arm, she felt stirring inside the satchel. Looking down she saw Yuki's head sticking out, looking up at her with his own concern. Lee had been right when he said animals could feel just how upset a person was, and knowing that brought about a slight comfort.

" Don't worry Yuki...Lee's just...complicated. I'll be fine, and so will he...I hope… "

She wanted to believe that Lee would be fine, but the longer they walked, the more she could only think of one thing. Just what was the deep-seated thought that had Lee so deeply captivated.


The captivating thought in question, was something that had taken place the night of their departure. Zuko had insisted they leave after sundown, making their out under the guise of night. Only they hadn't left together.

On his own insistence, Zuko had sent Katara and Yuki ahead without much of an explanation. The only thing he had told his travel companion was that he'd "be right behind them. "

It wasn't the truth, not entirely, but at the same time he wasn't lying. He couldn't have told Katara the truth, she'd have protested right away, or worse, followed him. Despite having told Katara he wouldn't try shouldering everything on his own anymore, this was something he wanted, no, had to take care of on his own.

The memory was still fresh in the masked warriors turmoil ridden mind, the memory of his "doctor's appointment."

Night had once more fallen over the quiet port town, and it could have actually been described as "quiet" this night, especially with the lack of any unsavory types present.

It was to be expected though, when word of the Blue Spirit being in town spreads, so do the criminals that inhabit the recesses of that town. Of course there were always that one criminal who blended in with those that roamed the day, that one criminal, who thought of himself as untouchable, even from the likes of the Blue Spirit.

But this criminal, this spider-snake in human skin, was far from aware, that the "Spirit" he worried none for, was not just some masked crusader, one that only cared for larger crimes. No. Zuko was a living, thinking individual, with morals that he followed strictly. One capable of seeing more than just thefts, assaults, and the various actions of the Fire Nation as the only crimes in the world that needed his tending to.

As Zuko stood outside the doctor's window, the thought of just how many people had fallen victim to this cretin's theft flooded his mind.

It only fueled Zuko's rage further, even more so with the thought of that desperate mother that had been in there the day prior. He could feel his hands trembling as they gripped the window sill. This man would pay, no matter how much the more logical half of his thoughts protested against the act of vengeance, going so far as to fish for Iroh's wisdom.

" Allowing your darker emotions to seize control is just the first step to undoing yourself Zuko. When we allow emotions such as fear, and rage dictate our actions, we only push ourselves further into the dark void that rests in the pits of our minds. And when one has fallen to the deepest end of this void...There is no return. "

But the wise man's words were swiftly ignored, shoved back from whence they came. He'd already come that far, turning back would have been an impossibility in his narrowed vision.

" Another successful day of business. "

The doctor had said with a stretch, as if he was tired from his day of thievery. Unbeknownst to him, Zuko had chosen that moment to slip in, silent as could be.

" ...I'd certainly say so… "

The doctor jumped up, spinning around to meet the black pits that made up the Blue Spirit's eyes. A chill had gone down his back as he came face to "face" with one of the most feared men in the Earth Kingdom.

" ...Y...You're the….the… "

"...Yes, I am...And I've come to talk with you about your methods of business… "

Zuko trudged towards the horrified doctor, backing the back against the nearest wall, his swords drawn.

" ...I...I don't know what you mean...I'm just a simple doctor...T-the only doctor for the next three towns or so! "

" Oh you're a simple doctor alright...A simple doctor who robs his patients blind...Raising the prices of their medication, little by little each time, saying it's so you can keep up your supply...But that couldn't be any farther from the truth… "

" ...W...what do you want from me?! "

The doctor had slumped back against the wall, trying his hardest to escape the sword wielding specter. His own eyes stared back at him, reflecting in the blades that he so desperately wanted to escape.

" ...You can start by telling me...Just why you're doing this...Why rip-off the people that look to you for help...You must've cared for their sake at some point...No one is born this corrupt… So do us both a favor, and tell me. "

" ...I...I...It's the Fire Nation alright! Th-they came to me one day...They gave me an offer...In exchange for a steady s...supply of...of medicine and other medical equipment...I...I accepted….They pay me...I get more medicine in to supply them with...And to keep that supply from losing any value...I...I raised all the prices on the medicine...If I lost too much before the Fire Nation could...could receive their treatment then they'd-agh! "

He never got to finish, Zuko had pulled the man off the ground by his collar, holding the edge of his blade dangerously close to the doctor's bare neck.

" So...That's it then, huh? "

Zuko was growling beneath his mask at that point.

" Hoard all the medicine for them to save your own skin and financial gain...Meanwhile everyone that looks to you is forced to suffer?! How many children have been forced to suffer because of you...How many broken hearts have the mothers of this town had to endure because of you! "

" I...I'm sorry! Pl...please don't hurt me! "

No matter how angered Zuko was, he couldn't find it in himself to bring serious harm to the wretch of a man. It went against everything he had believed in to take another human's life, even if they were utterly despicable. Still, if he couldn't bring himself to harm the doctor, he would at least make sure he'd never swindle the townspeople ever again.

" ...That woman who came in here yesterday...Lanfen you called her...What's wrong with her daughter? "

The perplexed look on the man's face told Zuko that he wasn't expecting that sort of question, but he answered nonetheless, perhaps it was out of fear.

" ...L...Lanfen? H-her daughter has come down with a...a particularly bad case of pneumonia...The girl...She was already born of poor health… "

" ...So without it she'd die… "

" M...more or...Less… "

Zuko remembered clearly what he had done next, all too clearly. With all his might, Zuko tossed the man through the door of his office, out into the street, and knocking him unconscious.. With the doctor out of the building, Zuko went to work digging through the various medications strewn about the office's back room.

His knowledge on medicine had been limited but not so much as to hinder his search for the correct type. Thankfully it hadn't taken long, securing as many bottles of the medication as he could wasn't the only thing he'd needed done then. Zuko's last objective for this "mission" was to ensure that the doctor got what he deserved, though he was conflicted on how he had gone about doing it. Destroying every last bit of medication felt wrong to him, maybe scaring the doctor straight had been enough, his rational side thought. Maybe. Maybe if he were a different person, his emotion driven half shot back.

" ...People like that don't change...That wickedness is seeded into their hearts… "

So with a heavy heart, Zuko destroyed the medication, setting it alight with a lantern and oil, jumping out of the nearby window, and sprinting into the night.

The last thing Zuko remembered. The last thing he "wanted" to remember, was finding the woman's house. Leaving the bag of medicine on her front doorstep and knocking, before pulling himself back onto the roof.

The expression on the mother's face as she opened the door to the sight of her daughter's medication brought a small smile to Zuko's concealed face. And yet it brought an ache to his heart. Seeing the mother rush inside to pull her daughter into her arms, exclaiming she'd be just fine. It made Zuko wonder, would his mother react the same way if that bed-ridden child was himself?


The entirety of the ordeal had weighed heavily on Zuko. He acted brashly, without care of the consequences, and he was feeling all of it at once.

He hated himself for letting his emotions get such a strong hold over him. How could he have been so stupid! Destroying all that medicine just to make sure one man gets what he deserves! What if that fire had spread!

" ...I was just like...Just like them...Just like the Fire Nation… "

He felt furious, an emotion he felt rarely. True unadulterated anger that coursed through him like the blood in his veins. But there was something else, something mixed in, like a brew of feelings that ripped at his conscience. Guilt.

And it was all directed towards himself.

Yes he had succeeded in stopping the doctor's crooked ways. And yes, he had succeeded in helping that mother and daughter, but at what cost.

The thoughts only weighed him down further when the realization that he could lose himself in those emotions again just as easily. He knew they were there, he knew he could use them if the moment ever arose. And it scared him.

What if this anger, this uncontrollable rage, got the best of him again? And what if it wasn't towards someone who deserved such ire, what if it were wrongly turned against someone innocent, someone who was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

What if it were Katara?

He froze. The left half of his face began aching, pain pulsed beneath his skin, bringing about the desire to touch the hideous scar beneath.

That thought. That horrendously ugly thought, shook Zuko to his core. How could he even dream of lashing out against Katara like that. She was his friend. His first friend. Sure they were still getting to know one another, but they had a bond, trust was being built, true trust.

Zuko's hand twitched, raising itself into the air. He had no control over the limb as it moved towards his face.

The thought that he could possibly harm Katara with one of these potential outbursts, the thought that he could ruin their budding bond, twisted his stomach around.

" ...You don't hurt the people you trust...You don't...Hurt the people you care about...It's wrong...It's… "

A familiar chill ran down Zuko's spine as for a short moment, everything went black around him, a voice, terrifyingly familiar, violated his ears, as it had done many times in his dreams.

" You will learn respect. And suffering will be your teacher! "

" Lee..? "

Zuko's eyes widened. The feeling of Katara's hand grasped around his arm had wrenched him from the "nightmare". The same arm she healed. Hesitantly, Zuko turned to meet her gaze, and what he saw in her cerulean orbs was nothing but pure concern. There was a twinge of pain in his chest at the sight of those aching eyes, longing to help in any way she could.

" How could I go making her worry like this… "

" Lee...Are you alright...You've been quiet ever since...Well ever since we left town...And then you just...Froze up. "

She knew his answer before he'd even said it. He'd say he was just fine or something along those lines. He'd lie to try and ease her worries, and she'd act as if it worked, but she knew otherwise.

" ...Yeah, I'm fine...Just...Thought I heard something… "

Katara hated being right, especially when it came to the people in her life. But bringing it up now would do little more than start new problems for the swordsman, so she'd play oblivious, for now.

" I can't blame you for thinking that...These woods...There's something… "

" ...Not right? "

Exactly. In fact it was the opposite of right, something felt horrifyingly wrong. The further they had pushed into the sinister woodlands, the colder the chill down Katara's back had become, to the point where it felt as if it were frozen solid.

" ...Yeah...It's all just...Wrong here. Yuki hasn't left the bag but for a short moment...And I haven't even heard any birds since we started on this trail. "

No birds? That perturbed Zuko, and the fact that he hadn't noticed till now troubled him even more so. Most, if not all forested areas had some form of avian life in them, they thrived in areas where potential nesting was in abundance, like the forest he was in at the moment, so the total absence of birds filled Zuko with unease.

" But why aren't there any here...I haven't seen hide nor helmet of any Fire Nation Soldiers...And I would've noticed if there were any large animals...Well...If i had been paying attention...But still… "

Little Yuko trembled in the satchel, pressing himself close to the inner wall closest to Katara. His fur stood on end, stiff as could be. Something was terrifying the young kit, something it's new companions were unaware of.

" Hey...It's gonna be alright Yuki...We'll get out of here in no time… "

Katara smiled as best as she could given the situation, doing whatever she could to calm her furry little friend.

" I wouldn't count on that...The sun's going down fast...And If this forest is anything like mine...Then visibility will essentially be non-existent. "

Thank you Lee. Because that "reassurance" was exactly what Katara and Yuki needed at this moment. Sometimes it was just easier to fib and make the situation seem better than it actually was, but Lee seemed oblivious to that knowledge. Of course Katara wouldn't deny that Lee was spot on with his assessment, she had taken notice of the lessening of the sunlight. Soon there wouldn't be any at all, and wandering in the dark, especially in this forest, didn't sit well with Katara.

" So what are you suggesting…? "

Zuko's movement ceased as he scanned the surrounding area, and the more he saw the less he liked. That disturbingly wrong feeling persisted, and would more than likely worsen the darker their surroundings became. There was only one real solution to the predicament, Katara wouldn't like it, but she'd just have to make due.

" ...We set up camp on the side of the road...Wait till daybreak comes, and hope we find the exit… "

" C...Camp?! Y-you wanna camp in these woods? Lee...What part of "There's something really wrong with this place" That you don't understand?! "

" Do you have a better solution..? "

There was no hostility in his voice, but Katara still felt as if she had been snapped at. She knew Lee was right, but the thought of sleeping in this place, this unsettling place, well it just sat in Katara's stomach like a stone, a vile, sickening stone.

She sighed.

" ...No...No I don't...Camping it is…"

She sounded so defeated, as if she had been forced into all this. In a way she had, but by no means by Lee. No, he had been the one to rescue her from what would have been a living nightmare, but still she was stranded.

The feeling of Yuki stirring about in the side bag pulled Katara from her more negative thoughts. He was trembling something fierce, like a child caught out in a snowstorm. The way he glanced up towards her, it was as if he wanted to tell her something, perhaps it wished to tell her the reason it was quaking.

" Hey Lee...Something is wrong with Yuki...He's shaking really badly… "

" There's something you can learn from everything Zuko, even from the likes of animals. You see, animals are very sensitive towards their surroundings. They're ability to take notice of potential dangers is an instinct that may prove useful in the years to come. "

And they had. Many of Zuko's "expeditions" beyond his forest had been done utilizing the various forms of wildlife along the way. Animals had the uncanny ability to take heed of dangers that not even Zuko could. So hearing that Yuki was trembling told Zuko one thing.

There was something out there, and Yuko was terrified of it.

" Lee...Do you know what might be wrong with him..? "

Katara cradled the kit in her arms, gently rocking him in hopes of stopping his trembles.

" He can feel something...We should hurry and make camp...Daylight won't last much longer. "

" What does he mean by "he can feel something?" Now is not the time to be cryptic Lee! "

But before she could repeat the question, this time verbally, Lee had turned his back to her and started up on camp. Rather than disturbing him with her query and wasting what little daytime that remained, Katara chose to assist her companion, speeding up the process.

If only she could speed along the coming night.


Night had come far sooner than either traveler could have expected, as if the forest itself swallowed the sun, leaving darkness in its wake.

The sense of unease never ceased, in fact the closer the dark grew, the greater the disconcerting feeling grew. And once everything was pitch black, the feeling was amplified to the point where any sensible person would have up and left without another thought.

But Zuko wasn't any other person, he was sensible, but at the same time his stubbornness tended to outweigh his common sense. In his eyes, waiting out the ominous night was the better option compared to wading through the blinding darkness and being left to the mercy of the endless sea of trees.

Setting camp up too little to no time, what with their lack of actual camp supplies, and Katara's assistance. Yet despite the supposed ease of the task, Zuko found difficulties making the campfire, and even when the fire roared to life, the realization that he burnt himself settled in.

In a trance like state, his eyes bore into the burned patch of skin that rested on his hand. Subconsciously, Zuko's hand rose once more, creeping towards the mask that concealed his face, his fingers trembling the whole time.

" Wh….what's wrong with me… "

His gaze went beyond his singed hand, traveling deep into the dancing flames. Each flicker of the fire morphed before his very eyes, taking the shapes of people, none of which he recognized.

That's when the pain came rushing to his head like a raging river. Then came the voices, the darkest of the voices that resonated within his head, taunting him, pushing him closer and closer to some breaking point.

" You were lucky to be born."

" Dad's gonna kill you~ No really, he is. "

" Maybe a nice Earth Kingdom family will adopt you. "

" Stand and fight! "

" ...You will learn respect. And suffering will be your teacher. "

Katara's attention had been focused on tending to Yuki, managing to get the kit to relax. Only when the sound of Lee's pained grunts and labored pants reached her ear did she swivel around, gasping at the sight of Lee, his hands grasped tightly at the sides of his head.

" L-Lee! " Katara practically sprinted around the fire, her arms pulling him into an embrace just as his legs were giving out beneath him.

"... Lee, what's wrong?! "

Deafening silence was his answer, barring the sound of his now relaxed breathing, Zuko just wouldn't make a noise. Gold met blue as Zuko's eyes found their way to Katara's, peering through them to see the same concern he had seen just moments prior.

" ...You're doing it again Zuko...You're making her worry… You have to say something!"

" It hurts… "

She could just barely make out the hushed mumble, but what she heard was enough to make her growing apprehension for Lee's wellbeing increase. He was hurting, and the knowledge that not even her newfound healing powers could get rid of this pain made her ache as well. Lee's pain was one of the mind, that much she could put together thanks to the knowledge of his condition.

Amnesia, he had called it. Lee's memories were gone, his mind was a sea coated in fog, with no light to guide him. And what did come back to him, either brought momentary relief, or crippling agony, and Katara hated it.

" Why...Why does someone like Lee have to be...Be cursed! That's what this is! It's not some illness like you called it Lee...It's a curse...One you don't deserve… "

" Katara...I'll be fine...Just let me rest some… "

" But you- "

" Katara...Please… "

It sounded like he was begging, the anguish in his voice pained Katara. Since he'd saved her, Lee had always seemed so strong, so stubborn, but that facade was gone, and the person she saw now was the pain-riddled soul that hid beneath the seeming unbreakable wall that was his mask. Katara had told herself before that she would protect Lee, just as she had promised to protect Aang, but after seeing him now, she turned that statement into a solemn vow.

" ...Alright Lee...You just rest up..I'll start on dinner. "

Ever so gently, Katara rested Lee's body against the tree closest to his sleeping bag. Though his pain wasn't physical, she treated Lee as if he were made from fragile glass, as if the smallest bump would shatter him.

It shouldn't have been like this, Lee shouldn't be suffering like this, and yet there was no one to blame, no one to repent for the horrendous action of maiming a boy and robbing him of his memories.

Silence fell over the makeshift camp as Katara shifted most of her focus on what would be their dinner, only taking her eyes away to steal a glance at Lee. " Dinner" if it could have been considered such, consisted of some apples she had bought back in town, some nuts gathered along the path, and a lizard fly that had been unfortunate enough to be crawling close to camp.

The deafening silence persisted into the meal itself, much to Katara's dismay. Though Lee always turned his back to her when they ate, the meal was usually accompanied by idle banter, mostly on Katara's behalf, with Lee giving one or two words replies. But tonight? Nothing, not a single word was uttered.

" I know it's been a bit...Creepy, but when you start relaxing this place seems almost...Peaceful. Don't you think so Lee? "

Nothing.

It wasn't that Zuko didn't hear Katara, in fact he heard her just fine, only, his attention was elsewhere. As he prodded at his improvised dinner, Zuko busied himself, probing his thoughts in search of the source of the voices, hoping that enough digging would reveal something.

But the further he reached into his psyche, the less he found, and the less he found, the more he hurt. Not in the same fashion as moments prior, this pain was something he was far more familiar with. The empty pain that had plagued his mind and heart since the day he awoke on that accursed beach!

It infuriated him, made him want to do nothing more than scream till his vocal cords gave out. And at the same time it made him want to curl up, to hide away from the world and cry till his eyes dried out.

All he wanted was to hear something, some echo of his former life, calling to him from beyond the veil of fog.

Katara was helpless to watch as Lee shut himself away, letting his thoughts consume him. A twinge of pain ran through her chest as her eyes lingered over his huddled up figure.

" ...Lee… "

It came out as a whisper, barely loud enough for herself to hear. She wanted nothing more than to reach out for him, to tell him it would be alright, but she couldn't, his walls had been built back up and were stronger than ever.

The prick of tears could be felt as this helpless feeling swelled within Katara. But she wouldn't cry. She refused to.

" It would only make him worry… " She had told herself. " ...But that doesn't stop me from worrying about him… "

Without realizing it, Zuko had finished his meal, having done so subconsciously, his mind too preoccupied to take notice of the necessary action. He had dug, and dug through his conscious, looking for something, anything that could put his aching mind at ease.

He had succeeded. Lying in the recesses of his mind, Zuko had managed to discover a memory, one that, after finding, almost made him wish he hadn't.

He had seen his mother, hidden away in her room, sitting on the side of her bed, his face turned away from him.

" ...M...mom...What's wrong… "

There it was again. That small voice, laced with so much confusion and innocence. His voice.

His mother's shoulders turned rigid at the sound of her young son's voice. She turned to him, hesitating as she did so, as if she were reluctant to show herself to him.

Zuko's inner rage fueled as the memory played out. His mother's cheek had been swollen, and darkened with a bruise, one that she had been trying to hide from his younger self.

" I-it's nothing Zuko my dear...Mommy is...Mommy is alright. "

It was a lie, one that even as a child Zuko could see through, and one he would go on to say time after time as he grew.

" ...He...He hurt you again…Why? Why does...Why does father have to be so...So cruel… "

His younger self ran to his mother's side, throwing his arms around her side protectively.

" Your father...He's...Different than how he used to be I'm afraid...I remember a time when he was so passionate...So...Happy...But your grandfather has put so much pressure on him as of late...I'm afraid he's...started changing… But it's also my fault in a way… "

That had been preposterous to Zuko. Though his memories of his mother were few and far between, he could see she was a tender soul, one who valued kindness and affection over the cruelty that the rest of the world knew. So how, how could his "father's" actions, have possibly been her fault?

" ...It's my fault because...I should have seen the signs of his change sooner...Should have been there for him...But by the time I had already noticed his behavior turning so...Hostile, he had already put up his walls...He blocked out every emotion that wasn't pride or anger...He walled himself away from the things he cared about, just to try and please a man who has nothing to reward the "loyalty" your father has given him… "

She had looked down at Zuko, locking eyes with him, the look in hers were serious, but sorrowful.

" Zuko my darling...You need to promise me something...There may be a day when I'm no longer here to protect you...There may be a day where you're forced out into that's ready to eat you alive...But, you can't hide yourself away...If you find someone in the world that will shoulder the burdens that life may hand you...Then let them help you...Don't hide your feelings away...Don't make the mistakes your father and I made...Please my dear son...Promise me….Please… "

The vision had faded, a sour sensation left in its place, spreading throughout Zuko's trembling body. His mother's words looping in his head, stirring about the scattered emotions that filled his shrouded mind.

" ...Please my dear son...Promise me...Please… "

His mother's pleading tone struck him harder than any blunt weapon ever could, cracking the inner walls he tried so desperately to keep up for so long now. If they came crumbling down, then so would he, and the last thing he wanted was Katara watching him shed unnecessary tears.

He'd worried her enough, and letting his emotions pour out once more would only fuel her gradually growing concern. With the best effort he could muster, Zuko pushed his mother's words back, though he had longed to hear her voice, if that particular memory played out any longer, Zuko would have snapped.

" ...Thank you for dinner...I...I think I'm going to turn in for the night… "

Katara's growing disquiet for Lee had begun physically affecting her, making it feel as if her stomach were tying itself into knots at the thought of not being able to help him.

" ...But he has to let you in to help him… "

For now, she'd just have to settle for watching over him, and finding another way to protect him, whether it be from the world that seemed to eager to strike against him, or from himself.

" ...Alright Lee… " She watched his body moving from it's seated position, relocating to the sleeping bag that was rested against the base of the nearest tree.

" Lee… " She called out to him, watching him freeze in mid action. He was silent with his back to her, but the sound of her soft voice had captured his attention, just for the moment. " ...I'm here...If you ever need me… "

" ...Thank you...Katara… "

His thanks were no louder than a whisper, as if he hadn't intended on her hearing. But she had, and what's more she had heard the pain and anguish in those three little words, further tightening the proverbial knot in her stomach.

As if he could feel Katara's continually mounting concern, Yuki pulled himself from the confines of the satchel, crawling his way into Katara's lap. His previous fear now forgotten, for now the only thing on the kit's mind was drawing Katara's focus in hopes of ridding her of the worry that had been weighing her down.

Katara's hand slowly caressed the serval fox's soft-furred head, Running her fingers through the silk like strands of fur brought about a soothing sensation, momentarily bringing her peace of mind.

Yet no matter how at ease she felt, her mind couldn't help but wander to Lee's worsening condition. He had told her that he was fine with her shouldering his burdens, and yet it seemed that whatever was plaguing his mind now, was far different than the hardships from the night before last.

He was shouldering it all on his own, and she had no way to help. His walls had been built back up sturdier than ever, and all she could do was watch from the other side as the weight of his troubles crushed him.

" ...Yuki...I just wish he'd let me in...Let us help him… "

This helpless feeling that had filled her body in the past few hours had begun taking its toll. It felt like stones had been tied to Katara's arms and legs, and to top it all off, the thought of being unable to help someone who needed it so badly, led her thoughts back to the one person she had been trying to keep from thinking of.

Sokka.

Had it been her brother in Lee's position, perhaps she could have done something, but her brother wasn't here. An entire week had passed since they were separated, and the whole time Katara's mind had filled with painful thoughts of what danger her brother might be in without her.

He was older than her, stronger, but she had always been there for him, always watching over him, making sure he stayed safe. It had been that way since their mother passed away, and Katara had thought it would always be that way, but now, now she could only pray to the spirits that he and Aang were safe, wherever they might be.

" I said...You're lucky. To have siblings to worry about...To have family you can reminisce about.. "

Lee's words had drawn her focus back to his sleeping form, making her wonder if Lee ever thought about his family. If he ever worried for the people who he used to call family.

She could feel the growing ache in her heart at the thought of the torture Lee must endure every night. To dream and see faces that meant nothing to him, if he saw their faces at all, to wonder if he'll ever remember anything about anyone he saw.

Quietly, Katara made her way around the dimming camp fire, kneeling next to Lee. Her hand brushed across the exposed half his head, running her fingers through his unkempt locks of hair.

He was out cold, his breaths brought down from their labored pace to a more relaxed speed. At least he could sleep peacefully.

Was he dreaming of anything? Katara wondered. Her hand moving in a repeated stroking motion, making sure it never strayed too close to his precious mask.

" ...M...Mom… "

That was all that was needed to break Katara's heart. His voice, so fragile, so vulnerable, like a child.

" ...A child who misses his mother… "

Unsure of what to do, Katara moved her sleeping bag, positioning it as close to Lee's as possible, before resuming the stroking of his hair. It was a minute action, one done out of sympathy to try and ease his anguish, and to her own surprise, seemed to have worked.

" ...It's OK Lee...Everything will be alright… "

She remained next to his sleeping figure for close to an hour, her eyes never leaving him. The weighted feeling that had been pulling her body down had ceased, now replaced with her own growing exhaustion.

It had taken every last bit of will power to just not drop right there, to fight against her gradually sagging eyelids. It was a futile fight though, and before she knew it, her head fell forwards, resting against Lee's shoulder, and like that, she was out.

Not wanting to be left alone, Yuki made his way towards the sleeping teens. Fatigue had made what should have been a quick dash across the camp into a sluggish trot.

Yuki froze just as he reached Zuko, his fur standing on end and his ears perked up. The intense fear that had plagued the poor creature on the trek through the forest had returned, greater than before. Without even the slightest hesitation, the terrified kit pushed his way into Zuko's sleeping bag, curling up as close as possible to the slumbering swordsman, hoping that whatever was out there would just go away.


Stillness filled the pitch-black night that enshrouded the forest, and with this stillness came deafening silence. Not even a cricket could be heard amidst the endless expanse of woodland.

Wading through such intense darkness would be foolish for any individual, but not all of the forest was blanketed by the night.

The only sign of light in the sea of trees were the dying embers of two travelers improvised campfire. Built too hastily to last the entirety of the night, and yet refused to go out, even as the whispers of the wind threatened to extinguish it.

At least that had been the case until now. Not too far off from the "rough and ready" campsite, a luminous orb appeared amidst the night. The radiant sphere bounced about through the brush, seemingly floating as it weaved through the trees effortlessly, drawing closer to the only other source of light for miles.

As if by chance, Katara had chosen that moment to abruptly end her rest. A bright blush had come to her face at the realization that she had been using Lee as a pillow, followed by her shooting up to her feet, her body recoiling as if she had been burnt.

" Oh thank La! If Lee had woken up….Well I don't know what I would've done… "

A sigh escaped her lips as she looked over the sleeping form of Lee. The fact that he had remained asleep was a major relief to Katara. Trying to explain to him as to why she was using him as a pillow would have made for an awkward conversation, if there had been a conversation at all.

" I must've been more tired than I thought… " Katara mused to nobody in particular, still fighting the flush from her face.

That was when she saw it. In the distance was a mystifying, luminescent sphere, swaying through the undergrowth, moving about in erratic, yet hypnotic patterns.

Katara's eyes followed the ball of light, watching it's unusual movements with curiosity and confusion. But before she could question what it was that she was looking at, she felt everything around her growing dark. Her bright blue eyes grew dull, the confused expression on her face morphed into a dazed, half lidded stare.

She was powerless to fight the sensation that had overtaken her body. Without willing it, Katara's body started forward, stepping over Lee and making her way into the abyss that surrounded them.

The light had drawn her in, pulling her along like a fish on a line, only there was no struggle. Katara was completely under the power of whatever force was behind the lustrous sphere.

As the bewitched girl came closer, something shifted from beneath the orb. Resting beneath was a mass of shadows that stirred about, raising itself off the ground, catching sight of its prey. A low, predatory growl escaped it's unseen maw, yet it remained in that position, continuing the swaying motion it's lure.

Slowly, the beguiled waterbender grew closer and closer to the terror hidden behind the mesmerizing orb. But before the helpless girl could come within spitting distance of the beast.

SNAP!

Her foot came down on a fallen branch, brittle with age, crushing it under her weight. The resounding noise of the broken tree limb resonated through Katara's clouded mind, bringing her out of the stupor that had ensnared her.

Stumbling back and falling, a tremor ran through Katara's body as her fear stricken eyes traced over the towering figure before her.

Standing easily at twice the Water Tribe girl's height, with eyes so bright that they could pierce the veil of the night. Another guttural growl reverberated from the depths of the beasts throat.

The realization of the situation hit Katara almost immediately. This animal. No, this monster was going to tear her apart if she didn't act fast enough. While she really shouldn't have, she took one of the few precious moments to run her eyes back over the creature's body, now illuminated by the luminous orb-like appendage that hung from it's head.

Coated in a mix of black fur and deep-blue scales, with feline features. It possessed muscular forelimbs, larger than their hind counterparts. Running down the center of it's back was a large fleshy sail, covered with the same scales that littered the rest of its body.

" ...I-It's like some kind of...Fish cat… "

The analysis had lasted a moment too long, as in the time it took for Katara to blink, the massive animal brought it's clawed paw down towards Katara. She screamed, rolling away from the monstrous claw at the last possible moment.

Wasting no time, Katara scrambled to get away from the predator, pulling herself back to her feet, and dashing away in time to evade another swipe.

A horrific roar ripped through the silence of the night. The hunt was on, and Katara was the prey.

Heavy padded feet trampled through the heavy thicket, sounding more akin to a stampede than any predator Katara had seen.

Fear and adrenaline drove Katara, pushing her to flee as fast as she could. Yet no matter how fast she ran, the beasts breath could be felt against the back of her neck. She was unsure if that was actually the case, or her panicked mind frightening her further. It didn't matter, she refused to look back, refused to give that living nightmare a chance to strike her down.

She'd just have to keep running.

" Run! Just need to keep running! Don't look back Katara just gotta- "

Katara's breath hitched, her eyes widened, and her heart started racing faster. The large cat hybrid was running side by side with her, it's eyes practically glued to her.

With all the creature's, it thrusted it's body in Katara's direction, missing the girl, and slamming into a tree with enough force to knock it over.

As horrifying as it was to witness something knock a tree down with such ease, the failed attack had been just what Katara needed to pull ahead.

" ...Just…Gotta...Get...Back...To Lee! "

At least that's what she had wanted to do. It wasn't just Lee she wanted to get back to; She had acquired a new water skin back in town, and at this moment it would have been the only thing to defend herself with.

This situation wasn't one that would hand her the solution like the run in with the Fire Nation scouts. There was no rain to fight with, no fog to hide in, just Katara and her wit.

Unfortunately that wit was only telling her to do one thing. Scream.

" ...LEEEEEEEEEEEE! "

Katara's fearful scream resonated across the forest, reaching the slumbering ear of Zuko, pulling him from his rest prematurely.

" ..K...Katara? " Zuko's head rose from his makeshift pillow, scanning around the campsite for the source of the noise that had disturbed his sleep. He could've sworn that was Katara who called out his "name" and yet there was neither hide nor hair of the Water Tribe girl.

" ...LEEEEEEE! PLEASE! "

That was the wakeup call that Zuko needed. He wasted no time in pulling himself up, strapping his swords to his side and fixing his mask back in place. Yuki's head prodded it's way out of the sleeping bag, staring up at his masked human, who quickly leaned down, scooping the kit into his arms.

" C'mon Yuki! Katara needs us! "

Zuko put Yuki into the folds of his tunic, and took off, snatching Katara's water skin, before sprinting off into the void of the night.

With the swiftness of the wind, Zuko dashed through the woods, vaulting over fallen logs and trees, following the direction that Katara's plea came from. Zuko could feel his blood pumping and sweat poured from his brow, he was still feeling the effects of his "episode" but pushed himself forward. Katara needed him, and while he wouldn't admit it out loud, not yet at least, he needed her.

" Katara! Where are you?! Katara! "

A deep bellow ripped through the forest, accompanied with the sound of tree limbs being crushed under something big. Very big. And whatever it was, it was where he needed to go, and fast.

But as Zuko sprinted through the thick woodland, a familiar pain shot through his head.

" ...N-No! Not now…Iroh! "

" Saving another person's life is not a matter of saying what you will do, it's a matter of doing what you say. Anything less than that, and there's no hope. This may sound bleak Zuko, but this world is a cruel one...You must do everything in your power if you wish to help somebody. I believe in you, so you must do the same. "

" ...Believe in myself? Yeah...That's all I have to do! It's not like I also need to run faster or anything! "

Shaking both the pain and memory away, Zuko picked his pace back up. He didn't have time to get distracted by his own thoughts, or the disembodied voice of Iroh. Either he'd have to pick up his pace, or give up, and the latter was by no means an option.


This was it. It was all over.

Those were the words Katara had repeating inside her head. She had ran as far and fast as she could in hopes of escaping the beast that had her in pursuit. But the monster was relentless, barreling through any obstacle she had tried using to put distance between them.

And now, well, now Katara was trapped. Having taken shelter in an abandoned burrow at the base of an old sturdy tree, too large for even the beast to uproot. But that hadn't dissuaded the predator, in fact it seemed to have had the opposite effect.

The giant feline scraped away at the loose soil that acted as the burrows entrance. A menial feat for something with such large paws and forelimbs. The only thing Katara could do to avoid the occasional swipes into the den was press her back against the den's wall as much as possible. Even then she wasn't completely safe, as the tip of the creature's claw managed to graze her cheek, leaving a gash where it had made contact.

To make it all the more worse, the den she had been trapped in was right in the middle of a clearing. Tonight was a full moon, and even in the waning hours of the night, the lack of trees meant the little patch of land was as bright as it was during the day, giving the terrified girl a good glimpse of her attacker.

Tears leaked from Katara's clenched eyes. Fear had grabbed hold of Katara and was squeezing her like a vice. It hurt to breathe, and her body felt heavy, so even if she had a chance to run, she doubted that she would get far.

" ...Sokka...I need you...I need my big brother… "

Suddenly, the beast thrusted it's head into the den, snapping it's razor sharp teeth at its prey. The creature was hellbent on tearing the trapped girl apart, and nothing short of death would stop it.

THUD.

Something lightly struck the animals left thigh, and while the contact brought about no pain, it had captured it's attention.

Katara cracked one of her eyes, seeing that the tooth filled maw that had threatened to tear into her had disappeared. In fact from what she could see, the beast had turned away from her, now focused on something else.

Her heart practically soared when she saw just what, or who, had drawn the monster's attention away.

" L...Lee… "

He was here, Lee was finally here.. Standing parallel to the monstrous animal that had her trapped, his swords were drawn with his combat stance taken. Relief flooded over Katara so much that she couldn't fight away the smile that had formed the second she saw him.

However, "Lee" wasn't feeling the same sense of relief that Katara was. If anything he was the one now overtaken with fear, even if he didn't show it, or could show it for that matter. The monster standing before him something he had only heard of in tales that travelers passed from one to another, something that should have been a myth. A Black-Tiger Angler.

" ...There's no way...I've only ever heard stories about these things...And even then they sounded so exaggerated...But this...This is the real deal...And I'm in over my head… "

The " Black-Tiger Angler" as it had been known in stories, was a thing of legends. A hulking semi-aquatic predator, so territorial that it would hunt any prey competition out of the habitat. The lure on its head was said to have the ability to bewitch even the strongest willed of individuals. It was built for hunting, on both land and in the water, and the older one got, the larger it would become. Meaning the one Zuko was staring down must've been of a decent age.

No one had ever seen one of the elusive creatures and lived to tell the tale as far as anyone knew, and yet the creature was still feared. And now that Zuko was seeing the beast for himself, he could see why.

" ...OK...So you're the reason this forest is so empty...And why Yuki was so on edge… "

Zuko's grip grew tighter around his swords, his eyes locked with the tiger's. Whether he'd wanted it to or not, the dance of combat had begun, and the only way Zuko saw himself escaping with Katara, was if he brought down what not even the best of benders could do.

Slowly, the two began circling, sizing one another up. The tiger angler had the size, strength, and speed advantage,but had lived long enough to recognize a worthy competitor, and the human before it was more than worthy.

Without so much as a warning, the tiger brought down it's large paw, swishing right past Zuko, who sidestepped, swinging his own weapon in retaliation. This was less like a fight for survival, and more akin to a duel in Zuko's eyes. This beast was old, and wise from years of experience, many must've fallen by it's claws, but Zuko refused to let himself or Katara be next on that list.

Zuko lunged forward, swiping his blades towards the Tiger's side repeatedly, to no avail however. The beast was deceptively fast, especially for something of its size, managing to jump away from the oncoming sword swipes, and lunge forward with it's own attack, all in the same motion. This "dance" played out continually, with the same outcome from each individual's actions.

The situation was getting worse by the second for Zuko. Each attempted swing grew further and further from its intended mark, and each swipe of the Tiger's claw was getting gradually closer with each failed swing. He grit his teeth, his eyes darting back towards Katara, who had yet to leave the protection of the den.

" I can't just give up now! "

The split second he had looked back towards Katara, was all his fanged foe needed to knock him to the ground with a swing from the back of it's paw. The impact felt like someone hurled a stone against Zuko's abdomen, knocking the wind out of him.

The Tiger Angler reared its body back, pouncing towards Zuku, intending to use it's body weight to crush the teen. Zuko's eyes widened, as he watched the giant cat fly towards him. Wasting no time, the masked swordsman rolled away, just barely avoiding the stamp of it's monstrous paw, as well as the follow up claw swipe.

Zuko saw an opportunity and took it, picking himself up, spinning as he got back up to his feet, and landing a solid slice on the Tiger's foreleg.

Unfortunately, while the wound had caused the animal to reel back in pain, it also seemed to have enraged it. A horrific roar left the feline's maw as it sprung forward, knocking it's assailant to the ground, pinning him with the utmost of ease.

Yuki had shifted his position, escaping the fate of being crushed under the tiger's paw by moving to Zuko's neck.

" Y-Yuki! This isn't a safe place! Run to Katar-AAGH! "

The tiger brought it's head down towards the pinned warrior with the intent of ending his life. But Zuko wasn't about to let himself become some cat's meal. Before the the beasts jaws could clamp down on his body, Zuko crossed his swords in front of him, locking them between the teeth that sought to rip him apart.

This action could only buy Zuko so much time. Not only was he still pinned down, but he could only push back against such strong jaws for so long, even if his blades would cut into the tiger's mouth, he doubted that would do much to deter it. It was an uphill battle, one that Zuko had no chance of winning from the start.

He could feel himself losing ground as the tiger pushed forward, growing closer to his neck by the second. Zuko's arms trembled, his jaw ached from how tight it was clenched, and his chest felt like it was on fire. He was going to die, that's all he could think at that moment.

" ...So much…There's so much I'll never know...So much I'll never do...It all ends here...It all ends he- "

" Lee! I'm coming for you! "

Katara, unable to watch any longer, rushed from her shelter in a full sprint. Determination filled her eyes, fighting back the fear that welled up within her. She wasn't going to let Lee die, she had promised to keep him safe, and now was the time to make due on that promise!

With little care for her own safety, Katara leapt forward, landing on the Tiger Angler's muscular neck, her hands wrenching around the antenna its lure was attached to it.

" Leave Lee alone! " She gave a mighty tug, pulling back on the beasts antenna, causing it to reel it's head back in pain, letting out a pained cry.

" K-Katara! What are you doing?! "

" I-I'm protecting you! "

She was protecting him. That statement, filled with so much determination, sounded so foreign to Zuko. He had always been the one protecting others, so the thought that someone else was doing the same for him seemed so surreal.

Katara's little stunt had gotten the Tiger to get off Zuko, leaving him to try and regain his composure. Something he'd have to do fast. Katara would only be able to hang on so long, especially with the Tiger Angler trying to throw her off it's neck.

That was when Zuko felt something wet against his side, with that something being water that had leaked from Katara's water skin. The sack of water must have popped under the animals weight, leaving Zuko and the ground beneath soaked.

" Wait...That's it! "

Picking himself and his blades back up, Zuko dashed forward, but with something different in mind this time.

" Katara! "

Despite her struggle to stay clung to the creature's lure, Katara still managed to look towards Lee, seeing him sprinting right towards them.

" L-Lee! What are...What are you doing?! "

" I have a plan Katara! That thing popped your water skin, so the ground back there is soaked! I'll keep this thing's attention, you work that waterbending magic! "

" B-but! "

" Just do it! Please! "

A detail that Katara had taken note of when she initially took shelter came rushing back to her mind. Tonight was a full moon!

If she could reach the water, then her bending would be at its strongest. It was something her grandmother had taught her when she was young, and a piece of information she was glad to have held onto.

" Katara, did you know that when the moon is at its fullest is when a Waterbender is at their strongest? My dear friend Hama taught me that when I was your age. "

It was a brief memory, but a useful one nonetheless.

" A-Alright Lee! We can do thi-iiiis! "

Katara's grip had finally given out, and with a jerk of the creature's neck, she had been flung to the ground, landing with a great thud. Before Katara could react, the tiger was already over her, readying itself to bring it's paw down.

" Hey ugly! Didn't anyone ever teach you to not pick on girls?! "

Just then, Zuko rushed forward, spinning his blades in a flurry, slashing the animal's grounded leg with a newfound vigor.

" Katara! Run, now! "

Another sharp pain ran through Zuko's head, another memory was forcing itself to the surface at the worst possible time.

" Hey Zuko. Let me talk to you for a second. "

Zuko's eyes widened in the middle of evading, causing him to stumble. But not fall. This voice was an entirely new one, not his mother's, nor Iroh's. This voice was that of a young man's, and yet it carried a gentle demeanor, not dissimilar to Iroh's.

" I know you're worried about me going with my father to Ba Sing Se, but It's gonna be OK. I'm going because I want to, because I have to. You see Zuko...When there's something in your life that you care about, there'll be a time when you have to fight for it, to keep it safe. And when that time comes, remember this; Push your fear away, fight without restraint, It's the way of our people, so when the time comes, I know you'll be able to step up to the challenge. You are my cousin after all. "

" ...Cousin… "

Zuko could see a broad smile on the young man's face, and something about seeing it filled him with ample resolve. " Fight to protect something I care about huh? " Zuko, gained a considerable amount of distance between himself and the tiger, taking that singular moment to glance down towards Yuki, and then towards Katara.

" ...Fight to protect my friends! " Fueled by his "cousin's" words, Zuko charged forward, his swords gripped in his hands, tighter than they'd ever been gripped before. With his natural agility, Zuko leapt over an oncoming claw swipe, and ducked under a snap from the beasts jaws, retaliating with a solid strike to the side of its face.

Katara watched in awe as Lee faced the creature down with much bravery, the kind of which she'd only ever heard of in her tribes old stories. Stories of brave warriors who valiantly faced down monsters and spirits that threatened something they held dear. But as amazed as she was by Lee's duel with the beast, she knew that those were just stories, embellished and added on to over the years.

But this was real life, this was no amazing tale, No, this was the struggle between a swordsman and a monster, a struggle that he couldn't win with his abilities alone. She'd need to step in, but knew the minuscule amount of water on the ground would be of no use against something so large.

" Come on...Think Katara! Lee needs your help! " Her eyes clenched shut in frustration as she racked her mind for some brilliant plan. Sokka had always been the "plan-guy" when they were kids; it was like second nature for him to think something uncharacteristically brilliant without a moment's notice.

As Katara tried hastily getting in touch with her "inner Sokka," a peculiar, yet familiar sensation pushed her from the confines of her mind. The tingly feeling that ran through her body and into her core, was something she had experienced in the past, and it meant one thing.

There was water nearby, and a lot of it!

" Lee! I have an idea! "

" K-Katara! There's no time for new ideas! You need to get that water and help! " Zuko grit his teeth, strafing out of the way of the tiger's oncoming charge. The fight was taking its toll on Zuko, his body felt like it was on fire, he could hear his heart beating in his ears, and the pain from his last abrupt memory had yet to cease. He needed this fight to be over with as soon as possible, and that meant having Katara go along with his instructions.

And yet Katara chose to do the exact opposite. She'd need far more than what Lee had provided to fend off something that was bigger than a komodo rhino.

" Lee, please just listen to me! "

" Katara! Now isn't the ti-Agh! The time! "

" But Lee! That won't be enough! I have an idea, but you need to trust me! "

Zuko wouldn't respond though, his mind was too preoccupied with the prospect of downing the creature on his own. He was stubborn like this, and it was something he was well aware of. But all he was thinking of was their own safety, and if she refused to comply, then he'd protect them both on his own.

The tiger swung it's mighty claw once more, directing the blow towards masked warriors legs, hoping to knock him to the ground, but the swordsman was expecting this. Zuko rolled forward, missing the incoming swing by a hair, and rolling under the beasts torso, leaving a clean cut, but at the cost of nearly getting trampled.

Now Katara was frustrated. This was no time for him to enter "Stubborn Lee mode!" If they were going to survive the night then he'd have to put aside everything and trust her. Wasting no time, Katara pulled what little water she could from the soaked patch of earth, bending it around her, before whipping it forward, striking the Tiger Angler in the eyes, quickly freezing the water. Rendering the beast blinded momentarily.

Without an ounce of hesitation, Katara charged forward, slipping under the blind beasts rampaging body, and grabbing hold of Lee's wrists.

" Lee...If you really want to make it to see morning...Then...Then...Well then you need to trust me! "

Their eyes locked, and when they did Zuko could see a fierce determination filling Katara's usually gentle eyes. She was certain that whatever she had up her sleeve would win this fight for them. She'd wanted him to trust her, and he'd just brushed her off. It wasn't fair to her, she'd trusted him a number of times since they started traveling, and the one time she asks him to do the same, he starts acting as stubborn as can be.

" Alright Katara...I trust you! "

A smile graced Katara's dirt covered face. Now was the time they'd finish this, as a team. After helping Lee to his feet, the two dashed off into the woodland around them. Katara kept a tight grip on Lee's hand, leading him towards the source of her tingly feeling. Waterbenders could always feel when their element was nearby, and the more water there was, the greater the feeling was, and Katara's feeling was very prominent.

" K-Katara! Where are we going?! I can't see a thing! "

It was her turn to remain silent, not as some petty act of revenge for him ignoring her, instead it was to focus on the nearing water. The lack of visibility didn't exactly help the greater focus needed to locate her element, and the knowledge that the ice that blinded the raging animal had likely melted by now forced her to act as hastily as she could.

A piercing roar echoed through the woods. The familiar sound of padded feet trampling through brush and fallen tree limbs was all Katara needed to know that it would be right on them in no time.

But by the grace of the spirits, the duo had reached exactly what Katara was hoping for. A river, and a large one at that. One that ran through straight through the middle of the forest.

" A river! This must be where it lives… " Zuko concluded out loud.

" Wait a second! You know what that thing is?! "

" I'll tell you later, okay?! Just tell me what this plan is before it reaches us! " Zuko growled out, his weariness feeding his frustration.

" OK. OK...No need to get pushy… " Katara mumbled, turning towards the running water, which still held the moons fading reflection on its surface. " My bending is stronger under the full moon...So before the moon goes away, I'm gonna use that to my advantage. "

Her bendings power increased under the light of a full moon? That greatly intrigued Zuko, but now wasn't the time for question, at least none other than.

" ...And how exactly do you plan on using that to our advantage? "

She smirked confidently, something that he'd never admit out loud, looked good on her.

" You're going to stand at the edge of the water, standing your ground. When it comes charging at you, jump out of the way at the last second. I'll be on the other side, waiting to hit it with everything I got. "

Zuko eyed her incredulously. " And you're sure this will work? It can swim you know. "

But her smirk never faltered.

" To quote my brother. " I'll never be sure until I try!" "

Before Zuko could get another word in, she had used her bending to push through the current, reaching the other side of the river. This left him and Yuki on their own to play the part of "bait," something he'd rather not be. But he'd said he would trust her, so even if he didn't like the plan, Zuko would go through with it.

Of course there was no time for him to get into the mindset required to be live bait. Just as he had begun readying himself, the beast erupted from the treeline, it's eyes filled with rage.

Zuko lowered his body into one of his stances, locking eyes with the furious creature.

" If you're really a top predator then you'll come get me! Right...NOW! "

With a well timed roll, Zuko and Yuki evaded the beasts mad charge, and watched in astonishment.

Katara kept a tight hold on the water, using the full moon's power to halt the current, readying herself to strike. And just as she planned out, Lee rolled out of the way, letting the tiger run out of room to run. Before it could fall into the water, she gave a mighty heave, moving the built up water in a sweeping motion, knocking the beast off balance and rendering it helpless against the backed up current.

The Tiger Angler bellowed as it was swept away, too tired from the confrontation with the swordsman to push back against the stronger than usual current. The two teens watched in silence as it disappeared in the distance, swallowed up by the water and what remained of the night.

The task was a taxing one, even with the aide of the full moon. She'd neve used her bending to such a degree, intentionally at least. Even busting the iceberg that Aang had been in hadn't left her feeling as tired as she was now. Glancing towards Lee, she could see him watching her, as if he were expecting her to drop.

But Katara wouldn't, instead she chose to smile, giving her partner a reassuring thumbs up. Then, using the last bit of strength she had, pushed her way back to Lee's side of the river, pulling herself to her feet, only to stumble forwards, her legs giving out beneath her.

She never hit the ground though. When she opened her eyes, she found Lee over her, his eyes looking back at hers.

" ...See. Everything worked out just fine… " She smiled through her exhaustion.

" It was stupid and reckless… " He growled under his breath." But...Yeah…it did. "

Yuki crawled out from the folds of Zuko's tunic, moving onto Katara, and nuzzling as close as possible.

" I'm fine you two...I promise… "

"Fine" wasn't how she would describe her condition exactly. Drop-dead exhausted? Maybe, but for their sake, she'd settle for fine, even if her body disagreed. To show the two that she was indeed "fine," Katara made an attempt to pull herself away and to her feet. But as she started the motion of sitting up, she felt herself pulled closer to Lee, which may or may not have turned her face a bright red.

" L...Lee… "

He kept her as close as he could without crushing Yuki, his chin resting atop her head.

" ...You're a horrible liar...Maybe as bad as me… " Zuko's tone was hushed, his eyes casted down to Katara. He wasn't even sure why he was he had gotten as worked up as he was, Katara was strong, she could defend herself. And yet, hearing her cries for help, her desperate pleas as that beast chased her, it hit Zuko somewhere deep inside.

Katara was his friend, he cared for her, he'd save her from those Fire Nation bastards, and she'd taken care of him after they fled. It was only right that he protected her, so the realization that she could've been hurt, or worse, while he was with her, had torn him up on the inside. He'd said that he would protect what he held close, and yet it felt like he couldn't even do that.

Helpless. It made him feel helpless, and that was one feeling he'd never wanted to experience. To be unable to help someone when they needed him most, especially a friend.

" ..I was...I was worried...When i heard your scream it...Well it shook me to my core...The terror in your voice...And seeing you trapped in that hole, knowing that if I hadn't showed up when I did you'd be… "

" I would've been fine… " Katara's hands rose up, placing themselves on the sides of Lee's face. " I would've been fine...Because I knew you'd come for me...And now We're both fine...You trusted me, we worked together...And now the three of us are safe… "

Even under the gradually fading moonlight, and racked with fatigue, Katara's smile seemed so magical to Zuko. How it carried hope, even when it really shouldn't have. Maybe he could learn something from her, other than that having a friend was a nice experience.

Their eyes stayed locked longer than either of them had intended. Katara's smile never faltered, and Zuko grew a smile of his own. Katara's hands grasped at the edges of his mask, and to his own surprise, he didn't resist. Their faces grew ever so closer with each passing second, and the closer they grew, the further Katara lifted his mask.

Time seemed to stop as their faces were mere inches apart, both unsure as to how it came to this, but neither wishing to bring it to a stop. And just as they were about to meet in the middle.

" YIP! "

Yuki climbed up Katara, squeezing himself between the two humans, wearing a cheerful expression of his own. Everything had finally calmed down, the scared feeling had vanished, and his humans were happy, meaning he was happy, and to the kit, that was all that mattered.

Both teens wore heavy blushes, pausing to look at each other once more, before breaking out into merry laughter, filling the silent forest with a much more pleasant sound.

" We didn't forget about you Yuki… " Zuko said, fighting back a wide grin behind his now in place mask.

" We could never forget about you, Yuki… " Katara nuzzled the kit's head, placing a light kiss on his snout. " I bet you're just as tired as I am, huh buddy? "

A soft pur came from Yuki as Katara nuzzled against him, acting as confirmation enough for his two humans.

Zuko lifted Katara into his arms, continuing to keep her close as they set off to find their camp. No words were exchanged, as both Katara and Yuki fell asleep, leaving Zuko to walk in silence, but with a smile wore beneath his mask.

The trio had survived through the dark of the night, and the horrors it held within. They faced down the darkness, and came out of it stronger than when they had gone in, both physically, and emotionally. That growth wouldn't go to waste, what with the long road the travelers had ahead of them.

But what exactly would they find along that road? The whole world was out there, waiting for them to unravel everything that laid in wait. For the three of them though, there was nothing to worry about, so long as they had each other. Now there was only one matter left before setting off for their next destination.

Getting some shut eye before the sun decided to show his ugly face, a task that was easier said, than it was done.