A/N: Oh boy this was a long one! Hope you guys enjoy! Please leave a review and let me know what you think! As always Pickles, Night and a new guest reviewer! Thank you for your kind words!

When she opened her eyes the next morning, Orora was greeted with the sight of a small bundle.

She frowned, her sleep addled brain trying to recall where she was. A brief moment of clarity, before she remembered all that had happened.

The Invasion.

The plan failing.

Running to protect her friends.

Getting hurt.

Zuko saving her.

Zuko.

Zuko saved her.

He saved her again.

Zuko bandaged her.

He took care of her.

Zuko apologized.

He regretted what he had done.

Zuko wanted to fight alongside Aang and end the war.

Her mind raced with all that had happened last night, and she groaned as she pressed a hand to her head, already feeling a headache coming on.

Peeking out from inbetween her fingers, her eyes zeroed in on the small bundle once again. Reaching out, she undid the small string that held it together to reveal a loaf of bread, some cheese and...two moon peaches.

Her heart jumped in her throat and her lips parted in astonishment.

He...he remembered.

He remembered her favorite fruit.

A memory crossed her mind, one where he had eaten her moon peach and she had argued with him about it. And though he had refused to remedy it at that time, later he had given her a peach.

The pit of which she had stored away in her bag.

The bag that she had left in Ba Sing Se in her room.

For a brief moment, Orora wandered if she could go back one day and get her old bag, but quickly shook her head.

Still, it had been awhile since she had eaten her favorite fruit so it was the first thing she picked up and ate. Realizing that she was hungrier then she had thought, and remembering that she hadn't eaten anything since yesterday morning, Orora consumed the food within minutes.

Once her thirst had been satiated with a long drink from her refilled water skin, she became aware of movement just beyond her vision.

It was Zuko.

And though she knew he would be around, and had seen him last night, the sight of him still had her doubting that he was truly there.

But then he looked up from whatever he was doing. He had probably felt her gaze on him.

Their eyes met.

And despite her best efforts to not let it effect her, Orora did feel her heartbeat pick up and a strange sensation to run through her body. Then again, Zuko was no better, looking at her from just a few feet away, reassuring himself that she was really there, and not just a hallucination.

He should probably stop using that word now, because this was real. Orora was here. He was with her again. They were together again just like old times.

Well, not exactly like old times.

Smiling slightly at the empty food packet he had left at her side, just as she had done so many times during their early days of traveling together, Zuko returned to his task, making sure the ropes around the balloon were secure.

As she strapped her water skin around her chest, Orora winced. Despite the healing tonic she had taken, and Zuko's bandaging and salve, her entire body was sore. Even lifting her arm caused a burning sensation to run through her muscles. It would take awhile for her to fully recover, she mused to herself as she picked up her belt and sighed.

No sense in putting it on since it would press against her wound. Standing up slowly so as not to aggravate said wound, the young waterbender gritted her teeth as she bent to pick up the bed roll. Despite her best efforts, a hiss of pain did escape and her hand flew to her side as a stab of pain resonated throughout her body.

She'd closed her eyes momentarily in an effort to keep the tears of pain at bay. Making her miss Zuko glancing in her direction and approaching her within seconds. He gave her a worried look as he lifted the bed roll, bundling it under his arm. "Don't push yourself." He advised, the concern obvious in his eyes as he looked at her. "Its gonna take a few days for the pain to go away. Mine didn't go away for months." He added, gesturing to his scar.

"But yours is minor compared to what mine was, so-" But he didn't get to finish, as Orora simply straightened and walked past him, not even glancing at him as she did.

Zuko stood there, a little surprised at her abrupt departure. But then he closed his eyes and sighed in acceptance. He had been prepared to deal with whatever reaction she would show him. Honestly, he had expected her to yell and scream at him. Somehow, her refusal to speak to him other then the bare minimum caused him more distress.

Her silence and cold shoulder did hurt.

Then again, unknown to him, it hurt her even more.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Orora boarded the war balloon, looking around at the contraption in an effort to distract herself. It was a pretty impressive piece, even if she had no idea how it worked.

She was tapping at the compass, at least one item was familiar, when Zuko appeared. Setting down the bedroll, he began to fiddle around with the instruments.

Slowly, the war balloon began to rise and Orora watched, astonished as Zuko used fire and wood to create hot air which then helped the balloon lift towards the sky.

Pretty soon they were airborne, and heading in the direction of the Western Air Temple.

At least she hoped they were.

"How long until we get to the Temple?" She asked, speaking to him the first time since she had woken that morning.

Zuko jumped from where he had been looking over a map, probably to chart their course. His head whipped in her direction, and she gazed back at him, her eyes unwavering as the wind blew gently through her hair.

"P-probably in two hours." He finally responded, finally looking away, unable to hold her intense gaze. "We would've gotten their yesterday, but I wanted to make sure you were alright." He added, his eyes glancing at her injury before immediately looking away.

She didn't respond, simply moving to lean against the side of the small railing that ran around the small contraption that held them. "So how do you plan on convincing my friends that you're on our side now?" She asked, purposefully avoiding his gaze, only because she didn't want to be distracted by his eyes.

"Oh." Honestly, he hadn't thought that far ahead. He cleared his throat. "Well, I suppose I could just talk to them."

His answer had her whipping her head around to blink at him in utter surprise. "So, what you're going to go up to them and say, Hey! I'm on your side now! and think they're gonna accept that?" She asked, her voice sounding just as incredulous as she felt.

He shrugged. "Well yeah."

Either he was stupid, or he truly believed talking was the best way to go about things.

And since she knew him well enough to know he wasn't stupid, Orora knew it was probably the second option.

She sighed.

This was going to go just about as well as she expected it would.

True to his observation, they arrived within two hours. Zuko landed the war balloon in a well hidden alcove, not wanting it to be seen by accident. Stepping out Orora glanced around, frowning slightly.

"You said we were here." She said, turning to look at him as he worked on tying the ropes of the red tarp to provide some form of shelter from the natural elements. Jumping down from the branch, he nodded. "We are. Its just beyond the cliffs there." He pointed in the right direction.

"Or rather, the Temple is under the cliffs."

Orora frowned at him, the confusion evident in her gaze. The corner of his lips lifted in a slight smile as he explained. "The Air Nomads built this Temple a little different from others. The entire construction is built under the cliff. You can reach it either by flying, walking down a hundred stairs, or by hanging a rope at the side."

Intrigue rose within Orora, and despite her best efforts she stared longingly at the cliff side he had indicated to earlier. "Then we should get going." She said, already starting to walk forward, an excited gleam in her eyes, eager to see something that would be considered structurally impossible.

"No, wait."

His hand flew out to grasp her by the elbow.

Both teenagers froze.

She was still a step ahead, so neither of them could see the other's face. Zuko's eyes had an almost hopeful gleam yet were full of longing with his eyes fixed where his fingers were wrapped around her soft brown skin. Orora, meanwhile, was battling between her wilful nature to remain angry, and her desire to allow herself to feel the comfort his touch brought her.

In the end, the former won out, and she slowly, almost reluctantly, stepped out of his grasp.

"What? Am I going to be your prisoner now?" She asked, the venom obvious in her tone, despite the fact that none of it reached her eyes. Zuko shook his head quickly. "No! No, nothing like that. Its just, you're hurt, and its a long way down, so I wouldn't recommend you going there. Not yet at least."

He stepped forward. "Let me go and check it out. See if your friends are there." He said imploringly. "And if they are, I promise I'll help you reach them."

Orora pursed her lips. Though she didn't like it, he was right. She was in no condition to walk down so many steps. Finally, she sighed. "Fine, go down and check."

With that she walked back to their makeshift campsite. "I need to do a healing session anyway." She said in a low voice, sitting down on the ground and beginning to unwrap her bandage. At the sight of the still healing wound she sighed.

Zuko continued to look a her as she settled down and began to heal herself. It was still amazing to him, how she could heal herself despite the pain she felt.

She really was a lot stronger then he gave her credit for.

Then again, she had to be.

Because of her family.

Because of her childhood.

Because of him.

The guilt rose within him. "I'll be back soon." He said.

She didn't respond.

Though once he turned his back and walked away, with one last lingering look in her direction, she finally looked up.

And continued to watch until he disappeared from view.

Tying a rope around a sturdy tree before descending down was easy enough. As he jumped onto the platform below, Zuko straightened up and looked around.

And as he looked around at the slightly familiar sight, a memory rose within his mind. This was the first place he had come to in search of the Avatar after his banishment. His wound was still fresh, literally and figuratively. But his Uncle had been there to support him every step of the way.

And how had he repaid him?

By calling him lazy and insulting him.

Sighing Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose.

How could he have been so disrespectful?

And that had been just one incident. He had no idea how many times he had acted so rudely towards his Uncle over the years of his banishment. But despite all that, Uncle had ever left his side, and he would be forever grateful to the man for staying with him.

For being a real father to him.

He remembered when he had been rude to his Uncle was back in Ba Sing Se. And Orora had smacked him over the head for it.

The boy smiled at the memory, at the stinging he had felt at the back of his head, the annoyance that had flared within him when he glared at Orora who had glared right back, before telling him off for speaking to his elder like that.

Come to think of it, almost since she had joined his Uncle and him, Orora had always told him off for his tone and words whenever he stepped out of line.

Even before he had begun to have feelings for her, she had known what was good for him.

The sight of a white blur flying by had the young Prince breaking out of his memory. He gasped at the sight of Appa. Without a second though he raced towards the stairs that would lead him back up the cliff.

To say they were all feeling humiliated and defeated would be an understatement.

While Haru, Teo and The Duke rushed off to explore the Temple, Aang, Katara, Sokka and Toph sat huddled around in a small group. They had just finished discussing on where they could find a firebending teacher for Aang.

And had come up with nothing.

Aang scowled, his normally gentle and happy face morphed in a frown that conveyed his anger and frustration.

"We shouldn't have left her there." He finally said what was on everyone's mind. Whatever they had been feeling before was replaced by regret, guilt, fear and anger.

Sokka pursed his lips. "We could've all gotten out of there if we fought together." He added, glancing at his sister who had her eyes closed as she fought back tears.

Loosing a father and a sister within a day tended to take its toll on a person.

"We didn't have any choice." Toph spoke up, wanting to defend Orora's sacrifice. "Orora told us to leave because she knew we couldn't have gotten out together. Not when we were in the heart of the Fire Nation with every soldier on our tail."

It was strange being the voice of reason for once, but Toph stood firm on her point of view. Despite the fact that she hated that her older sister wasn't there with them. "Besides, she said she would meet us here. And if I know anything about Ice Princess, is that she won't want us to feel like this."

Katara, regaining some of her hopeful spirit, wiped at the residual tears that had escaped her eyes. "Toph's right. I'm sure Orora is on her way to us right now."

She had to.

"Besides we can't just walk around like this, all gloomy and depressed." The waterbender stood. "She would tell us off for mopping around like this."

And though her words prompted them all to crack a smile, each of them couldn't help but blame themselves for the loss of their friend.

Sokka blamed himself because the entire plan had failed. Not only had it resulted in so many people being left behind and captured by the Fire Nation, but his father and members of his tribe had to face the consequences of his actions.

Not to mention Orora had to sacrifice herself to make sure they got out safely.

The young waterbender warrior gritted his teeth, praying to Yue that she would keep his sister safe.

Katara blamed herself for not being by Orora's side. Sure she had been busy making sure her father was alright, but she should've paid attention to Orora as well. The older girl had taken charge when it came to healing all those who had been injured.

And though Katara knew Orora would never hold it against Katara, had urged her to focus on her father, the younger waterbender still felt guilty.

They were meant to be sisters in arms, and when the time had come, Katara hadn't been able to help her. And that hurt Katara more then anything.

Aang blamed himself because he hadn't been strong enough. He was supposed to protect people. To make sure they were safe. How could he do that when he couldn't even keep his family safe?

The thought of Orora, facing off against the enemy felt like a rock dropping in his stomach. His scowl deepened, and for the first time in his life, he felt a surge of hate run through his body.

All of it directed towards Azula and all that she had done to cause him and his family hurt. If Orora didn't come back to them within the week, he would comb every inch of the Fire Nation to get her back.

And that was a promise he wouldn't break.

Toph blamed herself for not fighting harder to stay behind. But then, Orora would've hated her for staying, for getting captured. And Toph could take people not liking her, but the thought of Orora being angry at her, or even disappointed with her made her feel horrible then she ever could in her life.

Pursing her lips, and squeezing her eyes to keep from crying, Toph made a silent vow.

If Orora came back to them, and if there was a chance of battle in the future, which there would be, Toph would make sure she fought by Orora's side.

Just so she would make sure her sister was safe.

By the time Zuko returned, Orora had finished bandaging her burn and was munching on an apple. She had contemplated going after him, but had stopped.

Instead, she'd stayed where she was, leaning back against a tree and frowning in thought. The tug on her finger alerted her to her approaching soulmate and she stood, walking a few steps forward to meet him halfway.

"They're here." He answered her unasked question. The young waterbender heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank the Spirits." She whispered, closing her eyes momentarily, her fear of them having been captured dying out completely.

Zuko was glad to see her visibly relax, her shoulders dropping and her posture unclenching. He'd noticed how nervous she had been during their two hour flight to the Temple. He had guessed that she was worried about her friends, but this only confirmed it.

He walked towards their camp. "Why don't you get your stuff and I'll take you down to them." Picking up her water skins and belt, he held them out for her to take. "I'm sure they're worried about you." She stood in front of him, her eyes fixed her things.

Zuko frowned at her hesitancy. "What?" He asked, confused at her lack of reaction. He had thought she would jump at the chance to reunite with her friends, yet here she was standing in front of him looking conflicted.

Finally, she sighed and looked up at him. "I'm not going back." She finally revealed. "At least, not yet."

Amber eyes blinked.

"What?" He asked again.

Orora pursed her lips briefly before sighing. "I've been thinking, if I go with you right now, we'll have to tell them how you saved me and helped make sure I was alright." Zuko scowled. "And was that a bad thing?" He asked, completely lost as to what Orora was talking about.

She shook her head. "No, but you're trying to get them to accept you in the Team, and I don't want to be the reason for that." She finished, thinking that maybe she hadn't explained herself quite well.

Zuko, however, understood.

"I get it. You don't want my saving you being the driving point behind their acceptance of me." He summarized, to which she heaved a sigh of relief and nodded. "They shouldn't accept you just because you helped me. They should accept you because they believe that you are here to help."

Silence descended as the both of them went over what had just been spoken. At last, Zuko nodded. Sighing in relief, Orora allowed a brief smile to pull at the corner of her lips before she turned serious once more.

"So, what exactly do you plan on saying to them?" She asked, curious to know what he had planned. Setting down her stuff, Zuko turned to her. "Well," He began, looking awkwardly at the floor. "I haven't really gotten around to wording it yet." He revealed, to which Orora raised an eyebrow.

Crossing her arms over her chest and cocking her hip to one side, the girl fixed him with a deadpan look, one that he was all too familiar with. "Then you better start practicing."

Spying a good spot, the girl jumped up to sit on the trunk of a fallen tree. With expert balance, and a graceful sweep of her legs, she settled on top of the tree with her legs crossed underneath her. The height of trunk gave her a slight height advantage, but allowed them to still see eye to eye at a comfortable level.

"Run it by me." The girl urged, gesturing for him to stand in front of her. "What you expect me to rehearse?" He asked walking to stand in front of her. Orora nodded, serious as ever. "Of course."

His forehead creased in a slight frown, Zuko voiced his confusion. "You're really helping me?" He asked, to which Orora gave a firm nod. "I'm only helping you because if there is any chance of this war ending with your being on our side, then I am willing to put aside my feelings to make that happen."

Yes, it would hurt to see him every single day since she would have to relive his betrayal. Not to mention the licks of anger that burned her skin every time she looked at him. To say nothing of the longing that made her heart ache each time their eyes met.

She would endure it all.

If it meant ending the war.

Zuko blinked at her. Honestly, in that moment, his admiration for her only grew He never would've been strong enough to do what she was doing. And while he wanted to win her approval and regain her trust as well, if ending the war was something she wanted, then he would do his best to make it happen.

Maybe if he did, she would see that he had changed.

Getting a little uncomfortable under his unblinking gaze, Orora flicked a few droplets of water at him from the water skin that lay at his feet.

"Get back on track Zuko." She scolded him, watching as he wiped his face with his hand and gave a small nod.

"Yeah, alright." He cleared his throat.

"Hello," He raised a hand in greeting. "Zuko here, but I guess," He rubbed the back of his head nervously. "You probably already know me, sort of." Orora gave him an unimpressed look. Beside her a large badgerfrog settled down to watch the show as well.

Ignoring her look, Zuko continued. "Uhhh... so, the thing is I have a lot of firebending experience, and I'm," He placed a hand on his chest, a tinge of pride slipping into his tone as he did. "Considered to be pretty good at it." Here she nodded in agreement, almost unconsciously. From the time they had traveled together, Orora had seen the finesse and strength behind his firebending, and even she admitted he was good. Happiness swelled in his chest at her agreement and he continued with a smile.

"Well, you've seen me, you know, when I was attacking you." His eyes widened, while Orora winced at his words. "Uhhh... yeah, I guess," He pressed his fingers against his forehead, silently berating himself for saying that. "I should apologize for that. But anyway," He waved his arm, prompting Orora to scowl at his dismissive nature.

"I'm good now. I mean, I thought I was good before, but I realize I was bad," She had to press her lips in a firm hard line at how awkwardly he was going about it all. Any other time she would've teased him mercilessly about his lack of social skills.

"But anyway, I think it's time I joined your group and taught the Avatar firebending." He finished, trailing off into an embarrassed silence. The badgerfrog next to her croaked at him, while she stayed silent.

"Well?" He demanded, sounding a little angry, but mostly because he was embarrassed. "What's your answer?" In response the badgerfrog leaped on his head and hopped away.

Orora clicked her tongue. "Yeah, that's exactly what you should expect." She added in her opinion, prompting Zuko to let out a sigh.

"Yeah... that's what I'd say, too." He agreed, before running a hand through his hair. "How am I supposed to convince these people that I'm on their side?" He asked, more to himself then Orora, who was thinking over what else he could add to gain favor.

"What would Uncle do?" He mused to himself. What he did next had Orora staring at him in utter confusion.

He began to impersonate his Uncle, walking about and spewing what he considered words of wisdom but barely made any sense.

Maybe he had forgotten she was there, she thought to herself, as he switched to impersonating his sister instead.

Or maybe, he knew he could be himself around her and not be judged for it. That realization had her sighing as he slumped onto the floor.

"I guess I'm just not that good at impersonations." He muttered to himself as Orora slid down to stand beside him, with barely a foot distance between them.

She drew a deep breath before clearing her throat. He looked up at her. "You should try to focus on the good things you've done." She said. "Tell them when you helped Aang avoid getting captured. Your winning tile should be telling them how you helped free Appa."

At the mention of the latter, his eyes brightened, and he jumped to his feet. "I can't believe I forgot about that. Maybe I should mention how I saved you at the North Pole too?" He asked, sounding eager to which her eyes widened.

"No!" Her voice came out, sharp and stern. Zuko paused, watching as she struggled with what to say next. "D-don't bring me up. Trust me. Its best if you don't bring me up at all."

Orora knew her friends would find reason to blame Zuko for how she had been after his betrayal. And though they wouldn't be wrong, she had no desire to have Zuko walk into that quicksand pit without her around to calm everyone down.

"Is it because of what happened in Ba Sing Se?"

His question had her looking at him in utter astonishment. Sure he could be oblivious at times, but he was getting better at understanding the situations. She didn't answer, but her silence was enough for him.

He simply nodded. "I won't bring you up at all. Even if they do, I won't talk about anything." He promised, his gaze and voice as earnest as it could get.

The girl nodded. Smiling softly at her, Zuko stepped away. "Wish me luck." He said, before turning his back and walking towards the cliff side.

Orora watched him go.

"Good luck." She whispered to the empty clearing.

His stomach was roiling and he felt the nerves overtake his senses. This could all end very badly, he thought to himself, as he slowly descended the stairs to the Temple. Talking was all he had to convince these people he was on their side, and he doubted they wanted to hear anything from him.

Still, he had to try. And no, it wasn't just because it was one step forward in winning Orora back, but also because it was a step towards ending the war once and for all. He had spent too long denying his destiny, and now that he had a clear sense of purpose, he wasn't about to turn tail and run like a coward. He was done not standing up and fighting for what he thought was right.

It was easy finding out where they were. He just had to follow a big fluff ball. Though as he stood in front of Orora's friends, he couldn't help but think that maybe he should've reevaluated his plan of simply walking up to them.

Still, he raised a hand in greeting. "Hello, Zuko here."

The reaction was immediate. Where there had been faces of shock and disbelief, each expression was quick to change to burning anger and fury as all four of them prepared to attack should he make any move they would consider threatening.

The air was heavy with tension, and that only made him feel all the more awkward.

"Hey, I heard you guys flying around down there, so, I just thought I'd wait for you here." He began, but was interrupted by Appa as he stepped forward, growling affectionately. Or at least, he thought it was, since the giant animal licked along his face, covering him in bison saliva. Grimacing and wiping away the sticky substance, he turned his attention back to the still angry foursome. "I know you must be surprised to see me here." He continued, only for Sokka to interrupt him.

"Not really," The boy said, glowering darkly. "Since you've followed us all over the world." Zuko winced, feeling a new wave of disappointment rolling through his body at the reminder of the person he had been.

"Right." He cleared his throat, looking to the floor before continuing, picturing Orora's familiar face standing just behind her friends. And that helped give him strength to continue. "Well, uhhh... anyway ...what I wanted to tell you about is that I've changed, and I...uhhh,...I'm good now, and well I think I should join your group, oh, and I can teach firebending to you.

He was so intent on getting everything that he had rehearsed out, that he completely missed the way their expressions changed to one of utter shock. "See, I, uhhh..."

Toph was the first one to recover. "You want to what now?" She all but yelled, taking a minuscule step towards him, her body locked in an earth bending stance.

"You can't possibly think that any of us would trust you, can you?" Katara added, her voice heavy with sarcasm and detest as she glared at Zuko. "I mean, how stupid do you think we are?!"

Sokka stepped up beside his sister. "Yeah, all you've ever done is hunt us down and try to capture Aang!"

Desperate, and knowing that he was loosing them, Zuko was quick to point out what Orora had told him would work in his favor. "I've done some good things!" He exclaimed, before calming down, knowing it wouldn't help if he got worked up alongside them. "I mean, I could have stolen your bison in Ba Sing Se, but I set him free. That's something!"

Much to his surprise, Appa licked him once again, and Zuko couldn't help but rest a tentative hand on the bison's nose. At least someone trusted him, even if it was an animal.

Toph frowned, knowing just how picky animals could get when it came to trusting people. "Appa does seem to like him." She noted how Appa's heartbeat hadn't picked up in fright at the sight of the firebender.

Sokka simply narrowed his eyes. "He probably just covered himself in honey or something so that Appa would lick him." The boy shook his head. "I'm not buying it."

Things were getting out of hand now. "I can understand why you wouldn't trust me," The young Prince said, thinking that maybe if he admitted to his mistakes they would see that he had changed. "And I know I've made some mistakes in the past."

"Like when you attacked our village?" Sokka cut him off, joined by his sister who cried out. "Or when you stole my mother's necklace and used it to track us down and capture us?"

Both reminders made him wince, but it was Toph's reminder that had him feel like he had been punched in the gut. "Or when you betrayed Orora?"

The words only served to make the four of them even angrier, with Aang having to swipe his staff in front of Sokka to keep him from attacking Zuko head-on.

Toph meanwhile frowned, her stance softening as she sensed his heartbeat change momentarily at the mention of Orora. Had his heart just skipped a beat? She though, surprised.

A look of utter heartbreak passed over his features, before he closed his eyes and reopened them. "Look, I admit I've some awful things. I was wrong to try to capture you, and I'm sorry that I attacked the Water Tribe. And I never should have sent that Fire Nation assassin after you. I'm going to try and stop-"

Wrong thing to say.

"Wait!" Zuko winced at Sokka's outburst, knowing he had made things even worse. "You sent Combustion Man after us?" He demanded.

Zuko frowned. "Well, that's not his name, but-" Once again, he was cut off. "Ohhh, sorry." Sokka stated sarcastically. "I didn't mean to insult your friend!"

Loosing patience, Zuko allowed some of his frustration to show as he stepped forward, his hands clenched at his side. "He's not my friend!" This was all going so so wrong.

His eyes desperately sought out Aang, who had yet to speak. "Why aren't you saying anything? You once said you thought we could be friends. You know I have good in me." Maybe, maybe, if Aang took a stand for him, he would have a chance. Though he had ulterior motives, Zuko had saved his life.

That had to count for something.

Right?

"There's no way we can trust you after everything you've done." The Avatar finally spoke, shattering whatever hope the Prince had. "We'll never let you join us."

Katara stepped forward, ready to attack if need be. "You need to get out of here! Now!"

Desperate, Zuko tried one last time. "I'm trying to explain that I'm not that person anymore! "

"Either you leave," Sokka warned. "Or we attack!"

No, he couldn't leave. Not when it meant not being able to do what was right. Not when it meant that Orora wouldn't go back to her friends if he failed.

Or worse, that she would go back and leave him.

"If you won't accept me as a friend," He knelt to the floor, his head bend and his arms out in surrender. "Then maybe you'll take me as a prisoner."

Anything, anything so he wouldn't loose Orora again.

But that hope was swept away with a water attack from Katara. "Get out of here! And don't come back! And if we ever see you again." She paused. "Well, we'd better not see you again."

Closing his eyes and sighing, Zuko stood and walked away, his head lowered in defeat.

The minute Zuko was gone, Katara began to pace, a dark scowl on her forehead. "Why would he try to fool us like that?" She wandered out loud.

Her brother shrugged. "Obviously he wants to lead us into some kind of trap."

As the siblings continued to speak, Aang was sitting silently, contemplating on what had just happened, and what Roku had once told him.

Some friendships are so strong, they can transcend lifetimes.

During his time as the Avatar, he had begun to realize that everything happened for a reason. And for Zuko, great-grandson of Sozin, to suddenly appear and say he was willing to help him, the reincarnation of Roku, was the universe telling him something.

That this wasn't a coincidence.

That this was predestined.

"I kind of have a confession to make." He finally spoke. "Remember when you two were sick and I got captured by Zhao?"

Sokka made his disgust about it known, but Aang was quick to shoot him a look before continuing.

"Anyway, when Zhao had me chained up, it was Zuko who came in and got me out." He frowned, lowering his head to look at the ground once more. "He risked his life to save me." He muttered softly to himself.

Katara snorted. "No way!" She stated. "I'm sure he only did it so he could capture you himself!"

"Yeah, face it Aang," Sokka added, "You're nothing but a big prize to him.

Closing his eyes, the young Avatar took a deep breath and nodded. "You're probably right." He said, though his voice sounded unconvincing to his ears.

"And what was all that crazy stuff about setting Appa free?" Katara added, rolling her eyes at the very thought of Zuko helping Appa out. "What a liar!"

Toph, who had been just as quiet as Aang, finally spoke up. "Actually, he wasn't lying. And Orora told me about it since she was there too." The girl added. The brief mention of their missing friend, had them all staring dejectedly towards the floor.

Sokka, however, opted to take out his anger with a sarcastic quip. "Oh, hooray! In a lifetime of evil, at least he didn't add animal cruelty to the list." He grumbled under his breath.

Sighing the blind girl shrugged. "I'm just saying that, considering his messed-up family and how he was raised, he could have turned out a lot worse. Besides, don't you remember Orora talking about him and how different he was? Maybe this is that different she was talking about."

Another sarcastic comment from Katara, which had Toph pursing her lips, her patience reaching its limit. "All I know is that while he was talking to us, he was sincere. Maybe you're all just letting your hurt feelings keep you from thinking clearly."

"Why would you even try to defend him?" Katara asked, scowling at the younger girl. "After what he did to Orora, I thought you would have blasted him off the cliff by now. Besides," The young waterbender continued. "If Orora were here, she would never trust him."

The ground rumbled underneath them as the earthbender's patience finally snapped. "Because Katara," She said, her voice loud enough to echo against the walls. "You're all ignoring one crucial fact," She raised a finger, poking Aang in the chest.

"Aang needs a firebending teacher! We can't think of a single person in the world to do the job! Now one shows up on a silver platter, and you won't even think about it?" She stomped her feet. "As for Orora, I know my sister well enough to tell you that she wouldn't be as narrow minded as you lot."

"Would she forgive Zuko," Toph continued. "No! Of course not! But she would put her feelings aside just so we would have a chance to end and win this war."

Utter silence followed once Toph ended her tirade. And for a moment, Toph thought she had gotten through to her friends.

But then...

"I'm not having Zuko as my teacher!" Aang stated, a tone of finality in his voice.

Sokka nodded, backing up his friend. "You're darn right you're not, buddy."

His sister responded with a firm nod. "Well, I guess that settles that."

Throwing up her arms, Toph let out a cry of frustration. "I'm beginning to wonder who's really the blind one around here!" She exclaimed, before stomping away, leaving behind a few quivering rocks in her wake.

The tugging of her string was what had her looking up from where she had been playing with a small circle of water. The water quivered, before falling to the ground as Zuko appeared in her line of vision. She stayed where she was, sitting underneath the tarp he had set up earlier. Instead of pausing, he began to pace as he finally burst out.

"Uggh! I can't believe how stupid I am!" His hands flew to his hair, almost as if he were about to pull it out. Orora shrugged. "Well, I'm glad to see you're finally self-aware."

Zuko paused in his pacing to shoot her an annoyed look, though it melted away to a look of defeat. Walking towards the tarp, he paused just beside her, though still a good couple of feet away. With a disgruntled sound he dropped to his knees before laying flat on the ground, his arms wide on either side of him.

"Told you, it wasn't going to be easy winning them over." Orora resumed her previous activity, though this time she began to create crystals in varying sizes, while also keeping the water in a circle. The task required acute concentration, and Orora was training herself to carry on with it while also distracted by something else.

Or in this case someone else.

"I messed up. They really hate me." He muttered, his eyes trained towards the barely visible sky above. Orora shrugged. "Course they do. They have a long list of grievances against you, and that isn't going away any time soon."

She didn't say it to be mean, she said it because it was the truth. Zuko had a long and hard road ahead of him if he wanted to make everyone see that he was on their side now. The both of them fell silent, each lost in their own thought, though Orora had one that had been niggling at the back of her mind for a day now.

"What happened to Master? After Ba Sing Se?" She asked, her gaze never wavering from her bending, where she was now working on creating multiple smaller circles of water and keeping the afloat.

Truth be told, Orora hadn't allowed herself to think of Iroh for quite some time. All because the thought of her Master had a burning ache to form in her chest, given just how much she missed him. Zuko glanced at her, his head turning to the side.

"Well," He began, clearing his throat before continuing. "After Ba Sing Se, he was taken to a prison near the capital and kept there." He saw the subtle changes in her demeanor at that. Her jaw clenched, her shoulders tensed and he could see the swirl of emotions in her ice blue gaze even as she didn't waver in her bending. "He escaped on the day of the Eclipse though. I went to get him out but he had already busted himself out." He quickly reassured her.

"I visited him while he was there, and he told me something about myself that actually explained quite...a lot." He added, to which she let out a humorless laugh. "Oh yeah? What life-changing news did he tell you that had you changing sides?" She asked, her voice heavy with sarcasm as she glared at him out of the corner of her eyes.

Zuko pursed his lips, barely contemplating on whether he should tell her or not. "That my great-grandfather, on my mother's side, was Avatar Roku."

The water splashed to the ground as Orora whipped her head to stare at him, her eyes wide and mouth agape.

"What?" She sputtered, as he slowly sat up so he could sit across from her. "Uncle sent me a message, saying I should get to know about my past to better understand the battle that was going on within me."

Unable to keep her curiosity at bay, Orora turned so she sat facing him, mirroring his position. "After I returned home, I still felt out of place. I mean it was home, but it didn't feel like it. I felt guilty about betraying Uncle and you so that mounted to it all. And I was seeing you everywhere."

It was best to just come out and tell her everything that he had gone through the past couple of months. "What do you mean, you were seeing me?" She asked, frowning at him, while also clenching her hands in fists as they rested atop her thighs. The gloves helped keep her nails from digging too much into her skin.

Zuko gulped at the sharp look in her eyes. "Well, I...er... I guess I missed you so much that my mind started to see...you." He revealed, feelings his cheeks grow hot at his own admission. She simply blinked at him, and he found himself explaining further. "It was always when I was confused about something and needed advice. You would suddenly appear and, like you always did, gave me really good advice and would leave." He paused, trying to see what you reaction to his words were.

"Or when I was feeling really alone there." He added. "Sometimes you would be in my dreams, or my nightmares." The latter had him frowning darkly as his mind conjured the many many scenarios his sub-conscious mind had conjured that always featured her getting hurt in some way. "One time I even saw you crying, and I-"

"Just," Her voice wavered slightly, but she cleared her throat. "Just tell me what Master revealed to you." She finally said, unable to bear the painful clenching of her heart at the thought of him missing her so much that his mind would pretend she was there.

Was he truly that lonely there?

His mouth snapped shut before he nodded and continued. "Right, well, the message told me to go to this place where they keep the histories of the previous Fire Lords. Auto-biographies of sorts, and It was there that I read about how Sozin and Roku had been friends for nearly all their lives."

Unable to help herself, Orora nodded. "I know that bit. Aang took a spiritual journey with Roku awhile back, and when he came back, he revealed that to us." Zuko blinked. "Spiritual journey?" He asked, to which Orora shrugged. "Aang can contact his past lives to ask for guidance, and Roku decided it was time to reveal to Aang what had happened before the comet arrived."

He still had questions about that, but he continued. "So I guess you know how Sozin left Roku to die on that island?" He couldn't help but make a face at that part. At her nod, he went on. "The manuscript ended there, so I went to Uncle and asked him about it. And he revealed to me how my mother was the granddaughter of Roku and how I, in turn, am a descended of Avatar Roku."

Throughout the conversation he had managed to keep eye contact with Orora, never once wavering so that she would know he told the truth. "Uncle told me how good and evil were always battling within me, one trying to overtake the other. He said it was up to me to decide which path should I choose to walk, and how I was the only hope my Nation had to ever redeem itself to the world."

Not wanting to keep anything from her any longer, he continued. "I finally understood, why I never really believed in what we had been taught about the Fire Nation, about how were sharing our glory and prosperity with the rest of the world. Maybe that was the reason behind why I stood up against my father at the war meeting too." He added with a humorless smile.

"So," He blinked, not having expecting her to speak. "You think you're doing all this because you're a descended of Roku?" She asked, to which he gave a small shrug. "I guess you could say that."

Raising an eyebrow at him, she crossed her arms over her chest. "And you never stopped to think that you're doing this because you have a good heart?"

Astonished amber eyes blinked at slightly amused ice blue eyes.

The girl shook her head, slowly rising to her feet and dusting the front of her shirt. "Why don't you think on that while I get something to eat."

With that the girl walked over to where Zuko had stored their provisions and began to dig through the small bundles, searching for a moon peach.

Leaving her stunned soulmate to sit there in silence and astonishment for a good long while.

Stunned because he had never expected Orora, or anyone, to say something like that to him.

Astonished because even after what he had done, Orora still thought he had a good heart.

And that realization triumphed over all else.

The rest of the day was spent in near silence, with a few glances stolen inbetween as the both of them would allow themselves a brief peak at the other, only to look away for fear of getting caught. And while Zuko was sure of what he felt for Orora, the girl was more then a little confused.

On one hand, she wanted him to make peace with her friends. If only so that would result in the end of the war.

While on the other hand, she didn't want to have anything to do with him.

And yet, she found herself talking to him. Correction. She found herself wanting to talk to him. As if it was just like old times between them.

That only served to make her hate him even more.

Did she hate him though?

She was still angry at him.

Enraged actually. But she was doing her best to suppress her emotions. Not the best way to deal about the situation, as she had previously learned, but it was hard to break a habit. She had been taught to keep her emotions to herself her whole life, and now all those wrong things she had been taught were coming back to haunt her.

Her thoughts remained conflicted throughout the day, even as she laid down to sleep that night her mind continued to race. Eventually, though, her mind tired itself out and she slipped into an uneasy sleep.

"You are a complete and utter idiot!"

"I'm sorry! I didn't realize it was her!"

"What kind of idiot just attacks someone who came to talk to you?!"

"I just told you, I didn't know it was her!"

Orora let out a frustrated sound as she threw her arms in the air and began to pace. Dawn was approaching, and the birds had already begun to rouse from their nests and start their day. Then again, Orora's day had begun a little earlier then normal.

A day that had begun with the painful screams of her little sister while her soulmate tried to explain himself.

Her life was so complicated she couldn't even begin to explain it.

Toph had disappeared by the time Orora had fully awoken, leaving her with a frustrated Zuko who had quickly explained the situation to her.

"Honestly! You keep digging yourself into a deeper hole with all of them. If I didn't know you were sincere, I would say your were trying to sabotage your own mission." She continued to berate him, standing over him as she did. He was still lying on the ground after Toph had knocked him down.

Zuko only let out a frustrated sound, covering his face with his hands.

"I am going to go for a small walk, and when I get back, you had better come up with another plan to make the others convince you because I'm getting tired of staying back here and making them worry about me."

With that the young waterbender walked off, muttering and fuming as she went.

It took about half an hour of walking before she finally calmed down enough for her jaw to unclench. "Spirits," She muttered to herself, pinching the small area between her eyes where the slope of her nose began. "I cannot believe even after saying he's changed, he still makes me want to hit him over the head."

All was quite around her, aside from the chirping of birds and a metallic sound that was rather familiar to her ears.

Her eyes shot open.

Wait!

Metallic sound.

Whatever Spirit decided to watch over her that day, probably saved her. The area where she had stopped was well-hidden behind a set of thick trees. But it did provide her with an almost perfect view of a familiar figure walking just beyond the clearing.

She was recognize that bald head anywhere.

Her heart picked up speed, her breathing became ragged and before she knew it, she was running through the trees, nearly tripping on multiple occasions, as she ran back towards Zuko.

"Zuko!" Her cry echoed through their camp as she burst through the trees. Hearing the panic in her voice, the boy was instantly on alert, arms raised in a defensive position as his eyes darted from one point to another.

"Orora? Wha-" He didn't get to finish his question. Instead Orora nearly slammed into him before she began to pull at his arms. "Combustion man! Here! He's gonna kill them! Zuko he's gonna kill them!"

It took a moment for Zuko to finally understand what she was saying.

His eyes widened in panic. Gripping her arms, he pulled her to a stop. "I will go and help them, but you have to stay here." She opened her mouth to protest but he cut her off.

"Orora, you are still hurt, and if something happens to you, I will never be able to forgive myself."

That shut her up.

The girl stared at him, more then a little stunned at his words. Hesitantly, he reached out to brush the tips of his fingers along the white patch of her hair. "I'll come get you soon, I promise."

With that, he ran off.

Of course once the initial shock had worn off, Orora didn't waste any time following after him. She knew there wasn't much she could do, given that she was still injured, and how the strain of walking had begun to make her injury ache, but she wasn't about to let her friends and Zuko face off against Combustion Man alone.

He was much too powerful, and if she could help out even a little bit she would.

She made her way towards the stairs that would lead her down to the main area of the temple. The girl was only halfway down the steep stairs, stepping as carefully as she could, when a loud explosion sounded and the entire cliff side seemed to shudder from the force of it.

"Oh no!" Her heartbeat quickened. Taking a few more steps, she was able to have a visual of what was going on. She could see the figures of Aang, Sokka, Toph and Katara as they ran to take cover. The platform where they were on was already partially destroyed.

But what really had her heart stopping in her chest, was the sight of Zuko facing Combustion Man.

"I don't want you hunting the Avatar anymore!" Zuko's voice rang strong against the cliff side, and despite the danger of the situation, Orora couldn't help but want to call out to Zuko to stop using words to solve his problem.

It would seem Combustion Man had no desire to listen to what Zuko had to say either. The giant man shoved Zuko aside, and it was all it took for Orora to begin her descent once more. The stairs were wider now, so she could run down them a little faster. She reached the platform, taking refuge behind a pillar as Combustion Man attacked once more.

The explosion rattled through her entire body, the smoke and debris made her cough. Peaking out from behind the pillar, she watched as Zuko finally firebended to try and stop the man.

But he was only pushed aside, with Combustion Man now aiming at him.

A strangled sound, somewhere between a gasp and a scream, fell echoed her mouth as she watched Zuko try to defend himself, but only to go flying over the edge of the platform he stood on.

Her hand flew to her mouth as she pressed herself flat against the wall of the pillar. Behind her another explosion sounded. But all Orora could focus on, was the image of Zuko as he fell over the side and disappeared from view.

A horrible chill overcame her entire body, and she could feel her legs shake. Unable to keep standing, she slumped down to the ground. The loud boom of an explosion barely had any effect on her. Really it sounded to her as if it were muffled as her mind revisited the scene of Zuko falling off the platform over and over again.

Her breathing was short and labored, her entire body trembled. And yet, something compelled her to look at the string that bound her to him.

It was taut.

And it glowed red from her end.

He was alive.

Zuko was alive.

The silence made her realize that the explosions had stopped, and she scrambled to her feet to peak out from behind the pillar once more.

Only to be greeted by the sight of an unharmed Zuko approaching Aang, Toph, Sokka and Katara.

Seeing him standing there, visibly unhurt, Orora felt her entire sense of being awash with several different emotions at the same time.

Relief.

Anger.

Console.

Fury.

"I can't believe I'm saying this," She heard Aang say. "But...thanks, Zuko."

Was this it? Had Zuko done it? Would they accept him now?

"Listen," Zuko began, his voice serious and yet imploring. "I know I didn't explain myself very well yesterday. I've been through a lot in the last few years, and it's been hard. But I'm realizing that I had to go through all those things to learn the truth. I thought I had lost my honor, and that somehow my father could return it to me. But I know now that no one can give you your honor. It's something you earn for yourself, by choosing to do what's right. All I want to do now is play my part in ending this war, and I know my destiny is to help you restore balance to the world."

He turned to Toph, bowing in her direction. "I'm sorry for what I did to you. It was an accident. Fire can be dangerous and wild, so as a firebender, I need to be more careful and control my bending, so I don't hurt people unintentionally."

There was a brief moment of silence before Aang spoke again. "I think you are supposed to be my firebending teacher." His words prompted Orora to let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. He was still speaking as Orora retreated back behind the pillar.

This was it.

Zuko would be a part of her life again.

Now all she had to do, was put aside her own feelings and, somehow, not let them overshadow her heart and mind.

Easier said then done.

Taking a deep breath, and allowing herself a few seconds to gather herself, the girl finally stepped out from behind the pillar where she had taken refuge.

Zuko was the only one facing her, while the rest of them had their backs towards her. He saw her, but made no move to acknowledge her.

Once Katara had consented to Zuko joining the group, the Fire Nation Prince couldn't help but smile, his eyes alight with renewed hope and joy at accomplishing in his mission.

"But I have to warn you." Aang said. "Once Orora comes back, I'll ask her the same question I did my friends. And considering what you did, you will have to convince her that you're on our side."

Toph, who was sitting with her feet elevated, nodded. "Yeah, don't think we won't side with her over you. We like her."

Orora couldn't help but smile.

"Awwww Toph, I always knew you were a softie."

Their reactions were even better then she had hoped for.

All four of them turned around, wearing identical expressions of shock.

"Orora!"

Which quickly morphed to those of utter joy and sheer happiness as all four of them launched themselves at her.

Well Toph literally launched, since she couldn't walk. Orora felt the wind get knocked out of her as the younger girl all but dropped into her outstretched arms. Wasting no time, Toph wrapped her arms around Orora in a near bone crushing hug.

Aang, Sokka and Katara weren't far behind.

They joined in the embrace, each of them voicing their shock at her being there.

For a moment, Orora simply allowed herself to bask in the love and warmth that radiated from each of her friends.

Before the moment ended with Zuko stepping forward. "You should be careful!" He said, his voice tinged with worry. "Shes hurt."

Sokka was the first one to step away, looking from Orora to Zuko. "Wait?! How did-" Orora cut him off. "Zuko rescued me after you guys left." She revealed, as she helped Toph down on a broken rock. "I got hurt." A wave to the side of her waist had Aang wincing, and Katara stepping forward to see if the bandage was done properly.

"He brought me here. Took care of me, made sure I was bandaged up." Aang made a soft sound of disbelief as he turned back to Zuko. "Guess we should be thanking you again."

Zuko made no motion as to whether he accepted the gratitude or not. Instead he was looking at Orora, a questioning look in his eyes. She simply looked back at him.

Finally, she nodded.

And Zuko knew that he had made her believe when he had intended to.

That he was truly on their side, and was willing to do anything to help her and her friends end this war.

A/N: Lemme know what you think! Till next time! - Hestia28