Chapter 7: Here We Go Again

Ok, so there isn't anything about Jet and Azula this chapter, so sorry about that. However, I'm feeling mildly industrious so you guys will get two short chapters today. This chapter is pretty much fluff and a few other things. So for fluffy-fans out there, some Taang and Zutara. And we'll get back to the Konashi situation a little later.

"Aang, I need to talk to you."

Aang looked up. Toph was looking down at him. She looked… nervous. Weird. "Um, ok."

"I need to know about you and me," she said.

"What do you mean?" Aang knew what she meant, but she needed to say it.

"I mean that I like you… and… we kissed, then nothing happened… and… I'm confused, Aang!" Tears of pent up frustration were forming in her eyes.

Aang reached out to wipe a tear from her clouded eyes. "Toph, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I'm not good at this. I like you too. I'm not good at this."

"Aang, it's ok."

"No, it isn't. I got scared. And instead of being strong, I hid. I'm sorry." It hurt him to see her cry.

"Aang?"

"Yeah?"

"Shut up and kiss me."

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Katara paced impatiently. She was in Zuko's room, waiting for him. The door slid open. Smiling, she ran into Zuko's arms. He held her close and pulled her into a kiss. Zuko felt Katara's fingers running through his hair and sighed as they broke apart. "I could get used to that," he said.

Katara laughed and pulled him into the room. Zuko sat in a comfortable chair and pulled Katara against him, her head nestled on his chest. He stroked her hair. It was down and cascaded in waves.

"Talk to me," she said. "I just want to hear your voice."

Zuko talked. Talked about everything and nothing. Few people could get him to talk like this and Katara was one of them.

Katara inched herself upward and kissed Zuko again. Overwhelming desire and passion burned within them. As they broke off for a moment, their eyes met. It held them back. They couldn't go so far. They were young. There was plenty of time. Hell, they would be married one day.

"Zuko, I love you," Katara whispered into Zuko's ear as she leaned forward to kiss him again.

"I love you more," he whispered back.

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Ursa turned in early that night. She was inexplicably tired and instantly fell into a deep sleep:

Ursa stood on a quiet mountaintop. It was a little foggy, but the view was lovely. A hand rested on her shoulder. Ursa turned to see Avatar Roku smiling at her. "Ursa, you have done well."

"Thank you, Avatar Roku."

"Something new has turned up. It's about your daughter."

"What's wrong with Azula?"

"She told Ozai everything. She was on her way with an invasion force and stopped to refuel. She tried to take a small Earth Kingdom village. A storm hit and she was blown out to sea with a rebel leader."

"Is she ok?"

"She is unharmed. She is confused. She and the rebel will learn much from each other, but it is up to you to find them. Do you understand?"

Ursa nodded. "I understand."

"Bring some help with you. You have friends who will wish to go. Your son too."

The vision faded into a dreamless sleep.

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Two cloaked figures stood at the bow of a small wooden ship. It was a small crew, all of them originally from Konashi. The crew had left years ago to pursue their careers as sailors. But because they were from Konashi, they gave the two men their services.

The two men were brothers. Their names were Shen and Karo. They had been sent to look for the Avatar because Konashi was under attack.

"How are we even supposed to find them?" Karo said.

"The Avatar was trying to stay hidden in the islands. The closest cluster is only a few hundred miles off shore. You could spend months out there." Shen's response was logical. Well-thought-out. Concise.

"Still seems hopeless," Karo muttered.

"There is always hope, brother."

Karo shrugged. "Sure. I'm turning in for the night."

So, finally a bit about the people the Konashi sent to look for Team Avatar. Well, it's a relatively important bit. I dunno adds a bit more fluff and mystery to the story, pfffffff. Do I have to have a reason? It entertains me. How's that? Eh. Anyway. Back to Azula and Jet next chapter. Muhaha. I had so much fun writing about them. So I'm sure you're dying to know about them, so go ahead a click the next button.