This one goes out for nightdrive23. Thanks for the inspiration and I hope you like it. As for my other reviewers, feel free to suggest. I'm open to ideas for improvement and continuation.

I Told You So

Chapter 5: Circles

Disclaimer: I own nothing of Avatar.

Life at Ember Island was almost paradise after the hardships the young people had endured before. Each night they had a comfortable bed to sleep in instead of just their bedrolls on hard ground. They woke up every morning with the sound of the waves crashing on shore.

On one occasion they had even gone to a see a comedy play at the local theatre. Even Aang was able to go outfitted in his Fire Nation clothing. It was ironically, about them, or at least about the Avatar coming back, though it was… exaggerated to say the least. Sokka found it hilarious of course, until they started going into the part about him and Yue. The grin that had been stretching from ear to ear suddenly disappeared from his face, replaced by a scowl. Zuko leaned forward, recalling something that Sokka had once told him.

"Your first girlfriend really turned into the moon?"

"Yeah. Did you think I was joking!?"

"That's harsh man, really."

Walking back to the house a point occurred to Katara.

"That play included all the things that happened since we found Aang."

"Obviously. What's your point Sweetness?" grumbled Toph, slightly annoyed at the situation. Although she could hear the play and get a faint vibration off their movements, most of the more subtle details had been lost. Witty repartee aside she would have rather stayed by the cliff faces and practiced her earthbending.

"My point is: where did they get all of that information? It's like they've had someone following up on our lives. Have we really been that…indiscreet?"

"For the first year as you traveled up to the North Pole you practically sang his name in the streets," snorted Zuko, "How do you think I was able to track you so well?"

"Ok, you have a point there. But come on, even that bit about sucking on frogs when we were sick? I feel so exposed," Katara shivered, realizing at the same time that their current plans depended on secrecy. Just how obvious were they acting?

"You mean that part with the frogs was real," said Suki, staring at the siblings incredulously.

"Uuuhhhhh….don't even get me started on the frogs," shuddered Sokka at the memory, "I had warts at the back of my throat!"

"For the last time Sokka, those were NOT warts!" exclaimed Katara, having already been through this conversation before.

"I'm telling you Katara, I had warts: real, frog induced warts!"

The others simply hung their heads. Trying to convince Sokka on a subject like warts was akin to arguing with a wall; everything logical thing said to him just bounced right back. They walked in companionable silence for the rest of the walk home, seemingly like any other pack of teenagers coming home from a good show. Suki and Sokka companionably holding hands while Aang and Toph cavorted about like an annoying little brother and sister sent to chaperone the courting couple. Katara and Zuko brought up the back, each absorbed in their own thoughts. Suddenly Zuko had an idea.

"We could conduct a small investigation to see where the writers of the play got their information from," said the former prince, thinking that if they knew it would be easier to stay away from any possible traps.

"An investigation?" replied Katara, automatically skeptical.

"We can poke around, ask a few questions, see if anyone has heard anything about the Avatar and his gang."

"I don't know Zuko; sounds too much like we're asking for trouble. Normally trouble finds us without a problem, poking around seems like too much of an invitation."

"Think of it as a pre-emptive strike. Plus we can scope out some routes into the capital and Ozai, maybe even find out some of their plans," he tried to convince her, knowing Katara would see the advantages of the plan and that she would love getting in a few early hits.

"Well…"

"At least let us bring it up with the others."

"Fine. But we aren't just going to go off without some kind of plan."

"Fine by me, maybe even--"

Whatever Zuko was going to say was cut off by the sudden appearance of Sokka before the two of them looking at them closely, forehead wrinkled in suspicion.

"So what were you two discussing back here, oh-so-secretly?" he asked eyebrow quirking.

"Just some plans," shrugged Katara, not wanting to attract attention out on the street. They were a large enough group so that if they stopped to chat in the middle of the street people would notice and that was the last thing they wanted.

"What plans? And why aren't you including me," he said accusingly, "I'm the plan guy here. I should be part of this."

"And you will be," she replied, begging to the spirits that he would catch on before he blew their cover, "once we get back to the house, they have to do with our new vacation route."

"Vacation? What are you talking about Katara; we can't go on anymore vacations. The comet is almost here we have to go de--," his damning words were cut off as Suki quickly turned his head and kissed him.

Making sure she had his attention and a good grip on the front of his shirt she said sweetly between clenched teeth, forcing a smile, "Exactly honey, our vacation to get a better view of how the Fire Lord will celebrate the coming of the comet."

"But we're…oooohhhh…that vacation," it finally dawned on him with exaggerated slow speech, loud enough for everyone on the island to hear, "uh yeah, the VACATION! JUST GONNA GO SEE THE FIRE LORD CELEBRATION THINGY! HURRAY FIRE NATION!"

There was a collective sigh as the group hung heads. Toph just slapped her forehead and let her hand over her face.

"You are sooo lucky I can't bend here or you'd be about six feet under ground by now Snoozles."

"I was just…"

"No! Don't say anything else. Just…lets just get back to the house," sighed Suki, amazed at her own attraction to this man. It was just one of those times when she had to question her sanity. Then of course he would do something really sweet and clever and she'd forget all about it. At this moment though, sweet and clever didn't look like they were going happen. The started up towards the house once again, this time walking all together. Suddenly she felt Sokka grab her hand and turn her around, giving her a quick peck on the lips.

"Just returning the favor," he said with a soft smile on his face. Yes, there was the sweet and clever half; the smile that made her heart melt and forget his lapses. Linking their hands together once more they made their way quickly to the house.

They had all gathering in the main room so Zuko and Katara could tell them of the plan. While hesitant at first they eventually came around as Zuko presented his arguments. Even Sokka, who initially was dead set against it could help but see the logic behind it.

"So when do we leave," asked the young water tribesman.

"Sokka we can't all go," explained Katara, "we are too large a group. People will get suspicious if we start interrogating whole towns."

"So what are the rest of us supposed to do," he replied indignant.

"We stay here," said Aang, putting in his input for the first time, "we keep training so when they get back with the information all we have to do is go."

"At most only two or three of us can go," Toph added, "seeing that some of us are more recognizable than others narrows down the list a bit."

"That settles it then," Sokka said as he stood up, "so who's coming with me?"

"You?" questioned Zuko, "you know nothing about the Fire Nation."

"But I'm a master of disguises," and he quickly turned his face around, facing back with the fake beard and moustache he had sported before, "I am Wang Fire, and this is my wife, Sapphire Fire," speaking in exaggerated tones and reaching out to grab Katara by the shoulders. For the second time that day a collective sigh went out from the gaang.

"Sokka, if anyone is going to be automatically included it would have to be Zuko," said Suki, finding the need to explain things again that day, "he knows this land, knows the people. We're foreigners, nobody would tell us anything." Sokka's face drooped a little in disappointment as he slowly nodded and took his seat.

"Well he can't go just himself," said Katara suddenly, "someone needs to keep an eye on hi--… I mean, act as back up." Despite the improvement in their relationship, Katara was still a bit distrustful of the former prince. Nobody missed her lapse, but they were used to it enough by now that they let it go. Zuko wasn't about to however.

"If you're that worried about me than you can be my backup."

"What!" said Sokka, taking a stand yet again, "there is no way my little sister is going to go off on a super secret mission with just you. The answer is NO."

"I'm not a little girl anymore Sokka!" came the retort as she stood up to face her brother toe to toe.

"I don't care. The answer is still no."

"But-"

"No."

"It's-"

"ENOUGH!" yelled Toph. All the vibrations and heartbeats were starting to give her headache. How did I end up as the voice of reason here? Oh well, time to crack a few skulls. Startled at her sudden outburst everyone turned to stare. Sokka and Katara paused their argument in mid shout to stare at her accusingly for the interruption. "I have to agree with Prince Charming on this one."

Sokka was about to begin his protesting again until he saw Toph threatening to gag him again with the piece of meteor she always on her arm. Zuko looked shocked. He had suggested it more to cause a riot than to have anyone agree with him.

"Twinkle Toes can't go. Between his tattoos and airbending any slip up and he's toast. I can't go. I'm on wanted posters in every town as the Runaway, and I just might miss something that you sighted people won't. Snoozles has about as much stealth and tact as an angry saber-moose," when he seemed to take offense at that Suki jabbed him in the ribs to shut him up, "our only options are Suki and Katara."

After her short speech there was a long silence as everyone considered her words. Sokka and Katara had sat down by now. Suki finally broke the silence.

"It has to be Katara." At her comment Sokka couldn't decide whether he was happy that Suki didn't want to go or upset that it meant his sister would. "Appearance wise, it would look strange if I suddenly took off with Zuko when most people have noticed that I'm your girlfriend. People get curious suddenly that I go off with another guy, curious people start poking around and asking questions and then it won't be long before someone notices the secret."

"So that's it then," said Katara, "it's settled. I'll leave with Zuko on the ferry tomorrow morning on the pretense of scoping out the new spot and then we'll hit up some nearby towns to see if anyone has been checking up on us."

"At night we do a little spying on the local authorities and soldiers to see what their up to and it a week's time we report back here to collect you," Zuko picked up her line of thought.

Just like that the matter was settled. Zuko and Katara would take the ferry off Ember Island and under the pretense of travelers looking for work would scope out the surroundings. In exactly one week they would come back and start making their way back to the Fire Lord. After a few more grumbled protests Sokka finally caved and the group went off to sleep.

The next morning everyone said their good byes. Though not as emotional as when the group split from Haru, Teo and the others most eyes were slightly misty. Sokka took Zuko aside and whispered a few things to him out of ear shot before going to his sister.

"What did you say to him," asked a suspicious Katara.

"Oh nothing, just a few words of advice for his health," came the casual reply. With a huff she gave her brother one last hug and joined Zuko on the path that led to the ferry.

There were a few tense moments as they went though inspection and security during boarding but once they were on no one paid them much attention and they relaxed somewhat. The mainland was only a day's length away and tiered benches doubled as sleeping bunks for those that wished to rest. Katara was resting the shade of a low bunk trying to escape the noon day heat when she felt Zuko come up.

"Taking advantage of the luxuries huh?" he climbed up to the bunk above hers and let his head hang down the side to see her.

"You call these luxuries," she said, referring to the small bunks they occupied, each coated with a thin and worn layer of cushion, "I thought Ember Island was a vacation spot. You'd think they would make the transportation a bit nicer."

"Most of the people who come here regularly are rich enough to have their own boats so they don't bother much with the ferry," Zuko gave a slight shrug, "and anyways it's better than the Earth Kingdom ferry that took Uncle and I to Ba Sing Sei. At least the food is decent."

"Go figure. So how did you manage to get passage on the ferry? We had to go through Serpent's Pass."

"Uncle. He can be quite convincing when he wants to be."

"Your Uncle sounds like a good man."

"Yes, the best I know."

They lapsed into a companionable silence and the rest of the trip passed uneventfully. They docked the following morning and as planned they split up once they reached the town, each going off on their separate tasks. Zuko doubled back and stayed behind Katara looking to see if anyone was following her. The waterbender wandered in and out of the small shops examining the wares every so often with a casual eye, chatting with the vendors, looking like any other woman doing her shopping. As the sun began to set they made their way to the outskirts of town and the small woods that surrounded it. Katara was just beginning to set up their camp when Zuko emerged from the shadows beside her.

"Don't do that!" exclaimed Katara, already in her fighting stance, "I nearly attacked you."

"Yeah, like you've never done that before," he replied, moving into the camp and starting up a small fire. Katara had the grace to color slightly.

"Just don't do that, ok? I don't want to have to use my waterbending unless absolutely necessary."

"Not my fault you didn't notice me."

"Well maybe you shouldn't be sneaking around like some kind of thief!"

"Katara, we are spying. Sneaking is the entire idea!"

"You could have warned me!"

"That defeats the entire purpose!"

"Yeah…well…you…" Katara found herself at a loss for words, "I can't believe I agreed to this." At the sight of a smirk ghosting his lips she shut up and went back to preparing their meal. As they began to eat Zuko brought the conversation around to their mission.

"So did you hear anything?"

"No, nothing specific anyways. Just the regular wild rumors that people pass around."

"Like what?" Zuko was curious. He had never been one to listen to rumors and had little patience for tall tales but was intrigued all the same. Had any of the rumors been about him?

"Where do I begin? That the Avatar was spotted taking refuge in a fire temple. That Ozai already has him. That we have all been brainwashed by the Dai Lee and are now Fire Nation puppets. That Sokka and I are now working for the Fire Lord because Aang betrayed us by siding with you….the list goes on."

"Wow."

"Yeah, but like I said, nothing about us being where we are or at the Western Air Temple."

"How about the prison break?"

"Seems like that's being kept well under wraps actually. The only thing I heard was actually concerning Ty Lee and Mai. Azula hasn't been seen with her cronies lately and some are saying that she left them at the Boiling Rock, either as prisoners or to keep track of things."

Zuko was silent on the matter. He had little doubt that Azula had Mai thrown in prison for her part in helping them escape. Ty Lee he wasn't sure about. Mai. No, he couldn't think about that now.

"What about you Zuko? Notice anything?" asked Katara, referring to his own task that day.

"I honestly don't know. There was so many people wandering around that got off that boat, and I've seen tons of them all around town. Anyone or no one could be following you."

"Guess that means its time for this to get interesting," she said and began pulling out an assortment of clothing from her bag, "I gathered some things on the island and bought the rest of it here at different locations to keep away suspicions." Satisfied that nothing was left in her bag she tossed Zuko several articles or dark gray and black clothing. It consisted of a pair of trousers and under shirt, dark over robe and sash, soft black leather gloves and shoes, black wraps and a dark cowl.

"Stealth suits?" he asked, surprised at the lengths she had gone.

"Yep, I've got a matching set. I figure we can get around at night better in these and not be too noticeable. We'll travel by night, rest in the mornings and spend the afternoon in our street clothes getting information that way."

"You've really planned this whole thing out."

"It's what I do Zuko. It's what I do."

For the next few days that was just what they did. By night they were simple wraiths and creatures of the darkness. Leaping on roof tops and concealing themselves outside the windows of government officials and wealthy civilians. During the daytimes they roamed the marketplaces and alleyways. Sometimes together, usually under the guise they were a couple, which led to a few unforgettable moments. None of which Sokka would ever hear about. Normally they split up, tailing each other to catch followers or just catching up on the latest gossip.

When it came time for them to start heading back the way they had come trouble rose up, they were lost. It was nighttime and they had been traveling for about an hour when Katara suddenly pulled up short. Ever since they had left the last village she noticed that her companion was looking around constantly and on his face was an ill-concealed confusion.

"Just admit it Zuko. We are lost."

"We are not lost. I'm just getting my bearings," replied the former prince, annoyance clear in his tone.

"You're leading us in circles. We've passed that outcropping at least three times."

"How would you know? I grew up in the Fire Nation, this is my homeland, and I know it like the back of my hand."

"Well I'll bet there's a few things on the back of your hand that you've failed to notice because you clearly do not know your homeland as well as you think."

"That's ridiculous. I know everything about the Fire Nation."

"Really. You know everything about this place huh?" Katara couldn't help the sarcasm that crept into her voice, "So what was the name of the city we were just in? Hmm, oh fearless leader?"

"That was…it's called…it must be newly established since I've been banished because it wasn't there before," Zuko stammered. Katara just sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. He just hung his head, knowing the excuse was pretty lame. "Look Katara, we can just wait out the night and start back in the morning when everything's clearer."

"And just where are we supposed to stay?" sighed Katara growing weary.

"I know that just on the other side of that outcropping is a small cave. We can shelter there."

"You're sure?"

"Positive."

Releasing another huge sigh Katara simply fell in step slightly behind him as he leaped up the slope. She had one panicked instant when he jumped clear over the side.

"It's just down here," he shouted, leaping without a second look. Katara quickly followed suit only to find herself on a tiny shelf of rock jutting out into a hidden lake between the valleys.

"I don't see a cave Zuko."

"I swear, it was right here," exclaimed Zuko, turning around and facing the cliffs, running his hands over the walls as if he could create a cave where none existed.

"Great! Just great! Now we're stuck on this tiny shelf of rock, lost, and without shelter." The ledge they had jumped from was sheer on this side, and they couldn't have climbed back up even if they wanted to. "Why couldn't you just ask for directions or read a map every now and then."

"I don't need a map. Its all up here," he exclaimed, a finger pointed towards his temple.

"So is this in there also," she gestured wildly to their surroundings.

"Well it's…" For the second time that night Zuko found himself at a loss for words.

"Never mind. Let's just get out of here," that said she quickly created an ice shelf on the water and leapt on, Zuko at her heels. They continued along with Katara in the lead now. Suddenly rain started to fall. "Oh great, as if we didn't have enough on our plates."

"Is the waterbender complaining about a little rain?" mocked Zuko.

"Shut up."

It was nearly dawn when they came across one of the villages they had passed previously. They decided to stay on the outskirts seeing as they still wore their stealth clothing. In the distance they could see and elderly man walking along the some garden paths just out side the market area.

"Look there," Katara pointed at the man, "let's ask him the direction of the port town where we can take the ferry back to the island."

"Bad idea. He might recognize us, and then he'd be able to lead the army right to us."

"He's an old man Zuko. For the love of Tui and La or whatever spirits the Fire Nation holds dear: I am tired of wandering in circles. Get over your stupid pride and just ask him."

"It is too dangerous. Not worth the risk."

"You know what: fine! If you won't ask him than I will," without another word she ran from their hiding spot and made her way to the old man.

"Katara wait!" called Zuko futilely before following.

When she approached the man he collapsed in fright on the ground backing as far away as he could without turning his back on her.

"Please! Just leave me alone, I have nothing!" He sounded terrified. Looking into those crystalline blue eyes that were just visible above the cowl he felt that his day had finally come and those eyes were weighing his worth. Before he could even begin to process further a second figure appeared suddenly, dressed in the same gray and black of the first. His eyes widened as they pulled down their cowls to reveal their faces. The first, with the crystalline eyes turned out to be a young woman, a slight scowl on her face. As for the other, aside from a scar or birthmark that seemed to cover the left side of his face, he could make little out. "What do you want from me?"

"We're just looking for a few directions. Don't be frightened. We have no intention of harming you," Katara spoke slowly trying to reassure the man. But the old man was having none of it. He just kept muttering to leave them alone. She glanced quickly back at Zuko only to see him shrug nonchalant. It was her idea after all.

Suddenly it was all too much. First being stuck with Zuko, then getting lost, having the rain chill them down to their bones, and now this old man who couldn't even mutter a comprehensible sentence. Katara had had enough. Assuming a stance she spread her arms and the rain abruptly stopped itself in mid-fall.

"Where is the city where the island ferries dock at?" letting a slight threat creep into her voice. Patience was gone and all she wanted now was to be back on Ember Island, lounging by a warm fire.

"Its just w-w-west of here. A d-days journey at most between the hills," he stammered, "p-please let me g-go now. I swear I won't say anything."

"You're right, you won't," said Katara grimly, before Zuko could protest she had knocked out the old man with a well placed water-whip.

"What was that for!" yelled the young prince.

"Don't worry. He's only stunned, but I doubt he'll remember about anything that just happened, which is good for us. We have the directions, now let's go."

Not bothering to wait to see if Zuko was behind her the young waterbender began heading just as the old man had said. Using the hills and shadows they avoided any people as they made their way through and reached the port town just as the sun was setting.

"Oh look Zuko, there it is," said Katara pointedly, sweeping out her arm over the sight from their view atop a small hill.

"I could have gotten us," he replied grudgingly.

"Ah huh, right. We'd still be wandering around in circles if we hadn't stopped to question that old man."

"Ok. I got us lost! Are you happy now? I just admitted it. Go on and say it."

"Say what Zuko?" came the all too innocent question.

"You know what. Just get it over with." There was silence for a long while before Zuko finally turned to face her. He saw the twinkle in her eyes and his golden gaze matched her clear blue one. A grin stretched from ear to ear.

"I told you so."

When they finally reached Ember Island the following day Katara came to Zuko and presented him with a small gift. It was a map. On the edge of the scroll was a small inscription.

Admitting when you're lost is the first step to finding the right path.

Sorry this one took so long but as you can see it is the longest chapter so far. My heartfelt thanks to all my reviewers. I just have one thing to mention. If the alert notices I'm getting are any indication of the people reading this story than I should be getting more than 5 or 6 comments per chapter. Not to be an ogre, but at leats let me know what you think, couple words are all it takes people. :) Keep an eye out for the next chapter. :)) it will come.