Burning Bright

by WhiskyFlower

Zuko discovers that there is more to Jin than he once thought. R and R. Flames accepted!

21. Part XX

Burning Bright

Part XX

Zuko watched Jin carefully as she eyed him with a calculating stare, a small smirk playing on her lips. His amber eyes gave her the same cold, shrewd look as he took a step back and widened his stance. To his surprise, instead of forming a more solid stance, Jin walked towards him in an easygoing manner, her smirk never leaving her face.

He stared at her, extremely confused and he searched through her expression trying to see if she still wanted to push through with it. He gave her a small nod of question, asking her if she still wanted to continue. She nodded back, looking confident and self-assured.

For some reason, that expression made Jin infuriating. And also extremely appealing.

Without saying another word, he quickly threw a punch at her left side. Jin gave a small smile, before easily dodging it with a mere step sidewards and a jerk of her shoulder.

Zuko smirked at her and she smiled back daunting him to come closer. Zuko gave a quick shake of his head before taking a quick step forwards and swinging his strong right arm at the top, as he tried to graze Jin through the head. Jin smirked some more as she crouched down and safely spun away into the distance. He knew what she was thinking. Why she was acting so confident. It was because she thought that she wouldn't have it in him to take her seriously. The he wouldn't be able to hurt her. Like the time she and he trained in the crystal catacombs of Ba Sing Se, once upon a time. Zuko smirked. Well, she was wrong this time. He was doing this as a part of the Avatar's training and as long as the Avatar's training was involved, Zuko had no boundaries when it came to fighting. Even when it came to his girlfriend.

Zuko's brow furrowed and he stared at her with a more serious expression. Jin continued to look on calmly. Zuko somersaulted towards her hoping to land at her back and give her a good attack from her backside. Jin surprised him by vaulting away into the opposite direction, her steps lithe but sure. Zuko landed in a crouch as she stood up, her expression growing more and more mocking and cocky by the minute. Well, Zuko would put her in her place.

Zuko smirked and decided to take a page from Jin's book. He calmly stood up and walked towards her, brushing a lock of his long, shaggy black hair that had gotten in the way of his eyes. He strode towards her with the same confident, self-assured swagger that Jin sported.

Jin merely smiled at him.

Zuko smiled back.

That was beyond annoying.

That girl never failed to get under his skin.

But he couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked with the sun setting and the light falling on her hazel-green eyes. Or how ridiculously alluring he found her smirk to be. Or how much she looked so tempting, tempting enough to make him forget about what he was supposed to be teaching Aang and just go up to her to kiss her.

Suddenly, she made a thrust to his right. Zuko's reflexes were the best among the entire group. No one could be more alert than him. Not even Toph or Katara could match his speed and accuracy when it came to blocking attacks. Zuko quickly blocked it with a simple flick of his wrist. Jin stared, a little surprised, but still maintaining her cocky expression. Zuko's eyes glinted.

He swung at her front, hoping to hit her. Jin stepped backwards as she wildly tried to avoid Zuko's swings and hits which were becomingly increasingly fast. He suddenly made a thrust at her top. She backbent and spun around to avoid another hit only to be caught firmly with Zuko's hands.

Zuko stared at her and smiled with victory. He had won now. He frowned a little after a few seconds. She wasn't talking. She still had that calm, smug look on her face. How maddening. And yet it was very charming at the same time.

Before he had time to think through the consequences of his actions, he placed his fingertips on Jin's chin. Jin smirked invitingly and before he knew, Zuko was leaning closer to kiss her.

Jin gave him one last smug smirk before suddenly breaking out of his iron strong grip. She sped past him and Zuko spun around trying to catch her. Before he could react, she had run up against a wall, backflipped, and swung herself towards Zuko. The next thing he knew he was on the ground with Jin sitting smugly on his lap.

She leaned forward and rewarded him with a chaste kiss on his cheek before giggling in his ear, "I win."

Zuko growled at her and gave her one of his famous menacing looks. He frowned, "Not fair."

"Wasn't my fault you broke your own rule, o great Firebending SiFu. You were the one who lost focus," Jin murmured as Zuko smirked and leaned forward, his pointed nose brushing against his.

"I did win," Zuko murmured back, his breath growing hot.

"No you didn't. You almost won. But I still knocked you down didn't I?" Jin snickered as her forehead pressed against his.

"No one had been able to beat me yet at hand to hand combat you know. Not even Toph," Zuko murmured, his hand brushing a stray lock of Jin's hair.

It was true. When it came to pure hand-to-hand combat, no bending, Zuko had been deemed the best. Even Toph had to concede defeat (a feat which she did not find easy) and Katara had to grudgingly admit that he was better than her (although she kept claiming that it was only by a slight margin). Zuko guessed that all those time he spent in the Earth Kingdom, unable to Firebend lest his secret be revealed, improved his hand-to-hand combat skill and prowess. He was sharper, quicker and his blows were heavier than everyone else.

"So how is it…that you, a girl, who could barely knock me down—''

"I resent that," Jin frowned though she didn't look mad. She didn't deny it though. When it came to who was more agile and who had more strength, Zuko was far more superior than her.

"—be so confident that you would win?" Zuko said as he leaned closer and Jin veered nearer.

Jin shrugged and said as she angled towards him, "I guess I knew that I could distract you with my feminine charms long enough to beat you…."

His eyes went half-lidded and he was about to give her a full on kiss if it weren't for the fact that gagging noises pulsated through the background.

Suddenly remembering that a twelve-year-old (technically Aang was a hundred and twelve but still) was there, Jin and Zuko sprang apart from each other as if scalded. Jin tucked a lock of her stray hair, looking embarrassed while Zuko began to twiddle at his thumbs.

"I wanted to see a good fight. Not this," Sokka whined.

Jin looked unaffected as always, her face set in an easygoing smile. Zuko on the other hand started to grow red. He said, leaning forward, "If you don't mind, we were teaching Aang a very important lesson about his bending."

Zuko and Aang were training when Jin returned from her earthbending training with Toph and Sokka came back from another failed hunting expedition. Zuko was trying to teach Aang the merits of hand-to-hand combat, something which he always found particularly useful in Firebending. Aang was failing miserably at this task, often resorting to airbending when he was about to lose so Zuko decided to give him a little demonstration. He would have asked the water tribe boy, if he didn't feel like Sokka hated him. Instead, he asked Jin who was more than willing to oblige.

Sokka who had seen Jin fight a bit more often, was excited knowing that the pair were about to put on a good show.

"Like what? What important lessons could Aang have gotten from that? How to properly make out with a girl?" Sokka smirked mockingly as he gestured at Aang who was picking at his eye, looking embarrassed and trying to desperately avoid what Zuko and Jin were demonstrating to him awhile ago.

"Well…I was teaching Aang how to distract the enemy effectively," Jin simply shrugged.

"And I was teaching him about focus," Zuko piped up.

"And I'm teaching Aang how to sneak a kiss to the Fire Lord in a fight," Sokka said in a mocking, high pitched voice.

"Oh, dry up Sokka," Jin snapped, although she didn't look too angry.

"What? I'm starting to think that we should have never gotten you guys back together. Ugh. You are so much worse than when Katara had the hots for Jet," Sokka said as he wrinkled his nose. Jin and Zuko both gave a weak smile, unable to deny Sokka's claim.

It was true. After they made up, they had been a little overly-affectionate with each other. But what could Sokka and all the others expect? They've been through a really rough time. First there was their disastrous first date and first kiss, something which Jin always liked to run through over and over again even though Zuko absolutely detested even mentioning it. Then there was their whole courtship which was awkward and embarrassing and very peculiar. Then there was their whole relationship in general with Zuko's secret of being a Fire Nation prince and with Jin running the Resistance. Accompanied with the whole betrayal thing and Zuko's momentary lapse in better judgment, Zuko would say that he and Jin had a lot of patching up to do.

And catching up.

Agni knows it's been months since he last saw Jin and he would be lying if he said that he didn't think about her constantly. He had missed her during those times when they were apart. And he was just a man so it was only natural that he missed her kisses. He also knew that it was complicated. Things between him and Jin have always been complicated even on their first date. Although he didn't want o admit it, he was afraid that all it would take was another complication before the two of them got pulled apart from each other again.

He really just wanted to relish the feeling of pure bliss and peace he has had with the Avatar's group. It was days and hours of no complications. Just endless hours of training Aang and spending time with Jin.

Zuko frowned. It can't be helped that Zuko was feeling happier and that he wanted to be more affectionate towards his girlfriend than usual.

Sokka, on the other hand, felt entirely different. He was a little jealous of Zuko and Jin. He was jealous at all the little moments they shared together. He was jealous at them whenever he found them lolling on the grass, Zuko looking carefree and happy, with Jin putting tufts of grass on his chest at his side. He was jealous whenever he saw the two of them kiss. He was jealous whenever he saw Zuko kiss Jin's forehead affectionately or whenever he saw Jin rub Zuko's scar tenderly. It was sickening and exasperating.

It was sickening and exasperating because he wished that he could do all those things with Suki. He missed her so much and guilt racked all over him. Was she okay? Did she hate him for not rescuing her? Sokka glumly slumped on his place as Zuko and Aang resumed with their proper firebending training.

It wasn't fair. How come the lord of all jerks, Prince Jerkface, gets the time to make-out and spend lovey-dovey moments with his girlfriend and he can't? He was most certainly better than Zuko ever was, always staying on the side of good. Why did fate have to do this for him?

"Sorry." A light punch suddenly grazed his arm.

He turned to look at Jin who was smiling. She was the happiest she's ever been after she and Zuko made up. Sokka smiled internally. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea, getting the two of them to make up. If it made Jin happy, then who was he to complain? But still, it didn't ease the pain and guilt he felt for Suki's absence.

"About what?" Sokka grumbled.

"About me and Zuko back there—''

"Hey it's all cool!" Sokka said raising a hand up though he looked deep in though. Jin frowned. It was very rare when Sokka wasn't in a light-hearted or humorous mood.

"What's up with you?"

"What's up? The sky, the ceiling, the clouds, the moon—'' his joking manner disappeared altogether as soon as he mentioned the moon.

"Whoa. You look lower than floor dust," Jin informed him.

Sokka sighed and decided to tell Jin. She was stubborn and determined and he knew it would take a lot more to get rid of her. And besides, he felt the need to tell someone anyway. Sokka just wasn't the kind of person to keep his feelings to himself.

"It's just that—it's just that…." Another loud sigh.

"Just what?" Jin prompted.

"I miss Suki okay!" Sokka blurted out loud. This caused Zuko and Aang to stop, mid-way in a stance they were forming. Sokka sheepishly ducked his head and waved for them to continue.

"Who's Suki?" Jin asked curiously.

"She's um…you know….I mean she used to be….my girlfriend," Sokka sputtered out.

"Oh. What happened to er….you and her?" Jin mumbled suddenly looking embarrassed to be asking such an awkward question.

"We didn't break up if that's what you think," Sokka hastily said.

"Oh," Jin said in relief. At least Sokka wasn't about to break out in a sob story about their break-up.

"Yeah. I mean I'm not sure if she can be considered my girlfriend yet but anyway—moving on. She sort of….got captured by Azula," Sokka sighed.

"Aw. That sucks," Jin said as she gave Sokka a pat.

"Don't I know it? I just wish I could spend time with her like you and….you and—''

"Me and Zuko?" Jin finished after realizing that Sokka was afraid to push through with it because he looked embarrassed.

"Yeah," he nodded.

"I'm sorry if we're always rubbing it in your face. It's just that….it's been a long time since we've seen each other," Jin apologized, sounding a little sheepish.

"It's okay. It's perfectly understandable. I just wish that there was some way, I could rescue her or…bring her back—''

"Listen Sokka. If there's one thing I realized in life, it's that you shouldn't wait for things to come to you. You get off your butt and go get it yourself," Jin said.

Sokka looked at her.

"Well you are a little assertive," Sokka said.

Jin shrugged and said, "I live with two brothers who just do whatever they want. It rubs off you."

"And then there's my dad…." Sokka sighed, his shoulders sagging even further.

"He'll be okay."

"I doubt it."

"Then if you want your dad back, get him back," Jin said.

And just like that he had an idea. His eyes darted from Jin to Zuko, then back to Jin again. Finally he leaped at her, gave her a mighty bear hug and said, "Thanks, Jin!"

He then jumped up and bounded off enthusiastically.

Zuko stopped in mid-stance and said incredulously, "What's up with him?"

Jin shrugged and said, sounding a little confused, "I don't know. But I think I just gave him a good advice…."

---

"I'm so curious…" Jin began as she began to balance and see-saw on a small row of rocks at a precipice.

"Curious about what?—and stop that! You could get hurt," Zuko barked as he laid back, his back leaning against a rock. The two of them were lounging about in another pagoda, with a stunning view of the sunset and other parts of the western air temple overlooking them. The others were all probably ringed around the campfire now, having a merry, good time. Katara would have been preparing a nice good dinner made out of peas and beef. Aang, Toph and Sokka would be joking around, Haru talking with the Duke and Teo messing around with his inventions.

Zuko sighed sadly and he knew that a part of Jin–though she was perfectly happy with him—wanted to be with all her friends but sadly that was easier said than done.

Zuko was still regarded mostly with suspicion and hatred among most of the members of Team Avatar. Not all, save perhaps for Sokka, Aang and Toph, approved of Jin and Zuko's reunion and Jin, he was sorry to say, was receiving lots of flack for even being near him. Zuko was beginning to feel guilty because he felt that he was the cause of all the tension in this camp. They often hung out apart from everyone else as a result of this tension.

They also ate apart from everybody else, mostly for the sole reason that many still disliked Zuko and was uneasy with him. Haru, after Jin and Zuko made up, had taken to great loathing towards Zuko and he never failed to produce subtle jests and snipes towards the Fire Nation Prince when they were in one room together. Katara on the other hand refused to let up on her vendetta against Zuko while Sokka remained indifferent save for the few teases and mocking comments he rolled out. The Duke and Teo seem to regard him with fear while Toph and Aang were mostly amiable towards him and they weren't as suspicious.

As a result, dinners and life in general with the Team Avatar was relatively quiet. Jin often brought him food and together they would sit in their small nook with Appa and talk and catch up on what they missed in each other's life during their months apart. Jin seemed to be particularly interested in hearing about this Mai persona, someone who Zuko often mentioned.

Zuko would notice that Jin would wrinkle her nose a little bit at the mention of Mai and it took him a great deal before he realized that Jin was feeling slightly jealous. He thought it was rather cute and he would have liked to see Jin and what sort of shenanigans she would put herself into out of jealousy. He was disappointed however, that aside from the occasional curdling of her expression at the mention of Mai, she really didn't do much nor did she bother or pester him constantly about her for Jin was never really jealous sort of person to begin with. She was very patient and even-tempered and not as overly-suspicious as Zuko was.

Zuko on the other hand, was very suspicious and he often made a fool of himself in front of that Water Tribe boy. He noticed that Jin and Sokka seemed to be particularly close and they had lots of inside jokes. He was starting to feel a little left out and he began to make crazy theories, many of which were about Jin and the Water Tribe boy together. Jin however, told him not to be too bothered with it because they were just good friends and that Sokka had a certain special someone waiting for him in his sister's prison cell. That shut Zuko up quickly enough and he didn't mention anything more about Sokka and Jin's buddy-buddy relationship for fear that Jin would bring up the Fire Nation and Azula again. Those were very sensitive topics for the two of them, for though things had gone on well enough between them, there were still small undercurrents of resentment and anger that was never fully resolved for both parts.

"I'm so curious…" Jin said again as she began to skip along the edge now.

"About what? And seriously! Stop that!" Zuko cried, afraid and nervous that Jin might fall and plunge dangerously downwards.

Jin however was very graceful and she kept her balance relatively well.

"About what your life was like. Before you…er…left...," Jin continued.

"You know what my life was like. It sucks," Zuko shortly answered refusing to go into the details.

Jin however would not be fazed. She continued, "No, I don't. After the whole incident with you betraying me and all—''

"Ugh."

"What? I'm over that now. It's nothing but a faint memory to me—''

"But still—''

"I thought we agreed to get past that."

"Jin…that's not something which you can easily get past through…it's a bit more complicated—''

"It's complicated. There it goes again."

"What are you talking about? You're the one who's making things so…so…so…-''

"Complicated?" Jin smirked as Zuko lost his patience.

"Ugh! You are so infuriating—and how many times do I have to tell you? Don't do that! You could fall!"

"I try," Jin shrugged as she continued to walked at the edge spreading her arms out and balancing, completely disregarding Zuko's warning.

"Fine! But if you fall don't go blaming me—''

"And don't try to change the topic mister. I wanna ask you stuff," Jin said sounding eager and enthusiastic.

"About what? My life before I was banished wasn't very interesting," Zuko grumped as he folded his arms. His banishment was also another touchy topic for him.

"But I just want to know!" Jin whined as she hopped off the ledge. She was pouting now. Zuko frowned. Why does she have to do that? She knows he could never resist her when she does that.

"Okay…fine….."

"Promise you'll be truthful?" Jin asked as she plucked a flower, growing in between the cracks of the pagoda.

"No more lies," Zuko promised.

The barrage of questions then began and Zuko was sorely wishing that he had never agreed to this.

"What's the palace like?" Jin began as she twisted the flower in her palm.

"You've seen it," Zuko said referring to the time when she participated in the invasion.

"But I mean what's it like inside?"

"Just like any regular palace. Fancy and big," Zuko shrugged.

"Did you have your own room?"

"Of course."

"Was it big?"

"Yep. Bigger than both of our apartments in Ba Sing Se put together," Zuko said, smiling as he remembered Ba Sing Se. Those were happy times.

"I loved your apartment," Jin softly said.

"Yeah, me too," Zuko sadly said after realizing that perhaps the tea shop and their apartment was reduced to nothing but rubble by now.

Jin asked, "Did you have any servants?"

"Of course."

Jin's face screwed up and she started to frown.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Zuko asked bewildered.

"I don't approve of slavery."

"It's not my fault we have slaves!"

"I think you should abolish slavery once you become fire lord," Jin informed him.

"That is if I become Fire Lord," Zuko in a somewhat bitter manner.

"How many servants do you have?" Jin said,deciding that it was now time to move on from Zuko's apparent dislike of the topic.

"Close to five hundred."

"Whoa. You have five hundred servants?"

"Yes. We needed them for lots of things. Holding the palanquin, cooks, cleaners, nursemaids, gardeners, errand boys, scullery maids, Azula's hairdressers, laundrymen—''

"Don't you get annoyed with all those servants milling in and out?"

"Yes, I do. But you get used to it," Zuko said after a long silent musing.

"Did you go to school?"

"Yes…but when I turned thirteen I had a private tutor," Zuko said.

"Why?"

"Because I was the crown prince," Zuko said as he looked back at all those days where life was so much easier for him.

"And so?"

"So, I had to be taught other things that other boys didn't have to learn about."

"Like what?"

"Like..ugh…I had to memorize the fire Nation law book, war tactics, economy, tax accounting and leadership….to you know…prepare me as a leader," Zuko said.

"What did you do when you had free time?"

"I trained some more."

"That's it?"

"Yes."

"Whoa. You really are boring."

"Ugh!"

By then Jin had stopped toying with her flower and she was now edging towards him. Zuko smiled at her as she sat down about a meter's length across him.

"Did you have any friends?" she inquired.

"Not as much as I would've like. As the crown prince I was taught not to trust other people so much. They might try to get the crown," Zuko said.

"No wonder you have trust issues," Jin giggled.

"I do not!" Zuko protested defensively.

"You have a very fun life Zuko," Jin sarcastically said.

A short silence followed.

"Did you…did you have any girlfriends?" Jin asked slyly as she leaned forward. Zuko groaned. He should've known what this was all about.

"No. I didn't think I needed to find a girlfriend. Arranged marriages were very popular," Zuko murmured as he pulled Jin closer unto his lap. She gave a little giggle before pressing her forehead into his.

"Are you sure?" she asked quietly her breath pulsating through his face.

"Prince's honor," Zuko said as he gave her a kiss on her forehead.

"You seem to talk about this…this…Mai girl a lot," Jin finally interjected breaking their playful disposition.

It took awhile before Zuko could foster a reaction. Finally he snickered and said in a husky voice as his fingers skimmed under her ribs and he began to tickle her, "You're jealous."

"I'm not—and stop that!" Jin protested defensively though her expression said otherwise. She began to break out in giggles as Zuko continued to tickle her.

"You don't have to be jealous," Zuko said as soon as he stopped tickling her.

"I told you I'm not."

"Me and Mai are just good friends. She helped me out a lot."

"That's good," Jin said though she was frowning.

"If it weren't for her help, I'd never have gotten here," Zuko tried to point out. This wasn't exactly true, seeing as Mai or Azula or Ty Lee or anyone else in general didn't know about his desertion. But it was great fun seeing Jin looking so miffed and apprehensive over a girl she has never seen or barely known.

"What kind of help?" Jin asked suspiciously.

"I never pegged you for the jealous type of girl," Zuko chuckled.

"I am not!" Jin persistently protested.

Zuko leaned forward and kissed her and because of that kiss he made sure that Jin never doubted him again. Because it was true, even when he was back at the palace, he still thought about her and he still liked her and he could never imagine even forgetting about her. Zuko began to lean back as their kiss grew deeper until it reached such a time he was laying flat on the floor with Jin on top of him.

Jin kissed his nose as soon as he let go and after a moment of silence, she said, "I was thinking…"

"What?" Zuko asked gruffly. He knew that whatever she had to say was not going to be good, because she was using that patronizing voice of hers and she was widening her eyes, a sure sign that she wanted him to do something which he would dislike later on.

"…that we eat with the others tonight," Jin said as she tried to give a smile to Zuko.

"What? Are you crazy? They hate me!" Zuko frowned, looking a little worried as he sat up right. Jin leaned back.

"Which is exactly why we need to eat with them tonight," Jin said her voice starting to sound insistent.

Zuko sighed loudly.

He wasn't going to win this.

"Are you serious? Jin, nobody in there could even stand the sight of me. Katara would kill me once I step within even twenty-mile radius from her," Zuko frowned as he looked away and started to go into one of his brooding moods. Jin gave a small giggle and stood up, away from his lap and sat next to him. Zuko put an arm around her as she leaned against his shoulder.

"Glad you think this is funny," Zuko muttered as Jin sighed and began to tousle his hair.

"I just want all of you guys to be friends," Jin frowned as Zuko's body stopped tensing up.

"I want to be friends with everybody too. Problem is….no one wants to be my friend," Zuko said sounding miserable.

"That's not true," Jin defensively said.

"What made you want me to be friends with the others anyway?"

"I don't know….it's just that….it sucks that they always exclude you. I mean, they're not doing it on purpose. It's just sort of….they're just sort of acting on instinct you know. I mean you did chase them half-way around the world—''

"Thanks for reminding me."

Jin scowled at him and said, sounding a little peevish, "I just want you to be part of this family. I just want them to trust you…like how I trust you."

"And look how that turned out for you," Zuko laughed sounding bitter as he referred to the time he betrayed her. He had never truly gotten over the fact that he had hurt Jin and that he had done something to betray her trust. Jin often assures him that she is over that now, but still, it could barely erase the uncomfortable air or tension that would arise out of the slightest mention of Zuko's past mistakes.

"I thought we were past that," Jin frowned.

"We are."

"Then why keep bringing it up?"

"I'm not bringing it up."

"Yes you are."

"No, I'm not."

"You just did."

"I did no such thing."

"But you did. Just moments ago," Jin persisted.

"What? I was having a moment of melancholy."

"Why do you always have to get so angsty?"

"I don't!" Zuko loudly protested as he spun around. They were bickering again.

"Yes you do. But anyway, I suppose that's what I get for asking a guy out who just left me in the fountain saying, 'It's complicated'—''

"Ugh!" Zuko scowled. Jin smirked knowing how the subject of their first date was always something Zuko found embarrassing.

"I'm not mad, anymore you know. I mean I was before. But I realized I could never stay mad at you for long. I guess you just seem to have this effect on me," Jin snickered as Zuko's incensed expression started easing out.

"Really? Maybe I should put my charming self into good use when I fight with you," Zuko said playfully.

"No. You still wouldn't win. You like me too much," Jin giggled.

"Don't get too cocky."

"Whatever you say, Sifu Hotman."

"Ugh! Stop calling me that!"

"So, how about it? Wanna give eating with the others a try?" Jin asked excitedly.

"No."

"Zuko!"

"No, Jin."

"Please."

"It will never work. They'll probably think that I'd poison their food," Zuko said as he gave a mirthless laughter.

"But…but—''

"And besides…I'm horrible at socializing. I can't make friends with someone else without saying something awkward or making a fool of myself," Zuko said as he spread his right arm out and pulled Jin closer.

"I think you already know that judging from our first date," Zuko teasingly said as he sneaked a kiss unto her cheek. Jin gave a small snicker before leaning on his chest.

"But can you please just try? For me?" Jin asked him.

"Jin…"

"Come on Zuko!"

"I don't know how to break the tension that comes up whenever I show up," Zuko grumbled.

Jin sat silently in her place for awhile musing and thinking through about how she might be able to help Zuko break the ice.

"Jokes!"

"What?"

"You could tell jokes."

"That's a horrible idea."

"Why not? Everyone loves jokes," Jin frowned as Zuko snaked a hand up her waist.

"I don't know if you've realized this but….I'm horrible with jokes. I'm extremely unfunny," Zuko chuckled.

"You've lived with your uncle for most of your life and not once has his humor rubbed off you?" Jin demanded sounding incensed.

"His jokes were much worse."

"Zuko!"

"What?"

"I know a joke!"

"Ugh."

"Remember all those tea jokes you're uncle used to tell?"

"Oh no. Not those."

"Remembering your uncle's tea joke! You could tell that!"

"Ugh! The one about a bush?"

"Yes!"

"That joke sucks."

"Says you,Mr. Unfunny ," Jin snickered.

Zuko frowned at her and said, "How am I supposed to sneak that joke in, huh? Should I just blurt it outright?"

"I know! You could serve some tea….say a little about your uncle….then say that you're uncle had lots of jokes…..say you know one—''

"This will never work—''

"And there! You could say the joke and everyone would laugh and they would all think that you're a really, funny, cool guy—''

"Me? A funny and 'cool' guy—''

"And then everyone would like you!" Jin finished looking ridiculously pleased with herself. Zuko scowled at her enthusiastic expression and shook his head and made it clear that he most definitely did not want himself to get into something as stupid or as ridiculous as this.

Jin however was completely enamored with her idea and very little Zuko could say could make her change her mind.

Finally, after a few more minutes of bickering, Zuko finally gave in and said with a loud, disgruntled smile, "Fine! I'll do it. I'll go and make friends!"

"Come on Zuko. Stop looking like that," Jin frowned.

"Looking like what?"

"Looking like you've just eaten moldy cheese."

"What you are about to make me do is worse than making me eat moldy cheese—''

"You over exaggerate!"

"And you are full of stupid ideas—''

"I resent that—''

"It's true—''

"It will be good for you! I promise, Li—" Jin said and as soon as she said Li, she paused, her face whitened and she looked like a person who was caught saying something that she shouldn't have said.

She hazarded a glance at Zuko and saw that he was looking into the distance, his face blank and drawn. Jin had gotten used to calling Zuko as "Zuko" by now but there were rare and fleeting moments in which she would forget herself and say Li by accident. She was always careful not to make this known to Zuko and she often succeeded in doing so up until this very moment.

A terrible silence ensued and after a few minutes of emptiness, Jin leaned on his shoulder, tousled his hair, and said softly and remorsefully, "I'm sorry. I forgot."

Zuko said nothing but a quiet, "Okay."

Another round of silence ensued and after a little while, Zuko said in a quiet voice, "I have a question for you..."

"Hm?"

"Do you want to call me Zuko or Li?" he asked, his voice sounding strangled.

Jin would have liked to answer Li if she was going to be honest. She would have liked to say Li because Li was the boy she had known, the boy she had grown to like and perhaps grown to love, the boy whom she was familiar with, the boy whom she knew very well. Zuko was someone who she still didn't understand very well yet. Li was an ordinary boy with a very uncomplicated past while Zuko was complex person who's been through so much more than any regular teenager deserved to go through. She was very sad to admit, that she wasn't very familiar with Zuko yet. That she wasn't sure what his real personality or what his past was truly like. That she still didn't know who she truly was. But her feelings for him remain the same. She still likes him and perhaps even loves him despite not knowing much about him. Despite treading on unfamiliar ground.

Jin had always known what her answer was going to be.

She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before saying softly, "Zuko. I want to call you Zuko."

---

"What are you doing here? Don't you usually eat with your boyfriend?" Katara said, putting as much acid as she could into the word "boyfriend". Out everyone in the camp, it was Katara, who perhaps, disliked the idea of Zuko and Jin together the most. She regarded herself as one of Jin's closest friends and she felt that it was her duty to save Jin from the impending disaster that was about to happen if she continued to see Zuko.

"We decided to eat with you guys tonight," Jin said cheerfully, completely unaware of the murderous glares Katara was sending at Zuko. Zuko who was standing next to Jin cringed and began to twiddle his thumbs. Toph and Aang who had come back from their earthbending training looked up with mild interest along with Haru, the Duke and Teo. Sokka continued to look off into the distance, looking deep in thought.

"If…that's okay with you," Zuko hastily added.

Jin stared at him in annoyed fashion but her expression could not equal Katara's.

"Of course it would be okay for them. Why would you even bother to ask that?" Jin edgily said as she gave a small jab at Zuko's side. Zuko narrowed his eyes at her and gave a loud grunt and gave her another jab in return.

Katara however said in an amiable tone, "Sure. Why should it not be okay for us? I mean you are part of the group already. I mean, I don't like the idea of you being Aang's teacher but there's hardly a thing I could do about it—''

"Why don't you prepare the tea cups Zuko while we all wait for dinner to get started?" Jin edgily said through gritted teeth.

"No, it's okay Jin. You two just wait here. I've already brewed some tea right here. I'm almost done with the stew so I'm sure I could get the tea as soon as I'm finished," Katara stated as she stirred the thick broth.

"But we don't want you to worry anymore Katara. Zuko would love to get you some tea," Jin said as she smiled wide.

Katara raised her head and protested, "But—''

Zuko stared at her blankly. Jin gave him a jab of his elbow to his side and said once again, "Zuko…the tea…."

"Huh?" Zuko said as he raised a brow at her.

Jin gave a loud sigh and gave him a pointed look before mouthing "joke". Zuko, after finally realizing what Jin was talking about, quickly nodded before giving a garbled excuse and ducking out into the back portion of the pagoda where all the supplies and teacups were stacked. He was feeling slightly nervous by now. Agni knows that telling a joke was such a little thing compared to everything he's been through. But he couldn't shake off the feeling that this was a do-or-die situation and if he screws this up he could embarrass himself to a staggering degree.

Jin gave a small smile before taking her place next to Katara whose expression had softened.

"Don't worry. I won't be hard on him," Katara said after a moment of seeing Jin's expression.

Jin gave a small giggle and said, "I certainly hope so."

"I'm not that horrible. I'm all about second chances," Katara said though her expression said otherwise and she was stabbing her potatoes and beef with much more vigor.

"Come on Katara. He's not that bad once you get to know him," Jin said in a pleading voice.

Katara sighed and said, "I have nothing against him, Jin. Really. It's just that….you're one of my friends and I just want you to be careful—''

"Come on Sugar Queen. Lighten up. Sparky isn't as horrible as you say he is," Toph piped up.

"I didn't say that," Katara said defensively.

"Well you don't need to say anything. Your expression says it all," Toph pointed out.

"I'm just trying to say that maybe we shouldn't take so much chances—''

"First of all, it's Twinkletoes' business on whether Sparky and—''

"Umm guys…." Aang began after realizing that a fight between Katara and Toph was about to escalate yet again. Katara was stirring the stew much more violently while Toph had already straightened her position.

"Jin's a grown woman. She can take care of herself," Toph declared. Jin opened her mouth trying to butt in but Katara cut her off once again.

Katara wrinkled her nose and spat, "I'm not telling her to do anything! I'm merely advising her—''

Suddenly a gust of air barreled throughout the whole campfire, making everyone lose their balance and nearly snuffing the fire out. Katara, through the curtains of her windblown hair, glared at the culprit who was Aang. Aang stared at her sheepishly and said, "What? I needed to catch your attention."

"You didn't need to blow me all the way to kingdom come to do that!" Katara said irritably, her mood now completely sour after all the fighting with Toph.

"If you were paying attention, Jin was trying to say something," Aang said as he jerked a thumb at Jin.

Everyone turned their attention to Jin who was giving a sort of sheepish smile. She looked at Katara and said, "I know what I'm doing Katara. Honest. Zuko's changed."

"I've heard that song before," Katara snorted. She gave a little jolt as Toph jabbed her with a stick.

"He's really trying his best you know. So if you could just be nice to him, talk to him a little, laugh at his jokes maybe…." Jin said, her voice almost sounding pleading.

Aang was the first to agree saying enthusiastically, "Of course Jin! No problem! I'd be happy to make friends with Zuko."

"Yeah…me too. But not after I get back at him for burning my feet though," Toph said.

Teo and the Duke chorused responses while Haru sulkily agreed. Sokka, after some time, finally snapped out of his absentmindedness and said, "Hmmm Zuko? Yeah, sure."

Only Katara was left and she seemed to be mulling it over. She didn't seem t be finished thinking about it anytime soon when they heard the steady footsteps of Zuko. Everyone looked up and saw that he was coming towards them, bringing a tray full of teacups looking slightly nervous. Jin gave him a re-assuring smile before giving another pleading one to Katara.

Katara sighed, finally relenting. She mumbled, "Whatever. I'll be nice to him."

Zuko crouched down and started to fill the empty cups with some tea Katara had brewed. He seemed to be dying to say something but for some reason, every time he opened his mouth to say something, he would clam up. Finally, after Jin gave a comforting touch on his knee, Zuko said trying to sound light-hearted, "No one can make tea like Uncle."

Everyone turned their attention to him.

"But hopefully I learned a thing or two. Would you like to hear Uncle's favorite tea joke ?" Zuko asked as he smiled.

"Sure," Katara said to the complete surprise of everyone. Jin beamed at her and Katara gave Jin a small wink. Zuko sighed, a little annoyed. Doubtless Jin put her up to this. How pathetic was that? He still needed his girlfriend's help so he can make friends.

"I like jokes," Aang declared.

"Bring it," Toph said.

Zuko cut between the Duke and Haru and offered them tea. Haru in a surly manner got one cup as Zuko said, "Okay. Well, I can't remember how it starts but the punch line is… 'Leaf me alone, I'm bushed.'"

Jin groaned and slapped her forehead as soon as Zuko finished telling the joke. He doesn't remember the whole joke? She gave him a look and Zuko gave her a sheepish shrug.

"Well, it's funnier when Uncle tells it," Zuko said as he offered a cup to Katara.

"Right. Maybe that's because he remembers the whole thing," Katara said as she grabbed a cup.

Aang started to laugh and soon the whole group was enveloped in mirth. Jin and Zuko relaxed a little and Zuko, who was starting to feel very shabby, eased his tension a little. He scrambled over to Jin's side and put an arm around her.

"It's nice to get a chance to relax a little. It hardly ever happens," Toph said as everyone started to drink their tea.

Suddenly, Sokka, who was up until now, busy thinking by himself, stood up and said, addressing Zuko, "Hey, can I talk to you for a second ?"

Everyone stared at Sokka in surprise, including Zuko. Sokka quickly stood up and walked away to where Appa was lodged. Zuko after a few minutes quickly followed. As soon as the two boys were out of the way Toph whistled, "What's up with Sokka? He's been acting weird."

"And he's talking to Zuko of all people," Aang said.

"It's probably just a man thing," Jin shrugged. Everyone chorused agreements.

"So….how did I do Jin?" Katara asked wryly as she raised a brow.

Jin pretended to have a look of judging before breaking into a wide smile and saying, "You were very nice."

---

It was in the middle of the night and the moon was hidden behind the clouds. It provided Zuko with very little light to go by but he didn't mind so much because he was already used to going about in the dark from his excursions as the Blue Spirit. Everyone was asleep by now and being very skilled in stealth he managed to scramble past everyone without waking them up. He felt ridiculous for doing this. The Water Tribe boy didn't even like him. But how could he let Sokka do this on his own? He had no idea what he was up against. And besides, Jin wanted him to make friends and this was a perfect way for him to make friends.

"Zuko?"

He paused, worried that it might be Katara or Toph.

"Zuko? What are you doing here?"

The voice was soft and feminine and barely a whisper.

Zuko spun around and gritted his teeth, thinking it was Katara. He was relieved however to find that it was just Jin. She looked a little groggy and pale. She was wearing a small white tunic and her newly repaired white leggings. The tunic was loose and it swayed against the wind leaving Zuko with a small hint of her stomach.

"Something's up," Zuko sighed, deciding that the truth was better. After the whole Ba Sing Se fiasco, he was pretty much sick of lies.

"What do you mean?" Jin asked worriedly. Zuko and Sokka had disappeared from the campfire in the middle of their dinner and they had returned looking absentminded. Zuko seemed like he was deep in thought as the night progressed and before they went to bed, he only gave Jin a small kiss on the cheek before bounding off to his room.

"It's nothing…it's just….I think Sokka's going to do something stupid," Zuko mumbled.

"Huh? Does it have anything to do with what he told you during dinner?" Jin asked.

Zuko nodded and said, "A little" though he was really busy hearing out for Sokka. He could hear Sokka's loud and clumsy footsteps from the corner and he knew he didn't have much time.

"Look, I don't have time to explain. All I know is, I think he'll take Appa and go somewhere and get himself killed. I have to make sure he doesn't do something dumb," Zuko said as he placed both his hands on Jin's shoulders.

"Sounds serious. Do you want me to come with you?" Jin hastily said.

"No. You just stay here," Zuko as he leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

"You're no fun," Jin pouted.

"Trust me. It'd be better if you're here. And besides you wanted me to make friends…so I'm making friends!" Zuko smirked at her as he made circles on her hips.

"Are you sure you should be going into this alone?" Jin asked, looking unamused.

"First of all, I'm not alone. Sokka's with me. Secondly, it'd be better if there were less of us. To avoid attracting attention," Zuko said. He heard the loud thud of an object falling and he knew Sokka must be close.

"You still haven't told me where you're going," Jin sighed.

"You still haven't told me what you're doing up this late," Zuko impishly said.

Jin looked serious for a moment and a silence followed. After awhile she said, "I had a nightmare. I couldn't sleep and I heard some noise—''

"That would be Sokka by the way—''

"—so I went to get a drink of water. And I found you here. So now, will you tell me where you're going?" Jin asked.

Jin jumped up when she heard the sound of someone scuttling near Appa's corner. Zuko suddenly leaned forward and gave her a chaste kiss on her lips before turning around and saying, "No more time. Gotta go. I'll explain when we get back."

Jin bit her lip and yelled, "Be safe!" as Zuko disappeared around the corner.

---

Zuko began to feel awkward. He had successfully convinced the Water Tribe Boy despite Sokka's suspicions and reservations to bring him along and to take his hot air balloon. Brining Appa along would be very impractical considering the fact that they had no idea where to put him once they got there. Sokka suggested that they could just leave Appa in a glade somewhere and then he would swim to the island. Zuko however, quickly pointed out that it would be impossible since the Boiling Rock was surrounded with water that was…well, boiling.

So far they had journeyed in silence and it was very uncomfortable considering that they had already travelled a great deal and they were already well into midday. They had travelled through the night and Zuko estimated that it wouldn't take long before they would arrive. He was trying desperately to think of something to say but he always found himself saying nothing. He had no idea what was apt to talk with the water Tribe boy about and Sokka, likewise had no idea what to talk about with Zuko. Sokka thought that perhaps he shouldn't talk at all, not at least, until they've arrived but the awkward silence for him was beyond unbearable.

Finally, he looked up and said, "Pretty clouds."

Zuko, a little startled at the noise looked up and muttered, "Yeah. Fluffy."

Silence.

"…"

"…"

A whispered sliced through the silence.

Zuko quickly turned to Sokka, who was the cause of the whistle and said, "What?"

"What? Oh, I didn't say anything," Sokka hastily said as Zuko gave him a searching look.

After another bout of silence Sokka added, feeling that if there was going to be any sort of conversation that was going to happen, he would have to carry most of it, "You know a friend of mine actually designed these war balloons."

"No kidding," Zuko said as he cracked a smile.

"Yep. A balloon. But for War," Sokka said.

"There's one thing my Dad's good at…war," Zuko sighed as he turned to the tank and firebent more heat into it.

"Yeah, it seems to run in the family," Sokka nonchalantly said.

"Hey, hold on. Not everyone in my family is like that," Zuko said sounding slightly defensive.

"I know, I know, you've changed," Sokka quickly said to abate the small slip of the tongue he had made.

"I meant my Uncle. He was more of a Father to me. And I really let him down," Zuko sadly said as he looked off into the distance.

"I think your Uncle would be proud of you. Leaving your home to come help us, that's hard," Sokka empathically said.

"It wasn't that hard," Zuko chuckled as his lips formed the barest of smiles.

"Really ? You didn't leave behind anyone you cared about ?" Sokka asked as he leaned back and stared at the clouds. The sun was high up in the sky right now and he was starting to feel a little cramped and sticky. He knew that it was still a little bit of a long way before they got to the Boiling Rock and a conversation was perfect way for him to feel distracted from the heat and the altitude.

Zuko seemed to be mulling it over. Finally he said, "Not really. I mean I left some of my friends—''

"You had friends?" Sokka snickered. He could not help setting off Zuko's temper just a little bit.

"Yes. As hard that is to believe," Zuko grumpily said, clearly miffed.

Sokka quickly held his hands up in defense and said trying to abate Zuko's anger, "Hey, hey. Peace. I was just messing with you."

Another round of silence ensued and after a few minutes, when Zuko had cooled his temper, he continued, "I mean I left my friends behind but other than that…there wasn't really much in the Fire Nation that would make me want to stay. All that's left for me was my crown which I don't have anymore by the way, Azula and my dad—''

"I can see why you left—''

"—and the war in general. I don't know. Jin…and of course my new realizations that you know the Avatar was really on the side of good and all…kind of made me want to leave. There was nothing left for me in the Fire Nation. There was no one left for me in the Fire Nation that made me want to stay It's like….it's kind of the other way around. There's someone with you guys who made me want to leave," Zuko mumbled, his lips starting to form a small smile.

"Oh, yeah. You and Jin huh?" Sokka said.

"Yeah. We're still working out the kinks in our relationship though. Especially after I…um—''

"Betrayed her, made her look stupid and completely destroyed Ba Sing Se?" Sokka offered with a hint of his famous sarcasm.

Zuko sheepishly looked away and said, "Right."

"But still, I was pretty shocked when I found out that you and Jin were dating. I mean don't get me wrong—''

Zuko wrinkled his nose and glared at Sokka.

"—but, I mean she doesn't seem like your type," Sokka finished.

"Yeah. We get that a lot," Zuko mumbled completely aware of how different their personalities were.

"So how did you two meet? I never really quite got the hang of that," Sokka said curiously.

"We met in the teashop."

"What teashop?"

"The teashop where me and my uncle worked in," Zuko said as he started to feel embarrassed.

"You worked in a teashop?" Sokka snickered.

"Money was tight, okay?"

"But still…a teashop?"

"Don't rub it in."

"So what was she? She worked with you…" Sokka said feeling that the conversation had lost all its awkwardness at last. Zuko was now talking to Sokka amiably and he didn't feel anymore apprehension. He was beginning to grow comfortable with talking with the Water tribe Boy and he quite enjoyed it seeing as it helped pass the time.

"Um, no. She was a customer," Zuko said starting to feel nervous at where this conversation was heading.

"Oho. Flirting with customer, I see?" Sokka said impishly as he gave a jab at Zuko's side.

"Um…" Zuko was severely embarrassed to inform Sokka that it was Jin who asked him out first. He would never live it down if Sokka, who was very well known among their little group for being charming around girls, found out that a girl had to ask him out because he was too stupid to realize that Jin had a crush on him. After a few minutes of discomfort, he mumbled, "Yeah…I guess so…"

"So you asked her out?"

"Um yeah…I thought she was attractive and I decided that I liked her so I went for it and asked her out—hey! Why are we talking about me? Why can't we talk about you and your girlfriend?" Zuko demanded wishing for the topic to divert from its course.

Sokka's shoulders sagged, he looked at the sky and he sighed, "My first girlfriend turned into the Moon."

Zuko suddenly feeling very ridiculous and stupid for bringing that up and finding nothing left to say, twiddled his thumbs, looked up the sky with Sokka and muttered, "That's rough, buddy."

---

Zuko mopped the floor feeling extremely nervous. They've been in the Boiling Rock for quite some time and so far, it was one disaster after another. Their hot air balloon was broken so now they had the added problem of figuring out how to get back. They had stolen disguises but even that part of their plan was falling apart considering the fact that Zuko was arousing way more suspicion than he had intended to do. He had been found out by the Warden (who was the Mai's uncle and who began yammering to him about Mai for some reason) and now he was one of the prisoners. He could still see Sokka though, but that made things all the more difficult. And they still haven't found Sokka's dad. He suddenly had the irrational wish that Jin was here but then he quickly snapped out of it after realizing that she wouldn't be much help and she would probably be just in more danger.

The girl mopping the floor beside him looked familiar though he couldn't figure out where he saw her. He guessed that Sokka must have been acquainted with her considering the fact that their little reunion was the cause of why he was being found out in the first place.

"Oh, good. You guys have met," Sokka said as he hurried towards them and crossed his arms pretending to look like a domineering guard.

"A…actually, we met a long time ago," Suki said as she stole a look at Zuko.

Zuko paused from his work and looked at her in surprise, "We did?"

"Yeah, you kind of burned down my village," Suki said sounding slightly angry. Sokka shook his head from his place and smirked with an expression that clearly said "You shouldn't have done that."

Zuko looked up and thought about it for awhile before saying, "Oh. Sorry about that. Nice to see you again."

After all their work was finished, they put their mops against the wall and sat down. Sokka looked around his surroundings for awhile and finding no one suspicious he quickly joined them and said as soon as he sat down, "So listen, I think I have an escape plan…."

Suki and Zuko sat up a little straighter.

"I checked out the Coolers again, the whole point of them is to keep firebenders contained right ?" he said directing the question at Zuko.

"Yeah..." Zuko nodded.

"So they're completely insulated and sealed to keep the cold in. Well to keep the cold in it also has to keep the heat out, right ?" Sokka said his voice growing fervor. He started to look excited.

"Just get to the point Sokka," Suki impatiently said.

"It's a perfect boat for getting through the boiling water," Sokka said as he began to make fluid gestures that symbolized water.

"The cooler as a boat . Are you sure ?" Zuko asked as soon as he and Suki exchanged skeptical looks.

"I'm telling you, it'll work," Sokka insistently said.

"I walked around the perimeter. There's a blind spot between two guard towers. It's the perfect launching point. I already tested it out. We'll roll the cooler into the water and just float with the current. It'll take us straight across. As long as we don't make a sound, no one will notice. And bing, bang, boom we're home free," Sokka narrated as he rubbed his hands together anxiously.

Suki still looked skeptical while Zuko started to warm up to the idea. She leaned forward and she was about to say something when gruff but cool voice said, "The plan is remarkable really. But how are you going to get the cooler out ?"

The three of them jumped and looked up and was surprised to see two men towering over them. Zuko had already noticed the one who stood at the right beforehand. His name was Chit Sang and he was Fire Nation native though he was one unruly troublemaker. Zuko had often seen Chit Sang get into fights with the guard and he had been in the cooler far too many times.

The one next to him though was someone he didn't know but at the same time he looked eerily familiar.

He was very tall, his height possibly reaching to a staggering six foot eight and he was also someone who was very muscular, his arms ripe with sinews. He had a proud, handsome face though he looked very grim and his expression gave off a sense of nobility. He was around the same age as his father though he looked more weather-beaten with his long unruly hair that was fashioned with a small top-knot and the dryness and of his skin. He was obviously an Earth Kingdom native since his eyes were the deepest color of green and they were piercing and wide and Zuko, Sokka and Suki felt that he was searching through the very insides of them. His nose looked crooked as if it had been broken before and now it was slowly healing and his thick arms and legs were covered with a mass of ugly scars. Despite his generally shabby appearance Zuko felt that he must have been some great Earth Kingdom king in his time and that he was full of majesty and his was of noble blood.

Zuko started to feel uncomfortable because the man was staring at him with an angry expression.

"Yeah, how are you going to get the cooler out ?" Chit Sang said after awhile. The man next to him nodded grimly. The two of them then sailed over the railing from where they were standing from and landed in front of the three teenagers.

"What? We didn't. We… We didn't say that," Sokka hastily said as he began to make various gestures.

"Yeah, you heard wrong," Zuko quickly said as he wrung his hands nervously.

"I heard you hatching an escape plan and me and Shangdi want in," Chit Sang said as he gestured to his friend. Shangdi said nothing but he looked miffed as if he was annoyed that Chit Sang had made the insinuation that they knew each other. He stared at Chit Sang and Zuko with angry eyes. Zuko decided that he must hate Fire Nation natives.

"There's nothing to get in on," Zuko said a little angrily.

"Yeah, the only thing we're hatching is... an egg ," Sokka offered nervously. Zuko and Suki sighed at Sokka's lack of imagination for his excuse.

"Ok, well, I come with you or the Warden hears about this egg too," Chit Sang said as he threateningly loomed over the three of them. They all immediately looked serious while Shangdi who had said very little stepped forward.

His voice which sounded as scarred and dry as he was said, "It may do you well if you bring me and Chit Sang along. You will need our help. I do not know if you know this but…security here has gotten tighter since a prisoner escaped last week."

"What?" Sokka, Suki and Zuko said in unison.

"No one has ever escaped the boiling rock before," Zuko said. Shangdi glared at him.

"He's lying! I've been here for weeks and I didn't hear about any escape," Suki immediately said as she rose to her feet and pointed an accusing finger at Shangdi.

"That's because the matter was hushed up. The Warden didn't want word of it coming out. Didn't want to give the other prisoners ideas," Shangdi said coolly as he continued to glare at Zuko.

Suki frowned and said, "But—''

"You wouldn't know my dear, because you have never met the prisoner himself. His cell is in the east wing," Shangdi said.

"Listen kids, you're going to need all the help you can get. Last escape attempt, wasn't so hot," Chit Sang said as he gestured at Shangdi. Shangdi gave a low guttural growl as Chit Sang addressed him once again.

"What do you mean? Wait—you tried to escape before?" Sokka said as he looked at Shangdi.

Shangdi nodded. As he did so, Zuko couldn't help but feel that he looked so familiar. Sokka on the other hand felt completely different. He couldn't help feeling afraid of Shangdi. He seemed...volatile.

"What happened? It didn't work?" Zuko asked.

Shangdi chuckled and said, "Oh…it worked. Unfortunately, it didn't work for all of us."

"Us? Us? What does that mean?" Suki asked warily.

"The person who escaped a week ago was my son," Shangdi said as his lips curled into a smile. Chit Sang nodded.

"I guess we have no choice," Suki said as she grabbed Sokka's hand worriedly.

Sokka looked at Suki, then Zuko, then the two men and said, "Wait. Wait! Hold up! Before I say anything else, what was your escape plan anyway?"

Shangdi shrugged and said nonchalantly, "We tried to use the gondola. It was a very shoddy plan to begin with though. It was really a wonder how my son managed to escape."

Sokka looked like he was mulling it over. He muttered, "The gondola plan could work…"

"I like the cooler idea better. The gondola's too risky. They could cut the lines while we're riding in it. Unless of course….we ask the Warden politely not to cut the lines for us…" Zuko said his voice sounding sarcastic. Sokka looked at him and nodded.

"Okay, you guys are in. And Cooler plan it is. Now, first we need someone to unbolt the Cooler from the inside," Sokka said as he handed a wrench to Zuko.

Chit Sang gave a small smile and snickered, "Oh, I can get you inside."

---

"Yeah, new arrivals coming in at dawn," a male guard said to his female companion as they walked pass Sokka and Zuko.

Zuko had successfully gotten in and unbolted the cooler (with a little help from Chit Sang) and he had gotten outside. Chit Sang, Shangdi and Suki were all waiting by the shore. All that was left for the two of them to hurry down to the shore to catch up with them. Sokka however, couldn't help overhearing the conversation that ensued.

"Anybody interesting ?" the female guard asked.

"Nah, just the usual. Some robbers, couple of traitors, some war prisoners. Though I did hear there might be a pirate," the male guard said.

"No foolin'," his companion chuckled.

Zuko gulped. This could change everything. This could interrupt all the meticulous planning they had done. He turned to Sokka looking concerned and he said, "War prisoners. It could be your Father."

"I know," Sokka somberly said as he closed his eyes. He wanted to desperately think. Everything was set. They could escape at this very moment. He shouldn't be selfish and ruin everything all because of his dad. And he wasn't even sure if those new batch of prisoners included his father.

He opened his eyes and found Zuko staring at him questioningly. Zuko said, "Well, what should we do? Are we going ahead with the plan or are we waiting another night ?"

Sokka stared at Zuko haplessly and grumbled, "I don't know."

This indecision was killing him. It was making him tear up a little.

He said, "Is it right for me to risk Suki's freedom? All of our freedom on the slim chance that my dad is gonna show up ?"

Zuko looked away. He can't help Sokka with this.

"It's your call," Zuko finally said.

They stood there in utter silence for awhile. Finally Sokka heaved a sigh and said, "I need more time to think about it. But we can't just leave them there. Come on. Let's go."

Zuko stared at Sokka worriedly but he nodded. The two of them silently sprinted across the yard, past the various prison cells and quietly they managed to sneak all the way to shore. Sokka paled after seeing that Chit Sang brought additional people with him. That made him wrestle with what to do even more. Bringing in more people could jeopardize everything. Zuko continually looked at him as Sokka had an internal debate. Should he wait for his dad? Should he risk everyone's chance at freedom all for this hunch? He didn't know what to do.

"Took you guys long enough. This here's my girl and my best buddy. They're coming too," Chit Sang said. As always, Shangdi remained impassive and grim though he looked slightl annoyed at the mention of Chit Sang's girlfriend and friend.

"Fine, everybody in the cooler. Let's go," Sokka said sounding slightly annoyed as he continued to think.

"Are you sure you want to go ? You're the one who said you wanted to redeem yourself. Redeem your honor. Rescuing your Dad is your chance," Zuko asked completely understanding Sokka's quest for honor. He slung his sword to the side.

"Your Dad ," Suki said a little affectionately as she neared Sokka.

"What is the matter? You are hesitating?" Shangdi's coarse voice rang sounding slightly incensed.

"His father may be here. Sokka lost him in the invasion during the day of the black sun," Zuko said, raising his voice a little.

Shangdi nodded and said sounding a little awestruck though he was addressing Sokka, "I've heard of this invasion from prisoners and guards. Your father must be a fine man, boy. Shame, if we are to leave him to horrendous fate."

Everyone cringed a little at his voice. Shangdi rarely spoke always looking solemn and grave but when he did his voice which was as coarse as his exterior never failed to startle them.

Sokka sighed and said miserably, "If I had just cut my losses at the invasion, maybe we wouldn't be in this mess. Maybe sometimes it's just better to call it quits before you fail."

"No, it's not. Look Sokka, you're going to fail a lot before things work out," Zuko said empathically.

"That's supposed to make me feel better ?" Sokka said as he slung his bag.

"Even though you'll probably fail over and over and over again," Zuko continued.

"Seriously, not helping," Sokka said.

Zuko grabbed his shoulder and declared, "You have to try every time. You can't quit because you're afraid you might fail."

Shangdi looked away and solemnly said, "Though he may be Fire Nation scum, the boy speaks the truth, lad."

Zuko cringed after being referred to as scum.

"Hey, if you two are done cuddling, can we get a move on ?" Chit Sang impatiently said as he put an arm around his girlfriend. He was already in the cooler.

"No, I'm staying. You guys go," Sokka instructed.

He then turned to Suki and said, "You've been here long enough."

"I'm not leaving without you, Sokka," Suki re-assuringly said as she grabbed and stroke his hand.

"I'm staying too," Zuko firmly declared.

"Not me, I'm out. Let's roll baby," he said as he gave one final push. Suddenly he realized that Shangdi wasn't there.

"Hey Shang! Hurry in!" Chit Sang called as the current swept them farther away. The three of them looked startled and surprised as soon as they realized that Shangdi had not followed them.

Shangdi looked as solemn and as grim as ever as he stood watching Chit Sang flow away with his arms crossed.

"Hey! Hey, Shang! Hurry up! You can't swim in this heat!" Chit Sang called his voice sounding more distant.

Zuko plucked up the courage to ask Shangdi. He said, "Um…Shangdi? Ugh…sir? Don't you want to—''

"I refused to be marooned with those spineless, imbecilic Fire Nation cowards. I'd rather rot in a volcano," Shangdi said addressing Zuko with a hint of acid. Zuko looked away. Okay. He hated Fire Nation people. He understood that now. So he'll just back off...

Sokka mumbled, "Um, so—''

"And besides, it would be best I think if I accompany you along in your quest to save your father. I have a high respect for those who have fought in the war," Shangdi said nodding at Sokka.

And without saying anything else, he turned on his heel and stalked off.

---

"This is it," Sokka whispered nervously as he saw all the new arrivals clamoring out of the gondola. Shangdi, like a shadow, silently stood and towered over Sokka and his companions as they tried to find his father.

"If my Dad's not there, we risked everything for nothing," Sokka nervously said.

"But we had to," Suki whispered back.

"In my unit, such consequences for a decision would be death," Shangdi spoke up.

"Oh...well...I'm glad I'm not in your unit," Sokka hissed.

"It's very well boy. Not only for you but for him," he said referring to Zuko.

He then continued in an acidic tone, "We show no mercy to Firebenders in the battlefield. And i show no mercy to any sort of Firebender in any field. It is well that you call him friend for I would have buried him five feet below the ground the moment I saw him and that imbecile, Chit Sang and everybody else in this forsaken isle."

Zuko cringed.

"Not helping..." Sokka hissed in a singsong tune as soon as Shangdi finished his long tirade.

"Come on, come on…." Sokka chattered as he continued to search for a glimpse of his father.

A big, burly man with shaggy long hair, a long beard, a nose ring and a tattoo on his arm walked out handcuffed. Zuko immediately said, "Is that him?"

"My Dad doesn't have a nose ring," Sokka indignantly said.

"Where is he ?" Sokka impatiently said as more people started to stream out, none of which were his father.

Suddenly a person with a topknot exited the gondola. Everyone held their breaths.

No one followed behind him.

Sokka could feel the blood rush to his ears. He groaned and said, "That's it? That can't be it!"

"I'm so sorry Sokka," Suki said as she rubbed his back.

"Oh no," Sokka said in dismay. He expected Shangdi to make another comment in that coarse voice of his but nothing came. He merely stood in silence looking as if he accepted their fate.

"Hey you! Get off the gondola!" a guard squawked at the gondola.

Sokka stiffened and so did everybody else. He griped the railings tighter.

A man calmly walked outside. His hard was in an unusual hairstyle of braids and beads and his eyes which looked angry was the clearest of blue.

Sokka sighed in relief and breathed, "Dad."

---

"Zuko, is that you?" Sokka whispered nervously as he climbed up the stairs.

A pair of amber eyes appeared out the doorway. Zuko whispered, "I'm here."

The string of events that followed was a mixture of bad and good. Sokka reunited with his dad but Zuko and Suki had also been herded back into their cells. Shangdi had managed to quietly escape for a few minutes. Long enough to talk with Hakoda and Sokka about their new escape made things all the more difficult for Sokka to round them up and tell him of his plan. And to top it all off, Chit Sang blundered the escape so now it won't be long before the Warden could torture Chit Sang into telling him who was behind the plan. They were seriously running out of time.

"I just got done talking to my Dad and Shangdi. We came up with an escape plan together," Sokka whispered.

"What…are you doing here?" a voice demanded.

Sokka immediately jumped up, startled. He spun around to find a Fire Nation guard staring at him critically.

"I was just telling this dirty lowlife what I think of him!" Sokka nervously said as he jerked a thumb at the door.

"Well, you'll have to do that later, he's coming with us," the guard sternly said.

"Why?" Sokka asked stupidly before he could stop himself.

The guard stared at him suspiciously before saying, "Because we have orders straight from the Warden. That's why."

Sokka smiled at her nervously. Finally he said, "Could I just get ten more seconds to rough him up a bit?"

The guard stared at him clearly amused. Finally she sighed and said, "Fine, ten seconds."

She then began to chat with her companion as Sokka entered the cell and began to punch Zuko's mattress saying, "Take that! And this!"

"Newbie," the male guard chuckled.

"We have a new plan but it's gonna need a big distraction," Sokka whispered in between punches.

"Be in the yard in one hour," Sokka said as the door opened. Sokka quickly lunged at Zuko and rammed his head against the mattress, providing a sheepish smile as the male guard entered.

"Alright, that's enough," he said as he grabbed Sokka's arm and hauled him outside. The two of them quickly positioned themselves against Zuko's side and began to drag him outside.

"What are you doing ? Where are you taking me ?' Zuko demanded as he was rallied along the halls. The guards said nothing. They merely stopped by a cell, opened it and shoved Zuko inside. Zuko landed in a chair and he fell with a great thud.

"I didn't do anything wrong!" Zuko protested.

"Come on, Zuko. We all know that's a lie," a slow, dull voice droned.

Zuko paled.

He knew that voice.

He looked up in surprise, "Mai."

---

"How did you know I was here ? Wait! Did Azula put you up to this?" Zuko demanded angrily, his voice rising as Mai stepped forward. In her hand, she carried a very sharp knife and her face looked apathetic but it gave off an aura of anger.

"Yes, you are right. Azula, did in fact, put me up to this. She tasked me to steadily torture you until you tell me where the Avatar is. Can't say I blame her though," Mai coldly said.

"What are you talking about? Did she get to you with all her lies?" Zuko hissed.

"What lies? If anyone's lying…it's you Zuko," Mai said.

"What?"

"You betrayed your own country," Mai flatly said as the knife glinted in her finger.

"That's not how I see it," Zuko said as Mai turned to the side sulkily.

"What happened to you Zuko?" Mai began.

"What happened to you? You were the one who gave me advice to go out and get what I want and what's right—''

"I didn't mean that you should listen to me—''

"Yes, you did! But Azula's got you thinking otherwise! I bet she's brainwashing you right now…making you think that I'm some sort of traitor! Can't you see Mai? This is going to help all of us. This is about the Fire Nation. This is about the world," Zuko said.

"What has gotten into you Zuko? What's making you thinking like this? What made you betray your own country? That stupid, little earth kingdom peasant?" Mai fiercely said as she spun around.

"Leave her out of this!" Zuko said through gritted teeth.

"Azula's right. I was wrong to give you that kind of advice. She's clouding your judgment Zuko," Mai said.

"No. Azula's the one clouding your judgment! Can't you see she's manipulating you? That she's just using you as a pawn in one of her little games! You have to stop being afraid of her!" Zuko said.

Mai stared at him.

"Mai, please. I know you're not like this. The Avatar…the Avatar….is our only hope at peace. You have to understand. You have to let me go," Zuko pleaded.

Mai stared at him blankly.

"Mai—''

"Is she really worth all that trouble?" Mai asked suddenly.

"What? Who?" Zuko asked sounding incredulous.

"The Earth kingdom peasant. Jin. Is she really worth betraying your country?" Mai stonily said.

"This isn't just about Jin! This is about the whole world!" Zuko said.

And he meant every word of it. Sure, Jin was a major factor into his conversion to the side of good but she wasn't the main reason. This wasn't all about him and Jin. This was about the world and Aang and how he was willing to do whatever it takes to abate all his and his family's mistakes to the world. This wasn't about Jin at all. Zuko was surprised Mai even bothered to ask that.

Suddenly she opened the door, leaned against the doorway and said, "Go."

"What?" Zuko asked in surprised.

"Go. Go to your friends. Save the world," Mai said sounding slightly bitter.

Zuko warily stood up and walked towards the door. As he approached Mai said, "Leave some scorch marks on the wall. To show a sign of struggle."

It all felt quite surreal to Zuko. He told Mai to step back and he firebent on the walls. He stepped out and closed the door locking it and he stared back at Mai who was staring at him with expressionless eyes.

"Thanks," he whispered and as he spun around to leave Mai suddenly spoke up.

"Zuko?"

"Huh?"

In a strangely sad voice she said, "Did you know that if you stayed in the Fire Nation, we were arranged to be married?"

Zuko thought about it for awhile. Yes, he did know. But he left even if he knew. He even if he knew that Mai still, sort-of likes him no matter what she told him. But he made a choice. He left everything behind because there was nothing left for him. Not Ty Lee. Certainly not Azula. Not his father. Not even Mai.

He said quietly, "Yes. I know."

---

"Sokka, what's going on?" Suki asked breathlessly as soon as she saw Sokka approaching her cell. Sokka hastily unlocked the door and entered her room.

Sokka hurried by her side and said urgently, "I don't have much time. If I'm seen with you, the guards might think something's up. I just talked to my Dad and Shangdi."

"The really creepy guy who has a thing against Zuko?" Suki asked.

"Yes. That Shangdi," Sokka nodded.

"That's great."

"We're escaping today. On the gondola," Sokka whispered excitedly.

"What? I thought Shangdi said that that didn't work," Suki said in confusion.

"We heard of what he and his son planned and we modified it a bit. Apparently they made a big distraction or something and then they hurried to the gondola pad, knocked out the guard and hurried in the gondola. Guards were alerted however and they were about to cut the lines. Shangdi had to stay behind to stop them," Sokka said.

"So how is our plan any different?" Suki asked.

"My dad and I came up with a plan together. We're gonna commandeer the gondola and do exactly what Shangdi and his son did. With one exception. We're going to take a hostage with us so they won't cut the lines," Sokka said with a self-satisfied smile.

"We'll never make it onto the gondola. There's too many guards," Suki said.

"My dad already thought of that. He said we'll need a distraction like what Shangdi and his son did. Only our's will be better. That's why we're gonna start a prison riot," Sokka smirked.

"Okay. Let's say by some miracle this all works and we make it on the gondola. The Warden will still just cut the lines, even if we have a captive," Suki said skeptically as she touched Sokka's elbow.

"Not if the Warden is the captive. I have to go. I'll find you before we start the riot," Sokka smirked. A noise from the outside startled him. He gave her one final look before giving her a big hug and scrambling off.

---

Zuko hurried into the yard and he was utterly surprised to find it in complete chaos. Jets of fire were spurting everywhere. People were hitting each other. Everyone was yelling. Zuko ducked and nearly avoided a man who was being thrown into the side. He scanned the yard to find any trace of Sokka and he was relieved to see all of them, along with Suki, his father, Shangdi and surprisingly Chit Sang huddled beneath a tower trying to look inconspicuous and trying to stay out of the chaos. He nimbly scrambled towards them and quickly threw off a guard who was trying to subdue him.

"Zuko, good. We're all here. Now all we need to do is grab the Warden and get to the gondolas," Sokka said looking relieved as Zuko ducked down. He pointed at the Warden who stood over the railings barking orders.

"And how do we do that ?" Zuko demanded feeling slightly annoyed at the turn of events.

"I'm not sure," Sokka said uncertainly.

"Argh, I thought you thought this through," Zuko grumbled.

"I thought you told me it's okay not to think everything through!" Sokka hysterically said.

"Maybe not everything. But this is kind of important," Zuko argued.

The two of them continued to bicker when Chit Sang said, "Hey, uhh, fellas. I think your girlfriend's taking care of it."

Sokka who peered over Chit Sang's elbow in surprise. As a guard and a prisoner scuffled, Suki ran into and jumped on their heads. Suki rapidly ran over the sea of prisoner's heads. She leaped onto the tower and scaled the wall rapidly. She pushed herself from the wall as she backflipped to land her feet on some pipes below the platform.

Suki flipped herself from below the platform to a railing as a guard cameby and started to firebend. She flipped off the railing, narrowly missing the flames and gives the guard a series of punches that knocks him unconscious. Two guards ran out from a corridor. One of the guards aimed a firebending kick towards Suki but she dodged it and used her arm to trip his other leg, sending him to the ground with a loud thud. The other guard tried to firebend towards her but Suki dodged it and jumped to the railing behind him. She quickly jumped onto the wall. The guard stared at her, dumbfounded.

Suki began to scale the wall with fierce determination. The warden who looked down at her with a mixture of shock and nervousness. Suki flipped herself over the railing and landing down on the platform. The guard near the warden hurried into a stance and before he did so, Suki slid on the ground and tripped him.

The warden attempted to move but Suki got up and held his arm in a deadlock grip. Her other hand is positioned dangerously in front of the warden's face should he attempt to fight back. She stared at him, smirking.

"You wouldn't dare," the Warden hissed.

Suki turned the warden around and brought his hands together as she rapidly tied them with a red string Suki remained behind the warden, pulling down the warden's headband and turning it around so the tie is on his mouth.

"Sorry, Warden. You're my prisoner now," Suki smirked.

She looked down and saw that the group had already hurried towards her. Hakoda and Sokka looked impressed and so did Chit San and Zuko. Only Shangdi retained his solemn and grim expression as he approached all of them. Suki began to wonder if something smelly was always shoved up his nose.

"We've got the Warden, now let's get out of here!" Suki said.

The guys who had all been running struggled to catch their breaths.

"That's some girl," Hakoda breathlessly wheezed.

"Tell me about it," Sokka said sounding a little lovestruck.

All of them hurried towards the gondola platform, with Suki keep a firm grip on the Warden and with Zuko and Sokka keeping off attacks. Below them the prisoners continued to riot.

"We're almost there," Suki said sounding breathless.

Then to everyone's surprise, Shangdi hurried next to her, grabbed the Warden and hoisted him up his shoulder. Suki gave him a look of gratitude although he merely returned it with a grave look as they all hurried towards the gondola. As they neared the gondola a couple of guards blocked their way threatening to firebend.

"Back off, we've got the Warden," Zuko warned.

The guards gave a moment of hesitation before nodding at each other and making way for the group.

"Let's go," Zuko said and the group warily hurried past the guards. The Warden in particular began to struggle with much more vigor.

"Everyone in," Suki said as she forced the gondola open.

Sokka boarded the gondola first. Zuko who still remained at the platform and he ran to the lever, pushing it down as soon as everyone scrambled in. The ropes of the gondola loosened and uncoiled. The gondola as it slowly moved off, leaving Zuko behind Zuko who kicked the lever several times. He turned his head and he saw the guards running towards him. With one final kick, he successfully broke the lever and he quickly ran towards the gondola.

Zuko sailed over the railings with fire balls sailing over his head. Sokka quickly grabbed Zuko as he struggled to enter the gondola.

"What are you doing ?" Sokka demanded as soon as Zuko was safely inside

"I'm making it so they can't stop us," Zuko panted.

"Way to think ahead," Sokka said appraisingly.

"We're on our way," Suki said.

Silence pervaded for a short while. Hakoda, growing bored, looked out back to the gondola tower and he was extremely surprised to find two girls and a couple of guards standing on the gondola platform.

"Wait. Who's that ?" he said nervously.

Zuko whipped his head and paled. He muttered, "That's a problem. It my sister and her friend."

Zuko and Hakoda looked back to the tower. Azula looked at the gondola looking curious but still calm and cool.

The lines of the gondola began to shake as Ty Lee cartwheeled onto them. Azula began running ahead below the lines. Ty Lee then proceeded to run on the line. Azula began readying herself. Azula pushed her fist forward as she firebet a huge jet of blue fire. Azula propelled herself from the ground into the air.

"This is a rematch I've been waiting for," Sokka grimly said.

"Me too," Zuko said.

He then proceeded to climb up to the gondola's roof. The two girls were slowly nearing the gondola. On the roof, Suki, Sokka and Zuko began to prepare themselves. Sokka unsheathed his sword. The three of them faced the two girls who were smiling maliciously. Ty Lee was giving Zuko an apologetic look. Ty Lee quickly cartwheeled off the line, onto the roof, facing Suki. Azula somersaulted into the backs of Zuko and Sokka, landing with a crouch.

Azula who stood up with an evil grin on her face. Azula who got into a stance with her arms outstretched in front of her. Azula firebent with her feet towards Zuko. Zuko and Sokka immediately scramble to avoid the flames.

Meanwhile Ty Lee and Suki were locked in a fierce battle. Ty Lee tried to block all of Suki's chi blocks, which Suki had already anticipated beforehand. She managed to block all of Ty Lee's attacks successfully.

The next few things to happen were a blur. Zuko and Sokka were successfully holding off Azula while Suki was gaining the upper hand in the battle. Suddenly a commotion happened in the gondola platform. The Warden broke free from his gagged mouth and yelled something. Ty Lee paused from her battle with Suki and she screeched, "They're about to cut the line!"

Azula smirked, turned to her brother and said, "Then it's time to leave. Goodbye, Zuko."

Ty lee and Azula then flipped onto the roof of another gondola with Ty Lee looking at the group remorsefully and with Azula giving a wicked smile.

"They're cutting the line! This gondola's about to go!" Zuko cried as he scrambled back inside.

"I hope this thing floats," Hakoda said as he helped the two boys inside.

"Who is that ?" Sokka asked.

Everyone scrambled towards the window and saw a figure fending off the guards.

"It's Mai," Zuko flatly said.

No one said anything as the gondola reached the other side. Zuko in particular, looked shocked. Everyone scrambled out of the gondola and after a few mocking words directed on the Warden, Shangdi immediately flung him back in the gondola.

"Well, we made it out. Now what ?" Suki asked.

"Zuko, what are you doing ?" Sokka asked as soon as he saw Zuko looking around.

"My sister was on that island," Zuko muttered absentmindedly.

"Yeah and she's probably right behind us. So let's not stop," Sokka hurriedly said.

Zuko looked back at the island wistfully and murmured, "What I mean is she must have come here somehow. There. That's our way out of here."

He ran over to the edge and saw a Fire Nation zeppelin docked on shore.

Sokka peered over Zuko's shoulder and smirked, "Nice going Zuko!"

Zuko cracked a smile as Sokka slapped his back. That was the first friendly gesture he had received from Sokka.

Jin would be proud.

He had just made friends with Sokka.

---

The journey back to their camp was filled with a celebratory mood though it was eventually dampened by Shangdi's silence. He was a strange man and he never spoke or showed a hint of happiness at their escape. He merely sat in his seat and continued to look serious and grave and grim. Zuko and Sokka continued to examine him as everyone else chattered. Zuko noticed that his eyes looked slightly angry and they seemed to be directed at Zuko and Chit Sang. Zuko noticed early on that Shangdi seemed to have a very prevalent distaste for people from the Fire Nation. But then what could he expect? Judging from all those scars, Shangdi had a very good reason to hate all Firebenders.

Chit Sang told them in hushed whispers that he was an Earth Kingdom general and possibly a king or someone of noble blood. Years and years in war had made him slightly crazy and disturbed and made him develop a very curious expression of gravity and dimness and a complete distaste for anyone belonging or born in the Fire Nation.

Zuko decided that that was all the more reason to stay out of his way once they reached camp.

Sokka of course was never satisfied with silence.

"So…Shangdi….where were you from before you were capture?" Sokka said.

"You mean the rubble and ash that the Fire Nation has made out of my home?" he asked gruffly as he gave Zuko an angry stare. Everyone paused from their conversation.

Zuko shrank.

"Um…okay. Never mind," Sokka said.

"Hey! Don't mess with him, okay kid? Shangdi hates anyone who's from the Fire Nation..."

"How did you become friends with him?"

"I'm not. We just happen to hear your plan at the same time," Chit Sang shortly said.

"Oh."

"Anyways, stop bothering him. He hates nosy people. And people who talk. And just…people in general. They say the war made him a little…" Chit Sang whispered, creating a circle with his finger beside his head, symbolizing crziness.

Shangdi merely gave them a cold stare.

"Yeah…I kind of figured that out," Sokka said as he avoided Shangdi's glare.

"Boy…he is creepy," Sokka whispered to Suki.

Suki patted him sympathetically. Zuko on the other hand could not help feeling as if he has seen Shangdi before. There was something about his cool and grim expression that reminded him of…

Zuko shook himself.

That sounded stupid.

Never mind.

They continued to journey on in happiness. When they caught sight of the camp Sokka eagerly disembarked.

"What are you doing in this thing? What happened to the war balloon ?" Katara demanded as soon as Sokka and Zuko bounded off the zeppelin.

Zuko gave a small smile as soon as he saw Jin. She looked relieved to see him and she was smiling wide and looking happy. He couldn't wait to run up to her and give her a kiss on the nose.

"It kind of got destroyed," Zuko smirked.

"Sounds like a crazy fishing trip," Aang said.

"Did you at least get some good meat ?" Jin asked as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

Sokka closed his eyes and said, "I did. The best meat of all…"

Figures then began to emerge from the zeppelin. Zuko turned around and saw that it was the burly figure of Shangdi who was marching out first.

Sokka said, "The meat of friendship and fatherhood…"

Suddenly a gasp interrupted Sokka. They all turned to look at the perpetrator who was Jin and saw that she had gone pale white and she looked afraid and slightly nervous. She was biting her lip and she was digging at the insides of her shirt. And she was staring with a mixture of utmost shock and horror at someone behind them.

Everyone turned to find Shangdi who was staring at Jin with an equally shocked expression. However, after a few minutes, his expression returned to its usual seriousness and solemnity.

Finally, to everyone's surprise Jin gave a short bow and Shangdi gave a small nod of acknowledgement.

"Um…Jin? What's going on?" Toph said as soon as she felt the tension Jin and everyone was feeling.

Jin took a deep breath, approached Shangdi cautiously with an air of fear and turned to face everyone.

With a heavy sigh she said, "Um…guys. I'd like you to meet…my dad."

---

I know, I know. I SUCK for updating this long. But we have finals coming up (AGAIN) and my boss's being a dick (AGAIN). Anyways, I managed to squeeze this in between shifts and classes and I'm trying my best to update faster so PEACE. Lol. I was planning to just skip this ep by the way but then I was listening to All Apologies by Nirvana and I suddenly imagined Jin meeting her daddy. So yeah, Sokka and Hakoda, not the only father-child reunion in this chap. Some of you may hate how much I've deviated the plot but I'm just going with how my gut feels. I was planning on a Jin-father reunion for a long time but I figured it would be when the comet comes.

And yes, the guy who escaped from the Boiling Rock was Ge Jiang so maybe a family reunion and a major blowout is in the works.

Special thanks to the poor souls who still reviewed: Panther-Strife, the reviwer who wrote "Love it!" (you didn't write your name), ArrayePL, tgbwe, Punch A Fish In The Face and Inhibitor.

To Beloved Daughter: Thanks and Whoops. Did not realize that. Looks like I have my first plot hole. Sorry but my busy sked is kind of keeping me from remembering all the details I wrote in past chapters. I'll try to look out for them some more.

Thanks also to those who added me in their favorite stories and favorite authors list.

I'm so sorry if I'm updating late but I am not abandoning this story.

I'm sticking through it.

You guys just have to give me like a month to get the next update.

But don't leave me hanging.

Please review.