3. Preparing

"Wait here," he said, and ducked under the bush. About a minute later, he returned with a proper bag of supplies. We realized our small sacks had only a few things in them, and we would need more. "Let's go," he stood and got ready to run, but I held his arm back. "Katara, what's up?"

He turned toward me and I said, "Maybe we should wait until tomorrow night Zuko."

"No, they'll suspect us, and I have to go now," his eyes were pleading, but I looked away. This boy knew where his mother was, and he was willing to go to the end of the earth to get her back.

No, I had to stay strong, "We need to tell somebody! They'll report you as missing, and that's not good."

"Yeah," he thought for a moment. "Typical," I thought I saw him smile. I must have looked confused because he said, "You always think of everything."

"Um thanks," I said, hoping he couldn't see me blush.

We went to bed that night and awoke the next morning. We talked it over as we fed the turtle ducks that morning. I was still confused why he didn't ask Mai to go.

Later that day, around mid-day, Zuko called a meeting with the fire nation council and his advisers. "I understand all of your concerns, but this is the ideal time for me to leave. I lost somebody dear to me, and everything is under control for the moment.

"I agree with Zu-- The Fire Lord," General Iroh stood and smiled proudly, then others followed. Eventually every person in the room was standing. Everyone but Aang. When Zuko said I would be coming with he looked sad, but not surprised. Slowly he stood and the vote was unanimous.

"Aang, what are you getting at?" I stood in front of the pond where we would practice water bending. It was right after the meeting. He was obviously angry about me going with Zuko.

"What I'm getting at is, maybe we should just be friends," my mouth dropped. Aang and I had been so close ever since we met. I knew we still would be, but it wouldn't be the same. He saw my surprise and said, "You think I don't see you and Zuko together? How you two look at each other? I think I've always known, I've just been afraid to realize it."

I swallowed hard, about to reply when Zuko walked in, "They have everything ready. Once you change into traveling clothes we can leave."

I started to walk out, insulted by Aang, then he said something that baffled me even more than our breakup, "I want you guys to take Appa."

"Thanks Aang, that means a lot. I'll see you out side," then Zuko turned and left.

"Thank you," was all I could say.

"Hey, we're still friends right," he smiled weakly and held out his hand.

Hey guys, what should my next chapter be about? Growing emotion between Z and K? Maybe they should fight? What if Z runs into an old freind? What if Aang starts dating Ty Lee? Whatever makes you want to read is awesome. Please review... It makes me happy! by the way--- I don't own Avatar (is that misspelled?) anyway--- thanks so much!

Love,

Allie