Chapter 6

Authors Note- Fight scene in this chapter, leading up to a reunion! But Zuko isn't to pleased about being stabbed in the back

Disclaimer-I don't own Avatar and your just jealous

Katara gasped as she saw Aang. She didn't know whether or not to be delighted, embarrassed, or worried. Inside, she was feeling all three. Normally, when she looked in his eyes she practically melted. But now…. They were so full of hatred and anger. She didn't even recognize him. What had made him so angry?

Zuko stepped away from her, a small smirk on his face. How easily you've fallen for my trap Avatar. Zuko thought. He'd known that the avatar would come after Katara; he knew that the boy had feelings for her. An Avatar never used to have a weakness, but now he did. And Zuko planned to exploit it to its fullest. The smirk grew as he assumed a fire bending stance.

"And if I don't?" He asked, his voice challenging. Aangs eyes narrowed threateningly. Charging forwards, he lifted his staff and brought it down with all his might. A gale force wind barreled into the prince before he had time to make a move. Zuko was knocked backwards, crashing hard into a tree. He staggered to his feet, only to see the avatar launch another attack at him. Not having time to move, Zuko slammed into the tree again. He groaned painfully, what was with the kid? He'd never seen him fight like this before.

An airbenders tactic was to avoid and evade, wait until the opportune moment to strike. But now he was fighting like a fire bender. Launch attack after attack, don't let your foe have a moment to regain himself or strike on his own. It startled Zuko, but only fueled his rage. Jumping to his feet, he shot a column of fire that deflected Aangs latest air wave.

Zuko spun; keeping on one leg while the other twisted and released a powerful column of fire at Aang. The boy created a wall of air that spun the fire into nonexistence. He ran forwards, kicking the air and creating another high-forced wind at Zuko. Quick on his feet, the prince jumped to the left and struck out with a blast of fire. Aang was knocked backwards, wincing as the ball scorched his stomach.

"Stop!" Katara cried, but was completely unheard.

Aang airbended himself up, landing on his feet just as Zuko ran at him with flaming daggers in his hands. Aang ducked as they sliced the air above his head, then jumped as they flew underneath him. While in the air, he lashed out at Zuko with his foot. The prince ducked, running forwards and tackling him out of the air and into the ground. For a moment, Aang lay trapped under the larger boy. Taking in a breath, he blew him off and sent him flying into the forest.

Zuko landed with a heavy thud, lying stunned on the ground for a moment. Suddenly, Aang appeared in his vision. The boy was high in the air, and descending fast. As he landed, a huge forced of air shot out from his feet. Zuko leapt up, but not in time to avoid being sliced by the severity of the attack. While spinning in the air, a multiple number of blasts erupted from his clenched fists. Aang drew in a breath, hurtling the majority of them backwards. One struck his hand, burning it. He recoiled in pain, giving Zuko time to stand.

"I see you've been practicing, but that wont help you." Zuko said, anger causing him to tremble. Aang forgot about his burn and glared at the prince. For a moment, the world held its breath. Sweat trickled down Aangs face, stinging his eyes. Zuko jumped in the air above Aang, seeming to float there for a moment. Suddenly, he plummeted down, fists aflame. Aang jumped to the side as the ground where he'd been before was scorched by Zuko. Seeing another chance, Aang shot a blast of air at the prince, who leapt away from it.

"Stop fighting!" Katara cried as she ran forwards, standing between the two. But Katara had chosen the wrong time and the wrong place. Aang had already launched his air, Zuko his fire. She stood where they would meet.

Katara closed her eyes and screamed as a horrible blast of air tore her body from the ground, rocketing it forwards. She was greeted by the blaring fire that burned and sizzled her skin. Tears feel from her face as the pain intensified. She began fading in and out of consciousness, until her vision went black and the world dulled out.

Aang stood, dumbfounded, as he stared down at Katara. His head jerked up as he stared at Zuko, utter hatred burning in him. He charged forwards, feeling power and strength rush over him. Zuko gasped in surprise as an incredible force of wind and air crashed into his body. It tore his armor right off him, threatening to take his skin to. But suddenly, his world also fell into darkness, leaving one very confused boy standing.

Katara slowly blinked her eyes open, finding herself staring right into a pool of gray, caring eyes of someone else's. Sitting up, she bumped heads with Aang, who recoiled quickly and rubbed his for-head.

"Oww." He said, and then quickly forgot his pain. Spreading his arms, he threw himself at Katara and hugged her tightly.

"Katara, I was so worried about you." He said, wrapping his arms around her waist now. Katara felt…uncomfortable.

Whats wrong? You're back with Aang!

I know, but it feels….different

Do you love him?

I don't know

Her eyes opened wider.

"Wheres Zuko?" She asked. Aang sighed, turning away. She didn't even look happy to see him. Katara noticed.

"No Aang, its not that." She said.

"He's back in the forest, probably on his ship after us, after me by now." Aang said icily. Katara tilted her head, confused.

"Aang, whats wrong?" She asked. Aang shook his head, and then turned around smiling.

"Nothing, I'm just happy to see you again!" He said. Katara didn't believe him, something was bothering him. But she didn't push him, she knew he didn't need that right now.

"I'm so glad to see you Aang." She said.

"Did he hurt you?" He asked. Katara looked stunned.

"Zuko? No." She said, putting a hand on his shoulder. Aang couldn't help but smile, despite how torn he felt on the inside. He was just so..happy.. to see her again. It was something he couldn't control didn't seem to have any say in at all. Aang slid closer to her.

"I'm so happy your ok, I missed you so much." He said as he put his arm around her waist again. Katara shifted uneasily. She turned to look at Aang, sighing. Suddenly, before she could even gasp, he kissed her.

It wasn't some innocent kiss made by a twelve year old. It was a passionate kiss, filled with longing and love. Katara was startled. She began to pull away, but it felt so right in his arms. She wrapped her hands around his neck, returning their kiss.

Breaking apart, they soft blue and gray eyes meet, melting into each other. Finally, Katara tore her gaze away.

This is so wrong

What about Zuko

You cant LIKE two boys!

Her mind practically screamed. Katara was so confused. What was going on? Why couldn't she control her own feelings? Slowly, she stood up. Aang looked up, confused.

"I'm just going for a walk, maybe to practise waterbending." She said. Aang nodded as she walked away.

Katara sat down by the river, needing some time to think. How could she choose between Aang and Zuko? She loved them both so much, and she was betraying them both. She was so deep in her thoughts, that she didn't notice the bright golden eyes watching her through narrowed slits.

Aang parted the brush, looking for the water tribe girl. A smile came over his face as he saw he sitting by the river. Of course, he knew she'd be near water. It was apart of her. Walking over, he sat down next to her.

"Hey Katara, what are you thinking?" He asked innocently.

Oh, just thinking about when I kissed Zuko

And how Im stabbing you in the back

A little of knowing I broke your heart

"Nothing, just enjoying the silence." She said, forcing a smile. Katara closed her eyes and leaned backwards.

Wait a little longer

For the perfect chance.

Aang nodded, not hearing the annoyed snort from the bushes.

"I'd like to be alone for a little bit." She said. Aang looked over, puzzled, but got up.

"Okay, I'll be back at the camp." He said, walking off. Katara smiled after him, not noticing the tall form of Zuko emerge from the bushes. He wore an angry, no furious face, but quickly wiped it off as she turned around.

She still has feelings for him!

It was all a trick

She stabbed you in the back!

Its time to return the favor

Zuko was flaming inside. He trusted someone, he loved someone, and they did this to him? Yet he concealed it all. If his plan was to work, she needed to think everything was ok.

"Zuko!" She said, happily running over to him.

"Hi Katara." He said weakly. Katara looked up at him, confused by his own lack of happiness. Then again, Zuko had never been the happy type.

"Listen, I want to see you again. Will you come to my ship tonight?" He asked. Katara smiled.

"Of course." She said. Zuko nodded.

"I have to get back now." He said, disappearing into the forest. Now Katara was growing irritated. Hasn't he EVER head of good-bye! She thought, placing her hands on her hips.

Zuko slowly walked away from Katara, a maniacal smirk on his face. His eyes were narrowed, yet they always were. His plan WOULD work, and the avatar would be his. Tonight, things would really happen.

Edit Note-Ah, had to edit this. Forgot to take out the sentence "suddenly aangs startled gasp….", was gonna have Zuko attack then but changed my mind. Btw abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1, not anything like that really, just some interesting things. If you ask me, I let Aang get over the whole betrayal thing a little fast, so I'm gonna say that he thought Zuko kid-napped her..shhhh