Hakoda stared at his son in surprise while Iroh chuckled. '' At last he reveals himself.''
''How'd you know I as back there?''
Katara sat down on the floor exasperated. ''Because you're as loud as a lionrhino when you snoop around. '' Her voice rang throughout the library. ''It doesn't really matter! What does matter is that we have some sort of super bender who wants to whisk me and Zuko away into Ozai's domain.'' She crossed her arms. ''The question isn't whether or not are we going to let him kidnap us-''
Iroh looked at her thoughtfully; all the worry seemed to be gone from his face. ''Then what is the question, my flower?''
She smiled at him, glad that someone was willing to listen. '' How do we make this work to our advantage?'' She stood and paced the room. ''Kendo is a Dioppo right? Maybe me and Zuko could find out how they're creating them and more importantly why?'' She continued pacing, her head bent in thought. ''They've probably figured out that the comet is coming. We just need to figure out their strategy, see where the mutant benders fit in and then we let you know about it; giving us the advantage!'' She sat down excitedly and smiled at them.
Iroh nodded and smiled. ''You are very perceptive.''
Sokka scratched his head in confusion. ''Wait , wait, Kendo's a what?''
Zuko's eyes gleamed dangerously. He summoned a flame in palm and stared at it.'' A Dioppo. He can control two elements at the same time. '' The flame flared. ''We all thought that he wanted Aang at first, but now we found out that he wants your sister.'' He gazed at the flame transfixed. ''My father will destroy you Katara.'' He looked at her and something tender flitted across his face. '' Your family can't lose you.''
They sat in silence for awhile and listened to the wind howl against the library walls. A mouse scurried amongst the shelves and the bookcases groaned with the weight of ancient books. She heard the night beetles scurrying across the old stone floor. Hakoda was the first to break the silence. ''Katara.'' His voice sounded like it had aged in the moments that had passed.
He felt his heart melt. Why his daughter? Why couldn't she have stayed safe at home, untouched by war? She had to grow up sometime. He sighed. It just happened when you weren't looking. ''Do you really believe you could help end the war by doing this Katara?''
She nodded and waited for him to continue. In the fire from Zuko's palm she looked older than her fifteen years. She had always looked like her mother; but tonight he saw a bit of himself in her. He saw Sokka tense out of the corner of his eye. He almost chuckled as he felt the air near Zuko grow warmer. ''You do realize that one mistake, one slip and it will all be over. This isn't practice, this isn't a game. Aang won't be able to help you.''
She scowled. ''I can hold my own dad.''
A laugh came and died on his lips; momentarily chasing the sorrow away. ''But you understand?''
She lifted her chin, almost defiantly. Her blue eyes shone even in the dim light. He caught his breath. There was fire in her eyes as she spoke. ''I know dad. I know the risk. But I have to do this. '' She sighed. '' When I first met Aang I wanted a peaceful resolution.'' She licked her lips and thought a moment. She remembered the thousands of people that died in the failed invasion and she felt her resolve harden. ''But what other option do we have? Sure Aang can sit here and master fire bending. He can learn to spar with Kendo and it would give him a bit of an advantage, but then what?'' She was tempted to tell them about Aang's problem with the Avatar state, but decided against it. It's his secret to tell.
Iroh lifted an eyebrow and stared at her. ''You do not believe that the Avatar can end this war?''
Katara felt her lips twitch. ''No I believe the Avatar can end this war.'' She bit her lip. ''But maybe if we find out their plans then the war can end without so much more being lost.'' She stood. ''Ozai has taken everything.'' She thought of her mother as a fragment of a lullaby wafted through her mind. '' Yet, somehow we've managed to survive and even find more than we had before.'' She thought of all that she had learned and all that she had seen, The beautiful lands and her new family. Suki, Aang, Toph, she had her father now, Iroh and there was the tiniest possibility that if she ever forgave him Zuko could also be part of that family. ''I'm not going to let him take away everything we've worked for.''
Sokka's eyes softened. ''Spoken like a warrior.''
Hakoda felt the pride blossom in his chest. '' Iroh please tell me you have a plan to go with this?''
Zuko felt his blood surge. ''Did anyone else hear her say the word maybe?'' He focused his glare on Hakoda. ''You're going to let her risk her life because of a maybe?''
Hakoda examined him for a moment.''Am I going to keep her from fighting for what she loves because of a maybe?''
Zuko fell silent and Katara felt her skin burn under his gaze. ''What?''
''Nothing. ''He spat. Had everyone gone mad? They were going to let her waltz into the arms of his psychotic father and expected her to come back with his battle plans. They would be lucky if she came back at all! The minute they heard about this they should have kicked Kendo into oblivion and escaped to a different location.
Iroh stroked his beard thoughtfully. '' We will think of some way to get you to the fire nation. In the mean-''
Katara looked at him confused. ''But I thought I knew how I was getting there, Kendo's kidnapping me. ''
Iroh shook his head. ''In order for this to work he needs to kidnap you when we want him to. You're father and I will draw up a plan that we will share with you tomorrow evening. ''
''Us.'' Zuko muttered under his breath.
Iroh raised an eyebrow and cast an innocent glance at his nephew. ''What was that nephew?''
''I said us.'' He hissed dangerously.
Sokka scratched the back of his neck. ''Wait, you're going with her?''
Zuko felt his temper flare. ''I never said I wasn't.''
Katara bit back a smile. ''Calm down. It'd be easier to understand you if you weren't so darn moody.''
''I'm not moody! Just because I don't jump at the idea of seeing my father, but I'm still willing to go on this mission doesn't mean I'm moody!''
Sokka directed his eyes at the ceiling. ''I think he's moody.''
''Ugh! Forget this, I'm going to bed.''
They all held back laughs as they watch Zuko stalk behind row after row of book shelves. He appeared behind them a few moments later. ''Which way is the exit?''
His voice was harsh and brooding but Katara could detect a hint of embarrassment in his cheeks. She sighed. ''This is why you're insufferable. You light and I'll lead.''
As they reached the door, there was an awkward pause and Katara felt like she should say something. She gave him a faint smile. ''Thanks Zuko, for agreeing to come with me and all that.''
He glowered at her. ''You owe me twice now.'' Then he walked away leaving a very annoyed Katara in the hallway.
Katara awoke to the bright morning sunshine. She squinted and was trying to recall whether the sun had ever been this bright when Zuko walked in through the door. She jumped and even though she was fully clothed she pulled the covers around her. ''Hey!'
He rolled his eyes. ''Don't flatter yourself.''
She flushed red and threw a hair brush at him. '' I wasn't flattering myself. I was just….''
For some odd reason he laughed. He was still trying to figure out why when he said, ''my point exactly.''
She was studying him as if she was trying to piece together his words. ''I'm sorry, but you lost me after laughing.'' She played with her necklace and he could have sworn he saw her smirk. ''You don't usually do that you know.''
''What? Walk in on you and then cause you to jump and pull the covers around yourself even though you're perfectly decent?''
She reached for her sandals but then remembered that he had fused them to the floor a few days ago. Finding nothing else to hurl at him, she was forced to continue the conversation. ''I meant you don't always laugh.''
''I do too.''
''Is there a reason you happened to walk into my room this morning?'' She noticed the scroll in his hand and stared at it. ''Well?''
''Right.'' He cleared his throat and handed the scroll to her. '' Early this morning my Uncle and Hakoda came up with a plan for us.''
She noticed the way he said "us." She couldn't decide whether or not she liked it and continued staring at the scroll. '' Um, Zuko. This is just a map.'' She squinted at the names of the cities and rivers. ''Of the fire nation.''
He leaned in to get a closer look at the map. ''There's been a change of plans. My uncle and your father think it'd be easier if we get to the palace on our own, we turn ourselves in and then take it from there. They figured that it'd be better for us to start moving now, we tell Kendo that we were sent to gather more info on the Fire Nation. We could say we saw troops in town or something." He unrolled the map even further, and pointed at a line that she had mistaken for a river. That black line is the route we'll be traveling.'' He cleared his throat again. '' We get to the palace and figure out why they're creating the Dioppo and then pass along the info to my uncle and your father. I think I have a hunch as to why they're being created."
She raised her eyebrows, "Do tell."
According to this legend I found in the library, there's a creature that can bend two elements at once. It was last spotted a thousand years ago; by a pool, which I believe is now part of the fire sage's resort."
''Wait, you read?'' The shock in her voice was evident.
I can't believe after all I've said that's what she manages to comment on. ''What, you can't?''
She took on a defensive tone. ''Of course I can read!'' She grew quiet.'' I just thought you were too busy to read. You know you being the prince I thought you'd be….''
''Spreading death and destruction?'' He finished for her.
'' No!''
He gave her a look.
''Oh, alright yes.'' She sighed. ''It's just really hard to imagine you curled up by a warm fire reading a scroll.''
He snorted. ''It's more like sitting under a tree in the garden. I'm a prince I don't curl up.''
''Oh forgive me your highness.'' Her voice was thick with sarcasm and stared at the map.
She noticed the line started where the western air temple was and then snaked its way through out the Fire Nation before stopping in the center, at the capital. Where Ozai is. "So what about this mythical creature?"
"It's been held responsible for the death of two Avatars."
Katara looked up from the map. " Since when?"
"There's no exact date. But-"
"What does this have to do with anything?"
"What if Ozai is trying to recreate the beast in the form of an army?"
A cold sensation started in the base of her spine, nailed her to the floor. "They could kill Aang then." She felt the room spin. "He'd be a sitting duck without his powers."
Zuko watched as she swayed slightly and the blood drained from her face. "It's okay, it's just a theory. We both have been around Kendo and nothing's happened to our bending abilities. So, let's focus on the rest of the plan."
She tried focusing on the map. Her eyes took in every river, plain and town they would cross.
''How are we going to do this by the way? Are we just going to pop up there and beg for his forgiveness or something.''
He chose his words carefully.'' Well sort of.'' He sighed. ''He knew I was going to join the Avatar. So I'll just tell him that Aang wouldn't forgive me, and I came back.''
She thought about it. ''That makes sense. But what about me?''
''I kidnapped you in order to lure the Avatar back to the capital again.''
She nodded. ''So if they see him in a village near by it won't look too weird.''
He nodded ''Yes.'' He drew a heavy breath and thought he heard someone creeping outside. He held a finger to his lips and tilted his head toward the door. A few moments passed and he sighed. ''I thought I heard someone.''
Years later they would look back on this and realize that Zuko had been right. He had heard someone and that someone had been Aang. He had plastered himself against the wall outside and was now he was listening to every word they were saying.
He licked his lips. ''According to the plan you and me are 'running away' from here, no one is coming with us. It's safer that way.'
Aang gasped inaudibly. Kendo was right, they are...in love. An image of them dancing together flashed in his mind. He inched closer to the door and tried not to breathe too loudly in case they heard him.
Katara processed what he had just said. They're not coming with us. I'll be all alone. She could feel herself begin to hyper ventilate. You won't be alone, you'll have Zuko. And for some unknown reason that made her feel better. She finished the rest of the plan. '' Then we'll head to the Palace after stopping in the villages. You'll tell Ozai you captured me and 'beg' his forgiveness.''
Aang shook his head in disbelief. It couldn't be possible, the reality of it would tears the skin off his muscles. He could feel the anger swelling in his chest as he thought of Zuko. He had done the right thing hadn't he? He was supposed to to forgive to give second chances and he was sure that Zuko had deserved the second chance. He then thought of Katara. The smiles she had given him, the comforting the hugs and all her support. But it all amount to squat. Zuko had poisoned her with his seductive smiles. He rubbed at the tears in his eyes and walked away, his shoulders slumped with the weight of what he had just learned.
Katara thought a moment. ''Wait, what will everyone else think? You know, when we 'runaway?'''
Zuko shrugged. ''Sokka's already told Suki and Haru. Hakoda is telling Teo, and Toph; While, my uncle is telling the Duke. This way everyone's watching Kendo's every move, and we make sure he doesn't kidnap you.''
She nodded and thought a moment. ''But who's gonna tell Aang?''
He hesitated, but then decided to go ahead. ''My uncle and your father decided that it's best if Aang doesn't now.''
He watched her carefully as if he expected her to throw a tantrum. Please, I stopped throwing those at age two. ''Oh.''
He seemed relieved at her reaction. ''Kendo will probably go after us. '' He smirked. ''He'll spout some crap about protecting your honor and being you fiancé. '' He tried smiling. ''They'll tell Aang as soon as Kendo's gone; When our cover can't be blown.''
Katara could imagine Aang blowing up and Kendo managing to escape. She shuddered. If that happened they would never be safe anywhere. At least not anywhere near the fire nation. It would put them right back where they started except with a comet coming and their doom shortly thereafter. We don't have the time to start all over if our cover's blown. ''Okay.'' Her stomach growled. ''Please tell me someone started breakfast already?''
He laughed. ''You mean lunch?''
She gazed at the sunshine streaming in through her window. ''I knew the sun was too bright!''
Zuko stared at her. ''And that's why water benders rise with the moon.'' He muttered under his breath.
''What was that?''
''Nothing.''
Lunch was something spicy and sweet. Katara looked around and noticed that Aang wasn't there. Her mood immediately darkened. Is he still moping about me not being able to love him? The thought annoyed her. Giving up anything you love is hard, but he didn't have to throw a pity party. It had been what two days? She chided herself for being callous, but was surprised she still felt the way she did.
''So, Kendo, where'd you learn to fire bend?'' Toph's pale eyes had a steel glint in them.
Katara rolled her eyes while simultaneously praying to the spirits. Please don't let her do anything stupid!
Kendo looked up nonchalantly from his cup of ginseng tea. '' I found a teacher.''
Toph leaned back and wiggled her toes. ''When you got here I didn't think you were the bending kind.'' She belched and enjoyed the way Kendo muttered darkly under his breath about manner less earth benders. ''But if you were a bender I would have bet money that you were a water bender.''
Katara froze, her teacup at her lips, and studied Kendo for any hint that showed he was lying. She felt the jealousy coil itself in her stomach as he smoothly took on a mask of shame and spewed out more lies.
''I am ashamed to say that my father did not honor my mother. He found the fire nation irresistible.'' He directed the last comment at Katara when everyone was busy pretending to care.
''That's rough buddy.'' Sokka said as he looked around the table. ''Hey, has anyone seen Aang?''
The duke played with his food, while secretly trying to decide if the noodles in his bowl would fit in Kendo's nose. ''I saw him headed for the stables.''
Teo studied Kendo's hair and wondered what would happen if Kendo ''accidentally'' went bald in an explosion. '' Yeah, I saw him headed there too. He looked pretty down.''
Kendo sighed and ladled a bit of lunch into a bowl. ''I suppose I'll go take him his lunch.''
Katara immediately stood and tried taking the bowl from him. ''That's really sweet of you Kendo, but I think I should take it to him.''
Kendo held the bowl out of her grasp and flashed her a smile. ''That's quite alright Katara.''
She felt her food regurgitate itself when her name came out of his mouth.
He kept smiling at her and lowered her voice.'' If you ask me, I think he is still upset about the little talk you and him had a day or two ago.''
She watched him leave and sat down in a huff. Feeling her tension Toph spoke up. ''I could kill him if you'd like.''
Suki cracked her knuckles and smiled. ''I'll join you.''
Teo grinded his teeth. ''I say we all ambush him. Then we tear him limb from limb.''
Haru stood up and waved his arm around. ''O! O! I call his left arm!''
The duke threw a noodle at him and it hung off his ear like a bizarre second mustache. ''Just sit down, Haru.''
Zuko threw a fireball at whatever was left in his bowl, and pretended it was Kendo's spleen. Katara seemed to read his mind and extinguished the burning remains of his lunch.
Toph sighed. ''Maybe Twinkletoes will kill him and make it look like an accident.''
Katara began to clear the table. ''Aang doesn't know.''
Everyone froze and Sokka choked on whatever it was he had stolen out of Suki's bowl. She pounded his back and spoke the question on everyone's mind. ''Why?''
Toph bended a rock into putty and molded it into various shapes. ''It's because if he finds out he'll blow our cover.''
They all glumly cleared the table as they acknowledge the truth. Not telling Aang really was the best thing. No matter how hard it would be.
Aang sat in the stables and tried to make his breathing match Appa's. He buried his face in Appa's neck and tried to get his emotions under control. The anger had subsided and all that was left was the dull ache of betrayal. ''I guess we really can't trust anyone but each other.'' He heard the stable door open, but didn't bother looking up.
''How are you, Avatar?''
There came only a muffled reply from Aang.
He sighed. Geez the kid really did take this whole not being loved thing a bit too far. It had been what? Two days already? ''I brought you lunch.''
At the mention of food Aang lifted his head. Kendo saw his swollen eyes and tried to look sympathetic. Maybe I can use this to my advantage. ''Are you still feeling glum about Katara?''
Aang sighed and walked over to Kendo. He took the bowl from him and sat down near Appa. ''Is it that obvious?''
Kendo smiled and pointed at Aang's eyes. ''You are a bit swollen.''
Aang rubbed at his eyes with one hand. '' She hates me, Kendo. She would like nothing more than seeing me die at Ozai's hand.''
Kendo rolled his eyes. Well that's a bit dramatic. ''Just because she does not return your feelings does not mean she wants to see you captured by the Fire Lord.''
A tear dropped into Aang's bowl. ''No, you don't understand. I heard her and Zuko talking.''
Kendo sat up a bit straighter and feigned concern. ''Really? What did you hear?''
Aang sniffled. ''Her and Zuko plan on running away. They plan on returning to the capital and Zuko's gonna beg for his dad's forgiveness.''
Kendo stiffened at the news and wondered if the Avatar had somehow managed to learn who he really was. Could this be a trap? ''Are you sure that is what they said? Maybe you misunderstood.''
Aang shook his head. ''I heard them within my own ears."
So the avatar was as gullible as he appeared. He held back a chuckle. ''Do you know when they plan on fleeing?''
Aang shook his head glumly. ''What would you be able to do anyway?''
Kendo smiled. ''As her fiancé it is my responsibility to make sure her virtue is protected.'' He lowered his voice to a conspirator whisper. ''But this does not sound like the Katara you have described to me.'' Aang nodded and leaned in as Kendo lowered his voice. ''If you ask me Zuko's probably blackmailing her.''
Aang looked at him skeptically. ''You think so?''
Of course not you idiot! ''I'm sure of it. She's probably doing thing so he won't hurt the rest of us''
Aang pondered and groaned. ''What are we going to do?''
Kendo smiled. ''Leave that to me. ''
He strode toward the door and called over his shoulder. ''Oh and Aang?''
''Yea?'' Aang looked up from his lunch and his smile was genuine.
Kendo whispered. '' I think it's best if we keep this between us two.'' He paused at Aang's blank look . ''You know to keep Katara's honor intact.''
Aang nodded and then looked at him quizzically. ''But what are you going to tell everyone when you bring her back?''
Kendo pretended to think. ''I'll say that she was kidnapped by Zuko.''
''And what are you going to do with Zuko?''
Kendo sighed. ''I will have to let him return to his father. '' He held up a hand. ''But don't worry you'll still have a fire bending teacher in me.''
Aang smiled, looking happier than he had in a few days. He had finally found someone he could trust. ''Thanks Sifu Kendo.''
Kendo grinned muttered to himself as he walked out of the stables. ''My pleasure.'' As he walked toward the temple he planned out his next move. So the pampered prince and the peasant are finally onto me? This will definitely amuse Azula. He sighed and spoke to no one particular. ''I guess I'm going to have to take them tonight.'' He calculated how long he had been at the temple. ''Well it is a bit ahead of schedule but it will be nice to go home.'' He whistled a drinking song to himself as he headed up a set of stairs. With each step he wondered which herb would be best to drug their drinks with at dinner. When he reached the top he smiled and turned toward the stables. ''Thank you, Avatar. '' He whispered into the wind. ''You have just saved me an immense amount of trouble.''
Thanks for reading =) please, please review =D