A/N: Ok guys, the sense of time got kinda warped over these last few chapter. This is supposed to be the morning of the battle. And just to put your minds at ease, I already have the entire battle typed out and I am so proud, I think it is amazing if I do say so myself lol. Yeah, well to make a long story short, still having computer problems and my disk is giving me problems and it wont let me post the next chapters up. Give me a few days though and I promise you won't be disappointed!

Chapter Twenty One

The next morning dawned to reveal storm clouds racing across the sky and the wind whipping through the trees. Katara awoke with a start. She glanced around to see that Sokka was already awake. He was testing his weapon and shining his armor.

"You're up early." She commented, rolling over and yawning.

"We've got to be prepared." Sokka said solemnly. "Are you sure you don't want to stay here today? You don't have to fight."

"I'm sure." Katara said firmly. She stood up as Aang yawned and opened his eyes.

"Good morning." He muttered as he crawled out of his sleeping bag.

"Morning." Sokka and Katara answered at the same time.

They rebuilt the fire and soon they were cooking fish over the blazing hot flames. They ate their breakfast in silence, tension and a sense of determination settling over the camp. They finished eating and continued to sit without speaking.

Finally Aang stood up. "They'll be waiting for us." He said as he glanced out over the water. "Let's hit them with everything we've got."

Sokka, Katara, and Aang climbed onto Appa's back and held on as he took off. He flew them a short distance until they had spanned the river and were on the other side. He landed by the bank and they slid off.

"Sorry buddy, you have to stay here. We'd be spotted and shot down if you flew us all the way into the fire nation." Aang patted Appa's head. Appa grunted and licked Aang's face. Aang gave him a half smile then turned to face Katara and Sokka.

"We'll have to walk the rest of the way on foot. It shouldn't be long now. Let's go over the plan. They'll probably have lots of foot soldiers and fire benders. Since we'll be near the water, Katara can take on the fire benders with her water bending. Sokka can take the regular foot soldiers. I'll take the Commander and Prince Zuko. Hopefully my new skills will be enough." He glanced worriedly in the direction of the fire nation.

"New skills?" Katara looked at him in confusion, "You mean…you've learned all the bending skills."

"They're not as good as they could be but I think I'm ready. We don't really have a choice."

Katara grinned. "That's wonderful! You truly are the Avatar now." She looked him over, realizing just how much he had changed. "You're ready Aang. I can feel it."

"Thanks." He said quietly.

"Ok you two. Are you going to stand there and chat all day or are we going to kick some fire nation butt?" Sokka headed off in through the forest. Katara and Aang glanced at each other then grinned and turned to follow him through the woods.

Prince Zuko woke up early to mixed feelings of sadness and anger. He still couldn't believe he had been set up by that little water bending peasant. I should have known it. I let myself go soft! It won't happen again though. I'll make sure of it.

He got out of bed and dressed hurriedly. Already he could he the guards preparing for the battle ahead of them. As he inspected his armor he couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement at the thought of fighting. "Finally I can win my honor back. After all these years it's finally time for me to capture the Avatar once and for all."

He turned and walked down the stairs to the main entrance hall. The guards were already assembled there but to his surprise Commander Zhao was no where to be seen. That's strange.

"You!" Zuko approached a nearby guard and motioned him over. The guard crossed quickly to stand beside Prince Zuko.

"Yes sir?"

"Where is Commander Zhao? Surely he isn't still asleep."

For a split second a strange look crossed the guards face but he quickly recovered and pointed to the front doors. "He said he wanted to wait in hiding until the Avatar arrives. In case he has any tricks up his sleeve, so the Commander can be prepared."

"Oh. Good plan. Thank you." Prince Zuko turned and headed for the front doors. Soon it would be time. He hurled a fireball suddenly across the room. It left a black scorch mark on the wall. He smiled. "I'm ready."

Katara stopped to catch her breath and looked out from behind the thick cluster of trees. "There it is." She whispered to Aang and Sokka. "Commander Zhao's palace."

"Katara…"

She turned to see Aang looking at her very strangely.

"What is it Aang?" she asked in concern.

"I just wanted you to know….you know…in case anything happens….you're the best friend I've ever had. Thank you."

"Oh come on. Don't get all soft on me." But she couldn't help but smile. "You've been my best friend too Aang."

They turned and were about to cross out of the trees into view when suddenly there was a loud crack behind them. They spun around. Sokka pulled out his weapon.

"Ojhon!" Aang cried in surprise.

"Who?" Katara asked in confusion.

"This is one of the men who taught me bending! What are doing here?"

"Did you think I would let you fight the fire nation by yourself?"

"But, I can't let you fight with us! You could be hurt or even killed."

"Oh come now. You don't think I would fight alone do you?" Ojhon smiled and turned around. Suddenly the forest was filled with soldiers. They were all the soldiers and benders from the North Pole. There was at least a hundred people.

Aang smiled. "Thanks."

"You can thank us after you beat the fire nation. Come on."

Aang turned and they walked purposely down the hill towards the palace.

"Prince Zuko!" A guard ran in through the front doors.

"What is it?" Zuko turned to face the guard.

"I have a message from Commander Zhao. The Avatar is coming and he has many soldiers with him. He has sent word to take your men to meet them. They are to wait there until you give the word to fight."

Prince Zuko nodded. "Then it has begun. Come on men!" He placed his helmet on his head and led the soldiers through the doors.

Aang glanced at the palace as they crossed down the hill. "They're waiting for us." He said as the fire nation soldiers assembled in rows below them. "There's Prince Zuko. But where is Commander Zhao?" He looked around worriedly. "Everyone keep their eyes open. It could be a trick."

Soon the two groups met with only yards separating them. They stopped and faced each other.

"Prince Zuko." Aang said.

"Avatar." Zuko said evenly.

"Where is your Commander?" Aang asked, staring Zuko directly in the eye.

"That's for you to find out. This is your last chance Avatar. Surrender now and I will let your friends go free." He glanced at Katara without meaning too. Their eyes met, both full of hurt and fury. Then he broke his gaze and turned his attention back to Aang.

"Never." Said Aang, raising his arms.

"Then I will take you by force."

For a split second everything was deathly quite. Then shouts rang out across the clearing.

"Attack!" Zuko screamed.

"Go!" Aang yelled.

Wild shouts and burst of light filled the air as the two groups clashed in a whirlwind of violence.