A/N. I am going in the slightly lighter stuff next chapter! After all the angst, I think it will be good to have a slight break. Next time, will be Aang and a lot of misunderstandings! But in a good way!

I don't own Avata the Last Airbender.

"That was Jinora's classroom!"

Katara pulled Aang back, putting her arms around his waist, so that he could not break away. The airbender fell on his knees, watching the building collapse into the abyss. She felt how he was shaking, and quickly got closer to him, pressing herself against his back.

The waterbender heard a soft groan coming from him, and quickly it changed into shouting. Incomprehensible and haunting, Aang was crying and shouting. After a few moments, Katara recognized some of the words. He was screaming in his own language…

"... Why…"

"Stop…"

She felt her own eyes fill with tears, and just let him shout, as the dust was settling. Behind her, she could hear the others walking up. The waterbender turned around, and saw how her brother, helping Toph, were close behind them, and that the others were also coming towards them. She shook her head towards Sokka, who understood, and backed off, followed by a limping Toph.

"It's alright Aang." She whispered softly, hoping with all her might that he would get into the Avatar State. It had been a long time since she had seen him like this… The last time had been in the desert, but this… This sounded just as harrowing. There was no anger, or even rage, as had been the vase when Appa had been stolen…

No, this was just pure sorrow and despair.

"Unle kë gar ita!"

That one, Katara understood perfectly.

What did she do to you!

And now, Katara realized what he was doing. Aang was howling at the Spirits, asking them in whatever way he or the people here had deserved all that had happened. Her heart cracked at the sight of his eyes, screwed shut in an expression of unimaginable pain. She kept him in her arms, trying to calm him down. It was unfair, it was! He had seen his whole race disappear in a matter of days, in his eyes… And to return to places he loved before… To find them in ruins… Spirits, she couldn't even imagine how that would feel…

And added to all the pain he felt about that, was the pain that he had failed the invasion, to stop the Fire Lord… That the airbender had failed to save their friends from captivity and death. And also... Added to all of that, was the worry about her.

Spirits, he really had all the weight of the world on his shoulders, and nothing he could do to make that burden slightly lighter.

Aang had stopped screaming and was now just shaking.

"I… I'm alright. Sorry." He muttered, opening his eyes. Katara, with her head on his shoulder, looked at his eyes. The gentle grey looked broken, exhausted and just… so sad.

"Nothing to be sorry about Aang… You know that. We understand, you don't need to explain. We know…" The answered softly, before lowering her voice even more.

"If… If you want to talk about it… I'm always here. Always." She whispered in his ear, and a very, very faint smile graced his lips.

"I know… I will. It is just… That school had some good memories. And they are gone now…" Ah… So the building had been the school. Katara realized know that whatever had happened inside that building before the genocide, it had been important for him. And seeing the ruins of the building that still clung to the canyon side, she thought about it.

How many generations of nuns had been educated in that building? How many people had been taught their letters and numbers in there? Some of the people would have loved that building, some would probably have hated it… And the history… There, Avatar Yangchen had been a schoolgirl… And even Aang had been given lessons there for a month.

And some girl named Jinora had been a teacher there. Aang had said that it had not been a girl he loved… Or at least, not like he loved her. But still, the girl or woman had been so important to him that his whole being suffered at the sight of that loss…

He had said it wasn't a girlfriend… or his mother. He would never have called his mother by her name, of course. But… A friend? No, everyone here had been friends to him. Aang always considered people his friends, even if he didn't know them. He just… assumed they could be friends.

No, this Jinora had been more than that…

Katara stood up, and held a hand to Aang, who took it and also got up. For a moment, he just looked in her eyes, smiled, and then walked to the fountain, where debris had fallen into the small pool of water that remained inside the basin.

Sokka and Toph joined her where she stood. Her brother was carrying the earthbender on his back, for her feet were still badly burned.

"Thank you." He whispered, making sure Aang couldn't hear his words, "I don't know what we would have done if he had got in the Avatar State…" Actually… It surprised her that he hadn't got into it. Normally, with such events, Aang would be all glowing eyes and storms… But not now. Why?

"I didn't do it for that." Katara answered shortly.

"I know… The guy could use some good news…" Sokka spoke, and the tone made her raise an eyebrow. Why did it sound accusing? She turned her head to face her brother, and saw those ice blue eyes fixed on her, with the same kind of reproach as she had heard in his voice.

"What?" She asked.

"I seem to remember that a week or so ago, I asked you not to hurt him. You did." The reproachful look disappeared from his eyes, and then, just resignation, "I guess I understand what you did… But look at the guy. He is already a mess. He doesn't need the drama."

Ah… So, her brother had known. Sokka had indeed known about the necklace, as she had suspected… And now, was quietly, but clearly, asking her what is the spirits name possessed her to say no.

It was clear, no? It was not like she wanted to say no! Actually, she had not even said no!

"Sokka…" She began, annoyed, but her brother cut her off.

"I know, none of my business! I don't want it to be my business. But you two figure your shit out, because he needs to be in a fighting shape. And he is not, at this moment!"

Katara nodded, already knowing she and Aang were planning to talk about it. So, the airbender had probably confided in her brother about what had happened yesterday evening… And she couldn't blame him, she had been planning to do the same…

As she looked at the ruined building, Katara saw a flash of gold and red, hanging on the vines at the other temple, the one on which Combustion Man had been standing. Squinting her eyes, she realized… It was Zuko.

He had survived.

Yay.

The waterbender had kind of hoped that the prince had fallen to his death. But of course, no luck. Sure, the firebender could serve a purpose… But she didn't like it. Aang's teachers were supposed to be friends and people he trusted. Not… Whatever that prince was. Traitor. Weak. Cruel.

How could the other even think about it? Zuko had chased them over the whole world! Sure, Sokka had been on her side the day before… But the willingness he had shown to take the prince prisoner this morning… It had shown a shift in his way of thinking. Had her brother changed his mind, and seen the positive side of this? Sure, there was one.

Katara wasn't blind, and not so consumed by hatred that she couldn't see that good side of it. If Zuko taught Aang how to firebend, it would mean that the airbender could defend himself from it, and it could give them an edge, because Ozai would never be prepared for a firebender to attack him! She doubted that the Fire Lord had even really fought a firebender once. Sure, sparring and training, perhaps. But a real fight, to the death? No… He would never be able to fight that off.

But… Why Zuko? He had betrayed them once before! What was stopping him from doing it again? He claimed that he was good now! Sure, why not. Perhaps today. Perhaps tomorrow. But what would happen if Azula came walking in, promising him daddy's love and affection? What then?

"I'll get him." Aang stated from behind her. She snapped her head around, looking at him. The grey eyes had also been watching Zuko struggle up the vines.

"Tui and La, no. He will not even come close to you." She answered, with far more irritation in her voice than Katara had planned.

"Someone will need to help him. And I'm the only one capable of getting him." Aang answered, patiently, but still with that pained expression in his eyes.

"He got there all by himself. He surely will be capable of getting here. I'm still against it. You know that, right?" She sighed, watching as Zuko pulled himself up the terrasse on the other building. Spirits… not even a scratch. That was a bummer.

"I know Tara… But he helped us there. We can at least give him the benefit of the doubt. Everyone deserves that." Aang sighed, but didn't move. Katara, standing next to him, could appreciate that. At least, they would not give Zuko help. He needed to make his own way.

And she watched, as the scarred prince did just that. She and the airbender stood close to the fountain, as Toph and Sokka sat on the ledge of the basin, and the others stood behind them, all in silence.

Katara watched as the firebender found small holes in the side of the cliff against which the temple was built, and how he climbed, slowly but surely, towards their position on the terrasse. Great. Just freaking great. Apparently, that… prince… knew the layout of the temple. Probably because his people had taken their time here. Finding every passage, every small hidden room. How long had Fire Nation soldiers stayed here after the slaughter? Weeks? Months?

The Southern Air Temple had clearly been left just after the battle, because they had left their own dead. Maybe the soldiers had been disgusted by their acts. By killing children. But this place seemed too clean, too well preserved. It seemed like this place had been tidied up after the killing. After their massacre.

The last stretch, Zuko had to jump, but he managed that. Of course. The firebender landed on the terrasse, and walked, uneasily towards them. Good. At least he was afraid.

Aang stepped forward, holding his staff vertically, standing on the ground, to show he didn't mean to attack the firebender. Katara knew that that didn't mean anything, for if someone could move faster than the blink of an eye, it was the airbender. But still, it showed his willingness to talk.

If she had been the only one taking a decision, she would already have tossed the firebender over the edge and into the canyon. But yeah… they decided together.

"I can't believe I am saying this… But thank you." Aang spoke, and Katara observed that he didn't bow. Yet another good sign. The airbender always bowed when speaking to someone he respected, or who deserved his respect. At least, he wasn't being overly polite.

"Ahum. I did the boomerang thing, remember. Kind of took the crazy attacker out. But hey, no big deal." Sokka grumbled, and Katara nodded. Yeah, Zuko had just delayed Combustion Man. Her brother had stopped the attack.

Aang turned slightly, keeping one eye on the firebender, who still stood awkwardly n front of them, and nodded at her brother. Sokka smiled too. Yeah, they were good. Because they didn't need thanks for doing the good thing.

"Listen, I know I didn't explain myself very well yesterday. I get why you won't trust me. I've been through a lot in the past few mo… no, years. It has been hard. But those hard things made me realize one thing. The truth." Zuko spoke in that raspy voice of his.

Katara scoffed. As if his one brain cell could comprehend the truth. The truth was that the Fire Nation had destroyed everything. Whole cultures were gone because of them! Even their own nation wasn't anything more than an engine for the rich, those who profited from the war. The people in power didn't care about the welfare of their people! The Fire Nationals were just pawns in their little game.

And those powerful people had destroyed so much. The Air Nomads, the Southern Water Tribe, whole swaths of Earth Kingdom territory! And… And her future. Her family.

"I… I thought I had lost my honour, and that my father could return it to me. But now… I know that no one can give you your honour. It is something you earn for yourself…. By choosing to do what is right. All I want now is to play my part in ending the war. And I think it is my destiny to help you restore balance to the world."

Ah. So that was it. That idiot wanted their help to overthrow his father. Of course there had to be something in it for him! All that talk about no one can give you honour, only yourself. All ostrich horse shit.

Zuko wanted to be Fire Lord. And was probably afraid that his dear sister would usurp that throne. So, he came to the only people who could defeat her and Ozai. Them!

Of course he didn't want to help them just for restoring balance! His kind had destroyed that balance!

"I apologize to you." Zuko bowed towards Toph, who was still sitting with her feet in the water, in that ridiculous new bow the Fire Nationals did, with those moving flames hand gesture. Spirits, how stupid did someone need to look?

"It was an accident. Fire is dangerous and wild. So, as a firebender, I need to be more careful and control my bending, so I don't hurt people unintentionally."

Oh no.

No…

That would surely make sense to Aang. The airbender had been so sorry after burning her all those months ago. After that, he hadn't wanted to even talk about firebending once more! Aang had been afraid of what he had done, and now, Katara understood that some of that fear had probably been about her not wanting to talk to him anymore. But she had never been angry about that. Sure, it had hurt, but she had not been angry with him.

She looked at the airbender next to her… And saw the understanding in those gentle grey eyes.

No.

"Do you really think that?" Aang asked.

"I do." Zuko answered.

Fuck.

"I think you are supposed to be my firebending teacher." Aang took a step forward, and Katara closed her eyes in silent irritation. Everything but this. Take him prisoner! Let him stay here, where they can keep an eye on him while she healed Toph! But Tui and La, don't trust that viper owl!

"When I first tried to learn firebending, I burned my… friend." Aang gestured at her, and Katara couldn't help but notice the slight hesitation, and the apological look he cast towards her.

She pursed her lips but agreed. It was better if Zuko didn't know. Just in case… He did run back to Daddy and dear Sister.

"After that, I never wanted to firebend again. But if you are being truthful about wanting to avoid hurting people… I would like you to teach me." And… Aang. Bowed.

Katara had to literally bit on her tongue to avoid saying something rather rude.

"Thank you." Zuko bowed too.

Sure. Act all polite and honourable. She knew it wouldn't last.

"I'm so happy you have accepted me into your group." The firebender… Smiled. Spirits, that looked wrong. As if a polar dog bear was trying to hug and eat you at the same time.

"Not so fast. I'm not calling the shots. My friends all have to agree." Aang objected, and Katara felt relieved. At least he wasn't totally buying this whole change! At least he was not going to act impulsively!

"Toph? You got hurt, what do you think?" Aang turned to the blind girl.

"Sure, I was never against it. And it will give me plenty of time to crush him into a small pancake for burning my feet." The blind girl grinned meanly, but Katara saw the amusement under all that tough act. Yeah, she had already lost Toph's support.

The waterbender watched as the airbender turned to Sokka.

"Hey, all I want is a dead Fire Lord. If this is the way to get that, fine." Her brother answered, and of course, he was going to be logical. Of course.

"And you?" Aang asked Haru, Teo and The Duke, who had been hanging slightly back.

"As long as I don't need watch him." Haru answered, with the other two nodding behind him.

That left… her.

The airbender turned to her. Why had he left her last? Of course, if she said no, he would accept it, and sent Zuko away. But the others had a point! If, by a small miracle, that prince wasn't planning on betraying them… It was good news. At least, Aang would learn firebending. At least, he would be able to defend himself against the Fire Lord!

She didn't answer for a moment but turned her eyes towards Zuko. Katara looked. A long time. Seeing how the firebender looked at her, and his expression changed from relief to anxious. Good. Let him be in fear. Let him look over his shoulder. Let him cower like they had done those few months. Let him be the prey for once.

"I'll go along with what you think is right. Because I trust you." Katara answered, taking her eyes off the firebender, to look at Aang, who smiled tentatively at her, clearly relieved at her reaction.

"I promise I won't let you down!" Zuko nearly shouted, also relieved.

"Oh, I hope not. I'll have some questions for you at lunch." Sokka face took a wolfish expression, and Katara couldn't help but be glad that no one actually trusted the firebender, but rather, trusted in Aang, and his judgement.

The prince looked hesitant.

See! He doesn't want to tell us secrets!

But then, Zuko nodded.

"Alright. Do you have belongings at your campsite?" Aang asked.

"Just a bag, and a few other things. I'll go and get them." Zuko answered, already turning towards the steps carved into the cliff side.

"Oh no. You stay here. I'll get it." Her brother interjected.

Smart. That meant that if there were soldiers somewhere, that the firebender couldn't warn them. Zuko looked like he wanted to protest, but seemed to realize he wouldn't win this discussion, so he nodded.

"Alright. My camp is just northeast of here, in a small clearing in the woods there. There is a bag with clothes, a leather bag with my swords, and a moneybag. I also have a small air balloon there. That is how I managed to follow you so quickly." Zuko nearly tripped over the words, that was how fast he was giving them all the information.

Well. At least he was doing a great job of seeming trustworthy. But Katara knew better.

Her brother took Appa, who had clearly been edging to fly, for he nearly jumped into the air the moment Sokka sat down on his head, followed by Momo. Zuko stayed standing on the same place, looking at them, one at the time, as if he was judging how prepared they each were for an attack. Katara kept looking at him, backing slightly away, to sit down next to Toph.

"I don't need my feet to know you don't like this." The blind girl said, as Katara looked how Aang stepped towards the firebender, a wide smile on his face. His fake smile. At least, that was good. Don't trust the prince. One wrong move and she would skin him alive.

"No, I don't. But you were… right. Aang needs a teacher. And if this sorry excuse of a human is our only option…" Katara muttered, looking closely as Aang pointed to the guest building. Oh no, not there! That did it! She would move her stuff out this afternoon! She was not going to sleep next to the firebender!

"Hey, you wanted to kill him three months ago! If he does something stupid, at least you get your wish." Toph punched her arm.

Yes. She was already looking forward to that. For it wasn't a matter of if. No… Rather a moment of when.

An hour later, Sokka returned with the stuff. It had been exactly as Zuko had said, so that was good. He had, however, forgotten to mention that the swords were not ceremonial. But sharp and clearly used. Well, at least they knew he was walking around with fire and sharp swords. Perfect.

"Shall we show you your room?" Aang suggested, to which the firebender nodded. Sokka joined them, going over the bridge. Katara watched as the trio disappeared inside the building.

"Should we watch him?" Haru asked, coming to stand next to her and Toph. The waterbender smiled. She had been noticing that the earthbender was always trying do something for them. He had been the one who had gone to look for firewood yesterday afternoon, had looked through the building to make sure no unpleasant surprises awaited them… And if she wasn't mistaken, Aang's little matchmaking effort just before the invasion was bearing its fruits, because Haru was clearly trying to impress someone. And yesterday, when Katara had been trying to make Toph at least change her shirt before going to sleep, she had seen Haru casting more than a few glances towards them. Toph had an admirer!

"No, let him think you all trust him. I will watch him. He won't even manage to touch a hair on Aang's hea… Well, you know what I mean." Katara spoke darkly, still looking at the building.

"Oh… Yeah, maybe that is better." Haru nodded, and Katarasmiled thinly at him, before standing up, and making her way to the guest building. She was not sleeping there tonight! But what would be the harm in checking where that prince was staying?

"… Okay, this is really weird Air Head. You sure about this?" Her brother's voice carried because of the empty corridor, and Katara quickly ducked in her room.

"We won't know before we tried Sokka. At least here he won't be able to do any damage." Aang's voice answered, and Katara heard footsteps going through the passageway. As the footsteps receded, Katara got out of her room, and looked on her left. The others had come from there, meaning that Zuko was there.

Why not?

Why not threaten him? Just a little bit. Aang didn't need to know. Just to warn the firebender of the danger he was in if something happened.

A door, looking in a better state than most, was open. Katara had actually hesitated between this room and the room she had finally chosen. Walking over, she saw how the firebender was standing, with his back turned to the door, looking at something. Leaning against the doorpost, Katara watched as Zuko put whatever he was looking at down, and apparently, he had heard her, because he turned, his eyes widening when he saw her.

"You might have everyone here buying your transformation." She spoke in a low voice, "But you and I both know you have struggled with doing the right thing in the past." Katara took a slow step forward, fixing the ember eyes of the firebender, trying to pour as much hate and disgust in her gaze as possible.

"So let me tell you something. Right now." She whispered, taking yet another step, standing just a few inches away from him, "You make one step backward. One slip up. You give me one reason to think you might hurt him, and you won't have to worry about your destiny anymore. Because I will make sure your destiny ends right then and there."

Katara looked him in the eyes for a few moments.

"Permanently."

And with that, she turned away.

Answers :

Kalaong : Yeah, I thought about it, and I think it would be fitting. Many people (me included!) name Aang's mother Jinora, but I thought that giving him a sister from the Western Air Temple would be all the more tragic!

Jjsmith103 : Yeah, for once Sokka is making sense lol! No, he has always been the voice of reason concerning Katara and Aang, even when he didn't know it! And there will be a talk, but I still will be using this for drama of course! And indeed, I think that if they were slightly older, that Aang and Katara would be better at communicating! And Haru is the best, the poor guy has no idea, even if there are indications, he is ignoring them! Oh… yeah, the bodies will be explained. Won't be fun.