Chapter 24: Forbidden Romance

(Zuko POV)

The moment you wake up and know something's wrong has only happened to me once. When my mother disappeared, I'd woken up the next morning with an intense pain in my stomach. So when I felt that familiar pain as I woke up and found Crystal's bed mat empty, I knew once again something was very wrong. Getting off my mat, I looked around the campsite wondering if maybe I just wasn't noticing her. The ostrich-horse she named Zan was standing by some brush munching on some grass, but she wasn't with him. The fire was dead, and I then wondered if maybe she'd gone to find some firewood.

Leaving Uncle to sleep, I headed into the forest searching around for Crystal. I called out to her a few times, but there was never an answer. I went downhill towards the creek I saw the other day, wondering if maybe she was practicing her bending. However, the only thing I found at the creek was a beaver-coon who darted away from me. My panic accelerated as I continued my search and found no trace of her.

It wasn't like her to run off. She made it clear the other day she didn't want to go home. She'd told me she wasn't ready to face her family and be ostracized by them. She told me she was enjoying me and Iroh's company too much to want to leave. She loved me too much to abandon me.

Blood pounded in my ears as I continued to pace through the woods searching for her. Something wasn't right. She wouldn't leave without saying anything. I ran a hand through my short hair trying to calm my worry but failing dreadfully. It was when my foot crunched on a twig that I looked at the ground and found a familiar jewel shimmer in the sunlight. The twig I stepped on had once been in a pile, but the pile was scattered as if it had been dropped.

Reaching down, I picked up the crystal gem watching as the broken pieces of the chain fell back to the ground. My eyes looked over the dirt where I could tell immediately there were three different sets of footprints. A scuffle had occurred. Searching for more clues, I suddenly spotted something laying in the dirt a few feet away. Walking over, my eyes widened as a familiar knife with a blue handle was left abandoned. The knife was a sharpened bone of some aquatic animal I assumed.

Picking it up, I felt my blood boil. That guy from early… Kona! He'd come to force Crystal home!

Turning on my heel, I rushed back towards Uncle and the campsite. When I arrived I saw Uncle was already awake and getting some breakfast together.

"Uncle! We have to go! We can't let them get away!"

Iroh was astounded by my frantic voice. "Prince Zuko? What on earth are you talking about?!"

"He took her! That Water Tribe guy took her!"

My eagerness was met by a look of surprise from my Uncle. Then, to my bewilderment, the old man hung his head in defeat. "I feared this might happen… Looks like they're desperate to return her home then…" He placed some fruit in a bowl. "Perhaps it's for the best… Crystal needs to be safe with her family and not out in the wilderness with Azula chasing us."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "What? You're happy she's been taken?!"

Iroh grimaced. He turned towards me with a frown. "Of course I'm not happy… I just don't want Crystal to get hurt, Prince Zuko. She's already betrayed her people enough helping us. It's time she starts worrying about her own future."

My fist tightened. "Her future is with me."

Iroh shook his head. "Zuko… The only way you and that girl can ever be together is if you both join the same side of this war. As much as I know you two love each other, as long as your enemies there will never be a true future for the both of you. Your families will keep you apart."

I felt my heart sink. "What are you saying…? I should just let her go…?

He shook his head, and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "No. I'm saying you need to choose what you truly want. If you continue to pursue the Avatar, you know Crystal will fight against you."

I hung my head. "If I choose to join the other side of the war though, I will truly betray the Fire Nation."

"But you could be a hero," Iroh spoke softly. "Joining the Avatar and his friends will give you more honor than you realize."

Shaking my head, I jerked from my Uncle. I couldn't betray my father. I couldn't join the one kid I'd been trying to capture for months. My heart thudded in my chest though as I contemplated what Iroh was suggesting. The gem in my hand was warm as I pictured Crystal.

"The nations that still stand against your father will find the strength to defeat him. With the Avatar on their side, Fire Lord Ozai has no hope in slaughtering the enemy. Why do you think there was an order to destroy all of the airbenders a hundred years ago? It's because your great-grandfather Sozin knew the Avatar would be his end. The young airbender Crystal's family is journeying with is the key to ending this one-hundred-year war. I believe if you continue to fight for your father you will be on the losing side, Prince Zuko. You will not just lose your honor, birthright, and throne… You will lose the girl you love as well."

My eyes widened at what Iroh spoke. He believed the Fire Nation would lose?

I shook my head. "The way you speak is treason!"

He shook his head. "I'm just a man with many regrets. I desire to teach you the truth before you lose the one you love. I believed the war was something of honor, and I encouraged Lu Ten to join the battle. My son didn't have to go to war, but he did so in order to make myself and my father Azulon proud. If I hadn't been so confident the Fire Nation could win and achieve world domination, I wouldn't have sent my son out into battle. However, I believed we would finally take down Ba Sing Se and win the war. In the end I lost my honor, my pride, and my only son… I speak no treason, Prince Zuko… I speak as a father who doesn't want to see another son hurt by the Fire Nation's greed."

My mouth hung open as I couldn't find the words to say.

"There are other ways to earn honor, my nephew. One way is doing the right thing."

Shutting my eyes, I felt my orbs burn as tears threatened to spill. What was wrong with me? All my life I'd wanted nothing more than to earn my father's love and honor. However, that all changed when I met Crystal… As I started to see how amazing and special she was inside and out, I stopped caring about my father's approval and desired for her approval. I hadn't even thought about home much since we'd run from Azula. All I could think about was how Crystal made me feel something I hadn't felt since my mom died: Love.

Crystal loved me… She cared about me… She didn't see me for my scar, my past, or title. She saw me for myself. I was just Zuko to her, and I loved her for that.

"I'm going to get her back…" I softly stated. "I saw footprints. I know which direction they're headed."

Iroh let out a heavy sigh and nodded. "Very well… You should go without me. I'll just slow you down. Take Zan too. I'll start journeying east from here and head towards Ba Sing Se. We'll meet up in the city if we don't cross paths before then."

Nodding, I walked over to the bag by my mat throwing it over my shoulder. Grabbing my broadswords, I tied them quickly to my back. Walking over to Zan, I hopped on and we prepared to leave.

Uncle stepped over, handing a filled flask up to me. "Be careful, Zuko. And take care of her..."

I took the flask with determination. "I'm getting her back. I can't lose her." I grabbed Zan's reins and we took off. As we raced towards where I saw the tracks were headed, I tightened my grip on the reins.

"I'm coming, Crystal… Just hang on."

Crystal POV

"This is the meeting spot," Jaka said, dropping his bag beside a stone jutting out of the earth. The sun had risen an hour before, and my body was sore from being carried like a sack. Jaka and Kona had taken turns, deciding it was best not to trust that I wouldn't run if they made me walk. From the sunlight, I could finally see my cousin. He had also taken off his dark blue head covering which allowed me to see him in full.

Jaka looked much stronger and older than when I last saw him. He still kept his dark brown hair in a messy style, and he had a new battle scar above his brow. His playful nature was long gone though. He used to have a spark in his dark eyes, but as I gazed into them I could see the spark had died from being away from home so long.

"The others should be here in a few hours," Kona stated. "We should get some rest before they arrive."

Suddenly I was forced off of Kona's shoulder, and he carefully placed me down on the dirt. My back was pressed against a tree trunk, which allowed me to glare daggers at my two captors. They avoided my gaze as they sat down taking in breaths from their six-hour trek.

Jaka grabbed a canteen from a cloth sack he'd currently dropped. "How did the Earth King respond to the message?"

A heavy breath escaped Kona. "I didn't get a meeting with the Earth King. Turns out no one gets to the Earth King. All messages are received by his right hand man."

Jaka took a sip of his water, and continued to pry. "So what did his right hand man say?"

"We have permission to make base at Chameleon Bay as long as we don't interfere with Earth Kingdom ships making passage to the city," Kona answered, taking a swig of his own water. "I explained to the guy that all we want is to take down the Fire Nation swine. He seemed pleased that he wouldn't have to send his own men to do it. He also stated that as long as we don't make a commotion we can stay as long as we desire."

As the two men chatted away, I felt behind me at the tree I was leaning against. My hands were bound tight, but that didn't mean I couldn't maneuver to something sharp to cut with. As my skin grazed against a hard piece of wood, I smiled behind my gag. Moving the rope against the sharp piece of wood, I began to cut through the rope as inconspicuous as I could.

"Take the gag off of her already," Jaka suddenly said. "It looks ridiculous."

I stopped cutting at my rope, and my eyes shot over to Kona who let out a heavy sigh. "Yeah… Probably should."

Kona stood and stepped over to me. He knelt beside me and untied the strip of cloth from behind my head. Then he helped me take the rag out of my mouth which felt like nothing but sand. When my mouth was free, Kona offered some water which I eagerly accepted. I drank it, and then jerked my head away when I was done.

"Okay, Crys… If you promise not to create a ruckus, I'll leave the gag off."

For the first time in hours, I finally found my voice. "Who am I going to call for?" I glared at Kona. "You ripped me away from my friends."

Jaka scowled. Standing, he stepped over to me. "Friends? What's gotten into you? That was Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation wasn't it?"

My eyes darted to my cousin with equal irritation. "So what if he was… He can still be my friend."

He scoffed. "The Fire Lord's son?! The dude who kidnapped you from home and took you miles out to sea?! How can you be friends with your enemy?" Jaka knelt in front of me, grabbing my chin to force me to meet his gaze. "Come on, Crystal. I know you. You're the little girl back at the Water Tribe who was ruthlessly burned by the Fire Nation and scarred for life! You wouldn't become friends with the very people that ruined your life!"

I grit my teeth. "Zuko didn't ruin my life! He isn't the enemy! I love him!"

An awkward air fell over us as my cousin took in my words. Then he narrowed his eyes. "So Kona spoke true about your foolish fancy towards the enemy… I couldn't believe my cousin had fallen for the very monster that killed her mom and burned her face… I guess I was wrong."

"Zuko didn't burn my face! And he didn't kill my mom! He has nothing to do with any of that!"

"He's the Fire Lord's son for spirits sake! Have you lost your damn mind!"

Kona stepped over and grabbed Jaka's hand from my chin which was pulsing in pain. "Jaka! Cut it out! You'll hurt her with such a grip." As soon as his hand was free from my flesh, I looked away from the both of them feeling nothing but frustration towards my two captors. If they would just shut up and listen they could come to understand that Zuko was nothing like his people.

"I just don't get it," my cousin muttered, standing back up and taking a step away. He stared down at me with disbelief. "What did those monsters do to make you so loyal to them?"

Meeting his gaze, I stated, "They're not monsters. They took care of me… They treated me with kindness and respect… Zuko even saved my life more times than I can count." My eyes burned as moisture filled them. "They're good people."

Jaka pinched the bridge of his nose. "They took you from home! They invaded the South Pole, threatened your people, tried to burn down the tribe, and kidnapped you! Bato told us everything after he heard it from your brother and sister. They're the enemy and that will never change!"

My teeth grit. Shutting my eyes, I took in a deep inhale through my nose to try and calm my irritation. Then letting the air out, I opened my eyes and spoke the very thing I'd told myself not to say. "Well it's not my fault the enemy managed to invade us so easily! If you're so upset about them taking me from the South Pole, you should've been there to protect us!"

A silence fell over them. Both of the Water Tribe warriors stared at me with shock.

My frustration had begun to spill out and there was no stopping it. "How do you know another Fire Nation fleet hasn't invaded the South Pole yet?! You don't! And you know why?! Because you men decided it would be a load of fun to go off on your masculine warrior quest and leave our people vulnerable! You're all off playing your damn war games while our people are struggling to survive!"

Kona grimaced, and Jaka seemed disturbed by my accusations.

With a heavy breath, Kona turned to Jaka deciding to ignore me. "I guess we have a lot of work to do… It seems she sees us as the enemy now."

Jaka rubbed his brow trying to cool his frustration. "The others will be arriving soon. We'll find a way to talk sense to her when we're all together."

"Honestly…" Kona began. "I think Chief Hakoda will be our only hope."

As the two men turned and left me to try and ignore my penetrating gaze, I began to once again cut at my rope. There was no way I would let them make me face my father. I wasn't ready to receive the lecture and disappointment he was sure to give.

Zuko POV

My eyes followed the treaded path as I moved Zan along through the woods. I'd already journeyed for two hours, and was amazed by the distance Crystal's kidnappers had made. I was certain they'd carried her, because I only saw two sets of footprints that were definitely not hers. The trees were thicker than before, so it took a little longer to maneuver with the giant ostrich-horse I rode on. Luckily, the two men were awful at covering their tracks. I was right on their trail.

Gripping the reins tight, I looked ahead but my mind strayed. Thoughts were on Crystal, and I shut my eyes as my heart stung with pain. I was worried about her. I was scared of losing her. As much as I wanted her to be able to see her family again, I didn't want her to leave me. She'd been stolen right from under my nose, and that very fact made me determined to get her back.

Part of me was aware I was being selfish. But I didn't care if her people were the ones that took her… I wasn't ready to let her go…

As Zan moved forward, I let my mind take me back to our conversation last night.

Sitting by the dying fire, Crystal seemed to glow in the night. Her long brown hair was draped over one shoulder, and her azure eyes stared at the dark trees beside us.

"Do you think Azula will find us?" Her voice was soft and I could sense her fear. "Do you think we're still in danger?"

I frowned. "Azula's persistent… I think we're safe for now though. I haven't seen any sign of her or her men. I don't think she'd risk exposing herself to the Earth Kingdom either. These people would jump at the chance to take down the Fire Lord's daughter."

"Do you think they'd hurt you too, if they discovered who you really are?"

"Probably… I am their enemy."

She hung her head. "You don't have to be though… You could become an ally." The last part was spoken softer than the rest. Her words caused my gut to twist.

"I can't turn my back on my own nation... I have to capture the Avatar and return home. I have to regain my honor." I crossed my arms. "I will help the Fire Nation win this war."

She grimaced and I saw her hand reach up to her necklace. She clutched it for comfort. "If the Fire Nation wins, what will happen to this world? What will happen to me and my family?" She looked at me with a questioning gaze, and I realized she wanted an answer.

"I… I don't know… I never really thought about that." Rubbing the back of my neck, I tried not to meet her gaze because I knew my answer wouldn't be pleasing to her. "The Fire Lord will become the supreme ruler, and everyone will follow his laws I suppose…"

"And if we don't?"

I knew the answer, and didn't want to say it. She knew it too.

"So if your people win this war, the rest of us will live in fear for the rest of our days and become slaves."

My eyes widened and shot towards her. "What? No! I-I wouldn't allow that. I'd make sure father treats everyone equally."

She shook her head. "Zuko… What makes you think anything you say will persuade your father? If you had that power, you would've never been banished from the Fire Nation. The Fire Lord listens to no one but himself… To him, you're just a horsefly who he desires to crush."

I felt my body heat up slightly. "Are you trying to make me upset? Because it's working," I muttered.

"No…" She suddenly placed her hand over my tightened fist, which calmed me immediately. "I'm just asking you to think about the repercussions of this war. If your people manage to take over the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe, there will be no equality. The Fire Nation will rule, and the rest of us will be forced into servitude... Or we may even be killed."

I shook my head hard. "My father's cruel, but he wouldn't massacre a whole nation like his grandfather did… and that was just to kill the Avatar."

She let out a heavy sigh. "Killing is wrong, no matter who the person is or the motives. Aang did nothing to your people, Zuko… He was just a kid, trying to learn how to take on his Avatar role. Now Aang is the only one of his kind. He lost the people he loved, and instead of having time to mourn he's had to run for his life from you and the rest of the Fire Nation." Tears started to fall down her cheeks. "Your father is a horrible man, Zuko… I'm sorry… but you can't change my mind on that… He burned you. He stole Iroh's birthright. And I'm pretty sure he's the reason your mom is gone… Ozai is no different than the man that slaughtered Aang's people."

My body was frozen as I took in her words. I didn't want to believe her. I wanted to defend my father. However, a part of me felt she was right about everything.

"I wish you could see that you're nothing like him," she muttered. Her hand left my own. "I wish you would stop trying to be like him. I like you as just Zuko. You don't need your honor to be worth something in my eyes." She smiled then. "I love you just the way you are."

Hanging my head, I gripped the reins harder as my heart tightened. I'd always thought earning back the honor I lost was what I desired. However, at the palace I never felt truly loved after my mom disappeared. My father never showed an ounce of love towards me. Was it honor I wanted? Or was it love I desired?

Shutting my eyes, I felt a tear escape and trail down my cheek. Love… The thing was so foreign to me, yet it filled me with comfort. Crystal's love filled me with comfort. Reaching back, I took one of my broadswords from behind me and pulled it to my view. My eyes landed on the crystal I managed to tie to the handle with some twine.

"I love you just the way you are."

My hand tightened on the handle of my sword as Zan continued forward through the woods.

"Hang on Crys… I'm coming…"

Crystal POV

"Hold still!"

"No!"

I kicked my feet forward as Jaka tried to tie them back together. A few moments earlier I'd ordered someone to let me relieve myself. My bladder was swelling. Kona came up with the plan to tie me to a tree by one hand, and allow me to have my other hand free. They also untied my ankles which I was thrilled about. When I was done, I saw Kona and Jaka were still facing with their backs towards me. A small thing of water sat a few feet away, and I knew I had to be quick. Using the water, I created a sharp dagger and sliced the only rope restraining me. When I was free, I took off through the woods. Sadly, I didn't make it far. Jaka had heard me take off and pursued me. Since his legs were longer, he caught up and tackled me. Kona caught back up and managed to tie my hands up with a different rope, because he discovered an hour ago that my old restraints were being sliced by the tree behind me. If I kept this up, maybe they'd run out of rope...

As the two men were holding me down, I continued to kick at Jaka who was desperately trying to grab at my legs. "You guys are being ridiculous! I'm not going down without a fight! I refuse to be carried to my father like some prisoner! Let me go!"

"Jaka! Forget the rope! Help me carry her back to the meeting spot. There's some medical herbs in my bag that we can give h-"

I flung my head back and hit Kona hard in the chin. He gasped and dropped my upper body back down to the dirt ground. The impact was painful as my limbs shook against the dirt, but I kept moving. Jerking my foot back, I kicked Jaka in the stomach hard and he fell on his back. With restrained hands, I managed to find my feet and take off through the woods once again. My head was dizzy, and my vision blurred, but I kept running.

"Crystal! Get back here!"

Jaka and Kona shouted behind me, which only made me speed up faster. My breathing was heavy as I searched around me for any place to hide. My heart pounded a million times a minute as adrenaline shot through me.

Zuko… I had to get back to Zuko… He probably thought I'd left him or something. He was probably worried sick.

As I ran, I spotted a sharp point of a rock jutting out of the ground. Turning my back towards it, I quickly pressed my restraining rope against it and began to move my hands in an up and down motion. Shouts were heard in the distance, and I felt sweat bead down my forehead as I cut the rope faster. When my hands came free only a moment later, I bolted away from my pursuers again.

It seemed I ran forever, but the sound of my cousin and Kona never left me. They were determined to get me back. Just when I thought I was getting some luck, my whole body came to a stop as the ground dropped off a good fifty feet. A large river lay below me, and the flat ground was on the other side. I was on a cliff, and the only way to freedom was to jump.

"Crystal! Stop!"

My eyes shot back to Kona and Jaka, who looked extremely disheveled and panicked as they clambered out of the woods. My cousin looked desperate as he held up his hands in surrender.

"Come on, Cuz… Step away from the cliff," he ordered. He took a step forward, and I placed a foot back. My heel hit the very edge. My body felt cold from fear. "Crystal… You know you can't swim. Don't do this."

Kona inched forward as my cousin spoke. I stared at the both of them, and then back down at the water. I weighed the options in my head.

"We're going to help you," Kona added. "Trust us."

I scowled. "I don't need help! How many times do I have to tell you that!"

Kona narrowed his eyes. "This is coming from the girl who's standing on a cliff!"

"Why do you care so much?" My fists tightened. "You all are wasting your time!"

"What do you mean? We're part of the same tribe! Plus, my brother wouldn't be thrilled to find out I let his future wife jump off a cliff!"

My eyes shot over to Jaka, who looked ready to jump at me if I tried to plunge to my death. Then I darted my eyes to Kona. "I'm not letting you two force me to do anything. I'm not the same girl you all remember… I'm not scared anymore. I've been through too much in the last few months to be a prisoner again. I make my own decisions. Tell Areto and my father that I have no desire to marry a man I don't love… you're all lucky I didn't leave the South Pole when I heard the news three years ago…"

Kona crossed his arms. "Stop being rash, Crystal. We only want what's best for you."

My frustration hit its boiling point. "No! It's best for everyone but me! I will decide my own path!"

Jaka spoke up again. "You being in love with this Fire Nation prince is unacceptable. You are Water Tribe, Crystal! You are not Fire Nation! Come to your senses! Let us take you home!"

I let out a heavy breath. "I'm sorry for upsetting you all, but I have to follow my heart. I won't let you and a bunch of other men control my life... I won't go along with some stupid arranged marriage, and I won't be forced home."

"Arranged marriage? This isn't an arranged marriage! It's common sense! Your father and my father are best friends," Kona exclaimed. "We all grew up together. It's only right our family becomes united!"

I scowled. "Then tell Areto to wait another year for Katara! I'm done trying to please everyone!"

"Crystal!" Jaka spoke up again. "You speak nonsense! You're dishonoring your people with this talk!"

I frowned. My anger cooled slightly. "I betrayed you all a long time ago… I chose to leave the North Pole with Zuko and his Uncle. I attacked our people to protect the enemy's son… I am a traitor..."

Kona was stunned. He hadn't heard about my treachery up at the North Pole. Jaka seemed surprised as well. Had no one told them?

"Wait…" Jaka sounded puzzled. "You chose to go with him? You chose to betray your own people!" My cousin was appalled. "What's gotten into you?! What would your mother say?!"

His question made me grimace. Hanging my head, I said softly, "She'd want me to be happy."

"No!" Jaka snapped. "She'd want you to protect your family!"

I scowled. "You didn't know my mom the way I did! She told me to follow my heart!"

"She meant with someone of our kind! Not some Fire Prince that would have our whole tribe killed in a day! Come on, cuz! Get your head together! He's the spawn of a monster!"

"You're wrong!" I glared at my cousin who gave me an equal burning gaze. "Zuko isn't his father! He's a good man! I love him!"

Kona interrupted my cousin and I. "I don't care if you love him… I'm taking you back to your father whether you like it or not. You've clearly been away from your people too long."

"No!" I'd had it. "I won't go! I won't let you force me to do anything!"

"You don't have a choice," Kona challenged. "We're not going to the rest of the warriors without you."

I grimaced and felt my heart ache for what I was about to do. "I'm sorry… but Zuko needs me right now. And my heart is telling me to stay with him. Tell dad and the others that I'm not a little girl anymore... I know what I want."

Lifting my hands, the water below suddenly shot up behind me and crashed over me. Kona and Jaka shouted and jumped to the side to avoid my attack. My water crashed to the ground hard, and I took my chance. Without hesitating, I turned and stepped off the cliff feeling air rush past me as I fell into the stream below. My eyes shut, and I took in air right before I hit the water. My whole body was quickly consumed by a freezing liquid, and I felt the push as I was pulled along with the water. As my lungs tightened, I began to drastically use the swimming techniques Zuko taught me.

Somehow I managed to surface. Breaking water, I gasped for air to relieve the tightness and burning in my lungs. As the stream carried me downhill, I treaded water to keep from going back under. My limbs burned as I fought the current, and I searched wildly for any way to get out of the river. Rocks hit against my kicking feet from below, and sticks smacked against my upper body as they floated by.

After a few minutes of trying to swim to the side of the stream, I finally managed to grab hold of some rocks making up the side bank. My body was aching all over from the fall and swimming, but I refused to let go for fear I would find myself being carried downstream more. Catching my breath, I found the strength to hoist myself up onto dry ground.

Crawling onto the flat dirt, I breathed heavily as I tried to regain my strength. Every part of me ached, but I knew I had to keep moving. There was no telling if Kona and Jaka would come search for me. Standing with shaky limbs, I quickly headed into the trees to keep moving. The air was getting more humid as the day went on, but I didn't let the heat or exhaustion stop me. If I could just get far enough to escape, I could eventually circle back to find Zuko and Iroh.

However, I couldn't help but feel the unbearable guilt as I evaded my captors. I'd not only turned my back on the North Pole, but now I'd betrayed the South Pole too. I was a traitor to the whole Water Nation now, and there was no turning back.

Zuko POV

Kneeling on the dirt, I held the sliced rope in my hand amazed at how strong Crystal was. A few moments earlier I'd arrived at a small clearing where I found some cloth-stitched bags sitting abandoned against a boulder. There was rope everywhere, and even some rope tied to a tree. When I examined the rope on the tree, I found it had been cut straight through. The disturbed dirt told me also that there had been a scuffle. I then returned to Zan, and moved him along to follow the footprints that had pursued a smaller set. When I found the cut rope beside a sharp rock, I knew I was in the right direction.

Dropping the rope, I hopped back on Zan and pushed him forward again. My eyes narrowed as I felt anger begin to boil. Crystal clearly didn't want to go with these men, and yet they continued to pursue her. They wouldn't get the picture.

As if by sheer luck, the footprints led me straight to their owners. At least, two out of the three. There was the same guy from earlier named Kona, and seeing him made my blood boil. His partner was tall and mid-twenties. He looked like he was in great distress when I approached. They were both standing at the edge of a cliff, looking down below frantically. The ground around them was soaked, and I knew immediately the moisture was the work of a determined waterbender.

The new guy, who actually shared some similar features to Crystal's brother, shouted, "I have to jump in!"

Kona grabbed him before he could lunge forward. "She's downstream, Jaka! We have to follow the current!"

My eyes widened. Follow the current? Scanning the ground again, I finally noticed Crystal's set of footprints. They ended at the cliff. Stepping out of the trees, I pulled out my swords ready for a fight if they wanted one. The two men heard my movement and turned towards me with surprise. They were astounded by my appearance, and quickly reached for their knives in defense. When they realized they'd left their weapons back at camp, they held up their hands in surrender.

The new guy quickly asked, "Who are you?"

I gritted my teeth. "I'm the guy who isn't leaving until you tell me where Crystal is!"

"There's no time for this!" Kona said, knowing immediately who I was and why I was before them. "You can attack us if you want, but Crystal needs help!"

Stepping forward, I gripped my swords tight. "She wouldn't have needed help if you didn't grab her in the middle of the night!"

The other guy looked anxious and turned his head back towards the fast stream below. "Hakoda's going to kill me if his daughter ends up dead! I'm jumping in!"

I scowled. "Neither of you are going anywhere! Step away from the cliff and leave! I'll go save her!"

The man Jaka seemed displeased with my order. "I'm not letting you save my cousin so you can sweep her off her feet more. Crystal needs to get her head out of the clouds… not be saved by a pompous and heartless Fire Nation prince."

My blood heated as the two men stepped forward ready to fight me. Brandishing my swords, I prepared to do whatever it took to get Crystal back and keep her. However, I quickly realized fighting these two men would be utterly foolish. The longer I stayed with these two, the further Crystal would float away. I just hoped she had used the swimming skills I'd taught her and hadn't drowned.

"You two aren't worth my time," I muttered, sheathing my swords again. "Stay away from us. Clearly Crystal has no desire to be with you." Turning on my heel, I stepped back towards the trees where Zan was waiting.

"She'll eventually realize her foolish fancy for you is absurd and come home," Jaka shouted from behind. "My cousin will remember soon who the enemy truly is!"

Ignoring him, I reached Zan and hoisted myself onto his back.

Looking at the men, I grabbed the reins with determination. "Looks to me like you all are her enemy right now... At least she's never jumped off a cliff to escape me."

The two men fell silent by my words. Without wasting any more time, I snapped Zan's reins and took off downstream. I hoped and prayed Crystal had managed to get out of the stream and to safety.

Crystal POV

My feet came to a stop, and I collapsed on my knees trying to catch my breath. My whole body shook from the cool air hitting my wet skin, and my dark hair hung heavy on my body. When I finally managed to slow my breath and calm my pounding heart, I felt my body pulse in pain from its long journey.

I suppose I deserved everything happening to me… The miserable state I was in was all payback for my treachery. I could only imagine my ancestors boxing my ears for falling in love with the enemy. Hanging my head, I shut my eyes hard as I pictured the disappointment on my family and tribe's faces. However, Zuko's face floated in front of them all and I felt my guilt ease slightly. I did love him, and that made me feel slightly more at ease knowing everything I'd done was to follow my heart.

"My goodness! You look dreadful child!"

A young female voice echoed in the air, and I looked up at the owner with surprise. A middle-aged woman stood before me, her hands carrying an instrument which Iroh had told me was a tambourine. She wore a pretty black dress with some pink trim, and she had a hat on her head with a giant flower at the center.

"Come with me, dear. My husband Chong just made a fire you can get warm by. We're having some lunch." She held her hand out to me, and I stared at it with question.

A masculine voice suddenly began to sing in the distance. "Oooh, where is my Lily, my pretty little Lily, oh where oh where has she gone?"

She smiled widely and began to sing herself. "I am over here, my dear! You have nothing to fear! I have found a new friend who is alone!"

My eyes widened. They were seriously singing while having a conversation?

"Oh! What a joy my Lily! We must invite her for tea!" The man emerged from the trees, and my jaw dropped at his appearance. "And then we will see her off." He had a guitar in his hand and wore a robe that only covered one shoulder. His robe was yellow and blue, and he had a flower necklace on. Also he wore a strange red hat.

Lily stopped singing, and reached down taking my arm which had in no way extended towards her. She helped me off the ground, and tugged me over to her husband with a grin. "Chong! We must give her a change of clothes! She's in a terrible mess."

Looking at Lily and Chong's attire, I grimaced not wanting to wear something like them.

Chong nodded. "Right-o my flower." He held his hand out towards me. "Chong is my name, and that pretty one behind you is Lily."

I smiled weakly and took his hand. "Crystal. Nice to meet you."

He shook my hand with thrill. "Crystal! What a gnarly rare gem!"

A few minutes later I was seated in a small clearing, and sitting on a log I ate some fish that Chong, Lily, and Moku offered me. Moku was a friend of Chong and Lily, and he seemed to be the quieter of the bunch. He played music with his drum, Chong played with his guitar, and Lily played with her tambourine. I knew I needed to leave and find Zuko, but I also didn't mind taking a small break. I wondered if Zuko was searching for me... I hoped to find him soon.

Zuko POV

Zan sped along the stream as I kept my eyes scanned for any sign of Crystal. I wasn't sure how far she'd been carried down, and if she managed to get out of the water I wasn't sure where she had gone. There was so much space to cover, and I began to fear I may have more trouble finding her than I expected. I'd thought she'd be with her captors, and I could fight them for her. Turned out, Crystal was a fighter herself. She seemed like she was able to take care of herself pretty well. This filled me with relief.

As I reached an area with rocks sticking out of the stream, I slowed Zan knowing Crystal would've at least tried to grab onto one of the obstacles if she floated by. My eyes scanned the water, the rocks, the dirt, and the forest beyond. There was no sign of her.

Concern flowed through me as I feared the worse. I'd taught her how to swim, but she wasn't an expert. What if she couldn't fight the current and was pulled under? What if she drowned?! Oh please spirits! Don't let her be dead!

My heart pounded a million times a minute as I pictured her lifeless on the bank somewhere. However, Zan whinnied and turned us away from the stream towards the forest. "What is it? Do you smell something?"

The ostrich-horse suddenly shot forward into the woods, and I grabbed the reins to keep from falling off. "Woah! Slow down!"

The beast ignored me, keeping on the path it intended. Eventually he slowed, and I was surprised by the noise I heard in the distance. Instruments played, and a familiar laugh rang through the trees. Relief filled inside me as I heard the laughter I knew to belong to Crystal. She was safe! Zan sniffed her out!

"Good boy," I complimented, patting him on the side of his neck. "You found her."

Zan moved forward again, and I relaxed my tense muscles. A deep sigh escaped me as I felt I could finally breathe. She was okay...

Crystal POV

As I sat with my new acquaintances, they told me through song the many different journeys they'd been on. I smiled enjoying their company, their kindness, and their jolly singing. Smoothing out the light blue dress with black trim Lily gave me, I ran my hand through my combed hair. Lily had pleaded to brush out and put flowers in my hair. I gave in to thank them for their kindness. I told them I couldn't stay too long, because I needed to get back to my friends. They encouraged me to stay for at least a few minutes, and so I gave in.

"Don't fall in love with a traveling girl… She'll leave you broken hearted…"

"Is that one an Earth Kingdom song too?"

Chong nodded towards me. "Picked that one up near Ba Sing Se! Great tune!"

"So what's your story?" Lily begged, seated beside me. "Everyone's got one!"

"My story?" I blushed. "Uh… It's actually a long story."

Moku spoke up with a small voice. "Maybe if you sing it out, it won't be so long!"

My heart skipped a beat. Make up a song in my head? I'd never done something like that before. The whole thing sounded ridiculous. I mean, I knew people in my tribe who did it often, but I wasn't skilled in that ability.

Chong beamed. "Yeah! That sounds awesome! Sing us your tale!"

"Uh… I don't know. I'm not great at making up songs in my head…"

Lily nudged me with her elbow. "You got it girly. We'll play along with you!"

My heart pounded with uncertainty. However, I wanted to give it a try. I was tired from my trek, and I decided maybe singing would calm down my nerves. Also, making up a song could be fun.

"Okay," I gave in. "I'll give it a shot…" Taking in a deep breath, I began:

"One day I was headed out to find some fish

To feed my family was my only wish

But our ship lost control on a fast paced stream

And we fell onto an iceberg which feels like a dream.

On that iceberg there was trapped a twelve-year old boy

And he'd returned to the world to restore our joy.

My sister was thrilled and my brother was annoyed,

But the little boy named Aang seemed greatly overjoyed.

However, dear Aang was forced far away

When he set off a flare during some time of play.

I was greatly torn to see him forced to leave our home,

Because there was too much wilderness for him to roam.

Then came the Fire Nation with their mighty ship

And my brother grabbed his boomerang and knife on his hip…

The ship plank came down, and my brother did attack

But the enemy very easily gave him a smack.

Then Aang returned to us in an attempt to save the day,

But I sort of got rash and stepped in the way.

I used my waterbending to fight off their spears,

And was forced away from home with heavy tears.

For three months I traveled through the unknown land and sea,

With a prince, a crew, and a man who loves his tea.

And the Prince which I met was not evil, harsh, or mean,

For he was one of kindness, and more love than ever seen.

And then something happened that I never knew could be,

I fell in love with him, a prince out on the sea.

It felt like a fairy tale of forbidden romance,

The enemy prince and chief's daughter would never have a chance.

However, against all odds I stayed by his side,

And turned against my people joining the treacherous ride.

I miss my brother and sister, but must stay brave 'til the end,

Because following my heart is a step around the bend.

I will find the man I love, and continue on my way,

Because I know what I want at the end of the day."

The three travelers stopped playing their music when my song ended, and then Chong cheered. "That was the best tune I've heard in a long time m, man!"

His wife beamed. "You bet! Haven't had that much fun since we sang with swamp people!"

Moku wiped a tear. "Man… Such a beautiful song."

"Love that part about Aang too," Chong stated. "Knew a little arrow dude named Aang once. Kind fellow. His friends were great too!"

My eyes widened. Shooting my gaze towards him, I asked, "You knew Aang?"

Moku spoke up. "Yes siree! Little boy with giant bison and monkey were great company! We helped them pass through the secret tunnel."

Monkey?

Chong beamed. "Hey! I know a song that goes with that journey!" They all started to play again:

"Two lovers, forbidden from one another

A war divides their people

And a mountain divides them apart

Built a path to be together

...Yeah, and I forget the next couple of lines, but then it goes...

Secret tunnel!

Secret tunnel!

Through the mountain!

Secret, secret, secret, secret tunnel! Yeah!"

I stared at the man with amazement, while his companions stopped their instruments and cheered. Then I asked, "The forbidden lovers… Did they ever get to be together?"

Lily jumped in. "Oh! It's a beautiful story. They spent most of their lives in those secret tunnels, meeting with one another for hours on end. When they died, their two kingdoms joined together to create Omashu! The Avatar and his girlfriend found their tomb and read the story. It's all so romantic!"

I sighed, glad to hear the two lovers were able to find a way to be together. Then my eyes widened. "Girlfriend?!"

Moku answered, "Sure! Avatar's got a pretty waterbender gal. They kissed to find their way out of the tunnel!"

My jaw dropped. Katara and Aang? They were together? They kissed? My sister had fallen for the Avatar? For a moment, I felt relief. I wasn't the only child stepping away from tradition and not falling for someone of the tribe! Then reality came back to me. My situation was different… Katara was with the savior, and I was with the enemy's son. She had a much greater chance of ending up with Aang than I ever did with Zuko.

"You know… The lover story is pretty close to yours," Chong said, beginning to strum a few cords. "You and this prince are:

Two lovers, forbidden from one another.

A war, divides your people!

And an ocean divides you apart!

You must seek a path to be together!

Forbidden love!

Forbidden love!

Fire and water!

Forbidden, Forbidden, Forbidden, Forbidden love!"

Lily sighed beside me. "So romantic!" She turned and grabbed my hands eagerly. "Oh Crystal! You must find your lover! You must return to him and be happy!" She yanked me into a hug, and I was stunned by her affection. "Oh! It's every girl's dream to fall in love with a prince charming!"

"Love! Love! Love! Everybody needs love!" Chong sang. "Love! Love! Love! Sing about that love!"

"Will you shut up!"

My eyes widened. The campsite fell silent at the new presence in the clearing. Turning, I looked over at our intruder utterly amazed to see him. Zuko was holding Zan's reins, and I could tell he was exhausted from running to find me. I'd been prepared to journey back towards him. I never expected he'd actually follow and find me.

"I swear if I have to hear one more song I'm tearing my ears out!"

My heart skipped a beat. "Zuko… Ho-" I cut off as tears came to my eyes. He let go of Zan's reins and stepped over. I didn't hesitate. Getting up from my seat, I raced over to him with utter relief. He met me halfway and pulled me into his arms, hugging me close to him. I was utterly relieved to be in his embrace.

"How… How did you find me?"

He pressed his face into my hair, relieved that I was okay. "I've been tracking the Avatar for three years… I think I can track a girl with suicidal tendencies too."

"Hey! I'm not suicidal!" I whined, pressing my face to his chest. "I just panicked and jumped."

He pulled me tighter. His warmth was so comforting. I was so happy to see him. He softly stated, "Well you're lucky Zan has a good nose. He helped me track you after your footsteps came to an end."

I felt relieved. "And you said he was a stupid animal."

Zuko sighed. "Yeah. I apologized to him on the way here."

"Reunited at last, and they're having such a blast! Young lovers always find each other in the end!" Chong sang behind me.

Zuko growled and pulled from me slightly so he could meet my gaze. "Who are these annoying people?"

I smiled. "Chong, Lily, and Moku. They're performers! You should hear some of their stories Zuko! They've been everywhere!"

"Yeah, fire dude," Moku said. "Come chill with us for a few hours. You got all the time in the world for worrying about other things."

Zuko met my pleading gaze, and then shook his head. "No! Absolutely not!"

"Come on! They're so kind! They took care of me after they found me on the ground in the woods."

"And for that I'm grateful, but we need to be going," he said. He turned and hopped back onto Zan's saddle. "Come on."

With defeat, I let out a heavy breath. "Okay. One second." Looking back at the three people still seated by the fire, I bowed to them and smiled. "Thank you for your generosity! Good luck on your travels."

Lily waved. "Bye Crystal! Good luck with your forbidden romance!"

Moku shouted, "You should travel with us some the next time we meet. Your singing will be a great addition to the group!"

Chong ended with, "I'll write a great song about you two!"

Zuko sighed and stepped Zan over to me. Taking his hand, I was pulled up onto the ostrich-horse, and wrapped my arms around Zuko's waist to hold on. As Zuko moved us away from Chong, Lily, and Moku, I couldn't help but think back to the Cave-lover story again.

They got to be together… There was no reason Zuko and I couldn't be together.

"You swam," he suddenly said. "I'm glad I was able to teach you… Otherwise you'd be dead."

I hugged him tighter. "Yeah… Thanks for the lesson. I would've drowned without your help."

A silence fell over us, and I smiled enjoying his warmth. Then I spoke again. "Thanks for finding me."

He shrugged. "There was no way I was letting you disappear again… And besides… If anyone captures you it's going to be me." The last part came out as a joke.

A giggle escaped me. "I think I don't mind that."

Zan came to a stop suddenly, and Zuko turned enough to look back at me. His eyes burned into my own. "I was worried about you… I thought you were hurt, or that I'd lost you forever."

I leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. "Come on Zuko... You can't get rid of me that easily."

He turned forward again, and Zan began to move. "Good to know."