Keiko sat outside the cave as the sun went down. She looked up at the red sky, stroking Yuu. She thought of her childhood, and of her life alone. She thought of teaching the Avatar. How could she teach Firebending to someone who has never done it before? She knew she must find a way. He needed help fast. Aang had told her about the comet and how he had to defeat Lord Ozai. She didn't care whether they were related in any way. She found it disgusting. How could he continue this war? He was definitely mad. Zuko was no less crazy than his father. She closed her eyes and sat there, wind blowing in her face. She was proud of herself; she would be the Avatar's teacher. Not many Benders had a chance like this. She would be a traitor to the Fire Nation, but she knew this was right. She had no second thoughts. She crossed her legs on the floor, ready to meditate before going to bed, but Sokka came out of the cave and yawned.
"Hello." Keiko said, eyes closed, in meditating position.
"Hi." Sokka said, scratching his head.
"How about you go with me to town tomorrow? We need food, we're running low."
"To the Capital?"
"Yes."
"But there are ruthless Firebenders there! Can't we fish or something."
"We need more than fish for a decent meal."
Sokka started blabbing about how dangerous it would be to walk right into the capital like that. Keiko interrupted him.
"Sokka, you should be braver, and more daring." She said scolding him, but smiling still with her eyes shut at the word "daring".
"What do you mean!" he shouted. " I was the bravest warrior in my village!"
"But you aren't in you village now, are you? You have a lot more competition."
"That's it!"
Keiko turned around and sprang up, closing Sokka's mouth.
"We don't want to wake them up, do we?"
"I guess not…"
"So are you in?"
"Tomorrow, capital?"
"Yes. So, are you in?"
"Did I ever say I wasn't?"
Keiko smiled and looked at Sokka. She gave him a tiny kiss on the cheek, and went into the cave.
Sokka sat there, dumbfounded, as he saw Keiko's shadow.