The dim tunnel was getting quite boring. It felt like Sokka, Toph, Aang, and I had been walking forever. It wasn't long though before we came to a split in the tunnel.

"I'll go this way, and you guys go that way. We can meet back up here before the eclipse is over." I said, and took off running down the left path.

The tunnel ended with a large steel door in which I proceeded to open. My heart sank when I realized it was only a war room. Disappointed, I moved to return to where the tunnels merged. But I halted when a painfully familiar voice called my name. Zuko was standing on the other side of the large table. Its little figurines had been scattered across the map of the nations.

I glared at him. "What?" I had wanted to yell it at him, but it merely came out as a hurt whisper, like that of a pouting child.

His features softened a bit, but soon hardened again as he spied Sokka's boomerang strapped securely to my hip. Sokka hadn't let me leave camp without it, even though I insisted that I would be perfectly capable of defending myself without it. I would just be a water bender. Did he think Katara was powerless? You don't have your firebending remember? I just want you to be safe.

I sighed and rested my hand on the edge of it. Zuko's eyes flared slightly, but he otherwise displayed no emotion.

"Why are you here?" was all he asked.

I tried to bite back a nasty reply, but failed. "What do you think? I wouldn't return to this hell without a damn good reason!" I hissed.

He pinched the skin on the bridge of his nose; it was a gesture I used to love. That maybe I still love.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts. I wasn't going to let my memories get to me. For all I know, he could be here to kill me. Zuko had been staring at me this whole time as I gathered my thoughts.

"What?" I challenged.

"You're so beautiful. "

I froze. I never thought that now of all times I would be hearing that from Zuko. My hand slipped from the boomerang and I ran to him. He enclosed me in a hug that was gentle yet desperate. I didn't want to, but I could feel the sticky tears slipping down my face.

"Well, well. What a beautiful reunion! Too bad it'll have to end early." I whipped my head around , still clutching Zuko, and glared at Azula standing in the doorway.

She had a wicked smile splayed across her face. I tensed.

"What do you want, Azula?" Zuko demanded.

"Oh, I just wanted to join in on the fun. I mean, I couldn't let you destroy this bitch all by yourself." She said menacingly.

I stepped away from Zuko abruptly, eyeing them both suspiciously. Zuko looked hurt.

"Hikari, you know I would never hurt you." He said.

"Right, Zuko. Keep feeding her those lies. She's dumb enough to believe them, or matter of fact, anything."

"Shut up, Azula!" Zuko shouted.

I took another step back.

"Hikari, please. Azula is lying." He pleaded.

I looked from Azula to Zuko. Azula took her chance as I turned to speak to Zuko. I felt the fire incinerate my shirt before I had said a word. I thanked the gods silently that I put my hair up as I dropped to the ground in pain.

"Damnit Azula!" Zuko snapped.

Everything was fuzzy as my body processed that tremendous amount of pain. The skin on my back sizzled and popped and the room began to smell of burning flesh. It was a few moments before I managed to stand. Through the pain I wondered why I hadn't been killed already. I didn't wonder long though, and ran to the door.

Azula made no motion to stop me. She only smiled. I turned to face Zuko, making sure to cover my chest and spoke.

"You're just the same heart-breaking liar. You haven't changed at all."

{BURNING WATER}

Everyone gaped at my condition when I finally caught up with them. Sokka removed his shirt and handed it to me, which I gratefully accepted. As we loaded onto Appa, I snuggled close to Sokka. I knew Zuko would be watching.