Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own it.

Ignition

Chapter 9: Brushfire

After a few moments pause, Katara straightened and crossed her burnt arms over her chest. She turned on her heel and stormed out of the water and up the riverbank. "I don't need this. You can go on your own." She spat angrily, scooping up her outer clothing as she passed the log upon which she had placed it before entering the water. Her blue shift slipped easily over her head and she pulled on her blue pants. Her worn and travel-stained boots remained in her hand.

Damn. I am such a fool…

She isn't actually leaving.

I am SO leaving. Now. I don't need this bullshit after everything I've been through because of HIM.

She'll turn around.

At least with Aang and everyone I was appreciated.

She isn't turning around…

Katara continued walking briskly until she reached the trees. She paused, examining the shadowy forest before stepping through the brush. I'll just find my way back to camp, get my supplies, and leave.

Zuko turned, watching Katara go. He too crossed his arms angrily. FINE. I don't need her. All she'll do is slow me down. I have to do this by myself.

Katara reached the place where they had made camp easily enough. She had only been turned around in the forest a couple of times. Feeling rather proud of herself, she began to gather her belongings. When she lifted the satchel made of sealskin that her grandmother had given her before she departed on this long and tedious journey, the bag which Iroh had given her fell onto the ground, spilling its contents. "Shit." she muttered, bending at the knee. She picked up the old map he had given her delicately, trying not to tear it. It was a little dirty in a few places, but still readable. Luckily the water flask she carried hadn't spilled on it as well. She glanced at the map briefly, soon finding herself looking for the city known as Kuruk.

Iroh's voice echoed in her head as her eyes scanned the map. "The last place Her Majesty Ursa was known to be. It is a tiny village called Kuruk. It was where she was last rumored to be before every trace of her disappeared. It would be a good place to start…No. I don't know where it is. It is an incredibly small hamlet. Somewhere up North I do believe. The one who brought us the message was wearing furs. I am afraid that is all I can tell you dear Katara."

Katara sighed, rolling up the map once again and tucking it safely into the bag. She quickly scooped up the other scattered materials and arranged them neatly in the bag, which she closed and placed on the flat rock upon which they had slept. Without thinking, she reached out and gently touched the cool, hard surface of the rock. After a few moments, her previously flattened palm became a fist. She trembled slightly out of anger.

Idiot.

Zuko paced back and forth on the shore, fuming. Why he had even considered bringing Katara along completely escaped him. She wasn't particularly useful; the last few hours had proven that much. First she surprised him, causing him to attack and burn her.

As if I didn't feel guilty enough about that already…and she dares to bring it up as an accusation. It was an –accident-…

Then she proved she couldn't be on her own for five minutes without attracting trouble.

Typical woman.

Angrily, he began to walk back to where they had made camp.

I'll just find that bag she brought with her from Uncle. Hopefully there will be some spare clothes in there…

As he approached the clearing, Zuko slowed down. He stopped a short distance away, confused by what he saw. He watched Katara reach out and brush the area where they had slept. As her shoulders fell forward slightly, he heard the small sigh that escaped her. There was a pause during which Zuko felt some of his anger ebb. He began to step forward when he saw Katara's expression sour and her hand form a fist. Seeing her tremble hurt him. The Fire Lord stopped and turned away. As he did so, his foot came down on a branch, causing a loud cracking noise. He flinched.

Katara spun on her heel, her stance defensive. After a pause, she lowered her hands. "Oh. It's –you-." she muttered, rolling her blue eyes and returning her attention to packing.

Zuko straightened. "Well who were you expecting?" he demanded, crossing his arms again.

Katara swung the pack over her shoulder and pulled the hood of her traveling cloak over her head. Her head turned slightly and she watched him for a second in her peripheral vision. "Clearly someone else." she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. Without another word, she turned and walked out of the clearing.

Author's Note: Ooooh drama, whatever shall we do? Review, that's what :] Love you guys! More to come soon. Will Zuko grow a pair and apologize? Will Katara's overbearingly good-natured conscience beat her pride to death and force her to return to Zuko? Or will they go their separate ways permanently? I'll update soon, I promise.