AN: Hey! I have a new little niece! I'm so excited! Well, never mind all that, I just like to brag. Anyways, hope you like the new chapter. Oh, a cyber Zuko to anyone who spots the Pride and Prejudice reference.

Disclaimer: (Checks pockets) Just a bit of lint, nothing else.

> > > > > > > > > > > >

"Again." Zuko picked himself off the deck and preformed the move over. Instead of sending out a stream of lighting, it blew up in his face, sending him back to the deck. Iroh sighed. "You must let go of your rage. To reach the higher bending, you need to have a cool heart. The heat from your passion and rage fuels your flame but it hinders you now. Calm yourself, control your emotions. Now breathe and do it again."

Gritting his teeth, Zuko pushed to his feet. Next to him, Aang preformed the move perfectly. Anger swirled through him. I've been doing this my entire life. He's barely been training and already he's surpassed me. He looked back to his uncle and saw Katara standing just behind him. She smiled and he felt the anger leave him.

He took a deep breath and began to move through the stances. His heart was calm, his emotions under control. There was a tingle starting at the edge of his finger tips working its way up his arms. He focused on the feeling and forced it back down. As he finished, a tiny spark flew off his hand. Hands clenched, he growled at the outcome.

Iroh, however, was vastly pleased. "Well done, Zuko."

"Well done? Nothing happened!" The frustration flooded his voice.

"Of course something happened. First, it didn't explode in your face. Second, there was lightning in your strike. It might not be much now, but, with time and focus, you will master it. Enough of this for today. You've made fine progress. Work on your reflexes with Katara."

"Very well, uncle."

Iroh noted the ease with which Zuko moved off to spar with her. He was glad for them. Glad that they had found each other. They balanced each other, complimented the other's strengths and compensated for the other's weaknesses. He laughed as they began to spar, trading insults and barbs as they went.

"Think you can beat me today peasant?" He said it with a teasing glint in his eye and more a smile then a smirk gracing his mouth.

"Your arrogance is annoying. Especially considering how many times I've beaten you." Her face was more open, her eyes glinting with mischief and her smile wide.

As they began their match, Iroh thought back to that morning a few days ago. He knew the moment he saw them that something was different. The way they stood, the way they acted. Katara was brighter and moved about with more lightness then normal. One could tell by the lilt of her voice and her manner how happy she was. Zuko was harder to read. He had never been one to express happiness in mirth, his was a quieter joy. If you knew where to look though, you could find the signs. Iroh was simply glad that they didn't wait until it was too late to say something.

"Humph. Took them long enough." He left to check on his other pupil.

O.o.o.o.o.O

"Your highness." Azula turned to the man trembling before her. "I bear a message from your father." He held out a scroll sealed with the symbol of the Fire Lord.

She had barely taken a hold of the scroll when the messenger bowed and left. As she read, her frown grew more pronounced. She reached the end and crumbled the letter in her hand. A brief flare and it was ashes on the floor.

"So I'm more like my brother then he thought? A failure? It seems I have a spy in my midsts. There's no other way he could have learned about me…" she swallowed hard, "losing the Avatar and Zuko. Well, I won't make that mistake a second time."

She summoned her lead man. "I'm heading out without you. You fools are only slowing me down. Besides, I don't like being spied on."

He paled beneath her gaze. "Yes, your highness. But are you sure you want to continue on your own?"

Her smile was cold as ice. "I never said I'd be by myself."

O.o.o.o.o.O

"It's about time she told him. I was wondering what was taking her so long."

Sokka's jaw dropped. "You knew! You knew and you never said anything?"

Ishi shrugged. "It wasn't my place to say anything. It's her business."

"But she's my sister. I have a right to know. Besides, he's not right for her. And she's too young. And… and…"

"Sounds like you're jealous."

"Ewwwww!" He looked thoroughly disgusted.

A frustrated sigh escaped her. "Not that way, you idiot. You're jealous that she's found someone else to take care of her and that you haven't."

He furrowed his brow. "That makes no sense."

She looked at him with an arched brow and gave a small chuckle. "Of course it does. As you said, you're her big brother. But she can't stay with her big brother forever. And I doubt that you'd want her living with you and the girl you marry." She sent him a teasing smile. "If you ever find one that'll put up with you."

"I already found one."

She looked over at his dejected form and realized her blunder. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. But you'll find someone else. Yue isn't the only girl out there."

"I didn't mean Yue. There was someone else, someone before. But she wasn't Water nation so I thought… I didn't think anything could come of it. I liked Yue too and she was Water Nation so…"

A small smile touched her lips. "Well, if Fire and Water can become joined, why not Water and Earth?"

He brightened. "You're right." Then, slowly, he frowned. "Hey, what do you mean by 'joined'!"

O.o.o.o.o.O

"Ugh. It's so hot here." Katara wiped the sweat off her forehead as she watched the two people spar in the center of the deck. "I can't believe they're still at it."

"Well, it let's them beat on each other without anyone yelling at them for it." Katara and Aang nodded at Ishi's observation. "Best if they get everything out now then during a real battle. Besides, with you here Katara and no bending or weapons, there's a limit to the damage they can do." Ishi yawned and settled to take a nap in the sun.

"Plus, they're fighting for something important now."

Katara looked over at the unusually somber monk and quickly realized what he meant. She always hoped he'd get over the infatuation he had on her but this wasn't how she wanted it to happen. "Aang…"

"It's okay, Katara. He's a good guy and I'm happy for you both." He tried to smile like usual, but it wasn't as bright. She opened her mouth to talk but he shook his head. "I'm alright. But, I think I might spar with Zuko next." He gave a normal smile and raced off. Just 'cause I like him doesn't mean I'll make it easy for him. He frowned. He'd better take care of her.

O.o.o.o.o.O

"I want you to keep an eye out for a Fire Nation ship that's acting suspiciously. There was one spotted leaving the area the day my brother escaped."

"Yes, your highness." He bowed low before her, unmoving. He remembered what happened to the previous soldier who left before being dismissed. A tiny shudder went through him.

"And keep the fact that I'm not on board quiet. I want to be able to move freely." She stared down at him, contemplating how long she could make him stay in that position. Unfortunately, now isn't the time for entertainment. "Leave me." He scurried quickly out of the room, simply grateful to survive the experience.

Azula bent over her desk, intent on the maps scattered there. Her concentration was broken by a cheerful, hyper voice. " 'Zula! We're here!"

She turned to see two young women framed in the doorway. One was bright while the other seemed to draw the shadows into herself. The darker one spoke. "It was so boring in Omashu. You'd think attacking a kingdom and imprisoning its king would be more entertaining."

Azula smiled wickedly. "I have something exciting for you. Very entertaining."

Mai simply arched an eyebrow while Ty Lee jumped up and down excitedly. "What is it?"

Azula looked down at her maps again before replying. "We're going hunting."

"Oh, those poor animals. You know I don't like hunting, 'Zula. It throws off my aura." Ty Lee pouted.

Mai cast her an irritated glance. "I have a feeling these animals walk on two legs." She looked to Azula. "Am I right?"

"What fun would it be otherwise?" She ordered them closer to the map with a gesture. "Father has declared Zuko and Uncle Iroh traitors, they are no longer Fire Nation. Zuko has challenged father's rule and, because of that, he has forfeited his life."

Mai opened her mouth to protest but snapped it shut. Azula was not someone to provoke, especially not it her current mood.

"Furthering his guilt are the people traveling with him. He travels with the Avatar."

Both girls were shocked but Ty Lee spoke first. "You mean he has captured the Avatar? Right?"

"No. I mean that that coward has joined forces with him. I've already had Zuko in my grasp, ready to return to my father but the Avatar aided in his escape. Zuko's convinced now that what father's doing will mean 'the doom of our world and out nation'." She made a face in disgust. "He's been too long with uncle and his thoughts of harmony between the elements."

Mai seemed interested. "Fighting the Avatar should prove entertaining enough."

"And seeing Zuko again?" Ty Lee asked with a slight giggle.

Mai ignored her. "Is it just him and the Avatar?" They both jumped back at the low, menacing growl coming from their friend's throat.

"No, there are others with him. A pathetic group to be sure. There's still uncle but his age keeps him from being a threat. One, the earthbender, should be dead. I stabbed her myself. There's a boy, same age as Zuko, who has delusions of being a warrior. Then there's the waterbender." Her hands clenched on the table. "She's the most annoying of the group. I look forward to breaking her." Her smile was one of evil anticipation.

Ty Lee looked over her shoulder at the map. "So, what's your plan?"

Azula's grin only got wider. She could practically taste her victory. "Alright. Here's what we're going to do."

O.o.o.o.o.O

Iroh called them all together. "I know you are all comfortable here, but you need to leave." There were protests from all around the room. He signaled for quiet. "I know, I know. But there is a reason for this. Azula is still tracking you and she will have known about this ship. If you stay, you'll be in danger but, if you leave, she'll still track the ship and you'll be safe. Well, at least safer."

None of them looked happy but it was Aang who broke the silence. "Are you sure?" Iroh nodded. "Then I guess there's no choice. But what about Ishi?"

She shook her head. "I don't think I can. I can barely move around the ship let alone ride on Appa for hours on end. And I refuse to slow you down." Her face was sad but determined.

Katara looked upset at the thought of leaving her friend behind. "But…"

Again, Ishi shook her head. "No. I'll be fine here with Iroh. I promise." Katara came forward and gave her a gentle hug. "I'll stay until I'm well then I'll come looking for you."

Katara stepped back, still not happy with the situation but understanding the logic behind her decision. Zuko placed a hand on her shoulder and she relaxed further.

Sokka cleared his throat. "So, when do we leave?"

"You leave tonight; it will be harder to see Appa in the dark. I'll have supplies readied for your trip." Iroh looked at each of them for a long time. "I'll miss you all."

Zuko watched him walk away. "Well, we have a lot to do before dark."

Later that night, after some tearful goodbyes, the smaller group flew from the ship to find their own way to the Fire Nation Capital.

> > > > > > > > > > > > >

AN: Well, I hoped you liked it. I'm sorry if anyone is a die-hard Yue fan but I just like Sokka/Suki better. No offense intended. Well, you know the drill. Hit the little button and tell me what you thought. Review, Please and Thank you!