AN: I'm actually writing this during homeroom. And the bell just rang. Have fun.

Chapter 17: The Dream

She was sitting by the stream, her hands waving lightly as she guided the stream of water through the air. The movements were graceful, and she was calm due to the serenity of the atmosphere. She felt strong hands slip onto her shoulders, and warm breath on the back of her neck. But instead of feeling scared, she turned her head partially and smiled. Warm lips pressed to hers, and elation spread through her. She wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him close. His hands were strong around her waist, and she'd never felt like this. The Fire Nation could be anywhere, but she felt safe in his arms. She sighed gently as he pulled away from her, and as if he knew exactly what she wanted, he wasn't gone long. She pulled him down on top of her, felt his gentle hands all over her body and moaned softly. "Oh Zuko."

Katara snapped awake as soon as the identity of her dream lover was revealed. She was astonished and horrified at the same time, wanting to return to sleep, but at the same time dreading the dream's return. Her gaze drifted to Zuko, whose sleeping form hadn't moved since he'd lain down after returning. She got up slowly and moved to his side. His breath was steady, and he shifted slightly away from her when she touched his shoulder.

Returning to her own blankets, she thought about her dream. How could she feel that way for Zuko? She placed her head in her hands and sighed. If anyone knew about this, she swore she'd scream. It's just a crush. I haven't been around anyone except Sokka and Aang for so long; I'm just reacting to Zuko. Just like I did Jet. I won't make that mistake again. Her gaze turned to Zuko.

He changed to our side so quickly. He could return to his father's side just as fast. I can't trust him, even if Sokka and Aang do. I have to be there if he changes sides once more. I can't get too close.

After she came to this decision, she pushed Zuko to the back of her mind, and managed to get back to sleep.

Zula was in her room on the ship. She was meditating, the flames of the candles moving with her breath. A knock came at the door, two short taps and one hard knock. She sighed, and opened her eyes. "Come in."

A girl with golden brown hair came in, closing the door softly. "Hey Zula."

"Hey Kinita."

The girl shifted, but it wasn't a nervous shift. Kinita was a strong woman, and she had only one weakness.

"I don't care how much you need the throne, Zula, I won't let you hurt Zuko."

"You're insane, Kinita."

"I love him."

"Don't make me repeat myself."

"What must I do to save him?" Zula shifted slightly.

"Find someone to take his place, a body I can give to the Fire Lord."

"Alright."

Katara was used to being the first one up in the mornings. This morning, she woke to find Zuko sitting cross-legged on his blankets. His back was perfectly straight, his eyes closed, and for the most part, he was relaxed. A small fire was sitting in front of him. For a moment, it looked like nothing more than coals, and then it flared into life. She watched as it continued this routine, but finally, she shook her head and turned to fixing breakfast.

Sokka got up later, and after Katara's warning not to disturb Zuko, he headed off to do his exercises. She'd just finished fixing breakfast when she heard Zuko's now familiar voice behind her.

"Where's Sokka?"

"Exercising. What were you doing?"

"Meditating. I haven't done it in a while, and I figured I should."

"Do you feel better?"

"Yes."

Zuko stood up and stretched, and Katara shook Aang lightly. It would be a few more minutes before Aang was completely awake.

"Zuko?"

"Yes?"

"I have a question."

"I can't say yet if I have the answer."

"Why'd you tell the seamstress that I was your girlfriend?"

"I didn't, she assumed you were, but if either you or I contradicted her, she would then assume you were a concubine, and probably make some comment better left unsaid."

"Oh."

"Have you tried on any of your new dresses yet?"

"No, but if you'll mind the stew, mainly don't let Sokka have it all, I'll go bathe and do so."

Zuko nodded his agreement, and took her place by the fire. She grabbed her things and as she turned out of camp, she heard Zuko call.

"Shout if you need me."

Was that concern in his voice? Real concern? Or is he just looking out for me? Aang could've easily commanded him to do so. Katara reached the simple stream and forced Zuko from her thoughts. She undressed and slipped into the cool water. It rinsed away the grime from her body as it washed away her worries. She bended the water around her, and she felt at peace. Her thoughts turned to her dream. Zuko could walk up behind her now and make her relive it. But she didn't want him to. Or do I? A new found worry in her heart, she quickly finished her bath and slipped into one of her new dresses.

It was amazing, accenting all her budding curves. She streamed the water to see how the outfit would react to her bending. It moved with her, as if the seamstress had made it for the purpose of bending. She smiled and spun around. Grabbing up her things, she needed to get back to the boys.

Zuko thought of Katara even as he dished out breakfast to the younger boys. He knew she needed her privacy, but when she was alone, she was very exposed. Why am I concerned? She's just a stupid water peasant. Even as he tried to justify his anxiety, his thoughts returned to those hurtful words, spoken what seemed like centuries ago.

'How can you stand by the very man who killed your sister?'

He gritted his teeth angrily. She didn't understand. Standing by his nation had nothing to do with supporting his father's actions. He could never betray the fire in his veins, though he could betray the blood. Ediera would understand. Grief welled up in his battered heart, and he forced it back down. There was no reason to dwell on the past.

Katara came sweeping into the camp, and as he heard her approach, he filled her a bowl of the stew. Looking up to hand it to her, he nearly dropped it into his own lap. She was wearing one of her new dresses, and it fit her perfectly. He quickly looked down away from her before he said something.

"Wow, Katara! You look great!"

Katara smiled at Aang, thanking him silently for the comment. Sokka nodded his agreement, but Zuko said nothing. When she turned his way, he wasn't even looking at her. This time, she managed to bring herself to ask.

"Zuko, what do you think?"

He looked up at her, their eyes met, and for a moment, it seemed like he was trying to figure out what to say.

"It works."

It works? That's it? Katara found herself trying not to cry. God, what's wrong with me? It's not like it matters what he thinks. But she was fooling herself with that statement, because it did matter. To her, it mattered a lot.

Sokka allowed himself a second helping and Katara sat down on her blanket to eat the breakfast Zuko handed her. Zuko then sat back and ate his own.

It works? That's all you could come up with? That's doesn't even begin to describe the outfit on her.

That's the point. It tells her nothing.

Zuko frowned at his soup, and eventually he gave it to Sokka. Katara noticed that he barely ate, preferring to give his meals to Sokka after a bare few bites. He really should eat, he needs his strength. You know, he probably thinks our food is bad, that my cooking is bad. He is used to royalty and professional chefs. Yes, that's it. He thinks he's too good for us.

After breakfast, Zuko saddled the horses and helped Aang and Sokka into the saddles. He then mounted his horse, now christened Black Flame, and pulled Katara up behind him. The campsite had been stripped, and gone over carefully, so there was now no sign that anyone had been there.

They walked the horses back onto the main road and were gone.

Zula stepped onto the shores of Ankiel without hesitation. This city had been neutral in the war, allowing Fire Nation troops through its Earth Kingdom streets without hesitation. It had welcomed the Fire Nation, now it was time it joined it.

She mounted the rhino brought to her side with ease, her troops doing the same behind her. Her spies had brought her news that Zuko had been spotted in these walls. One of the Avatar's companions was with him. She wondered briefly if he knew what had happened, but she doubted it. She'd have to tell him when she captured him, for it would definitely break him.

The Fire Nation squadron moved into the city without contestation. A merchant waved a bad-smelling fish in Zula's face, trying to sell it to her.

"You first." She snarled, and lit the man's stand on fire.