A/N: Let the emotional turmoil commence! Please leave a review to tell me what you think!

"At least we're out of the open." Orora muttered to herself, pushing her hair behind her ears as she glanced to where the sun was already beginning to set. The young waterbender moved to stand atop a large boulder.

Once Li had returned from finding shelter, Orora had instructed him to take his Uncle there while she retrieved their belongings from where her and Mushi had hidden them.

No, not Li and Mushi.

But Prince Zuko and Iroh.

Of the Fire Nation.

Her heart climbed into her throat as she bit her lower lip. This had to be some trick. It just had to be.

Not only was her Master the older brother to the current Fire Lord, but her soulmate was the Prince of the very Nation seeking to destroy the world.

Spirits, she had believed fate had dealt her a bad enough hand when she was born to a family that did not appreciate her for her gifts and talents, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. Her gaze slid to the finger where the thread was tied. It was a little loose since she had walked a mile or so to where their things were, but if she concentrated really hard, she could feel a slight tugging sensation at the tip of her finger where the thread pulled.

Pulled her towards her soulmate.

Her mind raced with questions.

Why hadn't either of them told her the truth? Why was Prince Zuko's sister trying to kill him? She had shot her Uncle in cold-blood so there had to be something there to make her do so. But then if he was the Prince, why would he run from his sister? Shouldn't he be back at the Fire Nation Capital? And why hadn't Aang been all that alarmed about leaving her with the enemy? At least, she didn't think he had been.

There were so many questions she needed answered.

And yet, when Prince Zuko had returned to tell her of the partially destroyed hut he had found half a league away from the now destroyed village.

Good thing it had been abandoned.

He had brought Chairo with him. Orora had been a little surprised to see the Ostrich-Horse, but was glad he was alright. Between the two of them, they managed to secure Iroh onto the animal, before slowly making their way towards the shelter.

Neither of them spoke to the other unless it was completely necessary, though Orora had asked Prince Zuko his Uncle's name. Once she had received a reply, she had gone back to not speaking to him for the remainder of the journey. As soon as Iroh was settled inside the hut, Orora had quickly stood, and under the pretense of finding her and Iroh's hidden packs, had left the both of them.

In reality, she was thinking of running away.

She had already had her reservations about traveling with citizens of the Fire Nation. But now, realizing that they were both royalty? That only had her reservations growing, and she had already made the decision of dropping off Iroh's pack before disappearing into the night.

Which was why she stood on top of that boulder for a long long time. Long enough for the sun to completely set and the moon to come out. It was a full moon that night. Orora inhaled deeply as she felt the power of the moon touch the very depths of her soul.

It was now or never. She had to leave.

But then why couldn't she bring herself to move?

Despite her decisions, she felt guilty. Guilty about thinking in such a way while her Master lay grievously injured with no one to care for him. He had his nephew, but Orora knew he was no expert when it came to tending to someone as injured as his Uncle.

And then there was Prince Zuko. Despite his status as a royal, she couldn't just abandon someone when they needed help the most.

As a Healer, it was her sacred duty to take care of those under her care until they were fully recovered.

But they were the enemy.

She would be betraying her people if she helped them. And Aang, Katara and Sokka. She would betray them as well.

She could just leave!

Tears of frustration lined her eyes as she clamped her hands over her ears as if in an effort to drown out the voices arguing inside her mind. Letting out a small scream of frustration, she couldn't help but throw her arms at her sides, prompting the water canteen at her side to burst open, spilling water everywhere.

Watching the water trickle onto the boulder, Orora turned her tear filled gaze towards the moon. "Please Spirits, help me." She whispered. In that moment she wished for anyone to come and help her come to a realization.

A realization that would be for the better.

Her eyes closed, as a tear slid down her cheek.

But then suddenly the light of the moon grew brighter.

So bright in fact that she could see it despite her eyes being closed.

Snapping them open, she prepared to drop in a fighting stance when the sight of a heavenly being descending from the moon had her stilling in her place.

Orora's eyes widened as she watched the moon spirit herself slowly come to a halt in front of her. "P-princess Yue."

Like any other Northern Water Tribe citizen, Orora had heard the story of how the Princess had sacrificed herself to restore balance to the world, and how she had given her life to one of the koi fish before turning into the moon spirit and disappearing in the sky.

And now there she was in all her ethereal glory, looking down at her with a kind smile on her lips.

Remembering herself, Orora quickly fell to her knees in a low respectful bow. "You do not need bow to me Orora." Her voice sounded so kind and tender. Orora slowly sat up, her face turned up to look at the spirit of the moon.

"You are troubled." Princess Yue spoke again, with a kind smile on her lips. The young waterbender let out a deep sigh as she nodded mutely. "I am at a loss, Princess. I do not know what to do or where to go anymore. I am lost." She admitted with a slight break in her voice.

It did not take a lot for Orora to break, but then again given what had happened to her in the past few months, and how her life had changed, a reaction of this sort was long overdue.

"You are not lost, Orora. You are still walking the path that fate has intended for you. Perhaps I can help shed a little light to help you see things much clearer?" The moon spirit suggested. Orora bit her lower lip, intent on asking if she should leave or not. But at the very last moment, she changed her mind and instead said.

" He is the prince of the Fire Nation, Princess Yue. Did fate truly intend for me to be bonded with the enemy?"

Silence followed your words, the wind blowing softly causing her short hair to blow about her face as she stood facing the moon spirit.

"I cannot help change your heart Orora, but I can tell you this. Do not allow your view of the Fire Nation to come in the way of making a decision when it comes to your heart." Her expression suddenly became so sad that it nearly brought tears to Orora's eyes. "I allowed my duty to come before my heart, and though I shall never regret saving my people, I shall forever think of what could have been with my soulmate."

Orora stood there stunned and speechless. She barely drew breath as Princess Yue lifted a hand to lightly touch a lock of hair near the waterbender's left temple. Her eyes closed as a surge of warmth went through her body, and a calmness enveloped her. One she had not felt in ages.

"You are a child of water, Orora, and we make decisions from the heart. Always listen to it, for it will never lead you astray."

With each word, Princess Yue's voice seemed to be getting further and further away. And when Orora finally opened her eyes, she wasn't surprised to see that she had disappeared. Her gaze lifted to the moon shining above.

Orora smiled.

"Thank you."

Zuko hated to admit it, but he was getting worried.

It had been a good few hours since Orora had went to get hers and Uncle's packs and she was yet to return. He knew her enough to know that she wouldn't stray too far away for too long. Not with Uncle in the state he was in.

But then, he worried if Azula had gotten to her. He may see her as nothing but an annoyance, but he would not wish even the worst of his enemies to fall in Azula's hands. His sister had a penchant for being cruel, and now that she knew Orora was traveling with him and Uncle, there would be a target on her back.

Or perhaps, she had simply run away?

Zuko had seen the look or horror on her face once she realized who him and Uncle really were. And while it had been important for them to keep it a secret, he wouldn't be surprised if she ran off. She certainly had nothing tying her here.

Well not nothing.

His amber gaze flickered to where the string was attached and he clenched his fist, gritting his teeth as he turned his head to the side, keen eyes watching the crest of the small hill atop which the hut rested. She would come back for Uncle right? While Zuko had some knowledge of treating burn scars, courtesy of his own father burning his face off, he would be more content knowing there was a capable Healer there to help.

Yes, he admitted. Orora was a competent Healer.

And a pretty good fighter. Sure she needed a little more practice, but what person didn't?

His Uncle shifted where he lay, prompting Zuko to glance in his direction.

And completely missed Orora as she appeared from the corner of the hut and quickly walked in. Zuko very nearly jumped out of his skin at her sudden appearance. As soon as she walked in, she began to take something out of her pack. It was a small bundle of what looked like leaves. Once done she moved to pour fresh water from her canteen and into the teapot from Uncle's pack. She settled the teapot over the fire he had started a little while ago and sat down in front of it, waiting for it to boil.

All the while, Zuko continued to stare at her.

Or rather her hair.

Finally becoming aware of his gaze on her, she frowned. "What?" She asked her tone a little defensive when she did.

Zuko raised a finger to point at the side of her head. "Why is some of your hair white?" A surprised look overcame her features as she pulled on the short lock to bring it in her point of view. The tip of it barely touched her nose, but she was able to see what he meant.

"Oh." A beat of silence, before a soft smile pulled at the corner of her lips. "Well, the moon spirit came to visit me, and she touched my hair. Guess that's why it turned white." She spoke so carelessly about it, as if the moon-spirit came to visit her every now and then.

"The moon spirit?" He parroted, feeling more then a little lost. Orora nodded. "She was once Princess Yue. She gave her life to save the koi fish when it was killed." Judging by the look on his face, he clearly didn't understand what she was saying. Shrugging she went turned her attention back to the teapot. Once the contents inside were bubbling away, she quickly poured it into a cup.

"Help me with him." She indicated to where his Uncle was. "This will lessen the pain and help with the healing process." She didn't have to explain since he was already on his feet and pushing Iroh into a seated position. Cooling the liquid a little with her abilities, Orora was able to rouse the man enough to pour it down his throat.

"He should sleep till tomorrow." The young waterbender moved to put her things away. She was more then aware of Zuko's eyes on her, watching her every movement since she stepped into the hut.

"You know, maybe I should be the one doing the staring, since I found out you are not who you said you were, Prince Zuko." There was a mocking tone to her words as she spoke them. But there was an underlying curiosity and confusion. "Although it does explain why you hated living the way we have the past few weeks. You're so used to the luxuries and comforts of the royal life and probably aren't used to living amongst the commoners such as myself." Well she wasn't really a commoner, her father was a member of the Council at the Northern Water Tribe, so she was someone of status.

But out here? She was a normal girl. Just as he was a normal boy.

Zuko bristled at her tone. "We had to keep our identities a secret." He snapped. "We're not exactly friendly with the Fire Nation at the moment, as you saw today." He nodded towards the burnt town, of which there was only a husk left. Orora hummed as she settled in front of the fire. "Ah yes! I almost forgot that your sister very nearly killed Master just a few hours ago. I didn't realize murder was a part of your family trait." She fixed him with a cold look. For his part Zuko stared back with a simmering rage that threatened to explode at any second. He came to sit on the opposite side of the fire facing her directly.

"You don't know anything about my family." He watched as she quirked an eyebrow at him. "I have my own grudges in my family, and while my Father and brothers may have disinherited me, none of them have come so far to as to kill me." They had harmed her for sure. At least her Father had. He had a penchant for hitting anyone who went against his wishes. Maybe if she poked and prodded enough she could get a straight answer out of him.

Zuko scoffed, rolling his eyes as he picked up a small clod of earth and threw it in the fire. "Yeah well, maybe you were just born lucky, according to my father I was lucky to be born." He suddenly stilled, and despite her best efforts to keep a neutral face, she couldn't help but blink in surprise. "Is that what your father said to you?" She asked, sounding just a little horrified to his ears.

Angry at himself for revealing such an intimate detail about his life, Zuko all but jumped to his feet and began to walk off. "Hey! Where're you going?" She called out from behind him, but he kept walking. He could hear her scrambling to her own feet and following him. "You can't just tell someone something like that and not give them an explanation!"

A hand clasping around his wrist had him coming to a halt.

His eyes widened as his skin registered the warmth and softness of her fingers against him. For her part, Orora's gaze dropped to where she had grabbed him. A flush of color overcame her cheeks before she quickly dropped his hand. Though not before she felt the racing of his pulse against his wrist.

"And why should I tell you anything about me?" He asked, standing with his back towards her. He had a suspicion that if he did turn around, he would tell her everything. From his mother's disappearance to his father scarring his face before banishing him from the Fire Nation.

He didn't want that. He didn't want her to know of his shame, humiliation and lack of honor. Why though? Her opinion of him should not matter to him.

But it did.

Behind him, Orora pursed her lips before speaking. "I just saved your Uncle's life, so maybe I am entitled to a little more information then the lies I've been fed the moment I met you."

She had him there.

He owed her for saving Uncle's life.

His Uncle, who had nearly died today. The thought of it felt like a punch in the gut, followed by an empty feeling in his chest. Despite his best efforts the fear of loosing Uncle showed in his eyes, and when he finally turned around, he wasn't at all surprised to see her glaring at him. Though as their eyes met, Orora couldn't help but feel her gaze soften a little. The moment stretched on, with Zuko battling his inner demons that warned him not to tell her anything lest she run away, while another part of him goaded him into telling her everything so that she would run away.

While a war raged within him, Orora's own turmoil seemed to be reaching a conclusion. She had reached one before, but now? She was more sure of it then before.

"One of these days, I'm going to get the whole truth out of you Prince Zuko." She said, her words sounding more like a threat then a promise, prompting him to frown.

"Wait, you're going to stay? You won't go after the Avatar and your friends?" There had to be some sort of mistake. He had honestly thought she would leave. What was holding her back here?

Perhaps Uncle Iroh, but certainly not him.

His mother didn't stay for him, so why should Orora?

She scoffed. "I may come from the Northern Water Tribe Prince Zuko, but that does not mean I am just as cold." She waved in the direction of the hut. "Your Uncle is still my patient, and I have no desire to leave him until he is properly healed. I doubt you know any medicinal herbs that could help him."

Amber eyes blinked at her in utter confusion.

Nodding in a satisfied, almost smug way she smirked. "Thats what I thought." Reaching out she poked him gently in the chest. "You need me Prince Zuko, and there is no way you're getting rid of me that easy."

So saying, she turned on her heel and walked back to the rundown hut. Laying down her mat, she quickly did a once over in her Master's direction, just to check his progress. With that out of the way, she quickly snuggled under her blanket and closed her eyes, trying hard not to envision those golden eyes as she did.

Meanwhile, Zuko stood there for a good few minutes more, trying his best not to let his teenage mind wander towards the double implication of her words.

She was only staying to help his Uncle. Nothing more. Nothing less.

So why did he feel a sliver of warmth begin to form in the furthest recesses of his heart?

"No! Absolutely not!"

"This doesn't concern you Orora, so stay out of it."

"I will not back off! Not when my patient is endangering himself."

"He's fine."

"He was shot by lightening only yesterday Zuko, of course he's not fine!"

Iroh gave a nervous chuckle as the two teenagers fought over him. And while it was nice to feel wanted and cared for, he thought it best to end their feud, lest they begin to use bending to get their points across.

He had woken up that morning to find his student hovering over him with a concerned look on her face. She had been glad to see him awake, and had even voiced it. Even Zuko had been worried, given that he had prepared tea for him.

Tea that was undrinkable, but it was the thought that counted.

However, as soon as Iroh had suggested he resume Zuko's studies by physically teaching him about lightning, she had flat out forbade him from doing so. Resulting in their present argument.

"How about a compromise?" Iroh suggested, once he was sure the both of them had gotten some of the fight out of their systems. "I shall teach Zuko with you there Orora. That way, should I over-exert myself, you will be there to help me."

Orora huffed angrily, and he could pick up on the worried glint in her eyes. "I will be fine, my pupil." He reassured her, reaching out to pat her hand gently. Finally, the tension in her shoulders loosened and she heaved a sigh.

"Fine. But I get to stand by during the lesson. To keep an eye on you." She threw a look in Zuko's direction, daring him to say anything to her arrangement. He simply glared back.

And so it was with great reluctance that Orora stood ready to put a stop to the lesson should anything happen to Iroh. Though once her Master generated lightning, she couldn't help but admire the deadly element as it crackled from his fingertips. She stood next to Zuko, absolutely transfixed as she watched Iroh guide the lightning expertly. Her mouth fell open as the lightning was finally released and it went crashing into the sky over the cliff where they stood.

"Amazing!" She whispered, whilst Zuko voiced his eagerness to start immediately. Iroh provided him with a few words of advice, before Zuko began to mimic the moves Iroh had done a few moments ago.

He threw his arm out, only for fire to blast him backwards, slamming him into Orora who stood right behind him. The both of them went tumbling down in a tangle of limbs and dirt. "Argh! Get off me you idiot!" Orora pushed at his shoulder where his upper body rested on her chest. He quickly scrambled up, hardly noticing the fall as he started to redo the move.

"Are you alright, my dear?" Her Master asked, holding out a hand for her to take to help her stand up. Careful not to apply too much weight on it, she slowly stood, her blue gaze never leaving Zuko's. "He won't be able to do it, will he?" She asked quietly as the fire exploded in Zuko's face once more.

Beside her Iroh simply shook his head sadly.

"No, but he will not be satisfied until he has tried multiple times so why don't we give him some room?" Iroh suggested moving to sit in the shade of the hut. "And while we wait, why don't you tell me a little bit about your hair. I have seen white hair only once before and that was on the Princess of your Tribe."

Once the both of them had settled, and Zuko's failed attempts were only a noise in the background, Orora reached up to grasp the lock of whit hair once more. "She came to me last night. I prayed for the Spirits to help and she came." The young girl responded to which Iroh gave a surprised look. "The Spirits must deem you worthy if one of them came to visit you." He admitted, stroking his beard as he did.

"What did you ask her?" The question prompted Orora to shift her gaze away from his, though it unconsciously flitted in Zuko's direction. Iroh hummed under his breath.

"Were you feeling conflicted because your soulmate is the Prince of the Fire Nation?" His words struck her dumb and she stared at him wide eyed. Her heart thumped in her chest and her mouth fell open. "H-how did..." She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. Iroh smiled kindly.

"I had my suspicions ever since we first met you, but yesterday, when you were able to sense Zuko so near, they were confirmed." It almost felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, and it prompted her to nod in agreement to his words.

"Fate has a sick sense of humor doesn't it? My soulmate is Prince of the Fire Nation." At least she could speak to someone about it now. Iroh frowned. "Is that your only concern? That he is the Prince?"

She was saved from answering the question as snother blast echoed off the cliff side, followed by a grunt as Zuko fell on his back once more. He let out a yell of frustration as he beat a fist into the dirt beside him. "Why can't I do it? Instead of lightning it keeps exploding in my face, like everything always does."

Orora couldn't help but glance in his direction when he spoke. She couldn't help but pick up on the obvious break in his voice when he said the last few words.

Once more, she wandered what had happened to Zuko to make him feel that way. She had always felt like he carried too much on his shoulders for one so young, and now that she had some of the pieces to the puzzle, it did make sense to her.

Beside her Iroh stood and motioned for her to follow after him. "I was afraid this might happen. You will not be able to master lightning until you have dealt with the turmoil inside you."

"What turmoil?" The Prince shouted, to which Orora rolled her eyes. "Come on Zuko, I know next to nothing about your past and even I can see that there is something eating you from the inside." In response to her helpful comment, Zuko awarded her with a glare, which she leveled with a cold stare of her own.

It almost felt like nothing had happened between the two of them last night. She had thought that with her staying and helping with his Uncle, he would at least change his attitude towards her.

But no, that stayed the same. He stayed the same.

Iroh chose to speak once more. "Zuko, you must let go of your feelings of shame if you want your anger to go away." Zuko blinked at his Uncle in confusion. "But I don't feel any shame at all. I'm as proud as ever."

In response, her Master shook his head. "Prince Zuko, pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. True humility is the only antidote to shame." Orora frowned slightly, wandering if perhaps her pride had led her astray every now and then. "Well, my life has been nothing but humbling lately." Zuko grumbled, at which Orora frowned. "If you think being humble is about barely eating and staying alive then you are wrong Zuko. It is much more then that."

She glanced at Iroh, hoping she hadn't overstepped. But instead, she found him smiling slightly at her and gesturing for her to keep talking. So she did. "Being humble means to not think of yourself as better than other people. And it only comes when you let go of your sense of pride and accept that you the same as everyone around you."

"Well put Orora." Iroh said with a smile. Zuko only turned his head away, unable to meet the earnest expression in Orora's gaze as she gave her explanation. Deciding it best to change tactics, Iroh spoke. "I have another idea. I will teach you a firebending move that even Azula doesn't know." He smiled in a conspiratorial manner. "Because I made it up myself."

Zuko smiled in response.

It was the first time Orora had seen him smile, she realized with a jolt.

"You shall be joining this lesson as well Orora." Iroh's voice had her snapping out of her thought process. "I believe you can learn from this just as much as Zuko will." She grinned, nodding eagerly, completely missing the way Zuko looked at her when she did.

For once, both Zuko and Orora were seated side by side, as opposed to sitting away from one another, as Iroh stood in front of them with a long stick. "Fire is the element of power." As he spoke he drew the Fire Sigil in the dirt. "The people of the Fire Nation have desire and will, and the energy and drive to achieve what they want." Blue eyes slid to the Prince sitting beside her, and silently agree with what Iroh had just said.

"Earth is the element of substance." Once more he began to draw in the dirt, though this time it was the Earth Kingdom Sigil. "The people of the Earth Kingdom are diverse and strong. They are persistent and enduring. Air is the element of freedom." Without pausing, Iroh drew the Insignia of the AIr Nomads. "The Air Nomads detached themselves from worldly concerns and found peace and freedom. Also, they apparently had pretty good senses of humor!" He grinned at his own joke, prompting Orora to give an awkward one back. Zuko didn't react at all.

"Water is the element of change." She sat up a little straighter when her element was mentioned. "The people of the Water Tribe are capable of adapting to many things. They have a deep sense of community and love that holds them together through anything." Once he finished drawing the symbol of her People, Orora couldn't help but feel a sudden pang of homesickness as she thought of her home.

"Why are you telling me these things?" Zuko asked, unknowingly allowing Orora a few moments to gather herself from the sudden realization that she missed home.

"It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If you take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others, the other elements, and the other nations will help you become whole." Iroh explained, glancing first at Zuko then at Orora, to make sure they were both listening attentively.

Zuko frowned. "All this four elements talk is sounding like Avatar stuff." Giving a small nod Iroh spoke. "It is the combination of the four elements in one person that makes the Avatar so powerful. But it can make the both of you more powerful, too." He first poked Zuko with the end of his stick, before doing the same to Orora.

Suddenly he smiled, looking almost proud as he spoke. "You see the technique I'm about to teach you both is one I learned by studying the waterbenders."

Orora blinked in surprise, not having been expecting that. Iroh gave her a smile. "I am sure you will find it useful as well Orora. And you can help Zuko perfect his stance and movement if he requires it. I am afraid I still am not able to move properly." He motioned to his still bandaged arm and chest to which Orora nodded. "Of course, Master."

Zuko, however, didn't really look pleased at the fact.

Standing in front of Zuko, Orora felt her body begin to relax as she and Zuko did the push and pull motion. She could feel a warmth bloom in her entire body, as her chi began to follow the movements of her arms. Her eyes were fixed at a spot over Zuko's shoulder, though she oculdn't help but allow them to wander to meet his gaze every now and then.

Or perhaps, it was Zuko who was meeting her gaze.

Truthfully, and unknown to the both of them, it was both.

Iroh circled the both of them, watching their movement. "Waterbenders deal with the flow of energy. A waterbender lets their defense become their offense, turning their opponents' energy against them. As we have seen Orora do on more then one occasion." He came to lay a hand on her shoulder, to which she gave him a small smile. "It was how I learned a way to do this with lightning."

"You can teach me to redirect lightning?" Zuko asked, almost sounding astonished. "That is amazing Master, for you to create such a technique." Orora exclaimed softly, in awe of the older and wiser man. Iroh smiled at their praise, before he began to demonstrate the move.

"If you let the energy in your own body flow, the lightning will follow it. You must create a pathway from your fingertips, up your arm to your shoulder, then down into your stomach. The stomach is the source of energy in your body. It is called the sea of chi. Only in my case it is more like a vast ocean." He added with a laugh, before continuing. "From the stomach, you direct it up again, and out the other arm. The stomach detour is critical. You must not let the lightning pass through your heart, or the damage could be deadly." A sick feeling settled in Orora's stomach as she watched Iroh press his fingertips against Zuko's chest.

"Would they die?" She asked, unable to stop herself. Iroh simply gave a nod.

"A very painful death. For now, we should try the physical motion, to get a feel for the pathways' flow, like this." He demonstrated his technique, starting with his finger tips touching as he created a path down his arm, to his stomach, then up out the other arm.

From where she stood beside Zuko, Orora was able to pick up pretty quickly. Mostly because her body was already adept with the fluidity of motion given that she was a waterbender. Zuko, however, used to the precise moves of a firebender was having a little difficulty.

"Now, are you focusing your energy? Can you feel your own chi flowing in, down, up, and out?" Iroh asked, pausing his own demonstration to watch the both of them. Orora gave a nod. "I can feel it Master." She confirmed. Zuko's reply was a little unsure as he responded. "I think so."

Iroh grinned. "Come on, you've got to feel the flow." He encouraged Zuko. Seeing how his nephew was struggling he turned to Orora. "My dear, why don't you come here and do the motion while facing Zuko. He will be able to pick up on it better. I can only do it for so long given my injuries."

"Of course Master." So saying, Orora took up her position. Though when her gaze met Zuko's she realized that perhaps she should have thought this through. She had to look at him now while he went through the motion. And he had to look at her, really look at her, to pick up on whatever he was missing.

Their gaze never strayed from one another, which was becoming a normal occurrence it would seem.

Finally, after practicing for a good half hour Iroh stopped them. Orora inhaled deeply as she did, noticing how the air smelled of rain. She glanced to the skies, watching as the dark clouds rolled in. It was already raining somewhere."

"Excellent! You've got it!" Iroh said smiling at both of them. Orora grinned, already thinking of ways she could apply the technique with her water bending abilities.

Zuko, however, had other plans. "Great, I'm ready to try it with real lightning!"
Both his Uncle and Orora stared at him. "What? Are you crazy? Lightning is very dangerous!" Iroh exclaimed. "Have you forgotten how much damage it can cause a person? Your sister demonstrated well enough." She gestured to Iroh's still-healing shoulder and chest."

"I thought that was the point! You teaching me to protect myself from it!" Zuko argued back, not willing to back down without a fight. Iroh waved his arms about as he tried to explain. "Yeah! But I'm not going to shoot lightning at you! If you're lucky, you will never have to use this technique at all!"

Deciding that perhaps this would be the time to step in Orora, quickly spoke up. "I think thats enough training for a day. We should all head back inside before the storm comes in." She suggested, looking at Iroh who nodded in agreement before turning to ask for Zuko's agreement on the matter.

The Prince had other plans. "Well, if you won't help me, I'll find my own lightning." He didn't even give either of them a chance to say anything, before jumping onto the Ostrich-Horse and speeding away.

"You're just going to let him go?" Orora exclaimed, turning to Iroh. He only shook his head sadly. "Zuko is a stubborn young man Orora. He will not listen to anyone."

Orora turned her gaze to where Zuko was growing smaller and smaller in the distance. A determined gleam came into her eyes before she let out a huff of anger. "Then I will make him listen. He's not getting himself purposely hurt. Not on my watch."

So saying she tore off after him, running as fast as she could. Leaving behind an old man who smiled in content, knowing his nephew was in safe hands.

The rain was coming down in torrents. If it wasn't for her ability to create a barrier around her, Orora would be thoroughly soaked and unable to see where she was going. The small protective bubble around helped her as she scaled the small mountain. She knew Zuko was at the top, she had found Chairo at the base.

That and her finger had tugged, indicating to her that her soulmate was close by.

The wind blew wildly, prompting her to hand on tightly to one of the sharp rock jutting out from the side of the mountain. "Where the Spirits is he?" She growled under her breath. A flash of lightning answered her question, followed by a familiar voice.

The thread tugged violently at her finger and she finally crested the last few inches of the mountain to step onto the top. Thank the Spirits it was flat and wasn't as rocky and slippery as the rest of the mountain had been.

In the middle of the pouring rain and howling wind was a figure on his knees. A lump of fear formed in her throat as her mind went to the worst situation. But it was quickly remedied when he turned his head skyward. "Zuko!" She screamed. "We have to get away from here. Its too dangerous!" She urged him, hoping he would see sense now. He glanced over his shoulder at her, an almost crazed look in his eyes as he did. "Go away Orora. This doesn't concern you!"

"It does when your life is in danger." She shot back, trying her best to be overheard over the thunder and pouring rain.

The next few moments would haunt her for years.

He had his eyes fixed on the sky as the bolt of lightning dove right towards him. Zuko prepared to take the stance, ready to redirect it. But the string on your finger tightened so harshly that you let out a cry. A few feet away from you, Zuko faltered in his stance.

He was vulnerable. And would never be able to redirect lightning in that moment.

You threw your arms out. Some of the falling rain turned to ice, forming a hand like shape before gripping Zuko's shoulders and pulling him back and throwing him out of the way.

And not a moment to soon.

Lightning struck where Zuko had been a few seconds before. Orora was blinded by the sheer brightness of it all, prompting her to throw her arm over her eyes. Slowly lowering her arm, she stared at the spot where Zuko had been standing mere seconds ago. There was a huge chunk of rock missing, and the area around it was blackened and charred. Despite the rain it looked like it was smoking.

She turned to glare angrily at Zuko. "That could've been you." She growled through gritted teeth. Her sudden display of waterbending to save his life had dissipated the protective bubble around her. She was soaking in minutes of standing under the torrent. "I had it handled!'" Zuko shot back, standing up and stalking towards her. She held her ground, tilting her head up so she could meet his gaze properly.

He was a few inches taller then she.

"No! You didn't! And you're too stubborn and arrogant to see it!" Another flash of lightning lit the sky, though the two teenagers barely noticed as they glared daggers at one another. Orora could feel her hair plastered to her forehead from the rain, prompting her to push it out of her eyes. "I didn't ask for your help." He shot back, steam rising from his shoulders where his firebending abilities evaaporated the raindrops that soaked him.

"I didn't ask for your help during the Siege either, but you helped me anyway. If you helped me then, why can't I help you now?" He was breathing heavily. They both were. "Would you rather I let the soldier kill you?" How was it that every conversation they had ended up with that first moment being mentioned.

Orora's jaw set in a stubborn clench as she met his glare. "Why?" She asked again. And though the word was barely above a whisper, Zuko felt it echo in his ears loud and clear.

"Because I had to." He finally responded with the first thing that came into his mind. Reaching out he pulled at her hand where the string was tied with the hand that had his string as well. "I had to because we're soulmates. And I may be a firebender Orora, but I'm not crazy. Not like my sister. And if we're talking about something we've both done, why don't you tell me why're you here?"

She frowned, feigining confusion. "What're you talking about?" He rolled his eyes at her. "I told you my reason, so why don't you come out and say it. Why did you stay? Why didn't you leave with the Avatar? Why did you just save me?"

Another flash of lightning followed by a loud rumble of thunder. The wind blew around them as the rain trickled down their face. But neither of them noticed their current pridicament. Her blue eyes shifted to where they still held hands. It was unnerving, seeing the thread between them so short.

"Because I had to." She finally spoke, meeting his golden gaze. "Because we're soulmates."

Zuko's mind was reeling. Reeling with the fact that he had admitted to something he had refused to ever acknowledge only a few months ago. Orora was staring back at him. This had to be the first time her face held true honesty when looking at him. At least it was different from her usual glares and smirks. For Orora seeing Zuko look so vulnerable had her feeling all sorts of confused. She wanted to hug him, but she also wanted to hit him over the head for being so reckless.

She found her head tilting slightly, just as his moved forward. His eyes and dropped to her lips, she was sure of it. But then again, her gaze wasn't any better.

It was the sound of thunder that had them suddenly pulling back. Neither of them had even seen the lightning flash beforehand.

Both teenagers stepped away from one another, with Zuko dropping her hand. Their eyes locked for one last time before he shouldered past her. The hand that had held her's just moments ago flexed at his side, as he allowed himself to recall just how soft her hand had felt.

Orora stood where she was for a good few minutes longer, to let her mind process what had just happened. Then again what was there to process?

They had both acknowledged one another as soulmates.

There was no going back from that.