Zuko: Um...Hey everyone. Inutenshi is currently fighting inthe war zone called her life.

Inutenshi: I SHALL NOT BE SILENCED! (slowly killing off an army of writer's block demons with .44 Magnums and a Rocket Launcher)

Katara: She apologizes for the long delay.

Inutenshi: DEAR COUSIN BILLY, YOU TRAITOR! HOW DARE YOU JOIN THE ENEMY! (pelts deeply hated cousin Traci with active grenades)

Zuko: Much drama is to be expected later...

Inutenshi: KAJI-CHAN! WHY ARE YOU ANGRY WITH ME? WHY NOW WHEN MY FATHER MIGHT SOONBE SAVING ME FROM THIS RETCHED PLACE? (lying on the ground beaten and bloody while parents silently argue through her)

Katara: Or sooner...

Inutenshi: (sniffles tiredly) Ugh...Aaahh...Ahhh...Aaah! AAAH!...(grabs a tissue) CHOOOOOOOOOOOOO! (snot flies through the tissue)

Zuko: (trying to keep calm) So...without further delay...Onto the story. (walks off) Katara! Get this stuff off me!

Chapter 9: Guardians

The camp was nearly dead silent as the weary soldiers, moving on only a few hours of sleep, packed their tents, sorrow and dread weighing heavy on their hearts. The skies were grey and cloudy, promising rain, but no severe storms. The repairmen had worked most of the night to repair the ship and had sent a messenger to deliver the only good news received that morning. When the messenger returned, he told his employer of the incident. The employer told his family and they told their friends and so on until the whole town was in a buzz about it. A few had come with gifts and well wishes for Zuko and Katara's recovery. The twins had begged Iroh to let them come, to let them help take care of them. Sadly, Iroh had to refuse with the same reason as Zuko. The ship of a banished Prince and his crew on a hunt for the Avatar was no place for them.

About an hour before noon, the camp was almost completely packed except for the medical tent. No one had dared to go inside and disturb its occupants.

Inside, Zuko was just opening his eyes. There was no bright morning sun or pitch black night to blind him as usual. His eyes tried desperately to focus in his swimming head. Every muscle felt like mush, every bone felt broken. His whole body throbbed angrily as he reached up and rubbed his eyes. Once he was focused, he found himself staring into Katara's sleeping face only inches away from his. He didn't jump back, gasp in shock, or yell at her to wake up. He only sighed in relief. Her breathing was steady, signaling that she was indeed alive. Zuko eyed the bandage around her shoulder curiously. Just as his fingertips brushed the lightly stained wrappings, memories of the night flooded his mind. He remembered the painful split in his side after the fall, the ear shattering screams, Katara's sad eyes and broken voice, and the torrent of blows that bombarded him until he blacked out.

When Zuko's hand left Katara's shoulder, her own flexed, catching his attention. Their hands hadn't disconnected through their sleep, neither had their knees. His pale cheeks flushed at the realization of their proximity, but he didn't move. Millions of thoughts swam in his cluttered mind as pieces the dream he'd had came back. He'd heard her mournful voice calling out to him, felt her warm arms around him and her feather light touches upon his marred flesh. He also felt wetness like slow, warm rain fall upon his face...Her tears.

What am I going to do now? Without you…I can't go back…And I need you too…Because…without you…I can't go home either…

I still need to repay you...No amount of comfort or healing I give you can make up to what you've done for me...

We came so close didn't we?...So close to death…I've come so close…so close…to losing you.

How he truly wished that what transpired wasn't a dream. That her touch, tears, and words weren't an illusion.

Then he found himself wondering why.

Why was he relieved that she had lived?

Because you care...

Why was he concerned about what she said or did?

Because you care.

Why was he still laying here hand in hand with a water tribe peasant, who was nothing more than bait for his true objective?

Because you care!

Why was he, Zuko, Son of the great Fire Lord Ozai, Prince of the mighty Fire Nation, continuously questioning himself about such absurd things!

Because you, Zuko, Son of the great Fire Lord Ozai, Prince of the mighty Fire Nation, care about that water tribe peasant you currently lying hand in hand with!

His cluttered thoughts and sudden rush of his blood made him light headed. He'd sort his thoughts after a short nap. Brushing a few rogue strands of hair from Katara's face, Zuko snuggled closer shamelessly and let sleep overtake him.

Just as his mind closed off from the world, another entered the room. Her body was shrouded in a white cloak. Her chocolate eyes sparkled compassionately and her same colored hair was braided all around, beads sitting on the ends of them. The dangling earrings she wore jangled with every step she took.

She stopped before the two benders, kneeling on Zuko's side. Her pale hand rested on the prince's shoulder and glided down to the blood stained bandages. The flesh underneath glowed bright red and throbbed like a frantic heartbeat. Her eyes became sad as she look from the young man to the girl sleeping beside him. Her gaze fell on their conjoined hands, which she touched gently. There was a sudden shock and she recoiled, staring aghast and confused.

"Their bond is strengthening…" She whispered.

A gentle coo sounded before a glowing white dove flew through the tent's wall and perched itself on her shoulder. The strange woman stroked the dove's smooth feathers.

"The boy is on the brink of death…" Her soft voice echoed. "All because their Gods fear some silly fairytale."

Kneeling again, this time by their heads, the woman lifted a finger to the dove, who obediently hopped on. She brought the bird close to her face and whispered.

"You will watch over them until this madness is over. Understand?"

The dove cooed and flapped its wings in response, then hopped from the woman to the hands of the two slumbering benders. It stretched out its wings as far as it could and became completely covered in a bright white light. A small bit of color emanated from the center, slowly growing into a coil of red and blue. The colors separated onto opposite sides of the glowing bird, leaving no trace of white. Suddenly, it split in two, one blue dove and one red. They twirled into the air before descending. The blue one was absorbed into Katara and the red one into Zuko.

Their bodies glowed in accordance to their new guardians.

"Now…Just to be safe…" The woman whispered and brushed her palm over Zuko's wound.

The bright red light that once stood out angrily died down to a darker shade. Smiling at her work, the strange woman turned away.

"You have the guidance of the Muses in your hearts…If ever you need us, your guardians will call." She whispered as she faded away.

Half an hour after the woman's disappearance, Iroh entered. He sighed heavily as he moved toward the sleeping pair. The corner of his mouth lifted, seeing how they had moved so close. The old general rested his hand, calloused and worn from years of fighting and firebending, against the top of his nephew head and stroked it back to his topknot. The young man didn't wake or even stir. Only his chest moved as a deep breath escaped him.

"You're worrying us all my Prince." He said softly, his burrow furrowing as he fended off the prickle at the back of his old eyes. "Please…I beg of you…Get through this my boy."

"He will…" A small voice croaked, making Iroh jump.

Katara's eyes opened reluctantly, first seeing the hand that she'd clung to then the owner of it mere inches from her. Her body felt somewhat numb from not shifting during sleep but it still felt warm. And that was all she really needed. Iroh sighed in relief and pressed a hand to his chest.

"You frightened me, my dear girl." He chuckled gently.

Katara muttered an apology, pushing herself up onto her right elbow while trying to free her hand from Zuko's soft yet firm grip. A small bit of regret passed through her when their flesh lost contact.

"The camp is all packed except for this tent. Once we get you two on board we will sent sail." Iroh said, watching the young woman sit up and stretch the best she could.

"Alright." She said. "I'll get his shirt on. You go get some soldiers to carry him."

"Will you be alright to walk?" The old man asked as he stood up right. "Do you need anything?"

Katara glanced at her wounded leg.

"A stick or a rod, anything I can use to balance myself would be wonderful."

Iroh smiled and handed Katara Zuko's discarded shirt before he left. Rolling the still slumbering prince onto his back then pulling him up to sit, she fixed the garment over his head, pulled his arms into the sleeves, and tugged it down to cover the remainder of his top half. A little bit of color was returning to his paler than usual face, she noticed and let out a sigh of relief. Katara reached out and touched the same spot Iroh's hand had rested, trailing her finger tips over Zuko's calm features.

"You're going to be alright." She whispered. "I'll make sure of it."

Why?...Why would you help him? Why do you care?

Because he was her friend…The only one she had to be with her through all this.

Since when was the ruthless Fire Nation's prince your friend?

She didn't know. She still thought of him as a jerk, using her to get what he wanted…but beneath that, she saw and understood his reasons.

He just using you to get to Aang and restore his stupid honor.

That may have been true, but it was his only chance of life returning to normal for him. Besides, he'd made a promise and being the stubborn, honorable ox he was, would never go back on it.

But how are you so sure that the Fire Lord won't kill Aang?

Because the Fire Lord wasn't dumb enough to kill the only threat to his domination and let it be reborn.

Ah! Good point! But what will happen to you and your brother when Aang is finally caught?

She didn't know that either. All she knew was that Zuko would keep his promise and set Aang free once he became the Fire Lord and then end the war.

How do you know he's not just lying to you?

The same way she knew the answer to most of her inside voice's questions…She didn't. All she had to go by was their sort of newly acquired friendship and her woman's intuition, which was more resourceful than Sokka's instincts by far. For a moment, she sat back and wondered how Aang and Sokka were holding up. She hoped they were well. Also, she still wanted to know why they left her alone. They were friends and friends don't leave each other behind for anyone or anything. She trusted them with her life. They'd promised to always be there for each other. They were going to stop the war and end the world's suffering once and for all. And afterwards, they were going to go home to her and Sokka's tribe and live happily with Gran Gran and their father, if he was still alive. Their hopes were shattered all because they'd abandoned her.

The wash basin in the corner bubbled angrily as more livid thoughts passed through her mind. Her fists clenched until her nails almost broke through her skin as she bit back tears.

"Um…Miss Katara?" A worried voice called, severing her from her thoughts.

Teiru's head peeked through the tent opening and Katara smiled. The young man smiled back and entered with a spear in his hand. He helped her to her feet and let her steady herself with her new walking stick just as two more soldiers entered with a stretcher. Katara questioned the two long poles connected by a thin sheet of cloth covered metal's stability, but discontinued the thought as the two soldiers transferred Zuko onto it and lifted it, one at each end.

They exited the tent together. Katara walked, limping slightly against the spear, between Zuko and Teiru, still a little weary from the night. Casting a quick glance over her shoulder, she saw a group of soldiers go in and wrap up the tent. All that was left of the camp was the dead bonfire they'd dance around. She wondered if she'd ever get the chance to come back to this town, its forest, and the field where she silently pledged her friendship to Zuko.

Katara looked down at said prince's face and wondered about the first thing he'd do when he was well.

'Find the Avatar of course!' The voice in her head imitated Zuko's demanding one and she smiled slightly.

As they neared the dock, Katara saw black smoke pouring from the ship's stack as the soldiers already inside warmed up the engines. Iroh met them at the loading hatch and dismissed Teiru.

"Does it bother you to walk Katara?" He asked, receiving a warm smile.

"Just a little. A few more days and I'll be doing laps around the deck."

The old man chuckled and patted her unharmed shoulder.

"You're a brave young woman my dear. Don't let anyone take that from you."

Katara was about to respond when the twin's cries echoed across the docks. The pair stood and waited until both reached them. Sakura's eyes were pink and slightly puffy with tears, a brown paper package clutched to her chest. Toya's eyes were the same, but he would be strong and hold them in before Katara and Iroh.

"We couldn't let you go without a goodbye." Sakura choked out, holding out the package for Katara to take.

The waterbender beamed and took it. Hers and Zuko's names were drawn on the paper wrapping. Handing it to Iroh, She got down on her knees and hugged them tightly.

"You're gonna come back. Right?" Toya asked, his voice wavering.

"I will." She whispered, kissing his cheek, tears pricking her eyes. "And I'll bring Prince Zuko with me okay?" She kissed Sakura's cheek next.

The little girl sobbed and held onto her tighter. Giving one more soft squeeze, Katara pulled away and struggled back onto her feet. Iroh hugged them both and making them promise to stay out of trouble before leading Katara inside. The hatch closed behind them and Katara walked as quickly as she could to the deck. Leaning over the side, she waved to the crying children on shore as her tears flowed freely and the ship pulled out into the sea.

They called out their goodbyes until they faded into wind and could no longer be heard.

Sokka watched from the far end of the dock as Zuko's ship sailed away. He didn't think much about the rumors floating around town that morning. But when he had watched the soldiers pack up their camp on the other side of the city, he'd never expected to see what he had. At first he thought he was just hallucinating, but no. There she was, walking among the enemy soldiers.

His pulse pounded in his head as he watched them board from a distance. Though she was wounded, she had the chance to escape. His sister always took the opportunity to run if need be. So what was holding her back?

Once the ship was out far enough, he ran back to his small camp to wake Appa. Loading his sleeping pack, their food, and Momo on the giant, he climbed up into the saddle and took the reigns. They followed from high up in the sky where no one would spot them.

Anticipation coursed through Sokka's blood as he contemplated his next move.

"Okay guys. We found Katara, now how do we get to her?"

Momo chirped. Appa groaned.

"Hmmm. I got it! We'll land on their deck in a surprise attack. While you two are causing a distraction, I'll sneak inside and find Katara."

Silence.

"No…You guys can't hold off that many firebenders long enough for me to find Katara…"

Appa groaned sadly, receiving a gentle pat on his large fluffy head.

"I know boy. I miss Aang too, but don't you worry. Once we get Katara, we'll go find him. Then we'll be a whole family again."

For the next few days, the crew went about their business of keeping he ship in order. They were completely unaware of the bison that flew over the clouds, avoiding the day's rains. Katara had barely left Zuko's side, insisting that she would take the responsibility of his care. She'd only left to use the bathroom, but not before making sure someone watched him. She was currently sitting on the pillow before the dragon altar, paint brush in hand. Underneath her other was a sheet of paper. Scattered around the table, were multiple drawings of Appa, Momo, some arctic animals, and waterbending forms. Some others were of people she'd met and places she'd seen.

Another picture came into her mind and she tucked her curtaining hair behind her ears. The hand holding the brush dripped it into the small cup of ink and worked its magic. A soft stroke here, a bolder one there, rough, jagged edges, smooth, calm curves, and then some swift, gentle and angry points. Quickly switching between brush sizes, she'd managed finish in no time. Setting aside the utensils, Katara surveyed her work. She didn't know why she painted it but she liked it none the less.

Standing out on the paper was an ink Zuko dressed in all his armor, but the helmet. His body was frozen in a mid-flaming dropkick. A scowl graced the space were his mouth was meant to be, its anger matching that in his scornful eyes. Everything seemed perfect. No misplaced limbs or flawed areas in the armor, but he still didn't look right. There was something odd about his face and it took her a few moments to realize it.

Looking back at his sleeping form, the solution came to her. She'd forgotten his scar. Snatching the brush with the thinnest hairs and adding a small bit of ink to the tip, Katara drew the familiar imperfection without looking to Zuko for reference. Now it was complete, perfect…whole.

Peering through out the window and at the nearly invisible sun's position, she decided that she should call for dinner. She stood and smoothed out her plain blue kimono before half limping towards the door. Slowly opening it, she asked one of the two guards that stood outside if he would bring the food up. He merely nodded and left without a word.

The waterbender sighed heavily and returned to Zuko's side. His head was tilted slightly to the side, his square of long, unbound black hair pooling beneath it. No pain was evident in his dreaming façade, just a peacefulness that frightened her. Only the dead seemed so at peace with a wound such as his. Speaking of wounds, his needed to be cleaned and dressed again. Drawing back the sheets, she saw that the bruises from the beating were nearly gone, thanks to medicine and her water healing.

Beside the mat were a black bag the doctor had left and a bowl of water. Inside were the necessary things she would need. Katara reached in and produced a medical knife. Slowly and carefully, she lifted the knot were the ties connected and severed them. Once the strips of cloth and stained gauze were removed, she surveyed the wound's progress and brought out the healing salve, though she didn't use it just yet. From the unused bowl, a small water serpent emerged, bending to the young woman's will and passing into the firebender's wound. It swirled inside the slit, collecting any harmful bacteria and dry blood that may have accumulated.

Katara sent the snake back into the bowl and popped the cork of the healing salve. After pouring a very small amount of the almost clear green liquid into her palm, she rubbed her hands together to warm it, and then applied it to the angry gash. Zuko stirred for a moment and Katara's heart skipped a beat. He only sighed, tilted his head, and moved his arm unconsciously. She sighed in relief and wiped the excess goo onto a spare cloth before drawing a roll of bandaging and a pad of gauze from the bag.

First applying a little more salve to the gauze then pressing it to the wound, she began wrapping it in place. In order to get it completely around his waist, Katara had to lean over him and make his back arch. If that didn't make her blush, the nice feel of the hard yet relaxed abs under the flesh of his stomach certainly did. She barely noticed that she was deliberately caressing the muscles until she felt her fingers dip passed his naval. Her face was flushed enough to rival the deep red of his scar and she snapped her hand back.

"Watch what you touch missy." Her inner voice hissed. "Next time you might get bolder and if he wakes up, who knows what'll happen."

"Yeah right." She whispered. "I just zoned out for a moment. That's all."

The voice was about to make a retort, when it spotted the killer boot and ran for its little life.

The food arrived just as Katara finished bandaging Zuko. The guard passed her the tray, replied to her thanks, closed the door, and resumed his place beside the other guard. Katara stared in confusion at the rather large meal of soup, rice, meat, and, of course, tea. The prince hadn't awoken so they were only feeding him small amounts of certain soups, not solid foods. She was just about to return it to the guard when she spotted the note underneath the empty teacup. Her name was written in Iroh's handwriting. She knew this meant something bad...for her.

Setting the tray beside the mat then sitting down herself, the young woman pulled the note free and read the contents on the opposite side.

Dear Katara,

I know you must be confused as to why there are solid foods for his majesty's dinner tonight. Allow me to explain. After speaking with the doctor, he notified me that we should attempt to get something other than random soups into Prince Zuko's system. The only alternatives were solids so here is what you must do. When first born, a baby bird cannot eat on its own. So it turns to the mother for assistance. I hope this will be a sufficient explanation of what you must do. There is enough food for the both of you. Enjoy, Mother Bird

-Iroh

A silly smile was drawn beside the old man's name.

Katara felt as if she would faint any second. Was Iroh actually insinuating that she feed Zuko this way! There was no way she was going to do this!...But then again...She considered what may happen if she didn't.

What to do...On one hand she'd be tarnishing the last few morals she had left...On the other, the firebender's body wouldn't get enough nourishment to repair itself on soup and tea alone. Sighing heavily, she gave in to her only option.

Iroh sat quietly, smilingas he pushed his tile into a new place. Private Taku, devoid of his armor, stared hard at the pai chow board, contemplating his next move. When he saw no way out of his predicament, he sighed in defeat and fell backwards lazily onto the floor. Iroh grinned in satisfaction.

"You are getting much better Taku. You almost had me that time." He said slyly. "Maybe your skill could last one more round?"

"No. Sorry sir." Taku yawned, pushing himself up. "I should get in a quick nap before my night shift comes. Good game, sir.

The tired soldier shook his superiors hand and left the room. The helmsman attempted to stifle a chuckle and Iroh looked at him questionably.

"Is there something comical you would like to share?" The old general asked.

"No sir. Only that you repeatedly assure these amateurs that they will one day defeat you."

"Amateurs, eh? You say that like you are a master of the game."

The helmsman smiled and turned his head to him.

"Ten time champion in my home town."

"Very nice." Iroh remarked. "Would you like to test your wits of pai chow against mine?"

"If I wasn't steering the ship, I would most gladly sir."

There was a quick knock at the door before the doctor let himself in.

"Good evening sir." He said with a bow.

"Ah! Good evening doctor! What news do you bring on my nephew's progress?"

"Well actually, I came to speak with you about your request his highness's meal tonight."

Iroh countered the doctor's hard, confused look with a sly, cheerful one.

"I wanted to see how well he would take down the solid foods...with a little assistance of course."

"You mean Miss Katara..." The doctor grinned. "Iroh, you sly dog."

Iroh's smile bordered innocent or devious.

"I am merely testing Miss Katara's reaction to such situations. Besides, maybe this will help answer her questions."

The doctor and helmsman had no idea what the old general meant, but know that if whatever it was fell through…

THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT WILL BE CHANGED FOREVER!

...Well...maybe it wasn't that big, but it would change something drastically.

"Ah. And since we have no true route, why not drop anchor."

The younger men gave him shocked look.

"You'd do such a thing without the Prince's orders." the helmsman asked.

Iroh grinned.

"Since his majesty is currently incapacitated and the soldiers have not had much to relieve their worry. I purpose that we take the next few days off or until the Prince is fully healed."

"Grand idea, sir!" The helmsmen replied cheerfully as he grabbed the lever beside the wheel and pulled it down to the 'STOP'.

The soup had been easy enough to feed, but now came the hard stuff. Katara stuffed small portions of meat and rice into her mouth and worked her jaw until it was all mashed together. She placed a hand on his back, raising him as gently as she could. Her stronger arm wrapped around his other side, pulling him towards her while the other tilted his head straight, his mouth slightly open. It took all she had not to swallow the finely smashed food herself as she pulled him increasingly closer. When they touched slightly, she almost refused to go through, but her compassion got the best of her and she practically fused their lips together.

Katara admired the soft texture as her tongue worked the food into his mouth. When she pulled back, his body reacted almost immediately and the food slipped down his throat. His quick cough was cleared by a sip of tea. Katara repeated this procedure until only a few bites of Zuko's meal remained. Each time their lips parted, she felt more urgent to bring them together again, often forgetting the reasons she was doing this.

Just as Katara was passing the last bit to Zuko, the ship gave a short yet violent shudder. The waterbender, being 'tied up' in her task, paid it no mind. The sudden jolt, however, had roused the firebender from his slumber. His eyes had not yet opened, but he was slightly aware of his surroundings. The familiar warmth of his room and slight imprint in his mat were evident, but what was that divine comfort he was wrapped in? Certainly it wasn't his blanket. Since when did blankets move and make breathing sounds or feel so wonderful and moist against ones lips?

Still too tired to open his eyes, Zuko simply embraced the feeling…literally.

Katara stiffened when she felt something trail across her stomach, slip over her side, and wrap around her small waist almost completely. Had Zuko woken up? Or was he just dreaming? His breathing was still deep, but not enough to confirm sleep. A deep blush crept onto Katara's face and she tried to pull back. The ship trembled again. This time she couldn't keep her balance and she fell forward, landing on top of the waking prince.

"What the blazes was that?" She muttered, pushing herself onto her hands that were place on opposite sides of Zuko's middle.

"I think….we've stopped…" A tired voice croaked.

Katara looked down into Zuko's half lidded eyes and nearly jumped out of her skin. His eyes closed and his brow furrowed as he sat up on his elbows. Katara blushed.

"Are you…" She squeaked and cleared her throat. "Are you feeling better?"

The prince sat up right, forcing Katara to sit back up, and rolled his aching shoulders.

"Much better, thanks." He groaned and arched his back until it cracked three times.

Tracing his tongue over his teeth, Zuko tasted the remains of his meal and grimaced. His eyes fell to the tray of food beside his bed. It had been enough for two, he noticed. Putting everything together, he looked at Katara and asked,

"You've been feeding me?"

Her blush brightened as she nodded. Zuko wondered how she did this without waking him, and then spotted the note. From his position, the only thing he could read was:

When first born, a baby bird cannot eat on its own. So it turns to the mother for assistance. Enjoy, Mother Bird.

"So you had to…"

Katara immediately turned her back to him. She felt like her head was going to explode with all the blood rushing to it. Zuko shook his head and ran a hand through his loose hair. Uncle Iroh had the most awkward ways of messing with people.

Sensing the sudden discomfort in the room, Zuko returned his attention to the quivering waterbender. Katara never expected the warmth that wrapped around the shoulders of her tired body, but didn't pull away.

"You're a wonderful doctor, Katara." Zuko whispered through the dark hair that curtained over her reddening ears. "I owe you one."

The blush faded slightly as Katara looked over her shoulder and smiled at him.

"I think we're even."

"I do believe we are." said Zuko as he smiled and let her go. "Now eat your dinner and take a nap. You've earned it."

Katara nodded obediently and started on her almost cold food. Just as Zuko had pulled on some fresh clothes, Iroh threw the door open, worry etched in his old features.

"Prince Zuko! Thank the Fire Gods, you two are alright." He wheezed, clutching the material over his heart. "The guards must've fallen and struck their heads when we dropped anchor."

He pointed to the two guards lying unconscious outside the door. Katara insisted that he sit down. The old general refused, but snuck himself a cup of tea.

"Once again, you forgot to give the order to slow down before stopping." Zuko said, sitting back on his mat with a grunt, and tied up his hair.

Iroh grinned and rubbed the back of his head.

"So you both are feeling better?" He asked.

"Yes sir." Katara said, setting her chopsticks aside.

"Very good. The old man smiled and turned towards the door, cup of fresh tea in hand. "I want you both to rest a little more before leaving this room. Understood?"

"Yes Uncle Iroh." The two young adults groaned in unison, watching him leave.

Katara shook her head and was about to get herself some tea, but realized that her cup and the pot were gone.

"That sneaky old man stole the tea!" She exclaimed and rose uneasily to her feet.

"Are you alright?" Zuko asked watching her stagger toward the spear leaning against the door frame.

"Better than your uncle is going to be when I catch him." She growled as she gripped the rod and broke into a wobbling run after the retired general.

"IROH, YOU DEVIOUS, UNDERHANDED, TEA THEIVING DOG! GET BACK HERE!" She yelled down the hall, spotting him making a turn.

Zuko stood in the doorway, watching in amusement.

"Note to self: " He murmured. "Uncle's tea obsession is contagious to those not related."

The firebender's eyes widened as he saw Katara raise the spear angrily and bolted after her.

"Calm down Katara! He's just an old man! ...With a tea addiction!"

Inutenshi: Sorry about the wait. You pretty much know that I haven't had too much time to myself for these passed almost two weeks.

Katara: The sickliness! The betrayal! The heartache! The center of parental war!

Zuko: THE RUINED COOKIES! T.T

Everyone: NOT THE COOKIES! TT.TT

Inutenshi: Well the good news in all this is that thanks to your encouraging reveiws and a little more research in the area of Avatar's cancellation, I am convinced that our favorite 12, or 112 year old will live on! Thank you all!

Avatar Cast: YAY!

Next Chapter: Brother, My Brother