Still debating deleting this story. I'll keep updating until I decide. I don't own anything. I have no beta. Sorry for the errors.

"Do not go where I cannot find you," Katara mumbled.

Zuko shook his head, trying to get Katara's words out of his mind. It had been a week since that instance and yet it still bothered him. Word spread around the Palace of Katara and Hwasa being sick. While Hwasa recovered, Katara's screams could be heard through the night. Zuko worried about her of course, she was his friend.

So, Zuko was surprised to find Katara standing in front of him that day. She held a blank look as she walked towards him. He wanted to speak, to ask her if she was okay but she silenced him. Zuko watched as Katara looked up at the clear blue sky and caught a raindrop in her hand. In an instant, rain fell upon them and Zuko was left paralyzed.

"Do not go where I cannot find you."

Then Katara fell to the ground, her body going limp and her eyes rolling in the back of her head. The guards came quickly to carry Katara back into the Palace to which Zuko's mother brought him in as well.

Even though it had been a week since the incident, Zuko couldn't get over it. He tried to clear his mind but all he could find was Katara in there. He questioned her health if she would be healthy enough to heal his aunt. While Katara was recovering, Aunt Hui Ying seemed to decline in health which worried him even more. Lu Ten advised Zuko not to worry and that stilled his beating heart. If Lu Ten wasn't worried about his mother then Zuko knew that everything would be fine.

"Zuko!" Lu Ten shouted and Zuko jumped, pulling himself back to reality.

Zuko looked at the wooden sword at his throat and then at Lu ten who stared at him blankly.

"Pay attention, Zuko." Lu Ten demanded and Zuko nodded, stepping back and catching his breath.

"Sorry," Zuko said, holding his swords up to protect himself.

"And Piandao said you're better than me." Lu Ten teased which lit a flame in Zuko, the one Lu Ten needed to see again.

Zuko swung his swords forward, Lu Ten blocking them. Zuko moved again, his movements faster and his wrist twisting the swords, putting Lu Ten on the defensive. Lu Ten got one good swipe but Zuko ducked, the sword going over his head. Lu Ten followed it by a kick and Zuko flipped back, landing on his feet and lunging towards Lu Ten.

It wasn't long before the boys found a rhythm in their movements, each switch from offense to defense in a matter of seconds. Both boys controlled their breathing and the swinging of their swords, making sure not to injure each other but not going easy either.

The twisting of their feet, the flowing of their bodies, and matching of their minds were in sync that neither boy noticed they gathered an audience. Zuko only focused on Lu Ten's moves, thinking of a counterattack that Piandao told them.

Zuko caught Lu Ten off guard, his sword hitting Lu Ten in the woods. Lu Ten stumbled back and Zuko swiped his foot, Lu ten falling onto his back. Zuko grunted as his sword stopped under Lu Ten's chin. Zuko smirked while Lu ten stuck his tongue out to Zuko which only made the boys laugh.

"Magnificent work." a voice said and both boys turned to see Ursa standing to the side of the arena smiling at them.

"I let him win." Lu Ten jokes.

"Don't taint his victory," Ursa said watching as Lu Ten jumped up from the. "Zuko won fair and square."

Zuko smiled and ran over to his mother, hugging her and burying his head in her stomach. Princess Ursa had been so busy with the court but she took time to see her children, especially Zuko.

"I see you've improved with Piandao," Ursa said, rubbing Zuko's cheek.

"He says I'm better than Lu Ten," Zuko shouted.

"As long as you're the best you can be it doesn't matter," Ursa said. "I'm sure Lu Ten is a skilled fighter."

"Thank you, Aunt Ursa." Lu Ten replied, bowing towards Ursa. "I should check on my mother."

Lu Ten excused himself leaving Ursa and Zuko alone.

"Walk with me, Zuko," Ursa said, holding out her hand to which Zuko grabbed.

Zuko smiled as he and Ursa walked through the Palace. He enjoyed spending time with Lu Ten, His Uncle and Aunt but nothing beat spending time with his mother. He didn't have to worry about her health or practice his bending and swords. Most of all, his mother didn't bug him about his innocent crush on Katara. There was a peace that washed over Zuko when he was with his mother, a safe place to not be a Prince or the Promised Son but just Zuko.

They walked until they reached another Private Garden. This one was closer to the Fire Lady's Quarters, where Ursa and Zuko spent most of their time together. It was the same garden that Katara had wandered into and collapsed. Neither mentioned that as they sat down under the tree and fed the turtle-ducks.

"How are your studies?" Ursa asked, giving Zuko a piece of bread to throw in the water.

"Good, though I want to attend the Academy more," Zuko replied, breaking another piece of bread.

"You miss your friends," Ursa said.

"Yes, it's fun having them at the Palace, but I wish they could be around more." Zuko shrugged. "Father said I only need myself and he's right but-"

"It's okay to want company, Zuko." Ursa rubbed Zuko's shoulder. "No one is supposed to be alone."

Zuko understood his mother's words but his father's words held a heavyweight with them. He knew he wasn't supposed to be alone but when Zuko looked at his father, he saw a strong man doing things on his own. Sure, his father wasn't Fire Lord or the Crown Prince, but people respected his father. No one questioned his judgment and people bowed down to Prince Ozai. If he wanted to be the son that Ozai was proud of then he needed to be better. Zuko couldn't spend time playing with his friends while Ozai insisted that he practice his bending.

Most of all, Zuko couldn't fall behind Azula. With his extra training, he was at this moment in time better than Azula. He thanked Agni that Azula got sick from standing in the rain, it gave him time to be better.

"I'm not alone." Zuko protested. "I have Seiji, Cheng, Tadashi, and Katara…"

"Oh, the healer?" Ursa said, her eyebrows raised and looking at Zuko.

"Uhhh...I-I we-.." Zuko stuttered, trying to hide his embarrassment.

Zuko considered Katara a friend but he didn't exactly share that information with his parents. Ozai would most likely fire the Healers. No matter how much Lu Ten teased Zuko about his little crush, he knew that Lu Ten would keep his secret even if it was harmless. It was the power of Ursa, to make Zuko come undone in a matter of seconds.

"Well, Katara is a very nice girl." Ursa smiled at her son. "I am glad she is your friend."

Zuko's cheeks heated and he tried to shrug it off. The conversation was not supposed to be about the healer. He hadn't seen her in a week and Zuko worried if she was okay. Not even three feet away from them, Katara passed out.

"Do not go where I cannot find you." Zuko thought to himself.

The words came from Katara's mouth, but I didn't sound like her. It was like another voice had come out of her, controlling Katara.

"Is she healing?" Zuko asked.

"Hama said she's feeling much better," Ursa said, rubbing Zuko's cheek. "You want to see her?"

"No!" Zuko protested, folding his arms and trying to pretend like he didn't care.

Ursa smiled and pinched Zuko's cheek which crippled his hard demeanor. Zuko rubbed his red cheek and Ursa smiled at her son.

"Well, do you want to show me your bending?" Ursa asked, changing the subject.

"Yes!" Zuko exclaimed, getting up from the ground and taking his stance.

Zuko had been working on it for weeks with Lu Ten. He wanted to show his father but Ozai was busy. It took the pressure off showing it to Ursa, trying to perfect it before he showed his father. Looking at his mother, Zuko smiled at Ursa who sat against the tree looking at him. His mother would always be there to support him and Zuko knew that.

Taking a deep breath, Zuko punched out a flame. He then moved forward and picked out a flame. Turning around, he repeated the same moves on the other side. He then flipped in the air, his hands sending flames around him. Of course, Zuko was lighter on the power, not wanting to burn the garden. Once finished, Zuko took a deep breath and stood in his resting stance.

Getting up from her spot on the ground, Ursa pulled Zuko into a hug.

"I am so proud of you, Zuko."

Katara sat on the silk sheets of her bed. The last few days had seemed like a blur, a fever running through her. She had never felt so sick but now she felt better than ever. Katara had taken in more water than usual, trying to quench a thirst that seemed endless. She had never felt so empty before, that was until she felt the rain on her skin.

She didn't remember making it to the garden, only knowing that she was following a figure. Hama asked what she saw but Katara said nothing. Katara wasn't sure if she should tell Hama, wondering what would happen if Hama knew the truth. Katara trusted Hama but something deep within her told her to stay silent, that the figure only appeared to her for a reason.

The door to Katara's room opened and Hwasa slipped in carrying a tray of food. Katara perked up at seeing her best friend come into the room. Hama was busy healing the Princess but Katara didn't mind, all she wanted to do was be with Hwasa. It seemed that the girls were attached at the hip before this week, but after the time in the water under the full moon, they felt like one.

"Do not go where I cannot find you." Katara thought to herself, remembering the words the woman uttered to her.

Hwasa put the tray of food on the bed and then climbed on. Handing Katara water first, Hwasa then prepared Katara's food.

"I'm not-

"Hungry," Hwasa said, finishing Katara's sentence. "I know, I feel it but Hama has ordered it."

Katara nodded as she drank the cup of water, feeling her body rejoice as it was refueled. Putting the cup down, Katara grabbed her chopsticks and the bowl of rice, taking a few bites and then leaving it on the tray.

The girls sat in silence, not knowing what to say. Katara felt terrible that she got sick, leaving Hwasa to deal with Azula. Somewhere deep down, Katara knew that Hwasa somewhat enjoyed being around Azula when she wasn't trying to hurt Hwasa. Katara would never let Azula hurt Hwasa no matter if she was a Princess.

"I'm okay," Hwasa said and Katara nodded.

Neither knew how it happened or what exactly happened between them, but the connection was strong. Every emotion and thought that Katara felt, Hwasa understood and the same was said for Hwasa. They already understood each other from spending two years together but this feeling was something different. Though their physical bodies separated them, their hearts, minds, and souls were merged.

"I'm sorry," Katara mumbled, knowing that whatever pain Katara had been feeling for the past two days that Hwasa felt it as well.

It wasn't to the same magnitude as Katara but Hwasa felt weak at some point. Hwasa was speaking to Lu Ten when she passed out. Hwasa wanted to yell at Katara for doing something weird to her but once she woke up in Lu ten's arms, all anger went away.

"You're blushing." Katara teased.

"Whatever." Hwasa groaned and Katara laughed.

Katara handed Hwasa her vegetables, knowing that Hwasa was staring. Hwasa didn't utter a thank you, knowing that Katara understood it. The girls continued to eat in silence having their own mental conversation. Servants went in and out of the room, shocked that silence was interrupted by little girls but then followed by silence again. To everyone else it was strange but to the little Water Benders, it was their secret normal.

"You've never seen her before?" Hwasa asked, her mouth filled with steamed veggies.

"No, but I think she is a Water Bender," Katara said, finally grabbing a piece of meat.

"Another one in the Fire Nation?"

"Maybe," Katara mumbled as she shrugged. "You didn't see her?"

"No," Hwasa said, drinking water. "I was with Azula."

Katara raised her eyebrow and Hwasa who tried to glare with the intent of hiding the blush that crept on her face.

"She's kind of mean." Katara recalled..

"She has her moments," Hwasa shrugged.

The girls laughed again, enjoying their own conversation.

"Can we try?" Hwasa asked, putting the cup down and looking at Katara.

Katara nodded, putting her food down. Katara stretched out her palm and Hwasa took it. Both girls gasped as the sound of the wind drowned out and the girls' hearts beat as one. They squinted their eyes, Katara trying to share the moment with Hwasa but nothing happened. Hwasa released Katara's hand, giving up before they drained themselves.

"Should we be scared?" Katara asked, looking at Hwasa shyly.

"No, we have each other," Hwasa replied smiling at Katara. "We can do anything as long as we are together." The girls laughed and continued to eat.

Hours passed and finally, Hama returned to their chambers. Too tired to question the girls, Hama went into her own bedroom that was attached by the bathroom.

Katara smiled as she felt the water being carried by the clouds. Looking at Hama the girls smiled as the first raindrop hit the earth once more. They didn't know what this new sensation was and if Hama knew about it. However, they weren't going to tell her just yet. Though they trusted and loved Hama, this was something more than bending. This connection, this push and pull that Hwasa shared was something they wanted to keep between them.

It was rare that the whole Fire Nation Royal Family had dinner together. With everyone's, busy schedules dinner was usually sent to their rooms. Fire Lord Azulon and his wife Illah had already eaten and turned in for the night. Zuko assumed that old people did set with the sun.

In the Royal Dining Hall, Crown prince Iroh and his family along with Prince Ozai and his family sat at the table. Zuko sat next to Azula who was still recording from her cold, he could feel the heat radiating off of her. Their mother, Princess Ursa sat across from the children and next to her husband Ozai, on his left side. To the right of Ozai was his older brother Iroh and to Iroh's right his wife Hui Ying. Lu Ten sat to the left of Zuko while a somewhat sick Azula sat on the right. Azula coughed quietly, putting down the rice.

"Azula, you should rest." Princess Ursa said, frowning at her daughter.

"She's fine." Prince Ozai snapped at his wife. "She cannot lay in bed all day getting fat, the cold will run through her soon."

Zuko watched as his mother nodded and silently ate her dinner. Zuko didn't like family dinners, they are always awkward. However, Princess Hui Ying wanted to see everyone after months of not having dinner together due to her sickness.

"You should let her see one of the healers, Ozai," Iroh said, taking a sip of his wine.

"I will not let that filth near my child." Ozai hissed. "Bad enough they live here and are treated like nobles."

Zuko's blood boiled as he listened to his father. Katara nor any of the healers that lived in the Palace were filth. Uncle Iroh brought Hama back when he was injured in his attempt to conquer Omashu. Hama saved his life and he did the healer a favor bringing her back to the Fire Nation. Sure, she was a slave, but she wasn't treated as one. All the healers had a better life in the Fire Nation, and it was their job as the Royal Family to make the world better.

"I will request for Ginger tea, Azula." Princess Hui Ying said, ignoring the rude comments of Ozai.

"Thank you," Azula said confidently although Zuko could tell that it hurt for Azula to speak.

No matter his father's rude comments, Zuko was happy to have family dinner with his Aunt. She'd been sick for years and now she was getting better since the healers were here. At this rate, Aunt Hui Ying would no longer need the healers. Zuko didn't think about what it meant once Hui Ying was healed, he didn't want to.

"How is the war going, Brother?" Ozai asked, taking a sip of wine.

"Good, in a few months' time we will move on to Ba Sing Se," Iroh said, rubbing his belly. "The Earth Kingdom should fall within three weeks of our arrival."

"That seems like a long time," Azula said. "Father could do it faster."

"You are right and Ozai is more than welcomed to join me." Iroh shrugged. "I've heard the Wall is a sight to see."

"Can we see it before you burn the city to the ground?" Zuko asked, a smile on his face.

"You can see it as soon as we secure it and rename it." Lu Ten said, patting Zuko's head.

"It would be nice." Hui Ying whispered, taking a sip of her tea.

Zuko couldn't hide the excitement on his face as he ate. He had never left the Fire Nation and he wanted to see more. Of course, Zuko knew that no city compared to the beauty of the Fire Nation but Ba Sing Se seemed to be this magical land. There were three walls within the city each made to protect the people. Soon, Be Sing Se would be a part of the Fire Nation and Zuko could visit as much as he wanted. Zuko wondered if his Uncle would bring back an Earth Bender for the castle.

Zuko had never seen a Water bender until Prince Iroh brought Hama who then brought Katara and Hwasa. Maybe he could learn how to defeat and earth Bender if he was lucky. He'd be luckier if the Earth Bender beat Lu Ten just to wound his ego.

"It would be nice to travel." Lu Ten added. "We haven't been to Ember Island in a while."

"Ember Island?" Azula perked up at that. "I want to go."

"We could all go, you do need a break, Iroh." Hui Ying said. "We all do and I'm sure it would be nice to get away from the Palace."

Zuko wanted to go to Ember Island badly. They hadn't been back in almost two years and he loved it. Zuko and Lu ten played in the water while Azula complained about getting her hair wet which just made Lu Ten drag Azula into the water. Zuko chuckled at the memories, Ember Island was the one place that he got to escape.

"I would rather not attend but bring back a shell for Ursa," Ozai said blankly and Ursa smiled faintly.

Zuko was glad that his father wasn't going but he wanted his mother to go. There was a slim chance that Zuko or Azula would be allowed to go to Ember Island without their parents. He wanted to get out of the palace but wouldn't bother his father if he declined it.

"Can we go?" Azula asked, looking at Ozai.

"What about your cold?" Ozai questioned, his head turning to the side.

"What cold?" Azula asked, smiling at her father as she drank her tea.

Zuko rolled his eyes, of course, Azula would say she was fine. Zuko could feel Azula burned up next to him and her clothing didn't help. Yet, Unlike Zuko, Azula would never admit when she had failed or displeased their father. No matter what Azula was doing, she always remained perfect.

"I will take the healers as well," Iroh said. "In case Hui Ying needs help."

Zuko groaned as Lu Ten elbowed Zuko in the ribs. Snapping his head up, Lu Ten continued to eat his rice, not paying attention to the cousin that he annoyed.

Zuko didn't even think about bringing Katara to Ember Island. He wondered how a Water Bender would react to seeing a beach. Lu Ten told him that the North and South Pole didn't have sandy beaches, they are surrounded by ice and snow. It sounded terrible to Zuko and he knew that he would be a weak bender if he lived there.

Maybe this would be good for all of them to go to the beach, Katara could finally show her bending to him. Katara healed him before and he watched her pull water from the air, but he never saw her bend like him. He wanted to know everything about Katara and her bending. Zuko knew that their stances were different and that Water Benders needed water to bend, unlike Fire Benders who produced Fire. It was why Fire Benders were better than everyone else, their God lived within them.

Zuko's happiest memories were on Ember Island and now he could make ones with Katara and Hwasa. He didn't speak to Hwasa much, she was always busy. Zuko wanted to get to know her as well, Katara was her sister. Maybe if Zuko befriended both of them then he wouldn't feel so alone in the Palace when everyone else was busy.

"I will speak with Hama." Hui Ying said. "It shouldn't be a problem; I don't know a Water Bender to deny an Ocean."

The table laughed and continued to finish their dinner. It didn't take long before everyone left, Azula dismissing herself and going to bed. While Ozai and Ursa left, Zuko remained with his Uncle and his family.

"Have you beat Lu Ten in sword yet?" Uncle Iroh asked.

"Yes!" Zuko exclaimed. "Knocking him on his butt."

"He got lucky." Lu Ten remarked.

"No, I got better," Zuko informed Lu Ten and Iroh laughed, holding his stomach.

"Soon you can join your cousin in the Military." Hui Ying said, smiling at Zuko.

Zuko smiled and Lu Ten wrapped his arm around Zuko. He wanted nothing more than to join the Military and travel the world with Lu Ten, helping the world. It's what Ozai did with Iroh until he had his own family. However, it seemed now that Ozai was more into court politics than the actual war on the front lines. But, if Zuko became a good soldier, he could be a General and climb up the ranks finally pleasing his father.

"I would like that." Zuko smiled.

Hwasa tossed in her bed, trying to drown out the sound of teardrops falling to the floor. She wasn't supposed to leave her room at night unless escorted. But she could feel it, she could feel every strained cry and tear that ran against heated cheeks.

Hwasa controlled her breathing and controlled her senses, drowning out things she didn't want to hear. However, these tears were the one thing that haunted Hwasa that night. Throwing the pillow over her head, Hwasa groaned as the tears got louder. She began to sweat, the water rolling off of her like waves. This was unbearable, to be connected to feel the pain of others because they had a heart that beat rapidly.

Hissing, Hwasa got up from her twin-size bed, she couldn't take it anymore. Grabbing her night robe, Hwasa opened the door and checked the halls before she left the room. Hwasa knew exactly who was in pain and though she wanted to help, the risk was too much. Hwasa felt the pain for a few days and it wasn't as bad until this day. She couldn't sleep, eat, or think because she felt everything.

Hwasa turned the corner and walked through the red halls. She didn't want to think about what would happen if she got caught. At this point, peace was the only thing that Hwasa craved and she needed to heal the sick.

As she turned the corner, Hwasa knew the immense danger. This side of the palace was off-limits unless she was with Hama or a soldier with the mission to heal someone. Yes, she was healing someone, but she didn't exactly have the permission. Hopefully, the person would thank her and not turn her into the guard. However, that was very wishful thinking.

She reached the bedroom doors and pushed them open. Looking to her left and right, Hwasa made sure that no one was in the halls. Slipping into the room, Hwasa flinched as the figure cried out in pain.

How did no one feel her pain?

Walking towards the bed, Hwasa came upon the side. As the bed dipped, the figure rose up, a fireball in their hands, and now directly in front of Hwasa's face. The fire danced close to her skin, calling sweat to run down her face, but she didn't flinch. Blue eyes bore into pained golden ones and Hwasa turned her head.

The light of the fire showed the wielder to be very weak. Their eyes were red and their face blotchy while chapped lips parted. Sweat ran down their face and their defined cheekbones showed more than usual. If the figure wasn't so close to vomiting, Hwasa would comment on how beautiful they looked even in their sickest moments.

"Get out." the voice hissed. "You are supposed to be here."

"You're sick," Hwasa stated. "I can help."

"No!" they cried pushing the Hwasa away. "I have to fight it, I have to be strong."

Hwasa watched as the figure clutched herself in the darkness whispering to herself. Part of her was conflicted, wanting to leave them alone but the other part wanted to help and to heal. It was why Hama was in the Palace to heal those who were sick. Yet, these wounds seemed deeper than just a cold that was untreated.

"Let me help and I will leave."

"I said no-" The figure gasped as flames sparked out of their mouth followed by struggling coughs.

Hwasa stepped back, giving her space, she asked or. She wasn't going to die from the cold but it was going to take a few days to heal. Hwasa could feel the cold being burned out of her body. It would hurt but the girl could deal with it, right? It didn't matter anymore, Hwasa couldn't risk getting caught. If they didn't want her help then Hwasa would leave.

Walking towards the door, Hwasa placed her hand on the door.

"Wait…" the girl whimpered.

Hwasa turned around, the girl curled up on the bed, her hands clutching at the sheets as her amber eyes stared into Hwasa's soul.

"P-pl-please…" Azula begged, and Hwasa thought that day would never come. Azula reached out her hand, waited for Hwasa to heal her.

Hwasa didn't come all this way to let her suffer. She knew that at the beginning, that Azula was in pain, she felt it for days. Hwasa hoped that if Azula was that sick, she would find someone to heal her. However, Azula pretended to act normal, continued her bending lessons and studies. If Azula wasn't going to admit it then why would Hwasa help?

But then tonight crept upon them when she heard Azula's silent cries and felt her pain. Hwasa stills didn't understand what exactly was going on with her bending but she knew that if she didn't help Azula it would only get worse. Though Hwasa tried to avoid it, she came in the night running towards Azula.

"Alright," Hwasa said, turning around.

Climbing onto the massive bed, Hwasa moved closer to Azula. Azula laid on her back, staring at the ceiling. Moving her hands through the air, Hwasa grasped onto the water and let it slide between her finds until it glowed. Placing her hands on Azula's stomach she watched as Azula calmed down. Closing her eyes, Hwasa concentrated on replenishing Azula's life force while lightly tapping into her own.

It took a while but soon Azula felt better while Hwasa felt a little drained. Moving away, Hwasa laid on the bed, her breaths slowly and her hand gently brushing against Azula's.

"You have to leave before the sun rises," Azula mumbled, knowing that Hwasa was tired and would surely faint if she left the room.

"I know." Hwasa breathed.

"You can't tell anyone."

"I know."

I'm not going to sum up Hwasa and Azula. I will say that there is a friendship that is growing...how far that goes...we shall see if I decide to continue this story. Reminder, they're kids and no one is confessing love at the ages of nine and so forth.