Chapter Two: Back on Appa

Zuko

Kyoshi Island? I repeated Suki, confused.

Yes, well what were you expecting? I didnt like her tone.

Somewhere in the Fire Nation. Everyone stared. Well its closer! I said indignantly.

Yeah, closer to get blasted, Sokka said. Look, people are still adjusting to the idea that the Fire Nation isnt all supreme, and that the Avatar isnt there to just screw everything up and ruin everyones life. And it would be easy to destroy an unsuspecting, and unguarded Fire Lord. So first we focus on the Water Tribes, with some stops here and there, obviously, like Kyoshi. Then we move our focus to the Earth Kingdom. Then finally, we re-enter the Fire Nation.

So how long will these trips be?

Says Sokka... I muttered. Sokka glared at me, and I responded with an innocent smile. Yeah, this group has changed me. But I like it. No more doom and gloom for me. But Im never going to Aangs sunshine land, too creepy.

Ignoring that, well honestly, however long its necessary. We dont have to run on a schedule anymore. We can do everything properly. And of course, you can leave anytime you want to Zuko.

Sounds like you want me gone, Sokka. Sokka is my favorite target.

Im just putting it out there.

Im going to ride the Unagi again, Aang said.

Oh brother, Sokka groaned.

Unagi? I asked.

Yeah, that big green thing you saw when you, um, burned down Sukis town, and I used it to put it out?

Oh, I said, ashamed again, of one of the many stupid things Ive done. Sorry Suki.

Its fine. Just dont do it again, she said it with a menacing glare. Then she laughed. Oh, Im just teasing, Zuko.

I rolled my eyes. So how long till?

A few days, Aang replied to me.

How man-

No are we there yets! Aang shouted.

I got bored a lot, Toph provided an explanation.

Toph took a while to adjust from her posh life, Katara said.

What are you implying Sugar Queen?

Toph what family are you from? I asked, curious.

Toph Bei Fong. Whoa. That is a very high class family. Even Ive heard of it.

The Bei Fongs have a daughter?

Yeah. Not like theyve ever told anyone. Its like I never existed. The skeleton in the closet.

So youre parents were okay with you traveling?

They werent okay with me doing anything. They barely let me earthbend.

And yet we all believed her when her parents said she was free to travel the world, when she wasnt even allowed on the grounds alone, Sokka said.

Yeah, well, you all found out when I got kidnapped. And you know you guys wanted to believe me. Who else would've taught twinkletoes?

Ive been wondering, Katara said,Who taught you what you know, Zuko?

Well, I just had a royal tutor, the same one that taught my - Ozai. Then when my Uncle came home, when I was still young, I truly began to learn. Of course Azula was trained by her Father, when the tutor said she was exemplary. She was always the favorite, it slipped out too sad-sounding.

Good thing too, Sokka said, as I raised my eyebrows. Or else we wouldnt have melon lord here, just a psycho lord, rotting away. Ha, ha, ha psycho lord. I do crack myself up. he wiped away a tear and looked at Suki, who gave him a smile and looked away to roll her eyes.

Katara rolled her eyes too. Well, Im sure your mother loved you more. Your uncle mentioned her to me. She sounds like a very gentle and kind person. And so are you.

Thanks Katara, I smiled. Something touched me. I know it wasnt a big deal or anything, but how she said, how she reassured me, made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Was I turning into Aang?

Katara

Im gentle? he asked playfully.

Well, maybe not anymore. Definitely not. I said in an exaggerated tone. But really, his face was. Sure, there was a scar, which I plan to heal, once we get to the Northern Water Tribe, but his face. His eyes was a soft amber color, never harsh. I loved how his eyes would shift, whenever he was amused, or even just plain happy. And he was usually happy when he was with us. To me, his eyes betrayed all his emotions. What was I saying? I was rambling about Zukos eyes?! A voice in my head snidely said Not like you havent before. I know. I mean Zuko is cute. When I first saw him out of stupid ponytail (Ill never tell Sokka my passionate dislike for ponytails) for a second I had inwardly flipped out, and had thought, Oh damn he is hot! Before I remembered he was trying to kill us. Strange how things turn around. And I guess, (more likely Ill admit to myself) that a part of me is attracted to Zuko. Not just he was cute, or strong (and well built), and surprisingly very smart (all why I was attracted to Jet). But also because Zuko was kind. His uncle (who I really got along with) told me Zukos whole story. What I got out of it, Zuko had been banished because he was kind.

And after that night, when we were hurting so bad, and went through it together, something about that experience just stayed in my heart. Not just that, but a lot of other nights too. That night in Ba Sing Se, before he made the wrong and stupid choice, that is. When he went with me to face the man who murdered my mother. When we went to face with Azula, and he took the lightning meant for me and almost died. When I healed him, and got to put my hands on his well toned chest...

Snap out of it!

Oh? What did I exactly do to lose that status? he continued in his playful tone.

Well, for starters, you invaded my village. Took Aang. Held my necklace hostage (he snorted at hostage) tried to-

I get it. Im sorry.

I was just teasing. Were all over it. And you did help us all. You helped me face my mothers culprit, I said to reassure him.

You helped me to rescue my father, Sokka added.

And me too, Suki chimed in.

You helped me to understand firebending, Aang said.

Youre a good friend, Toph said, surprising us all. Appa made a sound.

You saved Appa too, she added. But you refused to take a field trip with me.

I will, Zuko promised, smiling. Though the last time I walked with you, all I heard from you was ran away, ran away, ran away again, ran-

Shut it Sparky.

Or else what? Zuko challenged Toph. Theres no earth here.

Dirt is earth. And there is dirt everywhere.

Fire scorches dirt.

Earth can put out fire.

Fire can increase.

There will always be enough earth.

That can be burned.

But-

You can always make fire.

Not unless you destroy the source.

Thatll take too long.

I hate you.

Love you too, Toph.

Im taking a nap! she announced.

I win, Zuko murmured with a smile.

Zuko

I saw Katara smile too, but she just dozed off and fell into a quick deep slumber. She was probably up the the whole night making last minute adjustments for everyone. I knew she gets tired from mothering everyone but shell never admit it. She suddenly shifted and put her head on my shoulder. I looked over at Sokka, also asleep with his mouth hanging open (typical lazy bum). Suki was reading something intently. Her and Katara were very into reading, they were burning through the library at home. I glanced at Aang who was looking out absentmindedly, holding on to the reigns.

So (I didnt know why, it just felt right) I put my head against hers and I draped my arms around her. Then I shut my eyes, pretending to be asleep, until I did for real.

I dreamt of snow. Lots of snow everywhere. It was the purest shade of white Ive ever seen, a shade I only have witnessed when the dragons taught me firebending. I heard laughter that had made my heart soar. And that was it.

Strange.

Katara

I was dreaming of a memory. One that never really existed, except what I would dream of after Mom died. It was me, at my current age, and I was at our village. There was a fireplace, a rug, and two sofas. Mom and Dad were on one, and Sokka snoring (typical lazy bum) on the other. I was lying on the rug, just happily enjoying the simplicity.

And then it changed.

I felt warmth on my arms, but obviously not from the fireplace. I looked up and saw Zuko (Zuko?!) who smiled fondly at me. I smiled back and he had kissed me, and I kissed him back, caressing his face (I had no control over either my dream or my hormones or both). We broke apart and his scar was gone.

And so ended my dream.

I woke up to Aang saying, Were making a pit stop. Were at the end of the fire nation I dont know the name, well find out soon enough.

Already? I mumbled surprised. It was nightfall. I glance up to see Zukos arms around me.

I felt heat rush throughout my body. I saw Aang notice, with his eyebrows briefly raised. As if it should matter to him. I acted casual, as if Zukos touch was a usual thing for me. I mean, why should he care? He was tired of me. But, truth be told, I wasnt in love with him. I think that a person only falls in love with the person that theyre meant to be with. So I expected it to fall apart slowly, but before it got there, he ended it.

Even though I wasnt shattered, it still had hurt. I still was rejected. I think its the same case with Zuko. I know he really wasnt in love with Mei. She was just someone he could relate to, but he changed. She really didnt. She toned down a bit on the doom and gloom, but Zuko and Mei just didnt work out so well. I dont mind, it makes it easier for me to get Zuko. Wait, what?! Take that back! I demanded myself. Make me. Thats right you cant. Grr!

Um, anyway, I wonder if Zuko did that on purpose, kind of hard not to. If he didnt, well, Id like to see his reaction. For the moment, I just snuggle in more with Zuko (to show Aang) just keep telling yourself that.Zuko

I wondered if I should keep pretending to sleep. Thanks to Aang I had woken up, me being a light sleeper and all. At least that saved me near the North Pole, when Zhao got those stupid pirates (traitors) to try to assassinate me. Well they almost succeeded. Ive had a lot of near-death experiences.

Anyway, I was kind of torn, after Katara was snuggled against me. Perhaps its for making Aang... jealous. I know what she means, shes not a mean girl, but... it cannot be put into words. Well, I dont mind having a pretty girl on my shoulder. Liar, you like her, said an Azula-like voice. Please, its not like I like Katara or anything, why would I like Katara. Shes pretty, definitely, shes really pretty, I thought fondly.

This was a losing battle. Then I realized something. Oh crap! Did she think I put my arms around her on purpose? What would she make of that? What did I make out of that? Impulse?

Katara

Zuko finally opened my eyes when I looked up at him. Though Im not as acquainted with how peoples bodies feel as Toph, I had a feeling he was awake for a while. It made me smile (against my will) when I thought he still held on to me.

Whats so funny? he asked. Still holding me.

Oh just that you have a bunch of drool, I said, using my opportunity to mess with him.

What? he was frantically wiping away at his mouth with his hand as I giggled. He realized there was nothing and said,Very amusing, Katara.

Thank you, I said, with a huge smile plastered on my face.

He looked around at us, realizing our position, and mumbled,Sorry, while quickly withdrawing his arms. A bit too much for my taste. Wh- oh forget it.

No its fine, dont worry about it. Really. I dont mind feeling those arms, soft yet hard, gentle and rough. What? I am a sixteen year old girl. I can sometimes act my age. And now I am justifying myself.

He blushed and laughed, and so did I (more like a nervous chuckle) when I realized that maybe I didnt sound so casual (more like too eager) but I saw his eyes light up. Is it possible that maybe, Zuko likes me?

Not that I care.

Aang

Not that I care, I thought sourly, when I saw Zuko and Katara acting all cute. Not that I care. I dont, as hard as it is to believe, I dont feel for Katara anymore. But it is still kind of irksome to see her with someone else, even if it sounds selfish. For a monk. I shouldnt be selfish. I was raised by monks and am the Avatar, for heavens sake! I really need to meditate.

I really hadnt meant to hurt her. I didnt want her to be. She is a really good person. Also, I had been obsessed with her forever. So I really hadnt expected it to come to this. I never would have thought I would have stopped liking her. Another part of it, truthfully, was Toph. Even though I dont like people for their looks, there was much beauty I noticed in Toph. Like her eyes. Though they have their... blind traits...the color was beautiful. And her hair. It matched mine (or what I had) and was a beautiful lush, jet black. I loved how it was always piled on her head, fastened with a headband. Always. Her face matched her gentle figure, even though she was very, very tough. Shes also very steadfast, which can be both bad and good.

But I love it. I love all of her. I love her.