Rhythm of the Rain
Chapter Six
By DamageCtrl

All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.


Swirling shades of red and gold wove through the hall as Zuko walked through the crowds. To the untrained eye, he was doing his job as the Fire Lord by mingling with his guests. He casually greeted whoever stopped him and re-introduced him to their daughter, granddaughter, or niece. He even went as far as to thank them for coming and hope they would take full advantage of the system. Once the pleasantries were over, Zuko would continue onward.

His eyes were fixed on his Uncle's disappearing and reappearing head. If Zuko lost sight of him for a split second, the old general would vanish into the crowd and Zuko would have to try to find him all over again. It was like he knew he had to avoid Zuko.

Mai. What had his Uncle been thinking? Didn't he recognize the name? Mai wasn't exactly the most popular name for girls. Did the old man completely forget that she was the girl who fought with Azula? Who threw knives with deadly accuracy? Who he had to pardon just a few months earlier at the request of her father?

When I get my hands on you, Uncle... Zuko gritted his teeth as he eyed the gray haired man talking to one of the nobles.

"Really? So this new tea you're cultivating is a cross breed with some Earth Kingdom species? Interesting... of course I would love to try it!"

Iroh was so engrossed in his conversation that he didn't notice his nephew slowly lurking up behind him. Suddenly, he felt a furious aura behind him and cringed. "Uncle..." Zuko's voice hissed.

Iroh smiled broadly. "Captain Ji, we will have to continue this later."

"Of course, General." The trusted captain bowed his head to both the Fire Lord and the Fire Lord's Uncle before leaving them alone.

Iroh turned and looked at Zuko, a pleasant smile on his face. "Zuko, how can I help you? You know, you are supposed to be out there talking to the guests."

Steam could be seen practically coming from Zuko's head as the golden eyed leader gritted his teeth. "May I speak to your for a minute?"

"Of course, Zuko! You know I'm always up for a chat," Iroh nodded and followed Zuko out one of the side doors and into the empty veranda. "Now, what is the-"

"Why is Mai here?" Zuko growled angrily.

Iroh sighed tiredly. "You get right to the point, don't you?"

"Uncle..."

"Why else would Mai be here? She is one of the girls who will be moving in soon to take part in the system," Iroh told him. Zuko clenched his hands. "She is very qualified you know."

"Do you know who she is?"

"Nobleman Sun's daughter."

"No!" Zuko nearly screamed. He stomped his foot on the ground and pointed one hand back into the palace. "She is Azula's friend! Don't you remember?"

"Ah...I thought she looked familiar when I saw her ..." Iroh mused.

"Familiar? She tried to kill the Avatar and his friends!" Zuko exclaimed. "I had just pardoned her a few months ago for that at the encouragement of..." Zuko trailed off and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes tightly and tried to regain his composure. "Explain to me, Uncle, how she made it through!"

"I told you already," Iroh insisted. "Mai has exceptional qualifications. You even approved of her application when I gave them to you."

Zuko froze. Iroh and the clerk had blocked out the names of all the applicants to prevent any bias when choosing participants from them. As a result, when they were handed to Zuko for the final approval, he didn't know who exactly he was approving, just that they were well qualified. He gritted his teeth and swore.

"I should've known..."

"You cannot just remove her from the system now that you know who she is," Iroh told him. "Imagine all the commotion it would cause. And do not forget that she does deserve to be here just as much as those other girls."

Zuko gaped at his Uncle. "I had to pardon her for her direct involvement with Azula!"

"Then there isn't a problem, is there?" Iroh asked, confidently. "She has a clean slate."

"I just don't think that it's safe with her here," Zuko insisted. "What if she is still loyal to Azula?"

"Zuko," Iroh frowned. "It is far too late to be thinking that way. The young lady is here now and willingly accepted the invitation to study under the system. Do you not think that she may be trying to redeem herself? Perhaps regain her honor?"

The young Fire Lord went quiet. He knew far too much about the importance of honor to an individual shamed. He closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "But what if her loyalties lay elsewhere?"

"And what if they do not? You gave her a second chance, Zuko. She should be able to use it." Iroh told him softly.

Zuko thought for a moment and crossed his arms. "If I did remove her from the system, it would be fairly obvious why...I would loose face in front of the nobleman considering the circumstances..." He let out a heavy breath and shook his head. "We can't do anything about it now."

Iroh lifted his hand and put it comfortingly on Zuko's shoulder. "I am sure it will be all right, Zuko."

The Fire Lord lifted his head and took a deep breath. "I should get inside...my welcome speech is due...," Iroh nodded and watched as Zuko slipped back into the hall. He followed shortly after, just as Zuko ascended back on to his seat. As he stood up, he commanded the attention of the crowd before him and the room went quiet. "Honored guests and participants of the system, I would like to welcome you all..."

Iroh stood at the back of the room, watching the crowds as Zuko spoke from the front. Everyone was listening intently. His eyes caught sight of the young woman Zuko had initially protested. She stood between her father and mother, looking up at Zuko with a slight tinge of pink on her cheeks. Iroh raised an eyebrow questioningly.

After a short speech, the crowds clapped and Zuko bowed his head. He slipped though the crowds once more, skillfully dodging brown-nosers and those that questioned him. He spent a few more minutes mingling as people gathered around each other to talk business. Zuko didn't have to glance over his shoulder to know that a rather large group of young women was following him.

He mentally swore. They were here to learn and to benefit their nation. Not to marry him. Regardless of what their fathers might have told them. Don't turn around...just don't turn around...just keep walking...

"Lord Zuko!" a voice shouted behind him.

Damn! His entire body tensed up as he slowly turned around.

Iroh snickered as he watched Zuko cornered by a group of girls. "Perhaps I have should've given him that stick..." he mused.

"General Iroh." a quiet voice said beside him. He turned around, slightly surprised to see who was speaking to him. Mai had her head bowed respectfully.

"Ah...you are Mai," Iroh smiled generously and gave her a bow of his head. "Thank you for coming."

"General Iroh, I know that Lord Zuko did not want me to be here," Mai admitted quietly. "But please rest assured, I mean him no harm. I am here to study the arts."

"I know you are," Iroh nodded. "I am sure you will do well."

"Uncle, I'm going to head back to my study now," a voice said behind them. Zuko stumbled forward, a hint of fear in his face as he glanced back at the rabid group of young women still tailing him. "If you could...?" He said, motioning his head slightly the group.

Iroh chuckled and nodded. "Of course, Zuko," He took a step forward and paused. "You remember Mai, don't you?"

It was then that the Fire Lord noticed the young woman that was standing to the other side of his Uncle. As he turned his head, Mai immediately bowed. Zuko eyed her warily but nodded. "You do not have to bow, Mai," he resigned tiredly. "You have already done so."

Carefully, the young woman lifted her head, but kept her eyes downcast. "Thank you for accepting me, Fire Lord."

Zuko merely nodded and looked back at his Uncle. "Hold them off." He ordered. Iroh stepped past him and headed for the mob of girls as Zuko treaded silently to the doors. He had managed to make it into the hall way unseen. At least he thought until he heard someone behind him.

"Lord Zuko!" He knew that voice and frowned. It was rare that he'd ever heard her speak outside of her monotone, bored voice. He slowly turned around, mentally preparing himself for knives flying at him. Instead, he found her bowing deeply. "I am sorry."

His eyes relaxed slightly, but the rest of his body remained ready for an attack. "You have been pardoned, Mai. Apologies are no longer necessary."

"Even so," she insisted. "I am apologizing not to the Fire Lord, but to Zuko," The young man across from her narrowed his eyes once more. "I had wronged your comrades during my time with Azula and I apologize for that. I assure you that I am not here to continue any endeavors she might have had. I accepted this position so that I may be of benefit to the Nation."

Zuko took a deep breath. "Rise, Mai," he ordered in a low voice. Obediently, the young noblewoman stood up straight. "The Avatar has already forgiven you. No harm came to him. You need not worry about forgiveness from him."

"Then the Water Tribe siblings and the earthbender." Mai said suddenly. Her eyes widened, surprised at her own words.

Zuko glared at her as he took a step forward. "I am sure they have forgotten all about it," he hissed in a low voice. Strange how she would've brought them up. "Although, I am curious as to why you are apologizing to me for that."

Mai's eyes darted away. She always did get nervous whenever Zuko was around. Years apart and a lifestyle away hadn't changed that. "I was told that you were quite...close...to the waterbender-"

A fist was implanted in the wall just to the left of her head. Mai's eyes widened as her face burned with a blush. Zuko loomed above her, a cold hard look on his face as he seethed. Golden eyes were darkened as a piercing glare bore into her.

"Whatever you heard about any relations I had with the waterbender peasant, you heard wrong," he spat out dangerously. "Her and her brother and her friends are my comrades. It would be in your best interest never to make assumptions of otherwise again."

He slowly recoiled his arm and stepped back. Mai straightened up and bowed her head once more. "I heard wrong, Lord Zuko. Forgive me." she said, keeping her voice leveled.

"Never mind that. Just be sure that if you hear rumors again, especially amongst your peers in the system, know that their assumptions are wrong. Make sure they know that as well."

"Yes, Lord Zuko."

Without another word, the scarred young man turned around and headed back to his study. Mai waited until he disappeared around the hall to let out the breath she had been holding in. Her hand rose and felt the warmth of her cheeks. The rumors she had heard since she arrived at the palace were wrong. Suddenly, she felt a little relieved.


"Okay...slowly...there isn't any need to rush..." Suki instructed as she circled Katara. The young waterbender held her arms out, the metal fans open in her hands as she moved with smooth, fluid movements. "You're doing great, Katara! All that waterbending's making the movements almost natural."

Katara smiled, but struggled not to break her concentration. "Thanks, Suki."

Whenever both girls were free; Katara from aiding with the construction, and Suki from her adventures exploring the frozen tundra with Aang and Toph and occasionally Sokka, they would get to get together at the lodge to practice.

As the warrior's movements were smooth and flowing, Katara had picked it up much faster than her brother, much to his annoyance. At first, they had started with Sokka on site so that he, too, could practice. However, he kept criticizing Katara needlessly. Suki finally got tired, claiming that he was just distracting them, and kicked him out.

After a few weeks of consistent training, Katara was able to get the easiest techniques down. She was no where near Suki's level, but the basic self defense was good enough. Suki stood beside her.

"Let's start from the top, okay?" she asked. Katara nodded and assumed a position mirroring Suki's.

At the same time, they began the movements. Their feet moved in synch across the mat covered floor of the lodge as their arms extended and contracted. Katara lifted the fan over head, following the glistening metal with her eyes as she shifted into a different position.

From the door way, a few people had peeked in to watch. Most of the young girls were crowded at the doors, watching with awe as two young women went through a training regime.

Katara was turning back into the first stance when suddenly Suki's fan came flying at her. Her reflexes took over and before Katara even realized what was going on, she saw Suki's proud smile as her arm blocked Suki's hit.

Blue eyes widened with surprise as Katara gasped. "I...I didn't even realize..."

Suki grinned from ear to ear. "A bunch of the little kids from the village are watching... want to give them something to aspire to?"

Katara looked over Suki's shoulder and saw the little girls watching them with awe struck eyes. She grinned back at Suki and nodded. "Sure."

They leapt back, several paces away from each other. Suki was in her uniform, although lacking the warrior's make-up. Katara was wearing her usual blue clothes. Her gloves were in a small pile against the wall.

They locked eyes. "Go!" Suki shouted. The two girls ran towards each other, fans extended.

Outside, Sokka leaned against the wall, listening to the flurry of cloth ruffling and the sound of metal scraping as his sister and Suki spared. Around the corner, he knew that half a dozen little girls were looking into the room. They were eagerly watching, having never really seen Water Tribe girls fight.

"Looks like those girls are at it again," a voice caught Sokka's attention. He narrowed his eyes and carefully peeked around the side of the building. Hahn, his mortal enemy from the Northern Water Tribe, was walking past the lodge, a smirk on his face as he walked along with his little posse. "Although I can hardly call them girls."

Sokka frowned. Hahn had come with the second group of Northern Water Tribe men to help with the construction of the south, much to Sokka's chagrin. And he still hadn't left. The idiot's just trying to impress Chief Arnook...

"It's ridiculous," Hahn continued, oblivious to Sokka standing behind the lodge. "Girls shouldn't be fighting. They should be in the homes taking care of the children."

"To make it worse, all those children are watching," another man said as he motioned towards the little girls who were excitedly looking into the lodge. "It'll give them ideas."

"I don't know what they teach girls on that island, but fighting is for men only. They just don't have enough strength to take on a real man." he added.

Sokka felt his hands clench beside him as he gritted his teeth. Was that he sounded like before he left? An arrogant, ignorant pig who thought women belonged in the house? No wonder Katara and Suki had been so irritated with him.

If only you knew just how amazing they are... Sokka thought to himself.

"I fought the Fire Nation head on," the young man continued, bragging. "And I know they would never cut it."

Sokka couldn't take it any more. He stomped from around the lodge and grabbed a handful of snow. With practiced aim, he hurled it at Hahn's retreating figure, hitting him straight in the head.

"Hey!" The northern boy turned around and instantly glared at Sokka. Then smirked condescendingly. "Well, well...the self proclaimed warrior who was beaten by a girl."

"She's not just any girl, she's the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors," Sokka spat out. "Maybe you just haven't heard of them, having never actually been on the war front and hiding behind your ice gates."

Hahn growled as his companions egged him on. "Watch your mouth. I'm a real warrior. Nothing like you."

"You think you're a warrior? Without any respect, honor or discipline, you're nothing but a little boy with a stick in his hands," Sokka retorted. "Those girls in there are a hundred times the warrior you'll ever be!"

"You want to test that theory?" Hahn hissed as he took a step forward.

"Hey!" Katara's voice shouted from the lodge as she walked out. She wore a frown on her face as she put her hands, still holding the fans, on her hips. "What's going on out here? We can hear you all the way inside!"

"Why don't you stop playing dress up and go back to helping your grandmother at your house, little girl?" Hahn spat out, shifting his anger on to the young woman. "Didn't your mother teach you anything about your place?"

Sokka's fist came out of nowhere and slammed into Hahn's face. "Our mother taught her to become the strong woman she is today! Just because you can't handle it doesn't give you the right to disregard it!"

Hahn lifted his hand to his bleeding lip. He looked down at the red blood on his glove and let out a yell as he leapt up and charged at Sokka. Before he even got within hitting distance, a metal fan flew out and hit him right in the forehead. The young man from the northern tribe fell backwards at the sheer force of the fan.

"I don't know what your mother taught you," Suki retorted as she and Katara joined Sokka by the pathway. "But she should've taught you some manners."

"Tsk..." One of his friends helped him up as he glared at Suki. His cold eyes moved back to Sokka. "You really are a loser. You can't even fight your own battles. Girls have to come and save you."

"That's saying something considering you're the one she knocked to the ground with a FAN." Sokka retorted.

"Don't think I haven't see you around!" Hahn shouted as he shrugged his friends' helping hands away from him. "Trying to defend them just because you like her!" He pointed to Suki and the female warrior's eyes went wide.

She turned her to Sokka with disbelief and slight hope written all over her face. "Sokka..." He hadn't moved. He stood rigid, keeping his face cold as he glared back at Hahn. His tan cheeks showed a hint of pink.

"What, are you watching me now?" Sokka frowned. "My life is none of your business."

"Well, just a friendly little tip on your choices in life," Hahn said sarcastically as he leaned forward. "If I were you, I'd get a girlfriend that wasn't so much of a man. She's never going to make anyone a good wife."

Sokka couldn't hold himself back from lunging at him. As his arms stretched forward, Katara grabbed him and pulled him back. "Keep your narrow minded mouth shut-!"

"Yue I could understand. At least she was a lady, but I don't know what you see in her!"

"Yue?" Suki asked. She looked over at Sokka. "Isn't she your friend from the North Pole?"

"Friend?" Hahn scoffed out before Sokka or Katara could get a word it. "This guy was all over her! If she weren't betrothed to me, you would've bet that he would've asked her father for her hand!"

Sokka's eyes went wide as he paled. Beside him, Suki stumbled back a step. Katara glowered with anger. With an angry yell, she raise her hands, raising piles of snow around Hahn and his group before turning it into ice.

"If you come near us again, Hahn, I'll show just how much of a warrior I really am!" Katara yelled. Stepping back, she pulled her arms back and then shot them forward. The cages of ice encasing Hahn and the others flew all the way down the path way until they slammed into the wall of one of the houses.

She turned back to Suki and Sokka. The brown haired young woman had a defeated look on her face as her eyes looked away from the young man beside her. Sokka looked down, focusing his attention on the metal fan in the snow.

"Suki..." he began softly.

"I didn't know you were that close to her..." Suki said softly. "I'm sorry to hear that she died..."

Sokka crouched down into the snow and picked up the fan. "It's all right..." He stood up and looked up at her. Suki looked distraught. "Suki, I-"

"I have to go change," Suki said suddenly. "I promised Aang and Toph I'd meet them in a bit... Katara, is it okay we end for the day?" She asked, turning to look at Katara, her eyes pleading with her.

The blue eyed brunette nodded solemnly. "Yeah...no problem."

The Kyoshi Warrior lifted her head and gave Sokka a pained smile. "I'll see you at dinner then, okay?"

She quickly walked passed him and Sokka whirled around. "Suki, wait!"

A hand was placed on his shoulder before he could run after her. Sokka turned around and met Katara's consoling eyes. "I'll talk to her," she said quietly. "Girl stuff...you wouldn't understand." She added, trying to smile.

Sokka looked down at the fan in his hand regretfully. He gave a small nod and Katara ran off after their friend. His hands tightened around her fan and he closed his eyes tightly.

"Sokka..." a voice said behind him."I saw everything."

The young warrior turned around and saw Master Pakku walking towards him. His usually stern face as softer, almost understanding. "It's all right."

Sokka took a deep breath and nodded. "I know..."

"I know it hurts to be rejected by a girl." Sokka nearly dropped the fan. He whirled around once more and looked up at the waterbending Master.

"What?" Sokka gasped. He took a step back. "Just how much of that did you hear?"

"I didn't say I heard anything, I said I saw everything," Pakku snapped. "It doesn't take a master to know what's going on."

Sokka rubbed his forehead. "And just what do you think is going on?"

"That young woman from Kyoshi rejected you," The old man told him. He patted Sokka on the back. "It's all right, son. Things like this happen. There's just nothing you can do about it."

"Ugh!" Sokka slapped his forehead. "You want me to take advice on love from you? You who my grandmother crossed an ocean to avoid marrying?"

For a moment, Pakku looked uncomfortable. "That is a...minor...detail-"

"No way," Sokka said, flat out. "I think I'll stick to my own game plan, thank you very much."

"What exactly do you plan to do?" Pakku asked incredulously as Sokka began heading down the path.

"The exact opposite of what you did! I'm going after her!"


Katara silently treaded down the hall of her house. Gran-Gran was out and so was her father. There were no signs of Aang and Toph since they left mid morning to go explore the old land locked Fire Nation ship. She walked pass her room and stopped just outside the partially closed door of the guest room where Toph and Suki slept.

"Suki?" Katara asked quietly. She slowly pulled the door open and peeked inside. A young woman was sitting in the corner, her legs brought up to her chest as she wrapped her arms around her legs. Her face was buried knees. "Suki..."

"Katara...?" Suki lifted her head, her eyes widened. She scrambled up and Katara held her hands up to calm her down.

"Suki, it's all right."

"I was just changing," Suki said, reaching for her neatly folded clothes on top of her sleeping area. "I'll be done in a moment."

"Suki," Katara said, more firmly this time. "Suki, it's okay. I know you like him." The older warrior's movements slowed down and finally stopped. She let out a heavy breath and dropped her arms to her sides. She turned around and looked at Katara sadly.

"That obvious, huh?"

Katara smiled back, understandingly. "Let's just say that I know a little about exchanging sarcasm with someone..."

Suki looked down and sat down on the pelts. She ran her hand down her face. "I know it's weird...he's your brother, after all."

"Don't worry about it," Katara said quietly. "He likes you, too, you know."

Suki's lips curled into a bitter sweet smile. "What about Yue?"

"What about her?"

"It's true what that guy said, isn't it?" Suki asked, looking over at Katara as the waterbender sat down beside her. "Sokka didn't deny it."

Katara looked down at her lap. "I don't know the details...but, yeah...it's true. I know that Sokka really liked Yue. While we were in the North Pole, I'd see him staring at her whenever she passed. When she died...I remember seeing her spirit float down to Sokka. Not her father, not Hahn, but Sokka."

"And then what happened?"

Katara hesitated. "She kissed him," Suki sucked in a sharp breath. "Maybe he did love her. Maybe she did love him. But I'm not lying to you when I say that Sokka likes you." Katara added quickly.

"I don't think it's in the same way..."

"Hahn said that Sokka liked you...and he didn't deny it, did he?" Suki thought for a moment, the shook her head.

"Katara, I know what you're trying to do," Suki told the other girl. "But if Sokka was in love with Yue, a part of him still loves her. I can't take her place."

"No one's asking you take her place," Katara insisted. "Just because he was in love with someone else doesn't mean he can't fall in love with another person afterwards. He's my brother, Suki...I know he feels something for you."

"I can't compete with her, Katara," Suki insisted. "From what Aang told me, Yue was a princess. She was beautiful and elegant...all the things I'm not. I'm rough and tomboyish. You know the whole time in Kyoshi, not a single boy has ever show any interest in me?"

Katara smiled wearily "Heh...would you believe the same thing with me?" she asked. "No one from the Water Tribes has shown any interest in me. I'm fifteen years old...in a few months, I'll be sixteen. That's our marrying age. Usually, by now, someone would've come up to my father or even my brother and asked about me. But no one's said anything. They don't give me so much as a second look."

"That can't be true, Katara!"

"You heard what that idiot Hahn said. Water Tribe girls aren't supposed to act like I do. They're supposed to be demure homebodies. In the Northern Tribe, they didn't even have a say on who they married," Katara told her. "No one wants me because I'm different."

"You're strong," Suki asserted. "And they're just scared. Your brother was right; they just can't handle girls like us."

Katara cracked a smile. "But my brother can," she said, looking up at Suki. "Why do you think he was yelling at those imbeciles in the first place? He was defending you and what you do. He's stronger than they gave him credit for. If you really like a girl...maybe even love her, you wouldn't care that she fought or could bend or was loud and stubborn. You'd like them that way."

Suki stared at Katara for a moment before smiling softly. "You sound as if you've found someone who is a loud and stubborn bender."

"Me?" Katara's face felt warm. Her eyes darted to the side. "It's nothing."

"Oh, come on," Suki said as she elbowed Katara gently. "I admitted I like your brother..."

"That's typically not something a sister wants to hear."

"Katara..." Suki egged with a warm smile. "Who is he? Is he cute?"

You should've seen him in the rain, Suki...his wet clothes sticking to every contour of his body... "Well...kind of-" She smiled slightly.

"Ah-hah! So he does exist!" Suki pounced and Katara blushed furiously. "So...where is he? What does he do? When do I get to meet him?"

Katara's smile faded and she turned her head away. "He's not here...I...we..." Katara took a deep breath and looked back at Suki. "It just wouldn't work out between the two of us."

The other brunette tilted her head to the side and studied her. "What do you mean it wouldn't work out? Didn't he feel the same way?"

Katara could still feel his lips against hers and closed her eyes. "No...that was the problem," Her eyes opened and looked back at a confused Suki. "We belonged in two different places. Our lives were too different. We both knew it would never work out."

"But if you two loved each other-"

"Then I wouldn't hold him back from something he had worked his whole life to attain," Katara cut her off. She smiled sadly. "its okay, Suki. I have memories...they're enough for me."

The warrior reached over and gave Katara a tight hug. "I'm sorry..." Katara wrapped her arms around Suki and hugged her back.

As she pulled away, she smiled reassuring at Suki as she blinked back the tears that threatened to fall. "It's over for me...but for you..."

A knock sounded on the door and the two girls looked up. "Who is it?" Suki called out.

"It's Sokka," he said behind the door. "I know you don't want to talk to me right, but...when you feel like it, I'd like to..."

Katara and Suki looked at each other. "Good luck." Katara said. She stood up and offered her hand. Suki took it and stood up. The blue eyed waterbender walked over to the door and opened it.

"Katara?" Sokka gasped.

"She's all yours." Katara grinned, patting him on the shoulder as she slipped out the door. She turned and pushed him in.

"Hey!" Sokka gasped as he stumbled into the room. He whirled around to glare at his sister, but she closed the door behind him.

"So..." a voice said in front of him. He turned back around and saw Suki standing there, looking somewhat hesitant. He didn't notice the door open just a little bit. "You wanted to talk?"


He had successfully avoided any and all contact with the over two dozen young women who were wandering the palace on the premise of learning. This was because he had scheduled all his meetings in the eastern wing of the palace while they were assigned to take their classes and reside in the western wing.

Zuko applauded his brilliant idea. The palace was a massive structure and it would take minutes to get from what end to the other. And a minute or two was all he needed to sneak from his study to the small dining area before anyone saw him. As long as no one drew any attention to him, he was fine.

"Zuko!"

The young Fire Lord nearly slammed a flaming fist into the nearest pillar. Iroh's cheerful voice echoed through the palace, probably alerting every single female in the surrounding area of his location.

"Damn it, Uncle..."

"I was wondering when you were coming out of your study. How was the meeting with the admirals earlier?" Iroh said as he appeared beside Zuko.

"Uncle, please keep your voice down." Zuko hissed as he started walking towards the dining room.

"Why?" Iroh asked, not changing the volume of his voice in the slightest. "Do you have a headache?"

"No!" Zuko shouted. He mentally swore and lowered his voice. "I am just trying to get from my study to the dining area to eat; undisturbed."

Iroh narrowed his eyes suspiciously and looked his nephew up and down. "You're hiding from someone."

"Lord Zuko!" a high pitched voice called out. Zuko visibly cringed.

"I'm not hiding from someone. I'm hiding from everyone." he stated behind gritted teeth.

Iroh sighed. "You know, most teenage boys your age would find their attention flattering."

"Uncle, do something!" Zuko demanded. The old general stepped back.

"Actually, I can't. I have a monthly meeting of the Lotus Society in the tea room." Iroh told him. It was a blatant lie and they both knew it. Zuko's eyes widened.

"You don't have monthly meetings for the Lotus Society! You're in a secret society!" he screamed. However, Iroh was already down the hall, having left his nephew alone in the halls to fend for himself.

"Lord Zuko!" He turned around. Half a dozen young women dressed in dark red colored clothes, the uniform provided for the participants, were coming towards him.

His mind whirled, trying to come up with some sort of escape plan. But he was too slow and soon he was faced with several eager faces.

"Lord Zuko, how do you do this evening?"

"Very well, thank you," Zuko said. You will pay for this Uncle..."How are your studies?" How dare you abandon the Fire Lord when he needs you! "The instructors have told me that everything is progressing smoothly."

"Everything has been interesting and we've all taken to the instructions very well." the girl at the head of the group said.

Zuko nodded. "Excellent. I'm glad to hear that. If you believe there is anything the instruction is missing, please tell us. We want to be as comprehensive as possible."

The girls nodded and giggled amongst themselves. "Lord Zuko, are you going to eat dinner now?"

"We are about to have dinner in the main dining hall. Would please honor us with your presence, Lord Zuko?" another girl asked.

Zuko straightened up and gave them an apologetic bow of his head. "I'm afraid I will not be able to join you and I apologize. There is quite a large pile of documents that must be reviewed by morning and I was just heading over to finish them," Disappointment was apparent in their faces as Zuko slipped out of the little half circle they formed around them. "Perhaps some other time, ladies."

As soon as he was far enough, he made a beeline for his study and quickly rounded the corner.

"Damn!" The main girl hissed most unladylike as she glared at the other girls. "Why did you have to follow me?"

"Do you really think we'd let you have Lord Zuko all to yourself?" another girl retorted. "You must be dreaming."

"I haven't seen Lord Zuko since the night of the introduction ceremonies!"

"And you think we have?" another girl spat out. "And what makes you think he would actually have dinner with us?"

"I didn't see you coming up with any other idea!"

"Lord Zuko always has his meals alone or with his Uncle," the second girl informed the others. "My father told me so."

"Well, your father is wrong," the first girl replied arrogantly. "I happened to hear from the cooking staff that he also had his meals in a smaller room with his former guests."

Suddenly, the six girls lapsed into utter disgust. "He actually shared his meals with that waterbender?"

"So it is true. Everyone's been talking about his relationship the Avatar's female follower. But I never believed that it would actually be true!"

"It can't be true. I've see her! She's dark and dirty and has absolutely no manners. What would he want with her?"

"Heh...maybe she just knew how to make a man...happy." another said snidely. The girls all snickered, not noticing the pale, thin young woman that suddenly joined them.

"Well...they are friends," came a bored sounding voice. The girls instantly jumped apart, all their eyes going to the young woman with the narrowed gray eyes. "Palace gossip is just that. You shouldn't believe everything you hear."

"Mai..." one girl said, as if sickened by her mere presence."Do you take up eaves dropping now along with treachery?"

The other girls laughed and were quickly silenced by Mai's cold look. "It's much better of a hobby than talking behind other people's back. At least I have the confidence to do it in their faces."

The other girl narrowed her eyes. "What do you know of Lord Zuko's affiliations, anyway?"

"You just pointed out that I had fought against Lord Zuko and the Avatar before. Have you forgotten already? I've see the waterbender you speak do disrespectfully of and you should do well to remember that she, along with the Avatar and Lord Zuko ended the war that killed several of your relatives." Mai told them calmly.

"Why are you defending her, Mai? Are you trying to get on Lord Zuko's good side?"

"I'm not trying to get into anyone's side." Mai replied.

"That's no surprise. I remember you never really had any friends at the Academy."

"Not any friends like you. Azula might have been overbearing and controlling and Ty Lee overzealous and loud, but they always had more intelligence than any of you. You all speak badly of someone you see as competition. Funny, isn't it? You claim she's dirty and lacks manners and that Lord Zuko would never see anything in her, but the reason you demean her is because you find her a threat."

"I would watch what you say, Mai. My father-"

"If your father takes orders from you and folds at his daughter's every little whim, he's not much of a father is he?" Mai cut in sharply. She turned around and started walking away. "Stop deluding yourselves and focus on the reason you were brought here for; learning the arts. Lord Zuko and the waterbender are allies. It would be wise not to disgrace one in front of the other."

The gray eyed young woman ignored their angry glares as she turned the corner. "Mai."

Her eyes widened as she saw the young Fire Lord standing by the railing, over looking one of the gardens. She immediately lowered her head and fought down a blush. Had he heard her little speech to the other girls? How embarrassing!

"I hope I did not over step my boundaries, Lord Zuko."

"No, you did what I asked you to do. Quell any rumors you hear about any so called relationship Katara. I will see to the staff that's been spreading rumors."

"Yes, my Lord." Zuko disappeared into a room, leaving Mai alone in the hall. As he closed the door behind him, he looked up and frowned. Iroh was sitting by a table drinking tea.

"This is your secret meeting?"

"No one knew, did they?" Iroh asked, motioning for him to sit. Zuko took a seat and shook his head as Iroh offered him some tea. "That Mai is a nice girl."

"It makes me wonder what she's planning."

"She's not planning anything Zuko," Iroh sighed. "Could it be that she just didn't like way the girls were speaking? Azula might not have been the best niece in the world, but she knew how to pick loyal, intelligent friends. She would never have put up with girls like those in the hall. She didn't have the patience and would probably have set them on fire."

"I'm still suspicious." Zuko asserted.

"Has she been following you? Do you sense someone watching you?"

Zuko shook his head. "No...but you never know."

"Do you think that the Avatar suspected us this badly when we joined him and his friends?" Iroh asked. Zuko lifted his head and looked away, guilty.

"He didn't...but his friends did."

"And what about now? Do you think his friends still hate us?"

Zuko closed his eyes as the memory of her hands gently caressing his face as two beautiful orbs looked into his intently. Her warm hands on his, keeping him warm in the pouring rain. "No."

"Then give her the benefit of the doubt. You never know. Maybe one day, she, too, will become your ally."


Sokka stood across from Suki, unsure of where to start. His hand tightened around her fan as Suki looked back at him.

"Suki, I..." he trailed off weakly.

"You love her don't you?" Suki asked quietly. Sokka's eyes left hers and nodded.

"Yeah..."

"I'm not mad, you know." His head rose to meet hers.

"You're not?" He asked, surprised. Suki smiled sadly.

"Disappointed...sad, yes...but I'm not mad," Suki told him. "Katara told me that Yue felt something for you, too. You should count yourself lucky."

"Suki-"

"I bet she was great," She continued on, stopping him from speaking for fear that his words would crush her. Her hands grasped the cloth of her uniform. "Aang said she's the moon goddess now. I can only imagine how pretty she is."

Sokka nodded. "She was..."

"I'd love to hear more about her," Suki told him. "Really..." Silence drifted between them the air in the room grew thicker. Finally, Sokka spoke up.

"What do you want to know?" Sokka asked. "Yue was practically the perfect lady. She was pretty and graceful. She was respectful, kind, generous, and had an amazing smile."

Suki struggled to keep the pain stabbing at her heart hidden. "Her hair was white, too, wasn't it? That's pretty amazing."

"Yeah, it was," Sokka said. He took a step forward. "Suki, I'm not going to lie to you. I did...do...still love Yue," He almost hit himself when he saw the expression on her face. "But there's something else!"

"What else is there?" Suki murmured.

The male warrior swallowed nervously. He didn't know how to explain how he felt. He didn't even known if she'd understand. "I...she's not the only person I feel something for," Sokka reached forward and tried to take her hand, but she pulled back. "Suki."

"I'm sorry, Sokka." she whispered as she turned away.

"What? Sorry for what?" he gasped. "You didn't do anything."

"Do you really like me?" Suki asked, unsure if it was even true. Sokka felt his face heat up, but he nodded. She shook her head. "Then I'm sorry."

"Why?" Sokka gasped.

"You're still in love with Yue, Sokka. I can't...I can't compete with that..." she told him sadly. "I like you...a lot. But I don't want to be the runner-up."

Sokka narrowed his eyes. "Do you think that's what you are?" Sokka gasped. "That because I couldn't be with Yue, you'll my second pick?"

"But you can't be with her-"

"Yue is special, but so are you!" Sokka exclaimed. His face felt hot. The room felt hot. "Before I met you, I was just as bigoted and stupid as Hahn. Because of you, I've learned to respect and admire women. I've learned that you didn't have to be male to be a strong, competent warrior. Yes, I love Yue. But just because I do doesn't mean I can't love you!"

Suki's eyes widened and she felt her heart leap to her throat. Immediately, she shook her head, refusing to allow hope to take over. "But if she were alive-"

"Don't say things like that!" Sokka told her desperately. "Why do you have to question it? Why can't you just go with what you feel?"

On the other side of the door, Katara's eyes widened. She raised her hand and clutched it against her beating heart as she leaned against the wall.

Sokka reached over and grabbed Suki's hand. Her face flooded with warmth. "Sokka, what-"

He led her over to the window and pulled open the shutters. He pointed up to a nearly full moon still hanging in the day sky. "She is right there!" Sokka said. "Everyone is always talking like she's dead, but she's not! She's right there and looking down right at us. She never left us! But even though I love her, it wasn't meant to be! Do you know why?"

The female warrior nodded. "Because...because she's the moon spirit-"

"No!" Sokka gasped. He looked at Suki with desperate eyes. "Have you ever thought that maybe it's because I'm destined to be with someone else?"

The room went quiet and Suki stared at him. Her eyes began to water. "Sokka...I don't know if I can..."

"I'm not asking for right now," Sokka assured her. His hand wrapped around hers and brought it against his chest. "I'm just saying that when the time comes, please don't push me away. I knew there was something special about you when we first met and it wasn't the extreme over use of make-up."

Her lip curled up in a slight smile at his attempt at a joke. "What's so good about me?" she coughed out, trying to keep herself from crying.

"What isn't?" Sokka asked gently. "You're smart. You're pretty. You can kick my butt," he added with a slight smile. "You look great in the uniform."

She chuckled and raised her hand. She gently touched the side of his face and looked up into his eyes. "Sokka, I...It will be difficult. Everything that you just told me is overwhelming. But I really like you. It couldn't hurt to try..."

Relief flooded his face. "Good, because I really don't want to end up like Master Pakku - oomph!"

Katara heard her brother gasp and peeked through the door. Her eyes widened with surprise and then softened. A small smile graced her face as she stepped back from the door and walked away from the room.

Sokka felt Suki's lips leave his. Her kiss was just like her; strong, passionate, and good. Very, very good. He smiled dumbly as she giggled at his expression. Slowly, her amusement left.

Her eyes saddened slightly as she held his hand. "Sokka...this will take some time. I learned a lot to day and..." she trailed off and Sokka nodded.

"I know..." he said quietly."But if you're willing to...I'll wait. I'll wait as long as it takes you. All I know is that I really like you, Suki. And I think that-" Suki smiled and kissed him once more, softly brushing her lips against his. As she pulled away she looked up at his burning face.

"You don't have to say any more," She wrapped her arms around his neck and unconsciously put his arms around her, pulling her close. "Thank you, Sokka."


Katara quietly stepped into her room. She closed the door and leaned back against it. Part of her was happy that things were cleared up between Sokka and Suki. It was not as stable, but time would make up for that. The point was that Suki was giving him a chance and Sokka had told her how he felt.

The other part of her was slightly envious. Sokka and Suki now, at least, had each other. It was a start. And Katara? She had no one.

Her heart was aching again. Katara walked across her room and fell down on to the pelts and blankets of her sleeping area. She wrapped her arms around a pillow and buried her face in them.

Her bed was nothing compared to his. Her eyes closed tightly as she remembered the softness of his pillows and sheets. They were so smooth against her skin. And warm. What do you really miss, Katara? The bed or the owner of the bed?

She opened her eyes and turned her head to the side. A wooden turtle duck stared back at her. Katara groaned and buried her head in her pillow. Everywhere in her room, she was reminded of Zuko. Her bed only reminded her of his silk sheets that she had rested in. The turtle duck reminded her of their time together. The clothes that were put away of the Fire Nation. The water fountain of the pond and the rain.

The rain. She closed her eyes tightly and hugged the pillow against her. She suddenly missed the rain.

"Katara! Sokka!" a voice shouted from outside of her room. Katara's eyes shot open and she sat up in bed. "Suki! Where are you guys?"

Toph's voice echoed in the house made out of ice and from the hall, two doors opened. "Toph, what is it?" Katara asked as she rushed out.

"Is it Aang?" Sokka said as he stumbled out of the other room, his hand still holding on to Suki's. His eyes widened with horror. "Oh no! Did he fall down a well?"

"No!" Toph said, stomping her foot. "You don't even have wells here!"

"Then what is it?" Katara asked.

"Come outside!" Toph reached out in the direction of Katara's voice. The waterbender reached out and took Toph's hand. She glanced back at Suki and Sokka, who shrugged. They followed the younger girl outside into the street.

"Toph! Toph, what is it!" Suki gasped. "Is it an emergency?"

"No! Better!" Toph insisted. "Aang!" She called out. The Avatar was standing in front of Appa.

"We have a surprise for you guys!" Aang said cheerfully. "Presenting..." he paused for effect."The Kyoshi Warriors!"

Appa yawned as several girls leapt out from behind him, all dressed in full Warrior regalia and make up. "Ta-da!"

"Guys!" Suki yelled. She dropped Sokka's hand and rushed forward, arms extended. Sokka groaned, feeling left out. "You're a day early!"

"Well, we were going to take an Earth Kingdom ship, but a Fire Nation ship was leaving earlier, so we talked to the captain and he brought us over!" one of the girls said.

"You hitched a ride on a Fire Nation ship?" Suki gasped. She grinned widely. "Today is full of surprises!"

"Oh yeah, Katara!" one of the girls smiled and waved at the blue eyed waterbender. "The captain of the ship is talking to your dad."

"Huh?" Katara looked confused.

"Dakota's invited the captain and the crew to eat up at the lodge tonight," Aang explained. "It's to celebrate the arrival of everyone."

"Oh..." Katara nodded. "I should go tell the women of the village about preparing food."

"Not yet!" Suki said. Her hand shot forward and grabbed Katara before she could leave. She brought her into the group of warriors.

"Are you forgetting we have a surprise for you?" one of the girls said. "We've been meaning to give you this for a while, but it took a while to make."

Katara was presented with a large paper wrapped package. Two metal fans were opened over the top, creating a circle. "Is this...what I think it is?" she asked in a shaking voice.

With one of the girls holding it, she slit open the paper and gasped. Gorgeous green threads looked back at her from the neatly folded uniform. "Katara, we think that if you were born on Kyoshi Island, you could definitely be a Kyoshi Island Warrior. So we'd like to bestow this to you, as an honorary Kyoshi Warrior."

"Oh my..." Katara's eyes watered slightly as a wide smile graced her face. She clutched the package against her and reached up to hug Suki. "Thank you so much! I can't wait to show everyone!"

The girls laughed as they each received a grateful hug. "They said that they would've gotten your brother one, but he didn't make the cut." Toph piped smugly.

"Hey, I am still the only boy who's ever been a Kyoshi Warrior." Sokka said defensively.

"But it's not done yet!" Suki said excitedly.

"It's not?" Katara asked, smiling dumbly. She looked around at the group of girls, confused.

"We just happened to be going through the Earth Kingdom when we ran into someone. Apparently, they know you guys, too. What a small world, huh?" one of the girls told them. Katara nodded, still confused.

"Anyway, when we found out that he knew who you are, we thought we'd bring him along!"

"He?" Katara asked in a small voice.

The girls all lined up in front of Appa and held up their fans. "Appa, let's move!" Aang said as he motioned for the bison to move away.

"Ready?" Suki asked as Appa was moved to the side. Katara nodded, her stomaching twisting in knots.

"Ta-da!" The girls pulled their fans away and Katara's package fell to the icy ground.

His clothes hadn't changed much. Still the neutral earth tones from when they first met. His hair was still long and tied back. A shy smile graced his lips as he raised a hand in a sheepish wave. "Hey...long time no see, Katara."

"Haru..."


A.N. - Okay, so we have the appearance of a secondary love interest for Katara (it's been done, I know). Mai is trying to redeem herself. This chapter was very Sokka x Suki, but I felt their relationship need to be addressed somehow. Sorry for going off on tangents! Thank you again for reading!