A/N: We're on our way to Ba Sing Se! And if its not too much trouble could you guys just leave your thoughts and tell me what you thought of this chapter and the story overall please? I would really appreciate it.

To say things were awkward between her and Zuko would be an understatement.

Where there had been some form of civility between the both of them, despite their constant bickering, now it was...silence. Sure there were a few words exchanged, but they were short and curt, and neither of them would look at the other when they spoke.

It was beginning to get on Iroh's nerves. He would take their constant bickering any day over whatever this was. Once more he wandered what had happened when Orora had gone after his nephew. Zuko had returned first, dripping wet and without the ostrich horse or Orora. Iroh didn't have time to worry long. She soon returned as well, perfectly dry and with a protective covering over both her and Chairo to keep from getting wet. She had simply offered Iroh a small shake of her head at his offer of a hot meal, pulled out her sleeping bag, and disappeared under her blanket.

It had been a few days since that day, and his injuries were on the mend. They were healing remarkably fast. All thanks to Orora and her healing abilities. She would have two healing sessions with him everyday. One in the morning and another one at night. After a few days she allowed him to start practicing a few firebending stances to help his muscles heal properly. But she was always ready in case he pulled a muscle or something of the sort.

During their stay in the rundown hut, Orora had taken to practicing her waterbending stances. She would go through them over and over, until every step was seamless like water running over a rock, and every movement of her arm was as fluid as the water she bended. Given that she needed to practice near water, and Iroh wasn't about to let her out of his sight for fear of Azula returning, all three of them would go down to the nearby river. And while Iroh would dip his feet in the cool water and Zuko would sulk nearby, Orora would step into the water and practice.

Of course before stepping into the water she had to shed the baggy brown pants and tunic she had worn since the day she had begun her journey disguised as a boy.

Which left her in her underclothes, which consisted of a light blue bandeau wrapped around her chest, leaving her shoulders and stomach completely bare. Around her hips was a sarong type skirt under which she had a pair of, what looked to be, short pants that ended mid-thigh.

Since the time she had chopped off her hair, the strands now just touched her cheeks. Where her pale blue eyes had been the most prominent feature against her tanned skin, now white portion at the front of her hair was what stood out more. The months of traveling had led her to loose whatever baby fat had been left, and while she still thought of herself as unshapely, anyone could see that she was filling out quite well when it came to the curve of her hips and the swell of her breasts. Not to mention the constant walking and waterbending practice she did helped kept her in shape. And though she was eating significantly less then she normally did, she didn't have a starved look about her face.

All in all, she looked rather healthy considering the circumstances.

After a few moments of contemplation where she stared at her reflection in the clear water, Orora inhaled softly before assuming her first stance and starting her practice.

Completely unaware of a pair of golden eyes taking in her every movement sitting on the river bank almost entranced.

Iroh had seen his nephew looking, and a smile pulled at his lips at the expression on the young Prince's face. "What has you so deep in thought Prince Zuko?" He asked, though there was a certain teasing tone in his words, there was also curiosity and sincerity. That words acted as a reminder that he was staring and he quickly looked away, his cheeks a little red at having been caught staring.

Silence followed his words as Iroh chuckled and returned to watching his student execute a particularly difficult waterbending move to perfection. "Bravo Orora! You are doing very well." Orora pushed her wet hair back from her forehead to give the older man a grin before returning to her practice. Zuko had caught the move out of the corner of his eyes, and though he would never voice it, he knew that under his Uncle's guidance, despite their different elements, Orora would become a skilled bender.

"Tell me Prince Zuko, now that you have found your soulmate, is there anything you intend to do something about it?" So perhaps he was being a little nosy, but Iroh was hoping that Orora would be the person to bring a little light, laughter and perhaps love into his nephew's life. He had been so starved of all three since his mother's disappearance, and though Iroh tried his best to fill that void, perhaps having another person would help steer Zuko down the right path.

Zuko had visibly stiffened at the question, stubbornly refusing to meet his Uncle's inquiring gaze. Once more he didn't reply, though his mind wandered back to the night of the storm. When they had both finally acknowledged what they had been trying to fight since the day they met.

"There is nothing to do about anything, Uncle." He stated in a flat tone. "Nothing will ever become of it. Our destines will never allow it." How could anything happen? She was of the Water Tribe and he was from the Fire Nation. If he was ever to have any chance of going back home, he would never be able to take her with him. A prince of the Fire Nation with a water bending soulmate?

Even if the Fire Sages let it slip, his father would never allow it to happen.

Iroh's expression grew a little grave at what his nephew was implying. "As I have often told you Prince Zuko, destiny works in mysterious ways, but it never throws a problem at a person that they cannot figure out." He reached out to gently place a hand on his shoulder.

"You will find the answer to this my boy. And sometimes the answer is standing right in front of you." As he spoke, Iroh's gaze moved to Orora who was still practicing. Unconsciously Zuko followed his gaze.

And continued to look at her until she was finished with her training and approached the shore. Zuko stood abruptly to his feet as she did, turning his back to her. "I hope you're feeling up for some traveling Uncle, we will be leaving in the morning."

Orora frowned, opening her mouth to protest but a silent look from her Master had her sighing. "Well I suppose I should start packing up." She spoke softly as she quickly dried herself off using waterbending and donning her clothes. Zuko didn't hear her response, having already started down the path back towards their temporary abode.

"He shouldn't be traveling this soon."

Zuko glanced up from where he had been saddling Chairo. Orora had just exited the small hut from where he could already hear the sounds of his Uncle snoring away. He had probably just finished a healing session with him.

"I know, but if we stay here, my sister might find us again." He didn't miss the look of surprise she gave him at his calm response. It was a first for him, to respond normally to anything she said. But he was just tired, and didn't feel it in him to argue with her. "True."

If he could be civil, she could be civil.

"I guess we just have to be careful with him." Zuko gave a small smile as he shook his head. "He may not look it, but he's tough. He can handle it." His tone was as reassuring as it could get, and it did ease Orora's worry a little. A particularly loud snore echoed in the night prompting Orora to smile and for Zuko to let out a small groan of embarrassment.

"Especially after he's had a good night sleep. Which we should be getting as well." With one final tug to make sure everything was well and truly packed, Zuko picked up his sleeping mat and moved to walk past Orora and towards the hut.

"Hey Zuko?" The sound of her calling out his name made him pause. He had stopped barely a foot away from her, so the placement allowed them to stand face to face. Just as they had done a few nights ago on the mountain.

There was a certain nervousness about her, but the question that had been gnawing away inside her was what finally compelled her to speak her mind. "Is it because I'm from the water tribe that's...stopping you?"

He stared at her, the surprise at her question evident in his expression given his parted lips and the how his eyes had widened. Her heart beating almost unbearably fast in her chest, Orora continued. "Because your being from the Fire Nation, not to mention being the Prince is whats stopping me from..." Her voice trailed off, but her eyes dropped to the finger where the thread was tied.

Pale blue met bright gold, and their gazes held. They held for a long time.

Long enough for Orora to memorize they very shape of his scar, something that she had never really allowed herself to observe before. She also noticed some other things. Like how, for example, how nervous yet soft he looked in that moment. And how when he wasn't frowning he was actually rather handsome. She was aware how some people would find the scar off-putting, but she didn't. Scars were a part of life. And while most people hid them, Zuko didn't have that choice. Still, she did feel herself begin to blush under his intense gaze, but she didn't let herself look away.

Probably because she wanted to memorize the exact color of his eyes.

Maybe?

Zuko had spent the entire day observing Orora, and even in the past, when he had allowed himself to do so, somehow, she managed to reveal something new and intriguing about herself to him. At the moment he was wandering if the white patch in her hair was just as soft to touch as it was to look at. And then there were her eyes. It was utterly ridiculous how those eyes had the power to invoke feelings within him. Feelings he had made sure lay dormant lest they find the strength to grow stronger. At the moment, he was beginning to feel a little nervous as he struggled to find the words to answer her question.

"Its...not the only thing stopping me." He responded truthfully, finally diverting his eyes to instead look at the ground between them. Normally he would have brushed her off, but something in her eyes had compelled him to answer.

"I suppose other then being a prince and a firebender, another thing stopping you is my scar. And if you heard how I got it, it would only add to the list of whats stopping you." What better way to bring himself down even more then to speak of the ugly truth that was in front of her. That she probably looked at everyday. He really should win a prize when it came self-deprecation.

A small sound from Orora made him look back up. And watch in surprise as she stepped forward, her hand raised to gently place her fingers against the scarred skin of his face. The sleeping mat he had been holding fell to the ground as his eyes clashed against the blue of her own. The slight difference in their heights had him tilting his head forward a little.

His mind flashed back to their second meeting, when she had removed the blue spirit mask and seen his face for the first time. She had done the same back then. Did that mean she didn't find his scar repulsive?

Orora was glad for what she did. For the way she had reached out and touched him. And though he had been surprised at first, she made a promise to never point out to him how she had felt her head lean slightly into her touch. Her thumb brushed against the scar, and all Zuko wanted to do was close his eyes and savor in her touch.

But he didn't.

He couldn't.

"It has never stopped me Zuko. And I doubt the story of how you got it would either." Her voice was soft, so soft that if he hadn't been standing so close, he would never have heard her properly. As was the norm an argument to negate her words rose in his mind, but another sweep of her thumb had the words fading from his mind. And this time he did allow his eyes to close.

If only to savor in her gentle touch for a few moments.

To allow him this little moment of selfishness.

"Maybe one day, you can tell me. When you're ready."

With one final gentle stroke of her thumb and fingers, she pulled back. Zuko didn't open his eyes, as the younger waterbender began to walk back to the rundown hut. And as she settled into her bedding, she couldn't help but feel that she had somehow helped put Zuko's mind and heart at ease with her words.

The thought made her smile. She was still smiling as she slowly fell asleep, thinking of the Fire Nation Prince.

Now all they had to do was work past the fact that he was a prince of the fire nation and she was a waterbender. And though such a feat would take some time, for the first time since he had been made aware of Orora, Zuko allowed himself to feel a little hope.

"Orora! Watch out!"

The warning came just as the stray flaming arrow flew straight towards her exposed arm. Given her sharp reflexes, the waterbender was quickly able to throw up an ice shield and watch it shatter. As the new threat, who Iroh had introduced as the The Rough Rhinos outnumbered them, the best tactic would be to retreat. Which was exactly what Iroh was thinking as he rode past her with his arm stretched out to help her get on Chairo. She was quick to grasp the back of Iroh's robe to steady herself before throwing her own arm out to help Zuko jump behind her. The momentum of his jump very nearly threw him off the other side, but Orora managed to grip his arm and wrap it around her waist to keep him from slipping any further.

"It's nice to see old friends." Iroh said, laughter evident in his tone as they made their escape. Behind her, Orora could hear Zuko scoff as he growled. "Too bad you don't have any old friends that don't want to attack you." His tone was spiteful and normally Orora would have told him off for speaking like that but he had a point. And it seemed Iroh seemed to be thinking along the same lines as well.

"Hmmm...old friends that don't want to attack me."

She leaned forward to glance at him from the side. "Do you have anyone in mind who could help us Master?" She asked to which Iroh gave a nod. "I do. And we are by luck heading in the right direction." So saying he spurred the ostrich-horse to go faster.

The sudden change in pace caused Orora to fall backwards and into Zuko's chest.

"Watch it!" He still had an arm around her waist to keep himself steady, and perhaps it was the close proximity that made Orora fell just a little nervous about the situation. "You watch it. You nearly fell to the other side when you jumped." She glanced over her shoulder so she could look at him while they argued.

Zuko glared at her, his eyes narrowing. "Next time we're attacked by one of Uncle's old friends maybe you shouldn't rush into things before assessing the entire situation!" He threw back, to which Orora rolled her eyes.

"Oh I'm sorry. I didn't realize we had the time to asses the threat before attacking. They sure seemed in a hurry to attack us didn't they?! Or have you forgotten the giant fireball they threw at you?"

Iroh barely suppressed a laugh as he listened to the two teenagers argue. It was nice to hear them speaking properly once more.

"Something amusing, Master?" She may be his student, but Orora had an uncanny ability to make him think before speaking lest he make the young girl angry.

"Not at all. You two carry on with your conversation."

Though neither teenager felt like doing so. Not when they both realized just how close they were to one another. With Zuko's arm around Orora's waist, and back resting against his chest as she leaned against him. They couldn't even pull away for fear of falling off. With obvious blushes on both their cheeks, they prayed for the journey to soon be over.

For this had to be the most awkward yet pleasant thing that had occurred to the both of them in such a spontaneous manner.

Luckily Iroh's friends, whoever they were, were not so far. They entered what had once been a lovely oasis, at least according to the inscription Orora had read at the gate, but now it was all rundown and filled with some of the most unsavory people she had ever seen.

While Zuko and Iroh did not seem bothered with the way they were looking at them, Orora felt shivers go up her spine with the way some of the people looked at her.

At first she tried to glare back.

Tried to make them stand down.

But that only made the looks persistent. An uncomfortable feeling settled in her stomach. And though she knew she could take them out if she wanted to she had to keep her head down for Iroh and Zuko's sake.

Beside there were so many of them. It was enough leering that it made her loose a little confidence in herself as she directed her gaze towards the ground, hoping to avoid any more unwanted eye contact.

Unconsciously she had stepped a little closer to Zuko, her arm brushing against his as they walked. He had glanced at her, about to tell her to step away a little but he stopped when he caught sight of the slightly fearful expression she wore. He frowned, his eyes instantly assessing their surroundings in case she had seen someone threatening. What he did manage to see were several male onlookers nearly ogling Orora.

White hot anger flashed within him, and his hands clenched as he shot a deadly glare at each and every person who dared look at her that way. One of them seemed to not take the warning look from Zuko, prompting him to nearly take a step in his direction just to throw a punch at him.

However, a hand timidly grasping his stopped him. He did not need to look down to see who it was, but he did begin to walk in front of Orora, almost as if he were shielding her with his body. Orora felt herself starting to relax. If any of these people tried anything she had both Zuko and Iroh to help her.

She wasn't alone.

Given that their gazes were trained straight ahead, neither of them noticed when the thread between them suddenly glimmered with color before disappearing.

They had entered the rundown shop where apparently they served the best mango drinks. Sipping on her drink, Orora concentrated on the taste as Iroh looked around in search of his friend. "Are you sure they will be here Master. This place doesn't rally boast...good company does it?" She was referring to the several mercenaries around. They looked like how mercenary would at least.

Zuko grumbled in agreement. "No one here is going to help us. These people just look like filthy wanderers."

"So do we." His Uncle replied with a grin before pointing at something behind Zuko. "Ah, this is interesting. I think I found our friend"

The two teenagers quickly followed Iroh as he led them to a table where an old man sat as if he were waiting for someone. Orora recognized the table and frowned slightly. Zuko seemed to realize what was going on as well. "You brought us here to gamble on Pai Sho?" He said, sounding just as irritated as he looked. Orora rolled her eyes at him, getting a little tired of his rudeness. Sure his presence helped her feel a little safe, but that didn't stop her from being annoyed by him.

Iroh shook his head. "I don't think this is a gamble." So saying he led the way towards the table with Zuko and Orora following after him. "May I have this game." Iroh asked in an almost serene voice. The other man gestured for Iroh to sit down. "The guest has the first move." He said. Iroh gave a small nod before turning to look at Orora. "My dear, if you would please allow me to borrow a certain tile from you?"

Zuko looked between the Master and Student in confusion. Orora for her part gave a small nod before slowly retrieving the white lotus tile Master Pakku had given her all those months ago and handing it over to Iroh, who placed it in the center of the board.

"I see you favor the white lotus gambit." The other man said. "Not many still cling to the ancient ways." Iroh gave a small nod of agreement. "Those who do can always find a friend"

Seemingly satisfied with what Iroh had said, the old man nodded. "Then let us play."

Orora watched, almost mesmerized as Iroh and the other man placed tile after tile on the board. Never once were they out of sync, neither did they speak a word while they did. Zuko was watching just as intently as she was, though he did sit down while she kept standing.

Finally they each placed the final tile and revealed the pattern they had created.

A lotus flower.

"Welcome, brother." The old man greeted by opening his arms wide. "The White Lotus opens wide to those who know her secrets." Never before had Orora felt both curious and perplexed simultaneously. Zuko was helpful enough to voice what they were both feeling in that moment.

"What are you old gasbags talking about?" Instinctively her hand darted out to slap his arm for being so rude. Knowing what the slap was for, Zuko simply threw her a brief glare before turning his attention back to his Uncle who was smiling widely.

"I always tried to tell you that Pai Sho is more than just a game." He said as he rolled Orora's tile over his knuckles and clutched it.

A sudden commotion caused all of them to look up to see a man approach their table. "It's over! You two fugitives are coming with me!" Instantly Orora was on the defensive. She uncorked the water bag at her side, twin ice daggers forming in her hand as she took up a defensive position in front of Zuko and Iroh. Iroh's friend quickly placed himself before Iroh and Zuko, preventing the man from reaching them.

"I knew it! You two are wanted criminals with a giant bounty on your heads" He exclaimed, pointing at the two firebenders. Zuko growled. "I thought you said he would help!" He had reached out to grasp Orora's elbow to prevent her from attacking anyone who would throw back a bigger punch.

Iroh simply placed a hand on Zuko's shoulder to reassure him, still smiling. "He is. Just watch." Orora allowed her stance to soften, but only slightly.

"You think you're going to capture them and collect all that gold"

"Gold?"

That seemed to do the trick. Suddenly the entire bar was looking at them. Some of them even stood up, pulling out their weapons, ready to attack. Within moments, the entire establishment was in chaos. Through it all, the trio managed to escape with the old man leading the way. And though it wasn't necessary, Zuko kept a firm grip on Orora's hand as they ran.

And despite her always thinking she didn't need help, Orora allowed herself to be helped in that moment.

It felt nice to have someone worry about her safety for once.

They didn't have to run very long. Soon they reached a small village at the very edge of the desert, and were all ushered inside a little flower shop.

The man, who had introduced himself as Fung, bowed to Iroh. "It is an honor to welcome such a high-ranking member of the Order of the White Lotus. Being a Grand Master, you must know so many secrets." Zuko, who was getting a little annoyed with the lack of answers snapped. "Now that you played Pai Sho, are you going to do some flower arranging, or is someone in this club going to offer some real help ."

This time Orora punched him in the shoulder. "Why do you have to be so rude Zuko?" She admonished him. His only response was to glare at her, which she returned with just as much heat as it was given. While the two teens bickered, Iroh had moved towards the door at the end of the shop and was already going through it. Both Zuko and Orora made to enter but the door was slammed shut in their faces. Iroh opened the small window to smile at the both of them. "I'm afraid it's members only. Wait out here." With that the window closed and Iroh disappeared.

"Are you pouting Zuko?" Orora asked in a teasing tone. The young Prince gave a response in the negative in an almost annoyed manner. The girl laughed softly to herself before moving off to wander around the flower shop. A still annoyed Zuko frowned and crossed his arms before he moved to lean against a nearby table.

Discretely he shifted his head slightly to sniff at the flower next to him before pulling back.

The atmosphere in the shop was rather relaxed now that they knew someone was willing to help them. Not to mention the little...talk they had a few nights ago had helped cleared the air a little. Neither of them spoke, too tired to actually say anything from the constant running and traveling they had done throughout the day.

Once she was done exploring, Orora came to sit down where Zuko was standing. It didn't take long for Zuko to finally get tired of standing and lower himself down to the ground beside her. They didn't have their bed rolls, so it seemed sleeping while sitting up was the best option.

Orora was the first one to fall asleep. Her eyes had been drooping for nearly ten minutes before they finally closed completely and she drifted off to dreamland. Of course, not before her head fell to the side, landing on Zuko's shoulder where it stayed for the rest of the night.

For his part, Zuko only blushed at the close proximity. It didn't bother him though. He was beginning to find a lot of things concerning Orora that didn't bother him. As he felt his own eyes growing heavy with sleep, he let his head rest against the leg of the table behind him.

Of course during the night, his head slowly slipped down to come to rest on top of Orora's. But neither of them stirred an inch that night. Unconsciously drawing comfort from the others presence.

And during the night the thread between them continued to flicker with color.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Please leave a review! - Hestia28