AN: If I owned Avatar, do you think I'd be sitting here typing this up? As it is, I have to resort to blackmailing Mike Dimartino, after taking time from my regular Bloom stalking. Urgh.

If anybody knows Katara's father's name, please let me know. I need to know.

Chapter 15: The Solution

"SOKKA! For the last time, use the boomerang to deflect the fire. It won't hurt the boomerang! Now let's try this again."

Zuko and Sokka began the set again, and this time, when Zuko sent a fireball at Sokka, he drew his boomerang and sliced through it.

"Finally. Now we can eat."

Sokka jumped up and punched the air before plopping down by the remains of the fire and taking the bowl of soup that Katara handed him. Zuko had worked out a rewards system to help give Sokka incentive to learn the new sets. It was mainly, they practice before meals, and Sokka doesn't eat until he does something right. So far, it was working. Katara handed Zuko his breakfast, for once, not purposely tipping it over into his lap. He'd done so much for them.

It had been almost two weeks since they left Kyoshi. After Suki's bluff, Zuko had wanted to leave as soon as possible. The elders had given them a good stock of supplies and Zuko new pair of boots, considering his pair was still underneath the Unagi somewhere.

Zuko's injuries had healed well and quickly, and they had continued Sokka's training. Katara was actually really impressed with Zuko's lessons. He not only taught Sokka how to use his weapons to full advantage, he put Sokka through exercises to build strength and stamina. Often, Aang and Katara would do the exercises as well. Sokka had made the mistake of complaining once. Zuko had turned to him and simply said.

"Try doing this with 20 pounds of armor on, and then you can tell me it's hard."

Now, when Sokka and Zuko trained, they didn't have to take intermittent breaks to allow Sokka to breathe.

AsSokka and Zuko ate their breakfast, Katara and Aang packed up. "Well, due to someone's smart comment about supplies not being a problem, we're out."

Zuko looked up. "Why is it my fault? Sokka ate it all."

"He wouldn't have if you hadn't practically given him permission."

Zuko returned to his breakfast. "Well, it still isn't a problem. We just need to stop by Ankiel."

Sokka looked up. "What's Ankiel?"

"It's an Earth Kingdom town." Aang replied. "They have a really good fish market." Zuko nodded.

"That, and something else that will probably be more useful, unless you really like fish."

Katara scowled. "And precisely what is it?"

Zuko smiled. "You'll see. Sokka, there is nothing left in that bowl."

Sokka glanced up, and then looked down at his bowl, which was in fact empty.

"Man, who ate my soup?" Zuko handed him the rest of his.

"Here, now shut up."

Soon they were airborne, and after consulting Zuko on the faster route, Aang pointed Appa to Ankiel. Katara decided to take a nap, considering it would take up most of the ride, which Zuko said would be a couple of hours.
"Though I can't see reason behind Suki's choice, I'm sure happy for you."

Katara opened her eyes partially, wondering how long she'd been asleep.

"Well, Zuko, have you ever had a girlfriend?"

Katara managed to suppress a grin. Here were two teenage boys talking aboutteenage boy things. And Zuko said he wasn't normal.

"A few."

"Any of them stand out?"

A pause.

"One."

"What was her name?"

"Kinita."

Another pause.

"Did…stuff…happen?"

She heard Zuko laugh.

"Almost."

"Tell me about it."

Zuko glanced at Aang, and then turned back to Sokka with a lowered voice. She could see his lips move, but couldn't hear what he said. After a minute or so, Sokka laughed.

"Who dumped who?"

"I dumped her. She wanted me to choose between her and Ediera. I chose Ediera."

"I hate it when they give you ultimatums."

"Yeah, I know."

"Hey guys, wake up Katara! I see the city!"

"Well, Aang, I'm sure you just woke her by shouting. At least Sokka and I were kind enough to whisper."

Katara sat up. "And I still heard everything you said."

Zuko's mouth fell open and Sokka looked mortified. She grinned.

"Well, maybe not all."

Zuko shut his mouth and scowled, but Sokka just went to their empty bag.

"I'm hungry."

"There's nothing left Sokka. You ate it all."

"Don't worry Sokka, we'll stop at an inn in Ankiel."

"We don't have the money for an inn."

"That's what you think, Katara."

Aang landed Appa just outside of the city, and everyone piled off. Zuko grinned, crossing his arms across his chest.

"One question left. Would you rather ride into town or walk?" Sokka was the first to react.

"Ride! After all that training, definitely ride."

"Doesn't matter to me. I can use my glider."

"I'll ride."

Zuko's grin grew wider. "Thank God."

He led the way out of the woods, and when they merged onto a wide path, there was a carriage sitting by the way, four black creatures hooked to it and the driver looking half asleep. As they appeared, the man jerked out of his doze and smiled leerily.

"Perhaps the lady and gentlemen would prefer a ride into the great city of Ankiel?" Zuko nodded to the man who now looked absolutely ecstatic. "Oh, you take pity on a poor man."

He jumped down from his post, holding the gate to the carriage open for the boys and even offered his hand to Katara. Zuko produced ten gold pieces from somewhere and handed them to the man, who stared at them in awe.

"But sir, my fare is five silver pieces."

"No its not."

The man didn't argue a second time, merely took his place and clucked to his beasts of burden. Sokka stared at the creatures.

"What are those?" Zuko looked at him quizzically before following his gaze.

"Those are horses Sokka."

"Ugly aren't they?"

"I think they're regal and majestic."

"For once, I agree with you Katara. You should try riding one."

Aang was entranced by the horses. "Do you think we could get a couple?" Zuko glanced at him.

"Most horses don't like flying."

"Well, we could send Appa on to Omashu and take the long road. It'd be fun and Appa could use the rest."

Katara smiled at the suggestion.

"A change of scenery would be nice." Zuko rolled his eyes.

"First supplies, then an inn, now horses. I'm spoiling you people." Aang and Sokka laughed but Katara glared at him.

They reached the city easily, and Zuko gave the man another 2 gold pieces, who thanked him profusely before returning to his post. They followed Zuko through the crowds, and were surprised when it seemed like Zuko knew exactly where he was going.

He slipped into a rather large crowded building. There were scribes positioned in a half moon with their backs to the vaults in the far wall. Many were waiting in line for the scribes, who were hastily writing as fast as they could. Zuko bypassed the line and headed to one of the free tables, where he took the quill and paper handed to him, jotted a few things down, and handed it back to the woman sitting there. She handed it to a boy behind her, and he ran out.

After a few moments, the boy came back, carrying three small bags and one medium one. Each was small enough though to fit into a pocket easily. Zuko nodded to the boy and the woman and stepped out of the way, moving the other three with him.

"All right, here." He gave each of them one of the smaller bags. "This is your own personal spending money. Keep the purses inside your cloaks." Katara opened hers partially and had to stifle a gasp. Sokka wasn't as adept at hiding his surprise.

"This is spending money?" Zuko grinned and nodded. He motioned to the medium bag, which was now hidden in his shirt. "That's for our supplies and the horses." Katara's practicality got the best of her.

"But there's so much. You can't possibly just let us have this for frivolity."

"Katara, I have a nearly limitless fortune that I have built on for my entire life, saving allowances and birthday gifts, which collected interest. I'm not stupid. In a household and position where I could get anything I wanted without lifting a finger, I saved everything. Trust me; this is not even a dent in my stocks."

Aang and Sokka had put away their purses, but both had a look on their faces like the money was burning their skin and they had to spend it. Katara sighed. "Zuko, since you have the supply money and I'm the most practical one in the group, you and I will go get the supplies. Sokka and Aang can go…have fun."

Zuko nodded his agreement and turned to Aang. "Keep an eye out for Fire Nation soldiers. They're rare in this city, but it's not impossible to cross one." Aang nodded, and Zuko sent a silent message to Sokka to keep an eye out for them. Then she and Zuko headed off.

With Zuko's knowledge of the city and Katara's well-trained eye, they managed to stock up well on supplies and find three horses in excellent condition. The horses were excellent mainly because Zuko wouldn't accept anything less. Katara was harboring a secret fear of the beasts, especially Zuko's choice, which was midnight black stallion. The thing was huge and had snorted angrily when she went near. So, she hadn't chosen a horse, and luckily, Zuko hadn't questioned her. She swore the fire-bender could sense her fear.

They made their way back to the market with at least half of the supply money left, and Katara hadn't spent any of her fun money, but she froze when they passed in front of a clothing shop. She was mesmerized by bolts of cloth in the window, but as she turned away, thinking it too much, Zuko commented.

"It wouldn't hurt to get another dress Katara. Yours is pretty torn."

She needed no second urging and flitted into the shop. At first she just breezed through, the shop owner eyeing her. For a moment, the old woman believed the two to be just a couple of peasants, looking at her dresses and dreaming, but then the boy caught her gaze. He reached inside his shirt and pulled out a gold piece. He twirled it through his fingers and then replaced it.

"My lady, can I help you?" Katara described what she needed to the experienced woman, who immediately began suggesting fabrics and colors. They roamed through the store, Zuko sometimes behind them and sometimes not, until something caught Katara's eye and she stopped, stunned. Though her arms were full of blue cloth, and blue was her color, she was mesmerized by the blood red kimono. It shimmered in the light breeze let in by the half open window, gold and white flowers delicately embroidered over every inch, gold lining on the sleeves and collar.

"Fit for royalty." She turned and found Zuko by her side, regarding the kimono emotionlessly. Her gaze broken from the kimono, she realized how foolish she was being.

"I'd have no purpose for it. Where would I wear something like that?"

Zuko said nothing, merely continued looking at the kimono with the same eye as he had with the horses. He was inspecting it. The owner smiled at her.

"Well, just try it on. Dream a little."

Katara couldn't help herself when the woman took the kimono off its rack and slipped it into her arms. She showed Katara into a back room where she could change. Slipping into the silken folds, Katara had to convince herself of all the reasons not to get it. She stepped back into the main room.

Zuko and the owner were talking about something when she cleared her throat to let them know she was there. The owner spun around to face her and Zuko's jaw dropped. Katara hung her head.

"That bad, huh?"

"Bad? Child, you look stunning!"

Zuko still hadn't said anything, and Katara found that she wanted to know more than anything what Zuko thought of the kimono. But she couldn't bring herself to ask him. Looking at the floor, she waited a moment, but he still said nothing.

"Well, I don't have any reason for it. I'm sorry, but thank you for letting me try it on."

"Of course child."

Katara went back and changed back into her regular clothes. When she came out, Zuko was by the owner, who was checking over her purchases. The owner then measured Katara, and made a few notes. "Your boyfriend has informed me of your rush, and I'll have your outfits ready by this evening, milady."

She opened her mouth to say Zuko wasn't her boyfriend but stopped at a look from him. The lady handed Zuko a slip of paper, who pocketed it, and they walked out of the store….and right into a group of Fire Nation soldiers.

Dun Dun Dun...Fire Nation!