~(~

Mai clutched Ty Lee's hand as they ran through the terrifying jungle. They could both hear the shouts of barbaric men behind them and Mai feared she would never see her family again. Instead she was going to die at the end of a savage's spear . . . This was her final hour.

"Mai the –" Ty Lee was cut off by Mai's scream. She and Ty Lee were both screaming in terror as they plummeted off the face of a cliff.
Their screams were suddenly broken off by water that burned their eyes and tortured their lungs. The four warriors who had been chasing them stopped at the edge of the cliff and looked down in surprise. They were stunned by the stupidity they had just witnessed. They had never seen someone run to their death before.

"That had to have killed them for sure," said one.

"How did such a stupid enemy defeat us?" asked another in disbelief.

After a short time it was decided that the girls were dead.

Zuko traced his steps back to his lagoon. He carried a heavy bundle of bananas and was exhausted from the exertion of getting the food. Zuko sat down under his lean-to and peeled one of the bananas. He knew he should be more concerned about other things, such as: his sister, the rest of the crew . . . Mai. However, he could only think about the girl who had saved his life.

Zuko was torn from his thoughts dead in their tracks at the sight of a person and a horrible ache erupted in his chest.

"Mai?!" he said with disbelief and ran to her.

She was dragging herself to the edge of the lagoon and climbed onto the sand. Ty Lee suddenly appeared from underneath the water's surface. Her hair lacked its usual braid and she wore very baggy men's clothing. She climbed onto the bank and coughed and hacked; oblivious to her surroundings.

However, Mai was staring up at him with amazement.

"Where have you been?" She said weakly. "I thought you were dead,"

Guilt punched Zuko in the gut. He has been sitting around being lazy while his girlfriend has obviously needed his help . . . Zuko decided it would be best not to mention Katara. Instead, he took the woman he loved and cradled her in his arms. He could feel that she had lost weight and he bit his lip.

Once Ty Lee could breathe again, Zuko led them to his small camp. He gave them fresh food and water. Mai ate and ate and ate, and then, questioned Zuko about everything. She asked him; how long they had been here, about the shipwreck, how he made his shelter and so on and so on.

Ty Lee, on the other hand, sat quietly and didn't eat or drink.

"We have to take you back to the camp," Mai said.

"Camp?"

"Yes, of course. You didn't think everyone was dead did you?" Mai asked with a raise of her eyebrows.

"I guess I never really thought about it."

Mai rolled her eyes. "On the eastern side of this dreadful island we have a camp with about seventy-five men—survivors . . . we sent out one of the hawks last week and received word yesterday that a ship is on its way. Good thing we finally found you,"

"What about Azula?" Ty Lee asked without looking up from her lap.

Zuko tensed. "What happened?" he demanded.

Mai looked away.

"Is she okay!?"

"We don't know," Mai answered quietly.

"What do you mean?"

Mai couldn't find her voice so Ty Lee explained:

"Yesterday, the three of us had traveled slightly into the jungle without telling the crew. We were running out of food and weren't actually allowed to leave the camp. Azula was certain we could find fruit close to the camp but we ran into a man dressed in furs," Ty Lee paused at the thought of the strong, intimidating man. "Anyway," she continued, "he attacked us and captured Azula. Mai and I have been chased by warriors all night until we accidently ran off that cliff,"

"We have to go get her," Zuko said. He began getting to his feet.

"No, we need to go back to the camp. We can prepare a raid on the village and rescue Azula with a team of men to back us up." Mai stood and helped Ty Lee to her feet.

Zuko began packing up his food to take with them. He had pushed Katara's belongings behind the lean-to and left them there. He didn't think Mai and Ty Lee would like the idea of him spending all of his time with one of the natives.

The three of them began to head in the general direction of the Fire Nation Camp. However, Mai realized she forgot one of her knives at the lean-to. She went back for it and said she would catch up.

Mai rounded a large boulder and saw her knife shining in the distance. She quickened her stride. Mai bent to pick up the object and saw movement out of the corner of her eye. Mai stood quickly and threw her knife with as much ferocity as she could manage. The native clad in brown fell on to the sand.

And then came the scream.

Zuko stopped immediately as his sister's shrill scream cut through the air and bounced off the cliff. He turned and ran as fast as he could but what he saw froze him.

Azula was kneeling over a still body that was surrounded by reddening sand.

"No," Zuko said aloud without even realizing it, and then he was moving again.

"Azula!" he yelled. His sister looked up but didn't dare leave the fallen girl at her side. To Zuko's surprise, Azula was wearing brown furs as well. . .

Ty Lee had already reached Azula and was hugging her and tearing up, but Zuko knelt next to the girl in the sand. Azula shared his concern.

Zuko brushed the girl's hair out of her face and his breathing stopped as he looked at Katara's soft features. She had a deep gash above her right eyebrow.

"What happened?" he demanded

"Mai threw a knife at her," Azula said. "What are we going to do? She can't die, Zuko."

"I know, I know," Zuko began pulling Katara into his arms.

"What the hell are you doing?" Mai said with disbelief. "She is just a stupid barbarian!"

"She saved my life!" Azula and Zuko yelled in unison.

Zuko stood with Katara in his arms and Azula managed to push Ty Lee away. She went to her brother and helped adjust Katara in his arms. Azula ripped a piece of fur from her outfit and wrapped Katara's head. The blood began soaking through.

"What are you going to do?" Mai asked. Zuko and Azula both glared at her.

"Only water bending healers can heal this," Azula said to her brother.

"I know. Get to the camp as soon as possible," Zuko kissed Azula's forehead.

"Do you know the way to the village?" Azula asked him.

"Don't have to," He said, "they'll find me soon enough,"

Azula nodded. She took the blanket and draped it over the water benders body. Zuko turned and headed west without a glance at Mai.

~(~

Katara felt a strange heaviness around her. Slowly, memories began to come back to her. She opened her eyes and saw the jungle above her. She tried to look around but pain erupted in her skull. She gasped and clenched her teeth.

Zuko jumped at the sound and then held Katara closer. He was beginning to panic. He had been running around in the jungle for nearly twenty minutes and no one had found him yet. Surely they would have scouts out, right? Zuko feared Katara would die of blood loss soon.

"Don't close your eyes, Katara," he said as soothingly as possible.

Katara opened her blue eyes but could not find the source of her favorite voice. Thinking she was on a bed Katara tried to sit up but couldn't.

"Try not to move, Katara," Zuko said.

Katara asked where he was in her native tongue without thinking, but Zuko recognized the few words and answered with a strong accent;

"I'm here,"

Katara took comfort from this and that fact that he was communicating with her in her own language. Suddenly, there was yelling, and Katara struggled against Zuko's hold to find where the trouble was.

"Shhh, Katara, it is good. Calm down," he said.

Zuko let out a sigh of relief and dropped to his knees. Out of nowhere, clansmen appeared with spears and knives. They surrounded Zuko and Katara. Their eyes shifted from their enemy to their princess. A man came forward and took Katara from Zuko. He turned with the girl and began sprinting toward his village.

One of the warriors behind Zuko delivered the butt of his spear into his head.

~(~

Katara awoke several hours later. She wore only her undergarments and her hair had been braid tightly down her back. A horrible pounding in her head made her groan.

"Katara!" Catori yelled and embraced her dearest friend. Katara could feel her tears. "I was so afraid I was going to lose you,"

Katara took a moment to orientate herself and then asked, "Where is he?"

Catori pulled away from Katara and hesitated. She opened her mouth to speak but the voice that echoed through the hut belonged to Sokka.

"He awaits death," Sokka said with an intensity in his voice that Katara had never heard before.

"What has he done?" Katara tried to sit and Catori helped her. "He isn't a fire bender!"

"You were almost killed because of him, and now you defend him?"

"No, I was not almost killed because of him, he brought me here," Katara tried to keep her voice calm.

"It doesn't matter; he is one of them,"

Katara glared at her brother who glared back with equal force. He turned and left without another word.

"He means well," Catori said.

Katara laid back. "If you weren't in love with him you would see his stupidity,"

Catori blushed madly, "H-how did you know?"

"I'm not blind. Neither is Sokka," Katara said and closed her eyes.

Catori thought for a moment and then asked, "Why are you trying to save him?"

"It's the right thing to do,"

"Is that the only reason?"

Katara opened her eyes and looked at her friend. "Of course not," she said with finality.

Catori dressed her friend's wound with careful hands. She wasn't a water bender, therefore she wasn't a healer. However, she assisted the healers. Catori had a keen sense for herbs and could brew the strongest concoctions. When the actual healing process was over, Catori cared for the patient and kept them comfortable.

As Catori sat next to Katara her mind began to drift. She shamefully thought of her friend's older brother. So many women wanted Sokka as their husband—including herself. Yet, he was nineteen and still didn't look to settle down with anyone.

The rejected began saying Sokka was homosexual and part of Catori had believed it. However, one night two years ago, after the Harvest Season Celebration, he and she had shared a night together. No, it wasn't anything shameful. They had simply talked.

Sokka had told that he just hadn't seen the girl he wanted yet.

"Sokka," she had said, "girls don't grow on trees,"

"I know," he said, "and I have thought about marrying. It's just, every time I do, I get this feeling that I should just wait a little longer,"

Catori had wanted to say; what about me? I'm right here!

However, she didn't of course.

~(~

Azula sat in the Fire Nation camp surrounded by armed soldiers but she didn't feel safe. Ty Lee sat with her and said nothing. She knew nothing she said would ever help her friend so she remained silent.

Azula's mind replayed the twenty-two rapes she had suffered over and over again. She didn't want to think about it but her brain wouldn't turn off. She knew she was safe here and that nothing could hurt her. But she felt more vulnerable than she ever had before.

Azula would not tell anyone. However, She knew Katara knew about it. Though she would not speak to anyone about it, she felt she had to find a way to justify the evil that had been done to her. Someday, she knew, she would destroy this pathetic tribe—except Katara of course. Azula would forever be in the young woman's debt, which wasn't a fact she particularly liked. She didn't like owing anyone anything. However, in all honesty, there was no way to repay the water bender.

~(~

Two days had passed and Katara willed herself out of her comfortable bedroll. Her head spun viciously and she gripped a table for support. Katara hadn't been able to remain conscious for very long over the pass days and refused to allow herself to fall back into the dream world. She needed to find Zuko—if he wasn't already dead. He had completely sacrificed himself for her and she would do everything in her power to get him out of the situation.

Kana watched Katara stumbled to the door. She tripped a few times on the way but eventually made it outside. Kana took and deep breath and stood slowly from the stool she sat on. She knew she should be stopping her crazy granddaughter but something was telling her to remain where she was. Katara had said the fire benders name in her sleep and Kana had heard the desperation in the sleeping girl's voice.

Originally, she had believed it was simply out of fear but she later realized there were deeper and more complicated emotions the name had attached to it. Now, Kana feared her beloved granddaughter cared for the man who nearly killed her.

Katara stumbled into the night air. The moon—half full—shone down on her, illuminating her weak form. Her long hair was braided over her right shoulder and she wore only her very revealing undergarments. Her head was tightly and expertly wrapped.

It was easy to find Zuko, for he was in his sister's previous position—tied to a post a naked. Katara took a step forward and Zuko's head snapped up. He made eye contact with her. It was obvious he had been beaten, but he didn't have the look of fear in his eyes that Azula had had. In fact, he seemed relieved to see her.

"Katara," he whispered. Katara dropped to her knees in front of him. "I was so worried about you," he said.

"I am fine," she said. "You are not," she touched a painful looking bruise that ran along his jaw line. She quickly looked over the rest of his body and then blushed deeply when her mind registered exactly what naked meant. She had seen naked men before but it was men she was healing that meant nothing to her . . . not Zuko.

Katara broke at the sight of the beatings Zuko had suffered. She suddenly wrapped her arms around his cold neck and started crying. Zuko mentally cursed because he couldn't wrapped his arms around her and comfort her. Instead, he tucked his head into her neck and tried to say comforting things.

However, the guilt was too strong for Katara to really notice. She felt that all of the bad thigs that had happened were her fault. Azula's rapes and beating, Zuko's pain and soon death—everything was on her shoulders and she didn't know how to fix it. If she had never helped Zuko, he never would have become her friend. She wouldn't have these horrible feelings and emotions and responsibility. His execution would mean absolutely nothing to her and she would be simply married in two weeks.

Zuko heard a man gasp immediately tensed. "Katara, hush, get away, you have to go," he said, but it was too late.

"Katara," the man yelled.

Katara froze for a moment and then her arms were quickly replaced with her hands. Katara pulled slightly away and her face showed nothing but feigned rage. Her hands began tightening around Zuko's throat and she began screaming in her native tongue at Zuko, who was completely shocked.

A young man by the name of Kholan came running. He dropped his spear and grabbed Katara around her bare torso. He braced himself pulled the crazed girl away from the firebender. She let go a lot sooner than he thought she would. Kholan pulled Katara up into a cradle position and she became slack in his arms. He turned from the prisoner and carried Katara back to her home.

Kholan was many of the men who had tried to court Katara. When he first laid eyes on her he thought he was in love already and he told is father who ended up just laughing at him. He had said Katara was a crazy witch just like her mother and that he shouldn't waste his time. Kholan had ignored his father's advice and gone after Katara but he soon learned she was not the girl for him.

Six months later he married a sweet girl named Luna. Though he did love his wife, she was a boring and predictable girl when compared to Katara. However, he was taught to want stability . . . and because he knew Katara so well, for they had become friends, he was surprised that she simply went limp in his arms and did not fight him. He knew very well from a previous experience that Katara did not like being 'picked up like a child'.

Zuko watched the strong man carry away Katara and had the horrible feeling that this was the last time he would ever see her. He knew that he was down to his final hours—dawn would bring his death.

Kholan entered the chief's familiar home—his father and Hakoda were 'friends'. Katara's grandmother jumped and her eyes widened with surprise.

"She was attacking the prisoner," Kholan said, "I was afraid she was going to hurt herself," Kholan set Katara down on her bedroll and tucked a blanket around her.

"Thank you, Kholan," Kana said. He bowed to her and quietly left. After he was gone, Kana turned to her granddaughter.

"What were you doing, Katara?! It isn't like you to attack someone who is already so helpless."

Katara looked at her grandmother and then turned away from her and closed her eyes.

~(~

Dawn was only hours away and a Fire Nation ship was on the horizon speedily making way for land. The Fire Nation camp was preparing for battle while the Southern Water Tribe slept peacefully. The Tribe had found three more Red People in the jungle and they were all tied to post in the middle of the village with their prince.

Azula sat hidden behind exotic plants and boulders with her men while she watched the Southern Water Tribe's village. When the time was right she would strike and destroy her enemy.

The sun's rays began to dance across the sky. The soldiers were ready. Their princess gave them the single they had been waiting for and a moment later fire was in the air. The outer wall of the village had turned into a gargantuan bonfire. Nothing but the crackling of fire could be heard and then one shrill scream broke the silence and the Red People attacked.

Men came spilling from the village but they were and amusing sight with their furs and spears. The Fire Nation soldiers ran at them with smiles on their face, bearing their modern steel weapons. However, the 'barbarians' proved to be a very ferocious enemy. Smiles turned to grimaces as equal amount of blood was spilled.

Katara woke harshly to the sound of a child screaming. There was silence for a moment and then yelling and screaming. She could smell smoke. Katara got to her feet as fast as she could. She was the only one in her home. Following the instructions her father and brother had given her many years ago; she ran over to the door and slid a large, thick plank in front of the flap. She bolted it.

Katara grabbed her clothing and dressed quickly. She pulled on her shoes and shoved a few things into a double strapped bag. She pulled the bag onto her back. Suddenly there was a crash against the door. Katara ran to the corner of the large hut and threw a stool out of the way. She pulled open a trap door that had been covered by an old tapestry and jumped into the hole. The door slammed shut above her.

Katara heard the bolted door from inside her home crash to the floor and strong, heavy feet entered quickly. There was shouting but Katara couldn't understand it. She began following the tunnel her grandfather had dug so many years ago.

"Dammit, where is she?" Azula shouted and kicked over a table.

Zuko was standing next to her scanning the very small living quarters.

"I don't know," he said, "I have kept watch over the hut all night and she hasn't left. She should still be here,"

"Well, obviously, she isn't," Azula growled. She wanted to get Katara out as soon as possible.

"Come on," Zuko said and left the hut. Azula kicked over another piece of furniture in frustration and followed her brother.

Sokka brought up his shield against a wall of fire. He brought his left arm back as soon as the fire ended and lurched forward. He drove his spear into the fire benders torso. Sokka met the man's eyes he fell to the ground. Another solider charged at him and Sokka struggled to recover his spear from the dying man's stomach. The man yelled at the pain Sokka was causing him but he just pulled the spear harder. It wouldn't budge.

Sokka had to forget the spear and he brought up his shield at the perfect moment. The soldier's sword stuck into the leather shield. The man yanked his sword free but Sokka shoved his shield against him and pushed him onto the ground. He crushed the man's neck under his foot and took the sword from his lifeless body.

Sokka turned to find his next opponent. There was a smallish girl with long brown hair staring up at him. Her eyes were large but held no fear at the sight of him. Sokka froze for a moment—unsure of what to do. He recognized her as one of the three Red women he had run into a few days ago. She was the one with the soft, kind features and delicate body.

Sokka then realized he had not moved to attack her and grew furious. With a battle cry he brought up the foreign sword and ran toward her but she was astonishingly fast. She easily dodged his movements easily. Sokka moved to attack her again but was sloppy with this strange weapon. Once again, she moved just an inch out of the way. Sokka stared at her in bewilderment. She just smiled softly at him.

Ty Lee put her hands up in front of her in a piece offering. She stepped toward the man slowly and he didn't move. She was on her guard and cautious. Sokka watched her with an equal amount of caution. She was a foot in front on him and let one arm drop slowly. She extended the other one slowly toward him.

Sokka was completely mystified as to what this girl was doing! He had a strange feeling he could trust her though. And if he couldn't, how could a tiny thing like her hurt him? Ty Lee put her hand on Sokka arms and pushed it lightly until he lowered his sword. Suddenly he stature change and her entire body tensed. Her eyes were fierce instead of soft. Before Sokka could bring up his sword again, the girl hit him in three areas and his body went limp.

Sokka fell to the ground and began screaming and cussing at the girl who stood over him. Her expression was now full of concern . . . That's what he gets for trusting a girl from the Red Tribe.

"I'm impressed," Ty Lee jumped and look over at a soldier who had joined her. "I witnessed the whole thing," he said with a laugh. He brought up his sword to finish the barbarian off. Sokka closed his eyes.

"Stop!" Ty Lee said quickly.

The soldier looked at her with surprise—as did Sokka.

"He will be a prisoner. Do not kill him,"

~(~

Katara emerged from the ground and couldn't move. She was stuck in place by the horror around her. She had never seen just horrible brutality; dead bodies lined the pathways, Red and Brown. The smell of burning human flesh filled the air.

Katara heard a yelled and jumped out of the way of a sword. She didn't even turn to see who was attacking her—she just ran. She heard someone yell her name but she just kept going.

Zuko saw Katara running and yelled after her but she didn't hear him.

"Azula, there," he said and they were both after Katara.

Katara ran with more fear than she had ever felt through her burning village. She tripped over a body and fell to her hands and knees. She looked up and made eye contact with a Fire bender who immediately turned on her. He quickly threw fire at her and she barely jumped out of the way. She was on her feet again and running. However this bender decided to pursue her.

Katara dodged another wave of fire and then turn abruptly to face her attacker. Katara spread her arms and pulled water from the ground. The female firebender sized Katara up and then chuckled. She took a deep breath and then set her next move in motion. At the sight of the fire Katara brought her left leg into the air. Her head was now facing the ground and her legs were completely split but sideways. The water moved gracefully into a circular shield in front of her body.

The water evaporated as the fire made contact with it. Katara moved to offensive fighting immediately and launched water at her attacker with great speed. The water wrapped around the throat and tighten. The Katara froze the water it place. The man would choke to death within the next three minutes unless he got that water off. But to fire bend, you have to breathe.

Katara was running again. She raced through the burning huts and didn't dare stop until she suddenly felt intense pain in her leg. Katara yelled and fell to the ground. She extinguished the fire on her clothing and found her next enemy.

A large bender came toward her. He bent more fire out of the air and sent flames to devour her. Katara rolled out of the way and jumped to her feet. The firebender was ready and on the defense now. Katara kept her eyes locked with his. When his gaze shifted behind her, she knew more had joined him.

Everything was still for a moment and then the first attack came. Katara pulled an old but very loved move—the octopus. She now controlled eight tendrils of water that had to continuously move all at once. To say the least, it was a very difficult maneuver.

Four skilled firebenders surrounded Katara. Though Katara fought with more skill than any of the benders, she was out numbered. The fire was evaporating her water and she was quickly becoming disarmed.

Azula ran around bodies and dodged spears. She ran as fast as she could and called out to her soldiers; "Stop! Stop!" but the battle cries and cracking fire devoured her voice. The four firebenders stopped their individual attacks and prepared a unity move.

Katara sensed what was coming. She wrapped the remaining water around herself and pulled the water—and herself—into the air. From the height, Katara could see the destruction done to her home. Any sadness or fear that had previously filled Katara was replaced by intense rage. However, she didn't let the strong emotion cloud her logical thinking.

As Katara fell back to the ground, she began to bend water that nobody else could see. She landed firmly on her toes and brought her fist above her head. They contacted the ground and suddenly the air began to spark and crack as the water separated from it. Static danced in the sky. A very intimidating amount of water began to form above the entire village. All of the fighting ceased. Fire Nation soldiers stared in terror at the swirling water above them and Water Tribe warriors stared in wonder.

The people of the tribe knew to take cover for they were well aware of Katara brutal strength when it came to bending. However, the Red People, like complete and utter idiots, stood frozen in place. They had ever seen such great bender before in their lives.

Katara straightened her stance and slowly brought her hand above her head. With the slight movement of her fingertips the water separated into a million sharp icicles. Katara knew she should force the water down with such aggressiveness that is would easily kill her enemy. She knew the remaining people of her village had taken cover.

Katara fisted her hands and brought her arms swiftly down in a graceful motion. The Red People screamed as the water came down on them but at the last moment, the deadly icicles turned to fat raindrops that soaked them through. The water fell heavy, but in a controlled downpour. It washed away the blood and killed the fires. Instead of destroying, the water was a cleansing of the evil that had been done to the island called Tarlaka.

Azula watched Katara climbed onto a half-collapsed hut. The rain stopped all at once and Katara stood tall. She made eye contact with everyone she could see and waited until she had complete attention on her. Azula hadn't noticed her brother nest to her until he spoke, but she didn't understand what he said. She was too entrapped by the small woman who had proven herself a warrior. And then, Katara spoke.

"Look at what you have done," she said in the Fire Nation language. He voice was loud and strong and sure. "This was home to kind and peaceful people. Not evil men. This was home to families, children." She gestured to the corpse of a young boy many yards away.

"You come here. Why? To get your people and leave. Not to kill my people. You caused all of this."

She changed to her native tongue.

"I know they attacked us," she said, "and that we simply acted with justified self-defense. But have you thought about why they attacked us? What did we do to them? We tied their princess to a post and raped her. We took their prince and planned to execute him at first life after he saved your princess's life. Now, tell me, where is the justice in that. Also what would—"

"Katara! Katara!" An old woman pushed through the crowd of people. Katara recognized the voice and meet her halfway.

"What, what, what?! What is it?" Katara said. Kana clutched her granddaughter and burst into tears.

"It's Pakku. He's dead!"

Katara went cold. How was that even possible? Her grandfather was a better waterbender then her . . . nobody could defeat him!

"Where?" Katara asked. Kana grabbed her hand and pulled her in the previous direction she had come from. Katara braced herself for the worse but it wasn't enough.

Pakku laid face down on the burnt ground in a pool of his own blood. His hair had been burned away and his scalp was nothing but blisters and pus. His body was broken in many areas. The pain must have thrown him into shock causing his quick death. Katara didn't know how her grandmother had been able to identify her husband—other than the metal ring that had melted into his finger.

Katara tunred and faced the crowd that had followed her. Her eyes filled with tears and her teeth were clenched. She found Zuko in the crowd and all of her rage multiplied. It was his fault this had happened—not hers. If he had never come here, all of this death and gore would be here right now. Everything would be peaceful.

"You," she said with highly recognizable anger in her voice. She walked through the crowd who parted quickly for her.

"You," she said again. "You caused this. You brought all of your Red People here. You killed my family. You destroyed my home . . . but you also saved my life." Katara softened, but just a bit.

"Katara, I didn't mean for any of this to happen." Zuko said. He tried to not upset her any more than she already was.

"I know, but it did. I want you and your people away from my island."

"Katara—"

"Hush. I don't care. You killed my grandfather. Now I am Master Water Bender, leading of this tribe. Do as I say, for you are no longer a guest. No go. Before I kill you all."

Azula felt a spark of anger at the girl's words. How dare she talk to her brother that way? She had risked her own life trying to get Katara away from these barbarians. And this is how she talks to them? With such disrespect?

"All right." Zuko said, "We will leave, however, please let us help rebuild your village."

Katara thought for a moment. "When the moon is full, you will be gone."

"Deal,"

Katara turned from him and then collapsed, blood soaking through her bandage.

~(~

Katara was forced by her good friend, Catori, to stay in bed and rest. If she were to bleed anymore, she would likely die from blood loss. Of course, Katara wanted to help her village but Catori would have none of that.

As the new Master Bender of the island, Katara had equal position to the Chieftain. However, if she had been born the daughter of another, she would surpass the Chief. But, alas, she is his daughter; therefore, he still has control.

The village rebuilt under the eyes of Sokka and Hakoda. The Red People helped for a week and then spent their last week preparing for departure. Everything was ready and though there was still much tension, the two nationalities were now at peace—for the mean time. Of course, there are those who refuse to associate with the opposing people but, because of the mutual respect for Katara, the fighting forever ceased.

The day of departure came as a relief to the Red People for they didn't particularly like the humid air. They missed their homes and families. They still mourned their lost soldiers and wanted to be away from the remindful environment.

Ty Lee, on the other hand, was going to miss the island. Though the jungle was terrifying and all things bad did happen, there was a certain person she would forever long to see gain. Ty Lee sat on the beach and watched men load the ship with fresh fruits from the island—sort of a gift from the Natives. She wiggled her toes in the sand and sat just out of the waters way.

Something caught her eye. Ty Lee stood and walked a few feet into the ocean and cleared away some of the sand. She picked up a smooth, round shell. It was about the size of her palm and pure white. It was amazingly beautiful for its simplicity. Ty Lee held the shell close and decided she would keep it as a reminder to such an amazing world.

Katara stood slowly from her bedroll. She dressed in her only cotton outfit and pair of moccasins. Her brother and father were absent from the hut and her grandmother slept on the third bedroll. Katara no longer needed to wrap her head, but still had to be careful. She sat on a stool near the fire and took a deep breath.

Katara ran a hand through her loose hair. She knew Zuko was leaving today, and now that she was thinking more rationally, she knew she didn't truly want that. She had a strange longing for him, which was probably bad considering the circumstances. Katara wanted to ask him to stay but felt that he never would.

The door flap moves and Hakoda enters. Katara looks up and then her heart skips a beat when Zuko follows him in. He wore what she supposed was his proper attire. His hair was pulled up into a strange bun thing on his head. Katara suddenly felt self-conscious about her simple appearance. She shakes the stupid feeling away.

Zuko bows to Katara.

"My daughter," Hakoda said affectionately. There was a strange tone in his voice. Hakoda kisses Katara's cheek and then sits downs. Zuko remains standing.

"What's going on?" Katara asked suspiciously.

"The Prince Zuko and I have been discussing a rather large problem."

"You've spoken with him?" Katara said. They were speaking in their native tongue and Zuko was struggling to understand.

"Yes. Someone taught him quite a bit of our language," he looks pointedly at her. "He came to me and with a little help, we communicated,"

"You are on friendly terms?"

"Of course not, strictly military terms. Now about our . . . predicament."

"Yes?"

"You are the Tribe's last bender and the chances of your offspring being able to bend are very slim; considering your mother couldn't. By the time you have grandchildren, you may be too old to teach them."

"Your point?"

"My point is . . . perhaps we should contact the Northern Water Tribe and ask for help . . ."

Katara just stared at him for a moment and then laughed. "They don't even know we exist . . . we don't even know if they exist! And who is going to make this venture? You? Sokka?"

Hakoda looked down at the floor and began fidgeting with his hands.

"Dad?" Katara said with insecurity.

"You and your brother will be escorted to the North Pole by Zuko. You will bring us help."

Katara was utterly stunned. She didn't know what to say. Her father was telling her to leave the island. Something she had dreamed of doing for years! But now, it seemed like such a stupid and irresponsible thing to do. Why would she leave her village now? They would be defenseless. They relied on waterbending. How would they survive?

They rely on waterbending . . .

Katara quickly looked at Zuko. "This was your idea," she said to him in his language. He nodded.

"I have already talked with your brother," Hakoda said. "He has agreed to it."

They rely on waterbending . . . the thought crossed her mind again.

"Okay," Katara said. She suddenly had an idea and planned to act on it. "I'll go but I'm not sure when I'll be able to return."

Hakoda nodded. "You and your brother leave tonight,"

The sun was setting on the horizon as the two young adults climbed the gangplank. They turned their backs to their home and faced a new world ahead. Katara and Sokka had said their goodbyes and were ready for departure. They stood together and watched their home grow smaller.

Once it was dark, Sokka left and went to his room where he planned on staying until he was certain he wouldn't try to kill anyone. The little brunette girl with big eyes offered to show him the way. Katara remained leaning against the railing hours into the night. Zuko joined her.

"Can't sleep?" he said.

"I haven't tried to," she shrugged.

"Are you all right?" Zuko asked. He gazed at Katara. The full moon was shining down on her in a strangely solemn way.

"Yes . . . we aren't going to the North Pole." She said matter-of-factly.

Zuko was taken aback. "We're not?"

"No. We are going to the Fire Nation." Katara said without looking at him.

A rush of excitement ran through Zuko at her words but he also felt unsure. "What about your people?" he asked.

Katara took a deep breath and a single tear fell down her cheek.

"They are going to learn how to survive without waterbending."

~(~

The End!

Depending on the feedback, I will write a sequel! :D

-Kayleigh