CONTENT WARNING: Language

Toph was glad to be back on solid ground. She liked Appa alright, but she hated not being able to see. And after two straight weeks of flying, she was more than ready to say goodbye to her furry friend. After leaving Appa in the care of the zookeeper Aang had once helped, Toph, Aang, and Iroh took the train into the city. Iroh owned a modest home in the upper ring not far from his beloved tea shop, near a beautiful garden. They stopped at the marketplace to replenish supplies before pressing on to Iroh's home.

Toph had been there many times before, and she knew what to expect. The Dragon of the West was a collector, and his home was a museum. Ancient artifacts, kooky collectibles, and more filled his home in a way that was both cluttered and organized at once. Through her seismic sense Toph could see where each and every item was so she was never in danger of hurting herself, and Iroh always made sure to keep the walkways open when she visited anyway.

Aang, on the other hand, had never been to Iroh's home. "Oh wow, there's a lot of cool stuff in here!" He excitedly began to check everything out.

"Ah yes, now that I am retired I have plenty of time to collect items," Iroh told the Avatar, beaming proudly as his collection was admired. "It also helps that I no longer have a nephew around to nag me about how many useless things I have."

Toph listened as Aang spent some time with Iroh going over various collectible items. It was a bit boring for her, but Toph was happy to be with two of her great friends. She hadn't realized how lonely being on her own at her metalbending academy would be. She had even missed flying on Appa, at least a little bit.

After Iroh was done with his tour he left Aang and Toph in the sitting room while he put on some tea. Aang sat cross-legged around the Pai Sho table that occupied much of the room. He picked up one of the tiles and rotated it between his fingers absently.

Toph sighed. She had anticipated this conversation was coming. Aang hid his emotions well, but she could sense the turbulence inside of him regarding his pretty ex-girlfriend and a certain Fire Lord.

"What do you think Katara and Zuko are doing right now, Toph?" Aang asked, feigning disinterest. He was spinning a Pai Sho tile on the tip of one finger using his airbending.

Toph threw her hands into the air. "I don't know, probably saving the world!"

"You don't think there's anything else—"

"I don't think it's important," Toph cut him off. "No offense, Aang, but your past relationship issues are the least of my problems right now. I'm more worried about this trip you're supposed to take into the Spirit World, and you should be too."

Aang balled his hands up in frustration. "But how am I supposed to concentrate on getting into the Spirit World when all I can concentrate on is Katara?"

"You must learn to let her go, Aang."

Just then Toph and Aang turned to the sound of Iroh. He was standing in the doorway with a tray of tea in his hands. He had a somber expression on his creased, gentle face, and Aang got a feeling that the Grandmaster of the Order of the White Lotus knew more than he was letting on.

He frowned at Iroh. "You sound like Guru Pathik."

"He wasn't wrong about letting go of your attachments, Aang," Iroh said solemnly. He came into the room and set the tea down. Without saying anything he poured three cups of tea. Iroh took a sip and let out a deep sigh. "I wasn't going to say anything about this so soon, but I don't think I have much of a choice."

"What are you talking about?" Aang wanted to know.

"He's saying that you didn't listen to Pathik then so you need to listen to Iroh now so you don't screw up again, Twinkle Toes," Toph snapped, her patience wearing thin. "You didn't let go of Katara back then and it got you killed. If Ozai hadn't thrown you into a rock and unlocked your chakra, he would've wiped the floor with you and taken over the world. It's time to grow up, Aang."

"That's really rich coming from you, Toph! You never let anyone get close. You don't even have any attachments to anyone! What would you know about letting go of people you love?" Aang shouted, hurt and frustrated.

She punched his arm, hard, her mouth twisting into a glower. "That's not true, Aang."

"Fighting is not going to help us," Iroh said calmly. He turned to the Avatar. "But Aang, if you are going to win this fight, you must let go. You were fortunate during your battle with Ozai that you accidentally opened your chakra, but you did not do it. The Spirits had a hand in it. Now you must repay the favor."

Aang cradled his head miserably in his hands. "How do I do that, Grandmaster?" He sighed unhappily. "I almost did it once. In the Crystal Catacombs. But then Azula shot me. I've never tried to do it since then."

"I think you know what you must do, Aang. It won't be easy, but you must face a harsh truth within yourself in order to let her go." Iroh took a sip of his tea. "But we can begin that tomorrow. Tonight, we will rest. I think we can have dinner at the Jasmine Dragon"

They camped in the clearing that night. Zuko was confident that the thieves wouldn't be foolish enough to try and attack them again. He could have killed them all and not lost a wink of sleep over it given their intentions for Katara, Seeing them put their filthy hands on her…and the nefarious things they had said...it made a man want to go down a dark path. But he had been worried about how Katara would see him after that. She was too gentle for murder, even when it was deserved. And maybe that was for the best, anyway.

Katara was quiet and reserved. He could tell that she was shaken by the encounter. She moved about stiffly as they set up camp, her mouth downturned. She boiled rice and vegetables over the small fire he had made without saying a word.

If I ever so much as hear about them doing wrong again, they won't be able to walk away next time, Zuko thought darkly. Then they can live out the rest of their miserable lives depending on the people they have wronged.

Sometimes, death was too kind.

She handed him his bowl and settled back to eat. Zuko watched her closely. She was stirring her food more than she was eating it.

"Katara, you should eat."

"I'm really not hungry." She set her food aside. "I'm going to clean up in the stream over there. I feel gross."

Zuko put his food down. "I'll go with you."

"Zuko—"

"I don't want you going off alone," he said with finality. He lowered his voice and spoke softly. She wouldn't quite meet his searching gaze. "I saw what he did to you."

She dropped it.

Katara gathered her soap, a fresh change of clothing, and her comb in her arms. They walked the short distance to the stream, their path illuminated by the flames Zuko held in the palm of his hand. She set her things down on a rock near the bank and Zuko found a comfortable rock to sit on while she bathed.

"Turn around," Katara ordered him. "If I catch you peeking, I swear I'll water whip you."

He put on a face of exaggerated innocence. "Me? Peek? But I'm a gentleman."

Katara snorted but he caught the corners of her lips turning up in a smile. Obediently he turned so he faced away from her. He listened to the soft rustle of her clothing brushing against her skin as she took them off, and he tried not to think about her naked skin in the starlight.

She waded into the middle of the water and sank until she was up to her neck. The stream was shallow and the water was warm. She let the gentle current wash away the dirt. Katara wrapped her arms around herself, unable to hold back the tears for another moment. She let them fall silently into the water for a few moments before she rinsed her face, hoping Zuko wouldn't be able to tell that she had been crying in the poor lighting.

Katara washed herself methodically, taking her time. Her shoulders ached where the man had grabbed her, and her scalp was sore where the hair had been torn out.

The encounter had shaken her. When that man had groped her... She had travelled the world with Aang, Sokka, and Toph and had never experienced anything like that. She couldn't bear the thought of what could have happened to her if Zuko hadn't been able to fend them off, or if she had been alone. She shuddered at the thought.

And Zuko...he had defended her ferociously. For a moment she had been afraid he would kill them. She wasn't sure she would be upset if he had killed them. His fierce protectiveness wasn't that surprising to her. He had taken lightning for her, after all. But something about it seemed different now. She didn't know why. And her response to him was different, too.

She lathered soap into her hair, gently massaging her scalp. She drew water into her hands and healed herself until the ache was gone. At last she dipped beneath the water, rinsing the soap from her hair.

In her element, she normally felt strong and powerful. Tonight she felt unsteady.

Katara waded to the shore, water running down her skin. She looked at Zuko. He had kept his promise by keeping his back to her. The flames still rested in his hand, casting them in a soft orange light. She realized he was playing with the fire, with one hand held above the flames and his fingertips moving over it. She tried to see what he was doing but couldn't quite make out the shape of the flames.

"What are you doing?" Katara asked.

She had startled him; Zuko jumped and started to turn before he remembered he wasn't supposed to look. His hand fell back to his lap and the flames stopped dancing. "Um, nothing."

Katara quirked her brow curiously, but of course he couldn't see it. She quickly dried off and wrapped herself in a fresh sarashi before donning a similar set of dark clothing.

"You can turn around now," she said demurely.

Zuko did. He regarded her and seemed to be put at ease by what he saw. "Feel better now?"

She nodded.

Zuko jerked his chin toward the stream. "You mind?"

She shook her head. "Help yourself."

Zuko stood up and she took his place on the rock. Katara began to pull her comb through her hair, her back turned toward the water.

"Now you better not peek," Zuko teased her.

"Then you better turn off the light," she quipped.

He arched his brow, a lopsided smirk curving his lips. "Are you saying if I kept the light on you would peek?"

Her cheeks reddened. But there was a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "And what if I did?"

Katara realized she was skirting the fine line between friendly teasing and flirting. But it was a distraction from what had happened, and it felt natural. Besides, it wasn't like she was with Aang anymore. She was allowed to have a little fun. She was rewarded by the dumbfounded look on Zuko's face.

His heart skipped a beat and he found himself at a loss for words. His mouth finally reconnected to his brain and as he gestured to the stream he shot back, "Well, you'll have a hard time peeking with the lights out, so good luck with that."

He saw the blush rise in her cheeks as she turned away, and he smiled to himself in satisfaction. At least she's acting like herself again, he thought. The Katara he had seen earlier had worried him. She hadn't been herself at all, not that he could blame her.

He extinguished the flames and stripped. Zuko waded in until the water was up to his waist. He turned back to Katara. He could faintly see her silhouette in the darkness. As far as he could tell, her back was to him. Not that he would mind if he did catch her looking, but he wasn't sure it was entirely appropriate, given the day's events.

He bathed quickly and got out of the water, regretting that he hadn't brought a fresh change of clothes. But the night was warm so he settled for just his pants.

"Are you ready to get some sleep?" Zuko asked softly. He conjured fire in his hand again.

She looked at him from over her shoulder and he felt a pang of satisfaction when he saw her quickly take in his shirtless chest. Katara dropped her eyes. "Yeah."

They went back to camp. Katara checked on Beast and was satisfied to see that his wounds were healed nicely. He bellowed at her, his stubby tail swishing, as if to thank her. In spite of herself, the rhino was growing on her. Katara fed him the rest of her dinner as a treat, stroking his hide gently, before she went to her bedroll and climbed into it. Zuko made to go to his own bedroll, but her soft voice stopped him.

"Zuko." He met her eyes. "I…" Her voice wavered. "It's just that...I never have bad dreams when you're next to me. I could really use that tonight." Her eyes were downcast. "Please?" She didn't have to say anymore.

Zuko went to her and slipped into the bedroll beside her. Katara nestled herself into his arms, her fingers lightly grazing his bare collarbones. She looked up at him. He couldn't read the expression in her eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered.

He smiled crookedly at her. "We just have this habit of saving each other, don't we?"

She returned the smile. "I guess we do." She covered a yawn with her hand and blinked drowsily.

Zuko pulled her closer, enjoying the way he felt her melt at his touch. "Go to sleep, princess."

"Mm...okay." I could get used to this, she thought drowsily.

She nuzzled her head into his throat. He felt her lips brush against his skin and a chill ran through him that had nothing to do with being cold. She wrapped one arm around him, anchoring him to her. The other settled on his chest. He petted her hair soothingly as he closed his eyes. His other hand rested on her back, feeling her soft heartbeat and the gentle rhythm of her breathing.

"Zuko?"

With some effort, he opened his eyes again. "Yeah?"

"You said you didn't want me to waterbend, and I get why, but I just need to ask. When can I bend? Like...what situation calls for it?" He could imagine her frown, and the small crease it would cause to form between her eyebrows.

Guilt washed over him unexpectedly. If he had let her bend today, would that man have been able to touch her? Zuko didn't think so, and that realization ate at him. But he knew that it was in their best interests if neither of them bended if it could be helped.

"Obviously a life or death situation," Zuko answered, his voice low. "And...maybe if something like today happens. Not that I think it's gonna happen again but…" He let out a deep breath, his arms tightening around her. He pressed his face into her hair. "That shouldn't have happened to you. I'm so sorry, Katara."

She squirmed against him and he wished he could see her face to gauge her thoughts. "It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself, okay? Neither of us could have known that he would—" She sucked in a sharp breath. "I just thought I'd ask. That's all."

"Yeah." He ran his fingers through her hair absently. "So, really serious situations. I think it's okay to bend there."

"Okay." Katara closed her eyes, soothed by his touch. "Can you do me a favor though?"

"Anything." And that wasn't just the guilt talking—he meant it.

Her voice was a sleepy murmur. "Don't tell my brother."

Zuko grimaced. He hadn't even thought about how Sokka would react...and he was definitely not adverse to keeping this from him. "Of course, princess."

It didn't take long for her to fall asleep. For that he was grateful; Katara had been through a lot that day. Zuko had seen men like that before, during his time as a banished prince and as a fugitive. Desperation warped people, even good people. He knew that. But some people were just rotten all the way through. He could see it in their eyes that those men were scum.

Hesitantly, Zuko kissed her forehead. Katara sighed and settled deeper into sleep. He released a sigh of his own as he resigned himself to one simple, yet complicated fact: he was falling in love with her.

At last they reached June's tavern. It was a solitary building in the middle of the woods, a decrepit location where people from all nations mingled together to drink, gamble, and fight. It was large and ramshackle and looked as though the next strong wind would blow it down, but never did.

Tied to posts outside were various ostrich horses, a tigerdillo that eyed them as if they might be his next meal, and June's unmistakable shirshu.

"She's here," Zuko said. Relief washed over him. "Let's go."

Zuko dismounted and tied Beast's reins around a thin tree trunk away from the rest of the animals. Katara climbed down and straightened her dark clothing.

"I want you to stay close to me while we're in there," Zuko said.

"I can handle myself," she huffed as she sized up the tavern.

Katara had been there once before, just before Sozin's Comet. They had sought June's help then to search for Aang, who had disappeared. She hadn't paid much attention to the rest of the tavern and had only focused on the dark beauty who had fought a grown man without spilling a drop of her drink. But she knew from its appearance alone that it was a seedy place.

"I know that. But there's a lot of bad types that hang around in there and you're an attractive woman. Guys like these get the wrong idea." His cheeks bloomed crimson when he realized what he said.

Katara searched his face to see if he truly believed what he had just said and, given the color in his cheeks, it must have been true, but she was a bit flushed herself. She simply nodded her acquiescence.

Recovering, Zuko led the way into the grimy tavern. Katara stayed close to him and he took her hand as he guided them through the gathered crowd despite the early hour.

All around them, the tavern was bustling with activity. Conversations boomed. There was an argument happening in a back corner. People were gambling and drinking and the air smelled of liquor and sweat.

"Hey little lady, you new in town?"

Katara looked to the sound of the voice that had catcalled her. It belonged to a man who was easily old enough to be her father, who wore a stained tunic that barely stretched over his large gut. His eyes were watery and bloodshot.

Disgusted, and not wanting to engage with the man in any way, she said nothing and focused her eyes ahead of them.

But Zuko spun on his heel, one hand already on the hilt of his dao swords, which were strapped between his shoulder blades. He protectively stepped in front of Katara.

"What did you say?" His voice was low and dangerous. Katara could see the tense set of his shoulders.

The man held his dirty hands up, taking in Zuko's quiet strength and the scar covering the left side of his face with wide eyes. "I don't want any trouble, man. I was just asking the lady a question. I don't want no trouble. I didn't know she was with you"

Zuko glowered at the man. "That's what I thought." He turned away and pulled Katara along with him. "What did I tell you?" he hissed at her.

She scowled. "I am staying close to you! If I were any closer, I'd be on top of you!" But she had to admit, seeing him protect her again had sent a flutter through her stomach.

Zuko glanced around the tavern. "I don't see her anywhere. But the shirshu is here, so she has to be too."

"Maybe we should ask the barkeeper," Katara suggested.

They headed for the bar. It was crowded, and Zuko had to shoulder his way between two thin, decrepit-looking men to lean across the counter and flag down the barkeeper.

The aging man sized Zuko up with his sallow eyes. "Never seen you around here before. You look like you don't even have any hair on your chest. Can I interest you in some water?" His grin revealed yellowed teeth.

Zuko bristled. "I'm looking for someone. June. The bounty hunter. Where is she?"

"That'll cost you. Five copper pieces."

Zuko rolled his eyes but he counted out the money and handed it over to the grimy barkeeper. Moments like that made him wish he could announce his true identity. None of them would dare disrespect the Fire Lord like this. "There. Now where is she?"

The old man jerked a thumb at the stairs as he pocketed the coins. "She's probably sleepin' off a hangover. I wouldn't disturb her if I were you. She's quite the platypus bear when you wake her up."

"I said, get your hands off me!" The audible sound of a slap reverberated through the tavern.

Zuko wheeled around and saw Katara standing just off the side of the bar. A man twice her size was holding his reddening cheek in one hand, a murderous glower on his pocked face.

"You little bitch," the man snarled. He brought one fisted hand toward Katara.

Zuko moved faster than he ever had before. Katara brought her arms up to deflect the blow, but before it landed Zuko knocked the fist away with the side of his forearm.

The man's angry eyes turned to the newcomer. There was a clear imprint of Katara's hand on his cheek. "Is she your bitch? You oughta—"

But he didn't get to finish his sentence. His comment had landed him a swift punch to his jaw that snapped his head backward. The man's head bounced forward again with a malicious sneer on his face, but any rebuttal died on his lips at the cold fury on Zuko's face.

"Watch your mouth in front of the lady, filth, and don't you ever touch her again," Zuko snarled, his voice guttural and low in his throat.

The man wiped the blood from his mouth and laughed. "Kids these days have no respect. Maybe I oughta teach you both a lesson."

Zuko stood there and crossed his arms over his chest confidently. The corner of his mouth turned up in a vicious smile. "Try me, old man."

The gruff man sized Zuko up. His eyes fell on the hilts of the broadswords sticking up over Zuko's shoulder. He clicked his tongue and shook his head. "Oh no, boy, we're gonna do this the old fashioned way. Just two men and their fists. Put the swords down before I really have to hurt you."

Zuko considered this briefly before he nodded once and slipped the scabbard over his neck and held the swords out to Katara. His blood was boiling with rage, but he had no doubt that he would win this fight.

"Zuko—"

He glimpsed over at her. His expression was flat and furious. "Just trust me, Katara."

She did, unequivocally. She'd been sparring with him for over a week. The old drunk stood no chance against him and he was a fool for trying. But Katara couldn't help but notice how every pair of eyes in the tavern was watching them now. I thought we were trying to stay hidden, she thought. Men and their egos, I swear.

"Okay," Katara said quietly. She stepped back.

"Now we're talking," the old man said with a wicked grin. He rolled up the sleeves of his tunic and turned to the crowd, spreading his arms wide. "Who wants to bet?"

A chorus of cheers and shouts went up through the room as people hurried to place their bet with the barkeeper. From what Katara could glean, the bets were in the old drunk's favor. She heard a few place their stakes on Zuko. She allowed a small grin to cross her face. You're all in for a surprise. You're all about to lose some money.

The old man held up his fisted hands. "A good old-fashioned brawl is good for you."

It took effort for Zuko to prevent himself from rolling his eyes. This guy had no idea what Zuko had been through, how many fights he had been in. His age was deceiving; Zuko had been through more in his twenty-two years than what most men would go through in a lifetime. The old man was cocky, and Zuko was about to teach him an important lesson in humility.

The man's fist lashed out, and Zuko easily sidestepped him without even bothering to uncross his arms. He knew his own arrogance would only make the man angrier, but he was okay with that. Rage could be blinding. The man would be less tactical and more headstrong, ensuring an easy victory for Zuko.

Without warning Zuko turned toward the drunkard and lunged forward. The man blocked his attack but Zuko had anticipated it: he brought his other first up and landed a solid punch against the man's ribs. The air left the drunkard suddenly but he recovered quicker than Zuko expected, and he landed two sharp blows to Zuko's jaw and temple. His head snapped back and he heard his neck crack from the force.

He hadn't anticipated his opponent's brute strength. It nearly rivaled having Toph chuck boulders at him.

Zuko blinked as stars burst in his vision and he brought his arms up in time to block another blow. I underestimated him, Zuko realized. That won't happen again.

Zuko feigned a few punches to throw the man off, and when he had the perfect opportunity, he pulled his arm back and punched the man in the nose. He felt the cartilage crunch sickeningly beneath his knuckles and blood spurted out of it like a fountain. Warm droplets landed on Zuko's face but he wouldn't risk opening himself to attack up by wiping them away.

"You broke my nose!" The man's face contorted with rage..

With an inhuman howl he launched himself at Zuko. Zuko tried to keep his feet on the ground and deflect him but the old man tackled him with surprising force. Zuko was airborne for a moment as they flew through the air.

They landed on a nearby table that broke in half under their combined weight. Glass and clay shattered beneath him and Zuko felt the broken bits tear into his skin. The old man's nose was still dripping blood between the two of them.

Zuko lashed out and landed punches on the man's head, neck, and chest. The man returned the blows with sharp jabs to Zuko's ribs that took his breath away. He was pretty sure he felt a rib crack. With a grunt the man landed a punch to Zuko's mouth. Zuko coughed on the blood pooling in the back of his throat. Red sprayed across the old man's tunic and face, mixing with his own blood.

"Zuko, look out!" Katara shrieked.

He risked a glance over at her. Her blue eyes were wide in fear. Zuko looked back at his opponent in time to see the man had grabbed a sharp-looking shard from one of the broken tumblers.

Zuko felt alarm coil hotly in his belly. The rules of the fight had just shifted. So much for just two men and their fists, huh?

He brought his arm up in time to stop the man from driving the broken tumbler into his eye. Zuko felt the jagged edge bite into his flesh. Pain seared down his arm and Zuko gritted his teeth as fresh blood dripped onto him. His left arm reached out and grappled for something to fight with. Two can play that game. The broken tumbler was still sticking in his arm and the man was pressing his weight into it, driving Zuko's arm down to his chest. Zuko couldn't resist it; the pain was too great and it only drove the makeshift weapon deeper into his flesh.

The man took the opportunity to slam his free fist into Zuko's temple. The edges of his vision darkened and Zuko felt like his head had exploded. Come on, Zuko. Think! He took a brief second to assess his dire situation. It wasn't looking too good for him. But he could still win.

With a strained grunt Zuko lifted his hips off of the ground and twisted hard. The old man hadn't anticipated the sudden movement and he was thrown to the side. His head smacked the floor with a satisfactory thud. Zuko staggered to his feet and pulled the jagged piece from his arm. Blood dripped from his fingers and pooled on the floor. He suddenly found that it was difficult to breathe.

The man was struggling to get up, hopefully on the verge of losing consciousness. Zuko stumbled over to him and delivered a sharp kick to his jaw. The man's teeth clacked together and his head slammed back into the ground. Zuko watched his eyes roll up into the back of his skull. Finally the man lay still. The tavern had grown quiet.

Katara was suddenly at his side. "Zuko!" Her voice was quiet and harsh.

"I'm okay," he said. He was feeling a bit dizzy from the bloodloss. He looked down at his bleeding arm. "You think you can stitch that up?"

"Let's get out of here so I can heal you—"

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" a familiar voice crooned.

Zuko looked up through swimming eyes to see the dangerous bounty hunter standing before them with her hands planted on her hips. A cool smile was on her lips.

"If it isn't Prince Pouty and his pretty little girlfriend," June drawled. She nodded toward the bloody man laying on the floor "Thanks for that. Chin's a real hot head and he's had it coming." She looked up at Zuko. "You're not looking too good there. Maybe you oughta—"

But Zuko didn't hear the rest of June's sentence. The ground was suddenly rushing up to meet him.

"Iroh, you're back!"

Aang watched as a pretty girl around his age came hurrying from behind the counter and wrapped the Dragon of the West in a warm hug, which Iroh returned enthusiastically.

She was quite pretty, Aang noticed, with soft brown hair and emerald eyes. She wore a light green qipao and orange flowers in her dark hair.

"I told you I would be, Keiko." Iroh chuckled. He looked around. "Where is your brother? Hopefully he's not overboiling a pot of tea."

"Oh no, I've kept him clear of the kitchens while you've been gone," Keiko tittered. "He's washing dishes in the back right now. I missed you so much!"

Iroh smiled at her affectionately. "I missed you too, Keiko."

The girl seemed to notice Aang and Toph standing behind Iroh for the first time. Her smile widened as she recognized the newcomers. "You're the Avatar, aren't you?"

"I am," Aang said. He bowed to her before offering her a friendly smile. "My name is Aang."

"And I'm Toph," the blind girl said.

"Iroh!" A second figure tackled Iroh in a bear hug. "Never leave Keiko in charge again. She's a ruthless tyrant!"

"Don't be so dramatic, Rumi," Keiko teased, rolling her eyes behind his back. She winked at Aang. "Besides, don't you see Iroh's esteemed guests? It's the Avatar and Lady Toph, the metal bender. Your hero."

Rumi turned to look, his eyes wide. "Oh my Spirits, it is!" He bowed reverently before Toph. "Master Toph, it's an honor to meet you."

"Thanks," Toph said gruffly. But there was a small smile curving her lips. Hero-worship never got old.

"Why don't we close up early and have an early dinner?" Iroh suggested. He was beaming happily. "I'm so happy all of you can finally meet."

A few minutes later they had shuttered the doors of the Jasmine Dragon and had settled at a table. Keiko served ginseng tea, bok choy, and rice. Toph and Aang devoured it.

"This is delicious!" Aang complimented her cooking with a bright smile. "Mm!"

"Thank you," Keiko said, a pink blush coloring her cheeks. She busied herself by fiddling with a napkin.

"So Iroh tells me you have your own academy where you teach metalbending," Rumi said to Toph as he refilled her teacup. He was smiling at her, forgetting the fact that Toph couldn't see it. "That's really amazing."

"Thanks. Being the greatest earthbender in the world is cool and all," Toph said with a grin. "But I figured I should probably pass down the knowledge."

"Rumi is an earthbender too," Keiko said as she brought her teacup to her moth, ignoring her brother's pointed glare.

"Really?" Toph's smirk widened. Her head swiveled toward him. "Are you any good?"

It was Rumi's turn to blush. "Well, not exactly. I'm not nearly as good as you are. I've been mostly self-taught."

"You shouldn't sell yourself short." Iroh wagged a finger at his apprentice. "Don't let Rumi fool you, Toph. He is better than he thinks he is. I've been helping him too."

"But you're a firebender," Aang pointed out with a small frown.

"The best benders look beyond their own element to improve their craft," Iroh said sagely. "Unfortunately most believe their element has everything they need so they don't consider the possibilities."

"Katara uses earth bending moves sometimes," Aang said.

"She learned those from me." Toph pointed her thumb at her chest, grinning.

"Who's Katara?" Keiko asked. "And what kind of bender is she?"

"She's...my friend," Aang hedged. "She's a waterbender."

Toph hid her surprise with a sip of tea. So she's not his ex-girlfriend anymore? She's just a friend now? When did that happen?

"Iroh has helped me a lot, even though he's a firebender. He's really smart and knows a lot about all kinds of bending forms," Rumi said, smiling at Iroh. He looked at Toph. "But I would love to have a lesson from an earthbending master."

Toph cracked her knuckles. "That can be arranged."

When Zuko came to, his head was pounding and his body ached like he had been trampled. Every breath was painful and taxing. His right arm felt like it was on fire. He struggled to sit up. "What the—"

"Whoa, take it easy, Zuko!" Suddenly Katara's blue eyes were in front of him. Her hands were on his shoulders and she was trying to push him back down.

"I'm fine, Katara." Zuko grabbed her wrist in one hand and gently pushed her away. He sat up the rest of the way and planted his feet on the floor, ignoring the way his head buzzed. He looked around the unfamiliar room. It was small and a bit messy, with discarded clothes strewn about. "Where are we?"

Katara's mouth twisted downward. "June's room. She helped me get you up here after you passed out. I healed the cut on your arm as well as I could, but I didn't have time to get to the rest."

"That's alright. Uh, thanks." Zuko stood up slowly, gritting his teeth against the pain in his ribs. He steadied himself on a dresser. "Where is June?"

"She's downstairs settling a fight that broke out after you blacked out." Katara rolled her eyes. "Apparently, everyone who was betting on Chin decided the match was a bust when you lost consciousness."

"Hey, I won that fight," Zuko muttered.

Katara huffed, her hands planted on her hips. "I don't think that's what's important right now, Zuko."

"Of course not." He offered her a weak smirk. "Let's go find June and see if she can track down Tatsuya." Zuko limped toward the door.

Katara caught him by the arm, frowning with concern. "Zuko, I really think I should heal you some more. You really took a beating."

Zuko waved her off. "I'm alright. Seriously. I've been through worse, and this is more important." He caught the worried look in her eyes and his expression softened. "You can heal me later, okay?"

Katara furrowed her brow at him as she took another step closer to him. She cupped his cheeks in both of her hands and forced him to look her in the eye. She nodded once, as if satisfied by what she saw. But she didn't let him go.

"Only if you promise to tell me if you get dizzy again, the moment you do. None of that male bravado, alright?" Her tone was stern, like a mother arctic hen, but she was more worried about him than anything. She was angry that he'd gotten into a fight on her behalf. She felt awful about it.

Katara might have looked angry, but Zuko could see the worry in her eyes. He should have done better in that fight. He would have, if he hadn't let his cockiness get the better of him. He would make sure not to underestimate an opponent based on their appearance again.

Hoping to placate her, he simply agreed. "Okay."

Katara released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding on. Realizing she still had his face in her hands, she gently kissed his cheek, just below his scar. She felt him startle at the unexpected gesture, and she let her hands drop to her sides, a small, sheepish smile crossing her face.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

He returned the smile, his heart stuttering in his chest at the unexpected show of affection.

Zuko and Katara made their way down the stairs. The crowd had collected around the bar. Angry voices protested the fight, claiming that it was a draw and that everyone should get their money back since they both lost consciousness. June and the barkeeper were trying to handle it. No one noticed their arrival.

"Why don't you go grab a place to sit? I'll go drag June out of there," Katara said to him.

Zuko started to sigh but stopped short at the pinch in his ribs. "Alright." He hobbled over to an available table and sank into a chair.

He watched Katara make her way over to June. She whispered something into the bounty hunter's ear, and then the two of them glanced his way. June nodded, and Katara started to walk back to him. Zuko watched June hop over the counter and grab three tumblers. Zuko arched a brow at Katara.

"She'll be right over," Katara informed him as she sat beside him. She eyed him. "How do you feel?"

"I'm fine, Katara. Don't worry about me. Let's just get through this first. We'll deal with the rest later."

She sighed unhappily but let it go.

June finally made it over to them and set three drinks down on the table before flopping into a chair. She took a moment to size up Zuko and Katara before she spoke. "I got you fire spirits and some moon peach wine for your girlfriend."

"She's not my girlfriend," Zuko said at the same time Katara said, "He's not my boyfriend." But the responses were half-hearted.

June smirked. "Uh-huh."

Katara sniffed her wine hesitantly. She didn't drink alcohol often, but this smelled fruity and it had been a long few days so she took an experimental sip. The alcohol burned down her throat but the taste of moon peaches nearly overpowered the flavor of the liquor. "Thanks."

Zuko downed his fire spirits in one drink.

Katara peeked at him from beneath her lashes. Bruises were blossoming on his jaw, mouth, and temple, and his knuckles were swollen and split. Dried blood ran from the cut above his eyebrow that had been reopened. She had stopped the bleeding on the cut on his arm, now hidden by bandages, but she knew she would need to heal it some more or else it would start bleeding again. She wanted to get away from this tavern so she could heal him safely, but they had business first.

"What can I do you for, Prince Pouty?" June inquired as she drank from her own cup. She considered him. "Actually, it would be Fire Lord Pouty now, wouldn't it?"

Zuko furrowed his brow at her, unamused. "We need your help finding someone again," Zuko said. He pulled out the box holding Tatsuya's necklace and offered it to her. "How good is the sense of smell on your shirshu?"

"I told you, Nyla can smell a rat a half a continent away." She opened the lid on the box and carefully shifted the cloth. She eyed the necklace before glancing subtly at the one around Katara's neck. "What is it with you and necklaces anyway?"

Both of them blushed deeply.

"I ask because the person we're trying to find hasn't touched this in a hundred years," Zuko said in a low voice.

June snorted incredulously. "So what, you're trying to find some old bones?"

Zuko shook his head and regretted it when his vision blurred. "No. This person is still alive. Katara and I need to find them."

"You know what? I don't want to know." June studied the necklace. She looked up at Zuko. "I've never had to track anything this old before so I can't guarantee Nyla will be able to find this person, but if you say they're still around I'll give it a try. Of course, it's going to cost you."

He had expected that much. June didn't do anything for free. "Name your price then," Zuko replied evenly.

From upstairs a voice shouted, "That lily-livered bastard better be gone! He's in for the beating of his life! I swear on the spirits, I'll kill him!"

Jun stood up and threw back the rest of her drink. "Time to go."

Zuko and Katara hurriedly followed June out to where the shirshu was tied up. June carefully pulled the necklace from the box before she dangled it in front of the eyeless beast's nose. The animal's snout twitched as it took in the smell.

"Well?" Zuko prompted impatiently.

"Hold on."

Katara walked up with Beast's reins in her hand. "Anything?"

"Hog monkeys, can't you guys be patient?" June snapped. She scowled at them. "If this necklace is as old as you say, it's going to take a minute."

The shirshu snorted and turned its eyes to the south, broad paws digging at the dirt as its snout snuffled the air.

"I think we've got a hit." June flashed a sharp grin. "Keep up."

She untied the shirshu and hoisted herself nimbly into the saddle. Zuko stiffly climbed onto his own mount and tried to pull Katara up in front of him, but the movement caused his ribs to twinge and his arm to protest painfully, and she scrambled up ungracefully with minimal help from him.

"Sorry." His voice was low in her ear.

"Me too." She sighed. "I thought I would have more time to heal you."

Zuko opened his mouth to tell her that it was alright, that he would be fine until they stopped again, but there was no more time to talk: June and the shirshu had already taken off, and he needed to get the komodo rhino moving.

With a sharp snap of the reins, Beast took off at a sprint after the speedy shirshu.

"I can't believe it worked," Katara remarked in disbelief.

"Let's not get our hopes up too high yet. For all we know the shirshu is leading us to nothing more than a pile of bones," Zuko said grimly. A slight hiss escaped his clenched teeth as the rough ride jostled his stiff body.

"When we make camp, I'll heal you," Katara told him, concern coloring her voice.

"I'm fine."

She craned her neck to look at him, frowning crossly. "You're a bad liar, Zuko. You look like you got trampled by a komodo rhino."

He steeled himself. He didn't want Katara to think he was weak. "I said I'm fine, Katara."

"What did I say about male bravado?" Her tone was scolding, but to his surprise she reached up and touched the bruised skin on his temple, her mouth turning downward. "You don't have to pretend for me, Zuko."

He tightened his jaw. "Let's just see where the shirshu takes us."

"Our spies tell us that the Fire Lord and the water tribe princess have been seen in the Earth Kingdom, my lady," the sweet voice said in the dark.

"Hm, what an interesting development. Did you send the Kage Noshi after them as I requested?"

"Yes, my lady. They are waiting for orders to strike."

"Not yet. I want to zero in on their prize before we make a move against them." White teeth flashed in an evil grin. "Are they on the right trail?"

"It seems so."

"It seems, or it is?"

The girl chuckled darkly, unafraid. "The Fire Sages were more than willing to talk to the Kage Noshi."

"Good." Lightning crackled in the dark and for a brief moment she caught sight of wicked gold eyes. "Father will be most pleased."

Azula laughed into the dark.

A special thank-you to my beta/editor, LadyFaePhillips, for her help with this chapter. Your contributions are amazing!