A/N

Only one of you saw this coming. Hope you like it.

AGAIN: in no way was this influenced by any given element of Season 3.

Please forgive me for this super-rushed fluffjob. I woke up last week when I realized Aang was invading the Fire Nation this Friday. Therefore, I'm going to attempt to finish chapters 8-14. Chapter 15 would be a blessing. Wish me luck.

xxx

When Katara raised her head from her fur-lined bedroll, the air in the camp seemed surreal. She even went so far as to close her eyes again. Perhaps she was still dreaming. Her eyelids flew open again. Whatever was wrong hadn't gone away.

Groggily, she clambered to her feet and surveyed the area around her. Sokka was still tightly curled in his bedroll. Next to him were Zuko and Iroh.

Katara rubbed her eyes. All's well there.

Silence thudded against her ears. If she went back to sleep now, then she could forget what she knew now to be true. She squeezed her eyes shut.

"Aang…" She murmured.

The camp was devoid of the bison, the lemur and the young airbender. Nothing was left to prove they had ever even been at the camp at all. Her heart slammed against her chest.

"AANG!" She screamed.

The boys sleeping behind her wriggled and complained.

"Katara…" Sokka grumbled. "Go-."

"Get up! Get up right now, all of you! Aang's gone. He's gone. Oh my god. Where is he?" She paced around the campfire frantically. "Maybe he was kidnapped. Hey! Get up!"

Iroh was first to gain control of his thoughts. "Search for signs of a fight. Look on the tree bark, any fallen branches, scuff marks on the ground- anything."

Zuko and Sokka were up moments afterward, pawing at their eyes as they stumbled together around the camp.

A couple heartbeats later, Katara snapped, "Looking for signs isn't going to help find him." Tears prickled her eyes. "He's… I'm going to go… look for him. One of you stay here in case he comes… back."

She sprinted away, leaving the other three dumbstruck in their spots.

"He isn't coming back," Zuko said quietly. He kneeled on the ground and scooped up a note and a small sack of gold

"What is it?" Sokka breathed.

"Here." Zuko handed the note to his companion.

Sokka took a shaky breath and read the small print aloud. "Please understand that I haven't left you because I didn't want to be with you. You guys are the best thing that's ever happened to me, and that's why I won't stand to see you in danger any longer. I know Sokka will probably say it's your duty, and Katara will say you're my friends.

Well, this is what I say: I won't give you the choice to put your lives at risk any more.

Please don't worry about me. I'm going to find a firebending teacher. I've left you most of the money. I took some of it for my own food (hope you don't mind).

The town we stayed at earlier where the earthbending tournament was is almost completely destroyed. I did some surveying for you, and there's a town a few miles west that you may want to go to.

We'll see each other again. I promise."

Sokka threw down the note, disgusted. "Who does he think he is? He's just a child! How can he make decisions for the lot of us? And where is exactly is he going to find a firebending teacher? Was he just going to come up with all that on his own?"

"He did a brave thing." Iroh said gravely.

"Brave?" Zuko scoffed. "Brave would be to watch his friends suffer because he knew they wanted to. It's cowardice to run away from that."

"But he also needed us." Iroh pointed out. "He will be into some trouble, and he knows this."

"He's so… immature sometimes." Sokka sighed. "How are we going to find him?"

"Who says we will?" Zuko countered. "If he's that stupid as to go out on his own, then let him!"

"Zuko, he's the Avatar." Sokka said. "We can't let the Avatar endanger himself like this!"

"I'm going to find Katara." Iroh announced. "Refrain from killing each other while I'm gone."

"Look," Zuko said, sitting on the ground. "What I do know is this, what money he left us won't last us forever." He dumped the contents of the bag onto the ground. "It looks like enough for a few weeks of food, but that's it."

"If we get Aang back, it'll be much easier to get money. Believe me. Do you think the King at Ba Sing Se would've given the four of us money? No way! He gave it to us because we were with the Avatar."

"You know, Katara's not going to think of this from a tactical standpoint. She's going to want us to go after him regardless." Zuko muttered.

"Yeah, well… If we do decide not to go after him, we may have to trick her." Sokka pondered.

"You've done this a few times, have you?"

"Only a few."

"From the way he acted yesterday, I guess we could've expected it." Zuko dropped the coins back into the sack.

"We couldn't have stopped him even if we did see it coming."

Katara sobbed as Iroh led her back to camp. "I could've stopped him! I should've seen this coming. It's all my fault."

"Katara," Sokka groaned. "Stop the pity party. It's not going to solve anything."

"Aang will be fine." Zuko assured her.

Katara glared. "The last time he was alone he froze himself in an iceberg and didn't come out for a hundred years! How is that fine?!"

"Point," Sokka counted.

"His note directs us to a town west of here." Iroh reread the letter. "Does that mean he is directing us to there or away?"

"Aang may be the Avatar, but he's not too logical. I don't think he's trying to trick us." Sokka said.

Katara wiped her eyes with her wrist wraps. "Well… Wait a second… We know how to find him. Zuko's tracked him dozens of times."

"Yeah!" Sokka chimed. "How did you do it?"

"Um…" Zuko glanced at his uncle. "It was mostly…"

"Dumb luck." Iroh sniffed.

"I had some tactics! I sent my men out to ask if anyone had seen the Avatar. He has a giant bison. It's pretty hard to hide that from everyone; odds are that at least one person has seen him. It's just a matter of finding that person." Zuko argued.

"So where do we start?" Katara asked.

"He took our food." Sokka sighed. "We'll need to restock first. And we might as well see what kind of transportation we can get."

"Let's go to that town he mentioned. Maybe they will have ostrich-horses… and tea." Iroh patted his rotund stomach.

xxx

" 'A few miles'?" Sokka cried. "We've been walking for five hours!"

"For the last time, please shut up." Zuko growled.

"We know how long it's been, okay?" Katara added.

Sokka kicked a rock in front of him. "Aang's distance judgment is seriously off. I wish he'd at least left Momo to bring us some leechynuts or something."

"We could always cut you up and eat you." Zuko offered.

Despite the fact that the two had gained higher levels of respect for each other and a subtle sense of comradeship, Zuko and Sokka still bickered almost as badly as they used to. They took up the lead of the march. Katara followed sullenly behind them, head drooped onto her chest. Iroh shuffled his feet at the rear.

"I haven't walked so far in months." Iroh panted. "Let's stop to rest. Maybe we can find something to eat in these woods."

Zuko and Sokka exchanged glances.

"Uncle, we need to get to town before nightfall. If we don't get dinner, I will eat Sokka."

"Which would not be good." Sokka said.

"Or appetizing," Zuko finished.

"Very well," Iroh sighed. He stopped and arched his back slowly, groaning as he did so.

"We get it, Uncle." Zuko snapped. "You're tired. We all are."

"The sooner we get to the village, the sooner we can start looking for Aang." Katara said numbly.

The group fell back into silence, unsettled by the lack of brightness Aang could usually provide.

xxx

"I see… something…" Zuko mumbled.

The sun had set an hour before, but they were determined to continue their march. Finally, they had reached the village.

"Food first." Sokka ordered. "Then sleep."

"Nothing will be open," Katara retorted. "We might as well just sleep here for the night."

"In the road?" Zuko sniffed. "Like a bunch of beggars?"

Iroh lowered himself to the ground wearily and began to rub his ankles. "We'll find food in the morning."

Sokka tossed his sack onto the ground and flopped on top of it. "It would be good to rest."

In minutes, they could hear him snore. The rest followed his drowsy example.

xxx

Creaking wooden wheels, laughing, rough voices bickering, and the brays of various pack animals woke the group the following morning. The sun was a lot higher than they'd expected, and there were many more people around than they would've liked.

"We overslept," Katara murmured, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

"Now what do we do?" Zuko asked.

Sokka spilled the coins into his palm. "We have enough for breakfast. We can come up with a plan after we've eaten."

The gang wandered through the crowded market streets until they found a small tea shop.

"Four cups of ginseng and whatever pastry you offer, please," Iroh ordered for them as they found a quiet corner in front of a slotted window.

"So how much money do we have left, anyway?" Katara asked. She was wedged between Zuko and the wall. Sokka and Iroh sat opposite of them.

"We can eat lunch." Sokka counted. "But after that… it looks a little grim."

Zuko scratched the stubble forming on his chin. "On the way here, I saw a poster looking for help on a farm. Maybe… Maybe we could get jobs." He cringed as if even the suggestion was painful.

"Every second we delay puts more distance between us and Aang." Katara argued.

"But we can't keep going without funds," Iroh said softly.

Zuko sighed. "What if we told people we were with the Avatar? Don't people give you free stuff if you tell them that?"

"Well, if you haven't noticed, the Avatar isn't exactly around right now. It's going to be hard convincing him we're with him if they can't see him." Sokka sniffed.

A waiter brought four steaming cups and a tray of bread. They dove on the food.

After a few bites, Katara agreed. "Fine. Let's get jobs."

"We'll split up after breakfast and meet back in front of the tea shop at noon." Sokka said.

xxx

After looking at the wanted poster again, Zuko headed out of town to find the farmer. He wasn't sure how he was going to get a job if he'd never worked a day in his life, but Katara had managed to fill him in with some positive reinforcement before he left.

"You'll do great!" She'd cried. "Just tell them you'll work hard. Don't act too smart- laborers aren't supposed to think. Oh, and roll up your sleeves to show off your muscles, too."

Zuko groaned inwardly. Dumb muscle. This was why he could never connect with the soldiers who used to work with him.

Cornfields began to rise up around the road. He tried to think of everything he knew about corn. It was tall… yellow… He glanced at a nearby stalk. Where was the corn? Maybe it grew underneath the earth…

xxx

Sokka walked into the shop with his head held high and his chest puffed out. This was his territory. He took a deep breath of the damp, fish-laden air before striding towards the burly man chopping filets in the back.

"I can work for you." Sokka said proudly as he approached.

The man barely looked up from his work. "Oh, yeah?"

"I've seen more fish than any other man in this establishment, I can tell you that!" Sokka grinned.

"Who do you think you are, boy?" The man squinted down at him. "You don't look older than fourteen!"

Sokka fidgeted. "I'm sixteen, sir. And my name is Sokka. I come from the Southern Water Tribe."

"Yeah?"

"Yessir. When I left, I was the only man providing for the village. I fished for the entire Southern Water Tribe population."

The man snorted. "Heh. I bet. So what can you do for me?"

"I can do anything in this place."

The man considered it for a moment and rubbed his hands on his greasy apron. "Alright, kid. I'll hire you."

"Great! What should I do first? I see some bear bass in the back. Would you like me to-."

"Actually, I've got something even more important. The front room is a mess, and I'm afraid it takes a toll on the customers. So I want you to take care of it for me."

"Oh, yessir!"

His boss gave him a broom. Sokka's chest fell consdirably.

xxx

"I can never get people interested in old artifacts." The elder man brushed the table of antiques fondly. "Most of this stuff is from the Fire Nation- traded to my father before the war. But there's so much animosity towards the Fire Lord that I can't get anyone interested in any of this stuff."

Iroh nodded sadly. "They have a rich culture. It's a shame there isn't more interest in learning about it."

"Yes! Oh, so few people understand. I've been called a fire worshipper. I'm almost…" The shopkeeper took a shuddering breath. "I'm almost broke. I had to move out of my old shop and into this tent. I've tried selling other things, but my reputation is tainted now, I suppose."

Iroh laid a hand on his shoulder. "I may be able to help you."

"Really?"

"Yes. I'll get some more interest in your shop. If you'll let me borrow the sungi horn," Iroh tapped the dented bronze instrument, "then I'll sit out front and play it."

"You can play the sungi?" The man's eyes lit up. "That's incredible!"

"It's an old family tradition." Iroh smiled.

"Well, yes, go ahead. That's bound to get a little interest."

Iroh picked up the horn and adjusted it on his side.

xxx

For almost an hour, Katara wandered around the town. She tried to talk herself up to several shopkeepers, a grocer, and even a tailor; but no one wanted temporary help. She was almost ready to give up when she saw a small sign posted on a building, 'Healer.' The place was small, and when she stepped inside, it seemed even smaller. There were a few people in the front room waiting on cushions, and their conditions didn't seem too severe- all the better for Katara.

A young woman appeared from the back and called a name. A pregnant woman rose and shuffled across the room. The young woman looked over her patient's shoulder and flashed a smile at Katara.

"We'll be right with you. If you'd like to sign in here…"

"Actually," Katara took a step forward. "I'm interested in a job."

"Oh," the woman replied. She asked her patient to wait for her in the back. She turned to Katara. "I'll let you talk to someone. Follow me, please."

They entered a hallway and walked past several cupboards full of salves.

"What is your name, Miss?"

"Katara," she answered. "I'm a waterbender, so I thought I might be of some assistance here."

"Oh, well! That is something. Uh, Song?"

A smiling brunette poked her head around a corner. "I'm in here!"

"Would you please talk to Katara about a job here? She's a waterbender."

"Wow!" Song's grin widened. "I'd love to talk to you, Katara. If you don't mind, I'm mixing some lotion, so if we could talk while I continue?"

"Of course," Katara nodded. She thanked the other woman as she walked away.

"So what brings you here, Katara?" Song asked. "You must've come a long way!"

"From the Southern Water Tribe."

"Are you living here now?"

"No, to be honest, my friends and I are only staying here for a short time, and we just need a little cash." Katara held her breath.

"Oh, well that's fine. These are the summer months, and people seem to get themselves into more poison ivy than any other season! We would love to have your help."

xxx

"I can… shovel… and… I learn quickly." Zuko nodded at the farmer lamely. All lies.

The farmer shifted his feet. "Well, I don't have much use for shovelers right now. I need someone to out and weed the fields."

"Yes, I can… do that."

"Alright, can you start today?"

"Yes, but I need to break at noon for lunch."

"'Course, 'course. You're only human. If I was you, I'd start at the north side of the field and make your way back up the rows that way."

"Right."

The two stared at each other for a moment.

"Well?" The farmer said.

"Oh, now?"

"Yes, now! Whadja want me to say? When ya feel like it?"

"Uh… no, no. I'll… start." Zuko blushed and walked towards the field.

"North is the other way, son."

"I'm not your son." Zuko barked.

"What was that?"

"Nothing." Zuko fumed.

"Don't cop no attitude with me, ya hear? I won't take it from any lowly worker who walks onto my property."

"I am not a lowly worker." Zuko spun around. "And that was a double negative, by the way!"

"What are you talkin' about?" The farmer settled his hands on his hips. "Shut yer yap and get working!"

"Stop ordering me around! It was my choice to come to you, after all!"

"Oh, yeah. A real bright guy like you could get a job anywhere, right? You wouldn't be here if you didn't need the work!"

"I don't need your work!" Zuko hissed. He had to resist setting his flea-ridden shack on fire. "I quit!"

"Ya never even started! Get outta here before I throw you out!"

"I'd like to see you try." Zuko shot over his shoulder as he stormed away.

His pace didn't slow until he was back in town, and a crowd blocking the lane prevented him from continuing his march. He tried ducking around the people, but there were too many. Finally, he tapped someone on the shoulder.

"What's going on here?"

"Can't you hear it? It's marvelous! Old Yanzheng's got this guy who plays the sungi horn!"

Zuko frowned. "The sungi horn?"

"Yeah! Just listen."

Sure enough, over the bubbling chatter and clapping of the crowd, Zuko heard his uncle's tune. He shouldered his way through and found Iroh happily puffing on the instrument next to a beaming older gentleman. Some little girls pushed past Zuko and dropped some copper coins into a bowl at Iroh's feet.

"Uncle!" Zuko gasped. "What are you doing?"

"This man is your uncle?" Yanzheng exclaimed. "You must be so proud! Moushi has literally saved my business, all because of his ingenious playing!"

Iroh paused for breath. "It was nothing, really." The red tinge to his cheeks said otherwise.

Zuko resisted rolling his eyes. "Uncle Moushi, we have to go meet the others now."

"Oh, you're probably right." He handed Yanzheng the sungi horn. The crowd moaned their disappointed. "I'll be back!" Iroh insisted. "I just have to break for lunch. In the meantime, perhaps you should browse Yanzheng's excellent commodities."

"Thank you Moushi," Yanzheng gripped Iroh's arm. "This means the world to me. Please, keep the tips. You deserve all that and more."

"You always did like theatrics," Zuko mumbled as they walked away.

"I was doing him a favor," Iroh beamed. "I just so happened to get paid at the same time. How was your job hunting?"

"Fine," Zuko grunted. "Look, there's Sokka."

Sokka sighed when he reached them and began his usual griping. "Well, at least I have a job. It reeks though."

"I hope it smells better than you do," Zuko grimaced. "You smell like fish!"

"For a good reason!" Sokka snapped. "I found work at a fish place. But the owner doesn't see my potential yet… So how's your luck been so far?"

"I'm working for tips playing the sungi horn," Iroh displayed his pay proudly.

"Yeah? Good for you! What about you, Zuko?"

"I uh…Well, it's going."

"I wonder if Katara has had as much luck as we have." Iroh pondered.

"Hopefully more so." Zuko grumbled.

xxx

"She's so nice! I think it's going to be great working with her," Katara narrated her morning events.

"I'm glad you found a job you liked." Zuko replied.

After lunch, Zuko offered to walk Katara back to the healer. He felt guilty for not telling the others he didn't have a job, and he wanted to tell Katara. She would understand.

"You seem a little upset," Katara took his hand. "How'd it go on the farm?"

"I… uh… I quit."

"You quit?"

Zuko was grateful that her tone remained calm and patient. "Yeah… I did."

"Why?"

"You aren't mad?"

"I might be. It depends on your reasons."

"Well… He… was…insolent."

"Zuko!"

"He was! I won't work for someone who doesn't show me any respect."

"Now I'm mad! You have to get a job! If Sokka can get a job- and you of all people should know how hard it should be for that sarcastic, good-for-nothing-."

"Look, I'll do better next time, okay?"

"Promise me you won't quit this one."

Zuko mulled it over.

"Zuko!"

"Fine! I won't… quit… unless I have to."

"You won't have to because from here on out, you're going to tolerate your supervisors, right?"

"Right," Zuko sighed.

"Look, there's another job posting. Go check it out."

"I'll walk you to the healer's first."

"No, no. I'm fine. You're stalling." She kissed his cheek. "I'll see you later, okay? With a job!"

Zuko dejectedly turned to the wanted sign. 'Laborers wanted. Inquire within.' He had a feeling the pit in his stomach wasn't from lunch.

xxx

The rest of the afternoon, Katara helped Song clean bandages and wash the bed linens.

"We'll get you in the healing rooms soon, Katara." Song said apologetically. "We just need to get you used to this place first."

"I understand."

"How long will you be staying here?"

"As long as it takes to earn enough money."

"I see. And the others in your company- they're getting jobs, too?"

"Most of them," Katara laughed. "My boyfriend's having some ego issues."

Song grinned. "Your boyfriend? Oh, that must be so romantic to travel the country together."

"It might be if his uncle and my brother weren't around."

"Oh," Song nodded. "Is it just the four of you?"

Katara dropped the bandage she'd been holding back into the soap suds. "Yeah... Just… four of us. So, um… Who do you live with?"

"My mom and I have a house outside of town. Say, why don't the four of you come over for dinner tonight?"

"Oh, I don't want to intrude-."

"No, it will be our pleasure. My mom's an excellent cook, and I'd love to help you out."

Katara smiled. "We'd really appreciate that, Song."

xxx

Authors Note:

I can't believe that garbage just came from me. XD

There just so happened to be a lot of jobs in Song's town. I mean, hey, it's a war-affected, slightly impoverished village. Why wouldn't they have job openings?

One of the reasons this is called 'Facing Fears': I wrote in the worst Mary Sue, created by the creators themselves. –lightening cracks—SONG!

"He had a feeling the pit in his stomach wasn't from lunch." Cheesiest one-liner ever, thank you.