Hey guys next chapter is up. Sorry its a bit late but I hope you enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I do not own ATLA.

Chapter 9

The Spirit and the Princess

The battle raging that night had come to an end. The Aras had surprised the Drogons with their guerilla style of fighting and refused to allow their home to be taken. There had been heavy casualties on both sides but the Drogons being unused to prolong cold climates eventually had to flee the fight. The Aras had celebrated their victory that night over the Invaders and captured any remaining zealots.

A young Ahmet sat upon a balcony as he watched the celebrations. He wanted to be down there with the city people. He wanted to forget about his woes and the fact his people were gone. But he couldn't. He couldn't forget Monk Gyatso or...Momo.

What had befallen his sister? How did she die?

Who killed her.

Aang took a breath to calm down. He couldn't let emotions control him. It wasn't the Way of the Ahmet. Aang clung to that...since he was the last.

Although he was sad, he wasn't up here alone. He blushed as he stole a glance at Katara. She was truly the prettiest girl he's ever known. She was leaning against the railing as she tried to get a better look of the festivities below. He let out a happy sigh this time not only because just her presence calmed him but also because he knew she was safe. He was so worried when he couldn't find her earlier in the day. He wanted to protect his..um ..friend. He reasoned with himself that it had nothing to do with anything else. He's only been with her for three weeks ever since he arrived here. He's really enjoyed himself with Katara and her family. They lessened the great pain in his heart each day. He was truly grateful to them.

Aang stole another glance at Katara as she was talking about the many tourists spots outside the capital. She was still 'grounded' so she couldn't show him the sites herself, but she promised him once she could leave she'd show him all around her wonderful home. He himself haven't left the capital all that much honestly. Whenever he did he felt lonely and immediately flew back to Katara on his glider. She made him feel better almost instantly. Once he told her what his favorite food was she started making it,albeit it took some trading with some Edens since the ingredients didn't grow on the frozen planet. She requested her attendants to make new clothing for him in his Ahmet style and they came out wonderfully. They were a bit futuristic though but he appreciated nonetheless.

He wondered what happened to her when they were separated. She always avoided it or said nothing happened. Aang wasn't stupid though, he could see the burned portion of her dress even she tried to hide it from view. He let it slide though..for now. He let himself relax more and just enjoy the night with her. It was only thirty minutes before midnight.

Katara couldn't help but be excited at the prospect of learning how to fight tonight. She thought to tell Aang of her agreement with the mysterious guy she met, but she decided not to once she really thought on it. If she told Aang it would be great he knew and she wouldn't have to hide anything from him. However, she knew Aang would tell either her brother or her father and she refused to chance it. She wouldn't give up a chance to learn how to fight. She wanted to protect her family and friends just like they did her.

Katara soon thought about the mysterious man that saved her earlier that day. She knew she shouldn't trust a complete stranger but why would he save her if could have harmed her instead. Especially when he had gotten her all alone in that room. She shook her head to rid it of such thoughts as a blush crept up her cheeks. She turned back to Aang when she heard him speak again.

" You know, this is nice Katara. Sitting on this balcony and watching the festival below. I know you wish to go down there, but this is fun too." Aang said with a smile.

" Yeah Aang I think so to." said katara.

"Hey maybe we can play some Ahmet games!" Aang said with glee.

"Oh, what game?" asked Katara.

"it's called Hide and Seek! You can pick anywhere in the capital to hide and then I have to look for you." Aang explained.

Katara was about to decline Aang's game but then she had a idea. If Aang and her 'played' this Hide and Seek then she could had her great excuse for not being in the capital. That was the reason why she wasn't on her way to meet the mysterious man. She was afraid her father or brother would come into her room and find her missing. She mentally thanked Aang and felt a twinge of guilt at using him. She'd promise she make it up to him.

"Sure Aang, let's play!"

If Zuko truly thought about it, he wondered why in Agni was he here standing in this icy alley. He must have been high on his Uncle's tea when he agreed to meet and train that girl. He sighed as he remembered going back to his uncle earlier.

Earlier that day…

As Zuko made it back to the meeting spot with his Uncle he noticed a shadow hidden well in the corner. If he had been anyone else he wouldn't have noticed the person, but with his keen draconic eyesight and his harsh training everyday he could see in any dark room like it's daylight. The figure stepped out from the shadows and addressed him.

"Nephew, how was your search?" Uncle Iroh said.

"Didn't find where they kept the Ring. I'm guessing from your question you didn't either." Zuko said.

His Uncle nodded his head.

"I hope Azula hadn't beaten us to it." Zuko said with an annoyed sigh.

" I've heard her forces haven't got into the capital yet. But knowing my niece that is no set back. She is possibly within these walls as we speak." His Uncle mused.

"Well I don't know where you got your information but there were some soldiers who made it in. They were a attacking a girl."

Uncle Iroh's eyes widened.

"Did you save her? Is she well Nephew?!" he said in alarm. He didn't want to think what would if his nephew hadn't saved the maiden. He prayed his nephew would have forsaken the mission and do so like he had down in the alley. His worry was appeased when Zuko next spoke.

" Of course Uncle I would never allow myself to just watch as a woman is harmed. It's dishonorable and those Drogons should be ashamed at themselves. I hope they rot in the deepest pits of Agni flames." Zuko said while bawling his hands into tight fists.

He calmed down before he continued sheepishly with," although I um...may have made a mistake uncle."

"Oh,what do you mean nephew?" his Uncle questioned.

" I kinda had promised the girl that I would train her how to fight." he said while scratching his scaly neck.

His Uncle looked at him in confusion before understanding washed on his face then a weird smirk graced his features.

" Did you get this girls name nephew?" he asked in a casual tone.

Zuko narrowed his eyes but decided to not voice his concerns. " yes her name is Katara." he said.

" Aw this Katara will be meeting you to train? When?" Uncle Iroh asked.

" Midnight tonight. But we'll leave immediately if you thi-" he was interrupted when his Uncle shook his head fast and narrowed his eyes at him.

" You promised this girl and I for one am going to make sure you see it through. Besides this may finally get you a social life...maybe a bit more if you play your cards right." he said and spoke the last part to himself.

Zuko was a bit flabbergasted at his Uncle's response. He thought he would want him to focus on the mission. Not go off training a girl to fight. Half of him wished his Uncle had refused him of going, but a bigger unknown half felt the need to go and see the girl once again.

" Besides nephew, what if the situation arises again and the girl can't defend herself." His uncle said seeing that Zuko wasn't completely sold.

" she wasn't completely defenseless Uncle. She fought pretty well until one landed a bit on her. I believe with an actual teacher she could fight magnificently herself." Zuko said in a defensive tone.

"Your right nephew she could. And you will be her teacher."

Now…

Zuko sighed as he waited for Katara to show up. He checked the watch he had stolen off the guard and noticed it was half past midnight. Here he thought he wouldn't show but apparently she didn't. He supposed he read her features wrong but he could smell the desperation rolling off her like an rushing river. He was a bit annoyed that she had blown him off until he thought that maybe she was in trouble again . He told her to meet him near an alley by the capital gates but he didn't know this planet inhabitants. Just earlier he stopped an mugging and a rape. What if he lured her out to some dishonorable men and she was in trouble because of him!

He was about to raise up from his elevated perch but he saw a cloaked person walking into the alley.

Katara cursed to herself again because of how late she was. Playing hide and seek with Aang may have given her a good excuse to leave but it did not make it any easier leaving the capital. Guards were everywhere! She luckily knew there routine enough because of her old sneak outs with Sokka, but there were more guards on duty than usual.

She walked into the alley covered in a cloak and waited for the signal of the mysterious man. She hoped that he waited for her, she wasn't that late after all. She had to admit that the alley did unnerve her though. It was dark and a lot more scary than she initially had thought. She jumped and shot a well aimed fist when she felt someone touch her shoulder. She opened her eyes when she heard the person she had let out a noise that sounded like they were in pain. She let out a gasp when she saw the familiar mask her mystery man wore.

Zuko heard her gasp and then let out a flurry of apologies. She had hit him squarely in his windpipe and he had to admit that she had a very good arm. If it wasn't for his scales being there and the bandage wrappings he was afraid she would have done permanent damage.

Once he had caught his breath he spoke to her to stop her rambling apologies.

"With a punch like that you don't need me o I need you." he joked but his voice ended up being scratchy from the hit.

He could see the blush spreading across her cheeks and couldn't help but smile knowing he caused it.

" I'm really sorry and I'd understand if you didn't want to continue…" she said hoping he wouldn't leave because of her blunder.

"Follow me" was all he said.

Soon they were in a clearing with big steel open plates and lines engraved into the ground forming a rectangle. There were even some dummies placed along some parts of the area.

" What is all this" Katara wondered.

"This is your training arena" Li said stopping in the center of a circle right in the middle of the rectangle. " it is where you will practice and spar with me."

She widened her eyes at what he said.

" Y-You did all this, for me?" Katara said in awe.

" Of course. If I'm going to take you on as a pupil. You will need to learn in an actual training environment. I must warn you though. I will not go easy on you because your a girl. The way I train is rigorous. It will be the way I teach. Back out now if you are unwilling to go to the lengths I demand." Li said in a serious tone.

Katara nodded her head with firm determination. She refused to back out now just because things were getting serious.

"Give me all you got." she said with a fire in her eyes.

Zuko had to admit. Katara was no slouch in training. He couldn't use his fire magic so he had to resort to using martial arts. Which was fine since he decided to teach her that first. She fumbled at first with the moves but as he repeatedly went through them with her she eventually got the hang of them and mastered them. He had told her that magic wasn't everything and that a very strong magic user could be defeated by a very experienced weapon specialist and a martial artist. She agreed with him since she had witnessed him taking six men out the same way.

He had made her do a very strenuous work out and made her run 10 laps around the arena without stops. He could see her tired body almost giving out but he could also see the determination in her eyes. As she passed the tenth stretch her legs gave out and she would have fell face first onto the ground if Zuko hadn't caught her.

"You okay?" he said with a bit of worry as he saw her chest rise and fall quickly. He then wretched his eyes away as he realized he was staring at her half covered chest. She had immediately shed the black top she came in and wore her underwrap. He was glad be wore the mask or else he'd be sporting a blush for all to see.

" I'm fine I can keep going" she said as she tried to get out of his embrace. She could feel heat seeping into her cheeks at the way Li was holding her. It felt nice and warm and she wanted to stay this way but she needed to keep training and not fail him or show weakness.

Zuko let her go and immediately felt the warmth he was feeling leave him.

" Take a breather. You actually have really impressed me. You've exceeded my expectations and I believe you when you say you want this Katara ." he said but continued with " I want to go over with you the moves you learned and then we can call it a night."

Katara was about to say she could keep going but then she noticed the sky and immediately wondered how much time had passed. Li must have noticed her look and told her it was around four am.

She couldn't believe how much time flew by and she wondered if her excuse was as full-proof as she thought.

" Your right we should call it a night."

Katara had finished going over what she learned with Li and went to grab her cloak and shirt.

" You did really well Katara. Once you master martial arts we will move on to weapons. And finally your magic." Li said.

Katara gave him a big smile and then gave him a big hug.

" Thank you Li" Katara said in a whisper.

She was soon gone.

Zuko felt that same warmth in him as she hugged him.

He let out a rare smile and said towards the starry sky.

"Your welcome, Katara."

A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed that. next chapter will be up soon!

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