Author's Note: I suppose you're all really angry and wondering why, about Zuko I mean. The thing is, in the show, he realized his true destiny in the end because of what happened with his father and uncle and Azula and Mai and all of that. At this point in my story, he never went through all of that. So, really, he never became good. His evilness was really just buried by love for Katara. And now that love isn't as strong, and he thinks he's in a crisis about Aang's 'wrath,' so that evilness arises again. So, that's why he's doing what he is.

Chapter 5

Kura was shaking, eyes still open wide. Just as Zuko was leaving, Sokka came in.

"Whoa, Kura! What's with you?" he said, sitting across from her. Kura saw Zuko pause, just out of Sokka's view, but not out of Kura's. He eyed her carefully.

"Oh, nothing," Kura said, putting on a more calm face, even though her nerves were running wild, "I was just having an...interesting conversation with Zuko."

"Really, what about?" Sokka said. Kura noticed his eyes flick, for a split second, to where Zuko was standing, glaring at Kura to not rat on him. Maybe Sokka really did see him!

"About his past and how he had a complicated life and was our enemy even though he was really good inside and how Katara fell in love with him and now he's good!" Kura said, putting on a little girl voice to try to make it obvious to Sokka that she was trying to fool Zuko into thinking she was easily controlled. She sort of was doing that, actually, but she was making it really obvious to Sokka that there was more to this. Kura knew he got it, because his mouth twitched, as if trying to hold back a laugh.

"Sounds real interesting." he said, casual as ever. "You know, I've got a story for you too. I suppose you've noticed how sad I was last night. You see, when we were here with Aang, I met the princess: Yue. I pretty much fell head over heels in love with her." Maybe he didn't get the message. Why was he launching into this story? As Zuko started to walk away, smirking, Sokka continued to ramble on, "She really liked me too! Well, can you blame her? But she couldn't be with me because she was engaged to this -" But just then Sokka stopped short. "Alright, now that that's over, what were you two really talking about?" Kura couldn't believe it! Sokka was just acting casual to get Zuko to walk away thinking everything was fine!

"Oh, well... - That was really smart you know?" Kura said, trying to give herself time to recover.

"Thanks, not so bad yourself. But why was Zuko listening in on our conversation?" Sokka came around next to her so they could speak more quietly.

"Well you see, we really were talking about all the stuff I said, but when we were talking about the fact that they were dating, I mentioned how it was kind of betraying Aang."

"Ah, Toph got to you, huh?" he said, grinning.

"Well...yeah, but she's right! Anyway, Zuko suddenly realized that I would be talking to Aang soon, I guess, because he asked me if I was going to tell him. I told him I wasn't really sure, and then he says that it would make Aang really sad. Then he walked around and stood over me! He said that Aang would be angry at him and would do something bad to him. And then...then he leaned down next to me and said he might to something bad to me! Of course by then, I was like 'are you threatening me?!' and he put him arm around me! He said it was more of insurance and I shouldn't tell Aang about them dating, or tell anyone about that conversation. Then he...he...he kissed my cheek!" Kura said, now almost sobbing. Sokka put his arms around her protectively and she put her face in his chest, crying a little. She didn't mind him getting close to her, because he was more of a father. Zuko was only getting close to make her feel uncomfortable, and it worked.

Sokka banged his fists on the table. "That lizard-rat! I knew we weren't smart to trust him! He still will do whatever he wants to make things perfect for him!" Sokka said angrily. Then his tone softened as he spoke to Kura. "Don't worry. I'm gonna put a stop to this, before you have to go into the Spirit World."

"No! If you do anything, he'll know I told you, and he'll kill me!!" Kura said, extremely frightened. Sokka put his arms around her again, and rubbed her back gently.

"You're right. We'll have to handle this carefully." he said gently. "I don't know where we'll all be when you go to speak to Aang, but I'll make sure not to let Zuko out of my sight. If he tries anything, I'll be there!" Kura nodded, and Sokka continued, "I think I have a plan. Here's what we do..."

Author's Note: I kind of need more time to work on some other stories as well as this one, so I probably won't be publishing for a while. I went a little crazy and started like 3 FanFictions at once, as well as the three other stories I'm currently working on outside of FanFic so...yeah. I know I left you at a cliff hanger, but that's just how it is. At least you are left with the comforting fact that Sokka's on the case!! :D