The moon shone on the outskirts of Half Moon Bay in silvery beams. Zuko sat on the ground inside one of the rocky crevices and tapped his finger against his knee in an agitated rhythm. Aang sat opposite him, trying to hold the flames that hovered above his cupped palms. The fire was golden and warm—Zuko's own fire—but it was barely a second before they vanished.

Aang's shoulders slumped. "Sorry."

Zuko's mouth twisted. "Don't apologise when you don't mean it."

"What are you—"

"You're not even trying! Don't think I haven't noticed!"

"I am trying! I just …"

There was an awkward pause. Aang refused to meet his gaze. Instead, he hugged his knees to his chest and seemed to shrink even smaller. He looked so young, so small and vulnerable. Zuko forced himself to take a breath. He was frustrated with Aang's lack of progress, but he could also see that getting angry wasn't going to solve the problem. If anything, losing his temper was just going to upset and drive him away more.

"Look," Zuko said more calmly, "you just have to relax. Fire is something you can control just like any other element. It isn't something to fear."

"You say that, but from what I've seen fire has only ever hurt people. Even Master Jeong-Jeong said that to be a firebender is a curse."

"Have you forgotten what saved your life?"

Aang flinched.

"My bending healed you, Aang. Not air, not water, not earth. Fire. Doesn't that tell you that firebending isn't just about destruction?"

"But it hurt you as well, didn't it?"

Zuko let out a breath. He didn't have a defence for that. It was true that he suffered when using his ability. The sickening tug that went hand-in-hand with his healing had almost drained him of his energy twice. He'd been left cold, weakened and withered like a starved plant. If Shang's scroll was to be believed, he could have even lost his life.

"I don't regret it," he said simply.

Aang raised his head a fraction, peeping up at him. "You don't?"

"You would have died if I hadn't healed you that night, and I definitely don't regret healing my uncle." Zuko sighed and leaned back on his palms. "We all have to make sacrifices sometimes."

"Doesn't it scare you?"

He was quiet for a moment. "Yes," he admitted. "I don't know how to control my healing abilities. If it's triggered again, I don't know if I'll end up sacrificing my own life or if I'll just lose my bending entirely."

"And you're okay with that?"

"I don't know. I just know that this power is a part of me. I can't run from it, so I might as well learn how to use it."

Aang let out a breath. "You know, you're really brave."

Unfamiliar warmth spread across Zuko's cheeks. He folded his arms across his chest and looked the other way. "You're just being a wimp, that's all."

Aang's shoulders slumped.

"Don't just accept it!" Zuko gave him a light whack on his head. "Geez, that's your problem right there."

"Huh?"

"I'm telling you to stop holding back!" He shook his head. "I don't understand how you can still be like this. I thought you were able to unlock the third chakra because you finally accepted that you're a firebender."

Aang circled his thumbs round and round, clearly agitated. "I did accept that I can firebend, but actually using it is different."

"Because you might lose control and hurt someone?"

He nodded.

Zuko sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Listen, Aang, I know it probably really scared you when you hurt Katara, but you've got to let it go. One mistake doesn't mean you should give up firebending. It's when you fail that you have to pick yourself up and try again."

"I know, but—"

"No buts. You're the Avatar. Isn't it your duty to learn all the elements? Isn't that why you can't go into the Avatar State now?" He shifted to grip Aang's shoulders, meeting his eyes. "You tried so hard to unlock the chakras. Are you really going to waste all that just because you're afraid?"

Aang averted his gaze. He didn't look much like an all-powerful Avatar in that moment. He sat hunched and trying to shrink into himself and his mouth drooped at the corners. Everything about his posture screamed defeat. It was frustrating. Zuko wanted nothing more than to shake some sense into him, to get him to stop acting like such a floundering little kid, but then that was the problem. Aang really was just a kid, and right now he was also an exhausted kid. Pushing him any further today would be pointless.

Zuko released his shoulders and stood up. "Let's stop here for today."

Grey eyes flickered towards him in surprise.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm not letting you off the hook. You just look like you're about to fall asleep."

Aang lowered his gaze. "Sorry."

"I told you not to apologise when you don't mean it."

Aang flinched.

Zuko pursed his lips. "Give me patience," he muttered to himself. He grabbed Aang by the arm and hauled him up. "Stop looking so pathetic. It's not the end of the world just because you didn't learn how to firebend in one night."

"But—"

"I am going to teach you how to control your fire. That hasn't changed. Now go get some sleep. We've still got to get to Ba Sing Se and deal with my sister, remember?"

Aang looked even more strained at the mention of Ba Sing Se. He started twiddling his thumbs again, not quite meeting Zuko's gaze. This seemed to be a nervous habit.

"Actually, there's something else I need to tell you," Aang mumbled.

Zuko resisted the urge to demand what firebomb was going to be dropped on him now. Instead, he folded his arms and waited for an explanation. His patience paid off. In broken pieces, Aang told him about the planetarium he and Sokka had found inside Wan Shi Tong's Library. They had managed to piece together that firebenders lost their bending during solar eclipses, so they'd used the planetarium to help them predict when the next solar eclipse would occur.

"Sokka has a plan to attack the Fire Nation's capital on that day," Aang explained. "That's why we're going to Ba Sing Se. We want the Earth King to help us invade the Fire Nation during the eclipse so we can take down the Fire Lord directly."

Zuko was too stunned to respond. He had known that Sokka had been keeping something from him, but this was so much bigger than he had expected. If Sokka's plan succeeded, the Fire Nation could actually be forced to surrender. Zuko's father, the Fire Lord who had been like a god to him as a child, could lose.

"You will learn respect, and suffering will be your teacher."

His heart thumped a sickening beat in his chest. Even now, even after opening all the chakras, what Zuko felt for his father was a confusing tangle of love and hate. He didn't know if that would ever change. Ozai had influenced him too much, had shaped him with pain and rare moments of kindness into having an engrained urge to stand down and obey. It was a difficult habit to break. Still, there was a part of him, a part that grew stronger every day, which understood he could not keep ignoring his conscience. Not to please his father and not even to protect his nation. His eyes had been opened to the truth; he could not lie to himself anymore.

Zuko cleared his throat. "Why did you tell me this?"

"Huh? I just thought you should—"

"Are you expecting me to stop you? To fight with you?"

Aang shook his head. "I'm not expecting anything. I just wanted you to know the plan. I didn't want you to think we were purposely holding information from you."

Zuko sighed. "Thanks, I guess."

Aang's brow furrowed. "You know," he said after a slight pause, "this really wasn't the reaction I was expecting."

"What were you expecting?"

"I dunno. For you to get angry or something."

Zuko rolled his eyes. "I already know you're trying to defeat the Fire Nation. It's not like I don't understand the reason for that or why you'd prefer to attack when your enemy is at its weakest."

"Then you're okay with the plan?"

"Do you need my approval?"

"I guess not, but I would like it all the same. Your opinion means a lot to me."

Zuko rubbed his forehead. "I'm not an army strategist. You'll have to talk to my uncle if you want to know if the plan is any good."

"But—"

He placed his hand on Aang's shoulder and started walking him forward. "Enough. Just go to bed, Avatar. You look half dead on your feet."

This time, Aang didn't protest. He smiled tentatively and dashed off with a quick goodnight. He must have sensed that Zuko was losing patience. Perhaps he even worried he would be forced into firebending lessons again if he stuck around. Not that resuming practice would have done either of them much good.

As Zuko had feared, Aang had completely blocked that part of his bending. He hadn't been able to conjure flames so Zuko had been forced to use his own in order to let Aang practice. That would have been fine except that Aang had been too scared to exert his will over the flames. In short, the fire had burned out every time. It was worrying. The more Aang refused to firebend, the longer he would not be able to access the Avatar State. That was a dangerous situation. It didn't help that losing the ability to shift into the Avatar State so soon after gaining it had been a severe blow to his confidence.

Zuko sighed and headed back to Half Moon Bay. A few people were still lurking around the wharf, but most had retreated indoors. The broken ferry swayed on the water, its mast still in ruins and the hull riddled with holes. The serpent had done a lot of damage. Things could have turned very ugly if Aang and Katara had not been there to help. Still, they could have avoided even more damage had Aang chosen to firebend.

"This can't continue," Zuko murmured.

Something had to be done about Aang. Things would only get more dangerous from here on out. The world couldn't afford to have an Avatar crippled by doubt and fear. It was harsh but true. Aang had to stop holding back, especially if he really was intending to take on the Fire Lord. It was too risky to rely on the eclipse. Ozai was too powerful. Too ruthless. He wouldn't care if Aang was just a child. After all, Ozai hadn't hesitated when he'd burned his own flesh and blood.

"I meant you no disrespect. I am your loyal son."

Zuko brushed his fingertip against his scarred cheek. All deadened nerves and rough skin. A breath escaped his lips.

"I thought I might find you out here."

He flinched at the sound of Katara's voice. "Shouldn't you be resting?" he asked.

"I could say the same to you."

He turned back to gaze at the damaged ferry. Katara moved to stand next to him.

"Aang told me that he wasn't able to firebend," she said after a moment.

Zuko said nothing.

"I know it might seem like he's not putting in any effort, but I think he really is trying. He just gets scared sometimes and—"

"Don't make excuses for him. As the Avatar, Aang doesn't have that luxury."

She planted her hands on her hips. "Don't you think you're being a bit harsh? Aang is still a kid."

"You think I'm not aware of that?"

"I'm just saying that—"

"And I'm telling you that it doesn't matter. You're not doing him any favours by coddling him, so stop it."

Her eyes narrowed. "You—"

"Do you want to keep Aang safe or not?"

"Of course I do."

"Then trust me. I know your enemies better than you do. I know what they're capable of and what they'll do if they get their hands on him." His voice softened as he met her gaze. "Try to understand, I don't want to see him get hurt either."

Colour bloomed on her cheeks and she quickly averted her face. "Look, it's not like I don't understand that Aang isn't an ordinary kid. A lot of people are relying on him as the Avatar, and obviously it's better if he's at full power."

"Then what are you suggesting? Aang can't access the Avatar State now. That is a weakness he will regret if he tries to take on the Fire Nation."

She shook her head, more helpless than anything. "I don't know. I just know that back when Aang first learnt that he was the Avatar, only Monk Gyatso would treat him like an actual person. All anyone else cared about was what he was destined to do." She fidgeted with her tunic. "I know it seems impractical with everything else going on, but I don't want to stomp all over Aang's feelings just because he's the Avatar. It's not fair to him."

Zuko repressed a sigh. "You're way too soft-hearted."

Her lips pursed. "Maybe you're just mean."

"I'm only trying to keep him alive."

Some of the light faded from her eyes. "I know," she said softly. "It's not like I don't know that. I just—"

"You just want him to be happy."

She nodded.

"Believe it or not, I wish that for him as well. Unfortunately, life doesn't always work out the way we want."

"There's that pessimism again," she half-teased.

"I'm just being realistic." He frowned and glanced back at the ferry. "Aang really doesn't have the luxury of being able to take his time to sort through his feelings. He has to get stronger now, because my father and sister won't show him any mercy if he stumbles."

Katara stared at him in wonder. "You really do care for him, don't you?"

A blush stained his cheeks. "I just don't want to see that idiot get himself killed. Too many people are depending on him."

"Sure, sure. You keep telling yourself that."

He glowered at her, but she smiled and tucked her hand in his, pulling him close so that she was pressed against his arm.

"Thank you," she murmured.

"Uh, what—"

"For taking care of Aang. I can see now that you're really trying to help him, so I'll do my best to support you as well."

"Uh, okay." He quickly disengaged himself, conscious of how warm she felt against his side. "Well, uh, I'm going to head back now. I'm pretty tired, and I'm sure my uncle is wondering where I am."

"I'll come too."

She fell into step with him. He avoided her gaze as they walked back to the hostel together. It was a relief when they reached the door that led to the female quarters.

"Goodnight," she said, flashing him another smile.

"Yeah. Goodnight."

She entered the room and closed the door behind her. He headed for his own dormitory, not surprised to find Aang tucked up with Momo on a futon, already drooling in his sleep. Iroh sat reading Shang's scrolls not far from the boy while Sokka's space was empty. A low murmur of voices and snores came from the rest of the occupants in the room.

"Where's Sokka?" Zuko asked.

"Entertaining his lady friend," Iroh said with a wink.

"Lady friend?"

"One of the Kyoshi Warriors. I believe her name is Suki."

Ah. If Zuko remembered correctly, that was the girl who had been thrown off the serpent after wounding it with her katana. No wonder Sokka had got so excited when they'd pulled her into Appa's saddle. Their reunion had been brief, since Suki had later left to help on the ferry, but it had been enough for Zuko to gather that there was some kind of history between the two.

A crease formed on his brow. Now that he thought about it, the Kyoshi Warriors were the same girls who he had fought on Kyoshi Island back when he was still trying to hunt Aang. He and his soldiers had almost burnt their village down as well. Awkward.

"We probably shouldn't stay here too long," he muttered, pulling off his boots and settling onto his futon. "I've fought those girls before. It'd be bad if someone recognised me."

"I don't think you'll have to worry. We'll be leaving for Ba Sing Se early tomorrow." Iroh placed the scrolls down. "For now, let's just get some rest. It's been a long day for all of us."

"I guess."

Zuko pulled the blanket over him and closed his eyes. Unfortunately, his mind continued to go over everything that had happened that day. Azula's plan to attack Ba Sing Se, Aang losing his ability to shift into the Avatar State. Their moment of triumph after unlocking the chakras had burst so easily. He hated to think what would happen next.

"There's that pessimism again."

His mouth twisted. Great. That busybody was even invading his thoughts with her speeches. He rolled over the other way and buried his face into the pillow. Well, he supposed that Katara had a point. He did tend to expect the worse. She called it pessimism, he called it realism; however, even he had to admit that he wanted to be proven wrong this time.

All of them really needed some hope again in their lives.

oOo

A pale sun lit the skies. Zuko slung his pack over his shoulder and headed for the bison. The wharf was already bustling with activity. Refugees were lining up to get their ferry tickets while men and women rushed around on the big boats, hoisting ropes and fixing sails. It was a testament to how desperate these people were that they continued to pour in even knowing that one of the ferries had almost been destroyed by a sea serpent. Monstrous creatures that guarded the crossing were bad news, but the Fire Nation was so much worse. At least, that seemed to be the shared sentiment at Half Moon Bay.

"When are we leaving?" Zuko asked Aang, who was leaning against the bison's side with Momo perched on his shoulder.

"Just as soon as everyone gets here." Aang perked up. "Oh, there's Katara and Toph."

The girls greeted them sleepily. Zuko spotted his uncle flirting with one of the older woman manning a stall. Judging by the way the lady was fluttering her lashes and smiling, she had well and truly been charmed. He wasn't surprised when he saw her pass what looked like a hot cup of tea to Iroh.

"That old man," Zuko muttered, pressing his palm to his forehead. "Can't take him anywhere."

"I dunno," Toph said, tilting her head. "It sounds like Gramps just knows how to get what he wants." She nudged him in the stomach. "You could stand to learn a thing or two from him, Sunshine."

Zuko stared at her flatly. "Thanks, but I'll pass."

"Suit yourself. Just don't blame me if you end up forever alone."

Katara repressed a snort and had to cover her mouth to hide her smile. Meanwhile, Zuko was busy choking on his own phlegm.

"Excuse me?" he demanded when he could finally get words out.

Toph stared in his direction through her unnerving eyes. "Oh? Have you actually had a girlfriend then?"

Heat pooled on his cheeks. "That's none of your business."

"Thought so." She patted him on the arm. "Never mind. There's still time to fix that grumpy personality of yours."

His lips twisted. "Says the girl who looks as if she has ten years of dirt encrusted between her toes."

Toph bared her teeth in a grin. "I can be lady-like when I want."

"Somehow I doubt that."

"It's true, actually," Aang chimed in.

Aang went on to explain how Toph had lived in a fancy mansion in Gaoling and that she had been forced to keep the full extent of her earthbending abilities a secret in order to maintain the image of being a "delicate lady". Of course, she had stopped keeping up any pretence once she had left her home and joined them as Aang's earthbending teacher. Now, the group were just glad when she had snot flicking competitions with herself while they weren't eating.

Zuko leaned down so that he was closer to Toph's level. "Oh? So, all this is just some petty attempt to rebel against your parents?"

Toph scowled. "Who says I'm rebelling?" She smacked her palm against her chest. "This is who I am."

"Sure, sure. I think it's cute you're trying so hard."

She retaliated by sending a pillar of earth at him, which he dodged. The two were still bickering when Iroh joined them.

"My, my," Iroh said with a chuckle. "This brings back memories. You used to behave just like this with Azula back when the two of you were children."

That shut Zuko up. "I'd rather not talk about Azula right now."

Iroh winced. "That was careless of me."

After all, that same little sister had almost killed Zuko once and now was planning to invade Ba Sing Se. The last thing Zuko wanted was to think about their childhood and all the past memories they shared together.

He sighed and cast his gaze over the wharf. "What's taking Sokka so long?"

Toph blew her fringe out of her eyes. "He was with Fan Girl."

"You mean Suki," Katara corrected.

"Yeah, whatever." Toph folded her arms across her chest. "That girl."

"Well, he'd better hurry up," Zuko muttered.

No sooner had he said the words, a familiar figure clad in blue came hurrying towards where they all stood on the dock. Zuko was quick to note that Suki was with him, though she wasn't wearing her face paint today.

"Hey, guys!" Sokka said cheerfully. "Sorry I'm late."

Suki jerked her thumb at his head. "This idiot has been trying to convince me to come with you."

"And what's the verdict?" Katara asked, mouth twitching into a grin.

Suki shook her head. "I have my own duties here."

"I'm sure the Kyoshi Warriors would manage without you," Sokka mumbled, unable to repress a pout.

"I'm their leader. I should be here with them."

Sokka looked as if he wanted to protest, but the stubborn glint in Suki's eyes kept him silent. There would be no budging her today. Instead, she warned them to be careful while they were flying to Ba Sing Se. Several Fire Nation vessels had been spotted in the area.

"That must be Azula's army," Zuko murmured.

Suki glanced at him in surprise. "Azula? Isn't that—" Her eyes widened in recognition. "Wait a minute, you're—"

Sokka clamped his hand over her mouth. "Sorry, but it's probably not a good idea you say his name around here. There are still plenty of wanted posters around, and we already draw enough attention just with Aang and Appa."

Suki pushed his hand away. "Are you crazy? Why is he travelling with you?"

Aang twiddled his thumbs. "A lot has happened. Anyway, you don't have to worry. Lee won't hurt any of us."

She raised her eyebrow. "Lee?"

Zuko avoided her gaze. He didn't feel that he had the right to defend himself. Fortunately, the others were quick to step in for him. Even Toph did her part to alleviate the Kyoshi Warrior's concerns. Granted, Toph's words weren't exactly flattering (she made it seem like Zuko was a pathetic person who only knew how to brood), but still. It was nice to know that the little group were willing to vouch for him instead of abandoning him to the wolfbats. It was a reminder that, without even asking, they had accepted him into their group.

"I guess if you trust him then it's alright," Suki said grudgingly. "You know him better than I do."

Aang beamed and assured her that Zuko had changed a lot from the time she'd fought him back on Kyoshi Island. "You really don't have to worry about us."

Sokka agreed, though he still wished that Suki was coming with them. They'd only just been reunited. He didn't understand why she wanted to part again so soon.

Suki made an exasperated noise and kissed him on the mouth. "Idiot," she scolded. "Just because we're saying goodbye now doesn't mean we won't see each other again."

Sokka couldn't argue with that. Or maybe he'd just decided it was better to make the most of the time they still had. Either way, the two kissed again—so passionately, in fact, that Zuko looked away in embarrassment—and then Suki made her last goodbyes and dashed off to join the other Kyoshi Warriors. Sokka was left smiling dreamily on the dock.

"Come on, lover boy," Katara said, pushing him towards Appa. "Time to go."

Soon they were all piled on Appa's saddle and taking off into the sky. The bay got smaller and smaller until it was nothing but a speck in the distance. Zuko turned his attention to the view ahead and took a deep breath. It wouldn't be long now before they would reach Ba Sing Se. He hoped that he would be able to learn more about the Children of the Undying Fire. He really hoped that they would find a way to snap Aang out of his funk with firebending.

There was a bad feeling growing inside him. He had not wanted to fight against his nation, but he couldn't just leave Aang to deal with this mess either. Not while Aang was so weakened. Azula was merciless and there was simply too much at stake. If Ba Sing Se fell, there would be no safe haven left for the refugees. Even an outsider like him understood what that would mean for the people of the Earth Kingdom. Plus, this could be Zuko's last chance to get a solid lead about his bending.

This time, he knew that there was no room for mistakes.

oOo

The cabin was quiet. Azula sat before a map of Ba Sing Se, poised and perfect. Not a hair out of place. Not a crease in her tunic. Not a smudge on her armour. She was the epitome of flawless control. At least outwardly. Inside, she felt like there was a spitting, hissing animal pacing inside a cage, just waiting to escape. Most of the time she could keep the animal in its place, but every now and then the bars rattled. Every now and then it forced itself to the surface and bared its teeth through her smile.

She could hear the cage rattling now.

It was all Zuko's fault. Try as she might, she could not seem to stop thinking about her brother. She remembered the way he had crumpled so easily when she had struck him with lightning; she remembered how he had returned from the grave to challenge her, as if he could ever be a worthy opponent. Most of all, she remembered those haunting words he had uttered before the Avatar had knocked her away:

"Why did you do it? You're my sister."

Azula gritted her teeth. The cage rattled louder. She shoved the map away from her and stood up with a sharp, jerky movement. So what if she had hurt Zuko? So what if she would probably have to fight him again? It all meant nothing. Her brother was nothing. Nothing. He was just a traitor now. He could never be anything more than a useless, weak boy who didn't know when to give up.

"I don't care about him," she said defiantly.

The words sounded too loud. Too hollow. She felt the lie slip through the cracks of her defiance even as soft laughter broke through her thoughts. Her mother's laugh. Azula resisted the urge to scream. She would not give into the ugly, primal thing that paced in its cage. She would not give in to Ursa's taunting whispers, nor would she allow herself to be manipulated by the sentimental string that linked her to her brother. She had come too far.

"I am the one in control," she said, forcing her body to still.

There was no room for hesitation. Not now and not ever. Her plan was already in motion. By tomorrow evening, she would have broken through the walls of Ba Sing Se. The Avatar had been sighted on the coast of the Earth Kingdom, so there was a chance he would be there to try stop her—no doubt bringing Zuko with him—but that was fine. She would be ready for both of them.

Azula stabbed her fingernail into the point on the map where the walled city was located. "Just watch, Brother," she said with a twisted smile. "I'm going to do what Uncle could not, and then I'll capture the Avatar right from under your nose."