AN(s): To those who liked the Unagi, I'm sorry for killing it. I liked it too, but I'm trying to keep everyone in character. And let's face it. Zuko would NOT just run away from it, he would fight it.

In the words of mon cher amie, Khazia, Katara is not enthusiastic about trusting someone as passionate as Zuko, especially after Jet. Let's face it. She hasn't made some of the best choices in the world. But all you Zutara romance fans, don't worry. I'll come through for you.

And Zuko will regret the day he was forced into my fanfic.

Zuko: Dammit, why does this keep happening to me? I'm not this accident prone!

Me: My fault! I'm the writer, you have to do what I say!

Zuko: It's your fault I'm in so much pain? I'll kill you with my bare hands!

Me: (pokes Zuko in the ribs)

Zuko: (writhes in pain)

Me: nuff said

Chapter 13: The Girl

The townspeople of Kyoshi Island were celebrating the death of the Unagi. Apparently, it had been attacking their town once every week for several months. It was this that kept the town in shambles, not the remains of Zuko's raid.

Speaking of Zuko, the Fire Prince was in a drugged sleep at the moment. Most of his chest was covered in bandages and his right arm was in a sling. In the eyes of the villagers, all wrong he'd ever done had been forgiven.

In Katara's eyes, he had just gotten lucky. The elders had insisted that she retell the story of what happened that day a hundred thousand times for different people of significance, and she blamed every forced reminiscing on Zuko. The only place where she could get some rest was by Zuko's side.

As she watched him sleep, she thought of all that he had done in the past few weeks, and thought that maybe…just maybe…she could begin to trust him….shoot, maybe even like him.

His eyes fluttered open, and he immediately turned away from her with a groan. "You have to ruin a perfectly good morning don't you?"

Katara was startled. "I haven't done anything."

"I woke up to your face. That ruins my morning."

Then again, maybe not.

Katara managed to restrain herself from hitting him and stomped out of the room. Once outside, she informed to waiting crowds that he was awake, and then continued her march to their hut.

Zuko tried to sit up as Suki, Aang, and Sokka came in, but Suki placed two fingers on his collar bone and forced him back down.

"Sorry, Zuko, but Aantyi said you shouldn't move too much for now." Zuko groaned.

"First that coma, now this. Am I ever going to get back into shape? I'm in no condition to fight anyone, not even Sokka!" Sokka's insulted 'hey' was ignored. "What happens if the Fire Nation attacks? What good am I going to be?"

Suki sat down beside the despairing prince. "None if you keep ranting like this. You need rest, despite what you think." Zuko refused to return to sleep whatever Suki said. Instead, he took stock of his condition.

"Is my arm broken?"

"No, just sprained. It should be fine in a couple of days; we just didn't want you hurting it again."

Zuko sighed and laid back. Aang smiled.

"What were you doing out there Zuko?"

Zuko closed his eyes. "Aang, I was keeping a promise to my sister."

"A promise to do what?"

"Ride the elephant Koi."

Aang laughed lightly. He motioned to Sokka and they left.

Suki poured a glass of water from a nearby pitcher and held it out to Zuko. "Want some water?"

He nodded eagerly and took the glass. The water had a strangely bitter aftertaste, but he was so thirsty. After draining the glass, he handed it back to Suki. She smiled, and all of a sudden his head felt like it gained ten pounds. He closed his eyes…

Suki grinned mischievously. "I told you to rest Zuko."

Outside, Aang and Sokka made their way to the statue of Avatar Kyoshi. Once in front of it, Aang turned to Sokka. "Keep an eye on me okay?"

Sokka looked confused, but nodded. Aang sat down cross-legged on the dirt, closed his eyes, and stepped into the Spirit World.

Avatar Kyoshi was waiting for him. "Ah, Aang, I'm glad to see you."

Aang smiled. "Nice to see you too, Kyoshi."

"I thought that after you talked with Roku that you'd come and talk with me sometime."

"Yeah. I figured it would be a good idea, since I'm going to start learning earth-bending soon." Kyoshi's eyes took on an omniscient look.

"Earth is strong element, requiring strength of will and mind to bend. But it will not be your greatest challenge. Your list of allies grows thick, dear Aang. You have many friends, the strongest of which are those who feud."

Aang had to think about this for a moment, but then comprehension dawned on his face.

"Katara and Zuko?"

"Yes. Both of them feel a strong attachment to you, and they have more in common than they'd like to admit."

"Like what?"

"They both gave up their homes to stand by your side, and both were drawn into the fight by the loss of someone dear."

"Wow. You're right, but how can I get them to be friends? I don't even know what got them started against each other!"

"Give them time. But now, there is one more ally that you should meet."

"Who?"

"Return to Zuko, but stay with the Spirit World."

Aang nodded and turned his back to Avatar Kyoshi. He ran past Sokka and himself, back to the hut where they had left Zuko and Suki.

Zuko was sleeping again, and Suki had left. But there was someone there. A little girl, who looked to be maybe nine or ten was sitting on the foot of Zuko's bed. She patted his hand, but he didn't react. That could've been that he was drugged, or it could've been that she was little more than a spirit. Aang smiled at her.

"Hey." She snapped around, startled, and Aang was amazed at how much she looked like Zuko.

"You're the Avatar!" Aang smiled.

"Yep. That's me."

"I thought that I'd see you sometime." She turned back around to Zuko. "I shouldn't have made him promise to ride the Koi."

She wiped tears from her cheeks with the back of her free hand. "If I hadn't made him promise, he wouldn't have been out there and…"

"And the Unagi would still be terrorizing Kyoshi." For a moment she seemed speechless, but then she smiled. "I guess you're right. But still, it's my fault he's hurt now."

"No it's not." She rolled her eyes and sighed. "It's not! You know, you're just like him. So stubborn." She merely turned around, faced him, and smiled, and then it all clicked. Aang smiled back.

"You're Ediera." She nodded.

"Tell Zuko I want my necklace back."

"Huh?" She pointed to the necklace Zuko had taken to wearing.

"That's mine. I want it."

"Ediera, getting that back is going to be close to impossible."

She sighed. "I know."

They were silent for several minutes and Zuko rolled over in his sleep. Then Aang remembered what Avatar Kyoshi had said.

"Ediera?"

"Hmm?"

"Will you fight with me against the Fire Nation?"

"As long as Zuko is by your side, so am I."

"Thanks."

Suddenly, Aang felt a jerk and the next thing he knew he was back in his body. Sokka was pointing out towards the harbor.

"Fire Nation!"

I've decided not to update on this story until I reach 20 reviews for 'Best As A Team.' 20 good reviews...like Khazia's...Which will probably take an eternity. I'm so mean.