Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The Fire Nation certainly knew how to schedule their invasions. Always at the most inconvenient times.

As he rushed Princess Yue back to the palace after their not-a-date flight on Appa was interrupted by the black snow, Sokka swore to himself that he would do all in his power to kick Zhao's ass for this. Things were only made worse when Yue told Sokka they needed to stop seeing each other, at least for the foreseeable future.

"Sokka, you know how much I like you," she said, "but things are too complicated at the moment. I'm still engaged to someone else."

"You don't love him, do you?" Sokka asked her softly. "You don't even seem to like him."

Yue went quiet for a moment before straightening up into her usual poised princess pose.

"Until I can find a way to break things off, I have to maintain the royal dignity. I can't have my tribe seeing me as a little girl getting carried away by my emotions. We're about to be dragged into the war. What my people need is morale and unity, not childish drama."

Sokka took her dainty hands in his and gave them a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

"I understand."

She smiled at him and he thought his legs might dissolve into jelly under him.

"Thank you. Once this is all over, I promise, we can talk about us. Just not right now."

"I'll be waiting."

Slowly, she pulled her hands from his before making her way into the palace for the newest emergency council meeting. Sokka followed at a more sedate pace, moving over to where Aang, Katara, and Zuko were sitting. Aang patted a spot on the floor beside him, clearly having saved it for Sokka to join them. But, even as Chief Arnook began his speech about the invasion, Sokka's gaze remained fixed on Yue.

When Arnook made his request for volunteers for a dangerous mission, Sokka was the first to stand up.

He didn't even hesitate. He'd wanted an opportunity like this for years. A chance to prove himself as a warrior. And it was more important that he do so now than ever before. As messy and frustrating as his time in the Northern Water Tribe had been, he had to do everything he could to protect the people here. No matter how stupid many of their traditions and rules were, no matter how arrogant and selfish and entitled many of the citizens were, they didn't deserve to be wiped out. And there were lots of them who did deserve a chance to have better lives. Genuinely good people who'd been hurt by ridiculous laws for far too long and who were only just getting a taste for freedom. They were the ones Sokka would fight for the most.

Above all, they were Yue's people and she loved them. If Sokka didn't do everything in his power to keep them safe, he would be even less worthy of Yue's affection than he already was.

No sooner had he and the other volunteers returned to their seats, however, than Yue was up on her feet, standing before the council with a calm but clearly determined look on her face.

"Father, there is a proposal I would like to make before the council to help with our war preparations."

Chief Arnook gave her a nod and motioned for her to take the floor.

"With the threat of invasion and possible mass-destruction to our city, I feel it would be best to remove non-combatants from the line-of-fire."

"And where will these people go to be safe?"

"On that, I have had help from my new friend, Pikatti."

Yue signaled Pikatti to come forward from the assembled crowd, which she did. Pikatti then withdrew a scroll which she presented to Chief Arnook.

"Pikatti has drawn up plans for a system of tunnels and caves which we can build at the back of the city, far from any sites susceptible to attacks. Even if the walls are breached, our civilians will be safe."

"How long do you need to build this?" said Chief Arnook.

"Not long, sire," said Pikatti. "We can be done in a matter of hours if we have the tribe's builders and a few extra waterbenders to help us."

"Very well. You will have what you need."

"Chief Arnook, I must object," Yuraq interrupted.

"Must you, really?" said Master Pakku.

"We are the verge of war. We don't have time for the nattering of little girls who shouldn't even be-"

"Yuraq!" Chief Arnook snapped. "Shut up!"

Everyone stared at their normally composed and even-tempered chief. It wasn't the first time he'd gotten angry, nor the first time he'd yelled at Yuraq, but no one had ever heard him be so completely done with someone's stupidity that he actually used the words, "Shut up." A lot of people's mouths were hanging open until Chief Arnook calmed down and cleared his throat.

"We must prioritize keeping our people safe," he said, his tone barely restrained. "If you have a better suggestion, then please do share it. If not, then learn to hold your tongue."

Chief Arnook turned back to Yue and Pikatti, his expression softening.

"You have my support. Get as many of our people out of the city as you can." He shot a glare back at Yuraq. "And the builders will be assembled to follow your orders."

Councilman Yuraq looked as if he'd bitten into the bad end of a pufferfish.

"We thought you didn't care about us,"

Those words still echoed in her head and stung her heart.

As she and Pikatti got the builders organized, Yue felt her resolve to defend her people growing stronger by the moment. Truth be told, she was terrified when she finally stood up to speak before the council. She was not normally so bold, but this was a matter that concerned the survival of their tribe. There was no place for timidity and fear when lives were on the line, lives that depended on her taking action.

It helped to know that she wasn't alone. The other girls hadn't just encouraged her to speak her mind; they were actively assisting in the project. Some had even decided to focus on things that Yue had overlooked.

Sesi had practically commandeered the entire library as she barked orders to the staff, pushing them to get as many scrolls and tomes moved into the caves as possible. While human lives came first, Sesi insisted that knowledge shouldn't be put at risk either.

What Yue hadn't been prepared for was having to convince some of the civilians to agree to move into the caves for their own safety. Many of the elders were especially stubborn, insisting that they would not leave their homes no matter what the threat and ordered their children and grandchildren to follow their example. Thankfully, most of the women in the families could be reasoned with after being told they and their children would be under direct threat of being incinerated by fireballs if they didn't get to the caves. However, despite their best efforts, there were still those who refused to leave their homes or didn't trust the plans of "a pair of silly, little girls" to keep them safe.

Yue dreaded what might happen to them should the Fire Nation breach the outer defenses.

But her attention had to stay with the people who were willing to go. She and the girls, and even a few boys who'd volunteered, spent the rest of the day escorting the non-combatants into the newly-completed caves. Even Katara's boyfriend Lee was helping out.

Katara had tried to insist to Yue and all the other girls that she and Lee weren't actually together and that she just said that to keep him safe, but they could all see right through her. Just watching how they worked together, convincing naysayers or carrying small children for their tired mothers or even lifting the infirm on stretchers to get them to the caves, it was plain to see how well those two fit as a couple. Even if it was a lie for the moment, Yue knew it was only a matter of time before it became truth.

As happy as she was for them, though, Yue felt a heaviness in her heart over her own romantic situation.

Ever since she was a child, she'd hoped for the kind of love story her parents had had. While they had been arranged to be married, they were singularly devoted to each other all their lives. Yue's memories of her mother were still vivid in her mind. She recalled in perfect detail all the little acts of love and care between her mother and father. How gentle and soft-spoken they both were to each other. Quiet nights as a family sitting by the fire and telling stories. Seeing Father comb Mother's hair for her, how he'd tell her there was no one in the world like her, and how they both just loved being in each other's presence even if they didn't speak a word.

Yue had hoped her own marriage would be so perfect. A union of kindred minds, shared passions, and mutual respect.

Instead, her father had picked Hahn.

She'd known before the official proposal that Hahn was her father's preferred suitor for her. And Yue had put on a placid smile and pretended, like everyone else who knew, that she thought Hahn was a decent, respectable youth, all while her heart cursed her bad luck. Not that she hadn't tried to, at the very least, develop a civil, workable relationship with her betrothed. It was her duty, after all.

But Hahn hadn't been interested in anything she had to say. He thought her reading was a waste of time, that her love for katajjaq was childish, and Hahn had once even suggested she start dying her hair. He'd said that white hair made her look like an old woman, that it was "freakish" and "unnatural" for her to have white hair at her age, so she needed to color it brown or black so she'd look more attractive.

The fact that her white hair was a sign of her being blessed by the Moon Spirit clearly meant nothing in the face of his own preferences. The insult to the spirit who saved her was nearly enough to drive her to slap him across his face.

But that was not the demeanor of a proper lady. A lady has to bear wrongs patiently and forgive, especially when it comes to her future husband. She shouldn't bring grudges into her married life, no matter what.

Even when she saw Hahn openly flirting with other girls, right in front of her. Hahn was perfectly aware that he was going to be Yue's husband and the next chief, yet he felt not the slightest bit of shame for courting others. Yue knew that the only reason he bothered with her, at all, was because of her status and the title he would gain from marrying her.

Now, though, there was no force on earth that could compel her to go through with the wedding.

She'd tasted what real love felt like. From practically the moment she met Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe, she knew what it truly was to be loved as a woman. He'd been shy and awkward at their first meeting, fumbling through an invitation to spend time together. It was sweet and endearing, the kind of admiration that wasn't just about her position.

She wasn't oblivious. She knew that he liked her from the moment they met. And she had to admit that she liked his boldness in asking her to 'do an activity together.' Her other suitors had been so intimidated that they stuck with exclusively formulaic and strict attempts at courtship. Hahn was an exception as he hadn't truly tried to court her; he just assumed she would be his and began trying to dictate her life before he'd even put the betrothal necklace on her.

With Sokka, though, as awkward as he was, there was sincerity and actual interest. Step-by-step, with each interaction they had, Yue realized how well the two of them aligned. Not only did they both find each other attractive, they had a mutual fascination with learning. When Sokka shared his love for science, especially, Yue felt that she was speaking with a peer. That they were on a similar level and that Sokka treated her with that same respect. He never spoke down to her about her interests or explained obvious things like other boys did. He genuinely enjoyed their conversations and listened to Yue's opinions on the subjects they discussed.

Yue even found she somewhat enjoyed his fighting lessons. When she was younger, before her mother passed away, Yue had been more energetic and rough. She wasn't a tomboy, exactly, but she wasn't quite the elegant princess she'd become by sixteen. And, through Sokka, Yue found herself truly connecting with her own people in a way she hadn't before. She was able to speak to them directly and learn what they wanted. For far too long, Yue had kept herself isolated, certain that she could figure out what was best for her people through her father and the council.

It wasn't until Sokka appeared and got her to spend time with other girls her age outside of the library that she realized how wrong her assumptions were.

And how much she, herself, wanted to change.

Perhaps it was selfish, but Yue had decided that she was not going to accept the current arrangement regarding her marriage. Katara had also enlightened her that there was no need for a girl to be married at sixteen. If Yue did marry, whether it be to Sokka or someone else (though she hadn't met anyone else that measured up to him), it would be on her terms and when she was ready.

She still felt twinges of guilt over betraying her engagement to Hahn. Her father had arranged it and that should have been enough. But beyond her own feelings of unhappiness with the situation, she finally realized that going through with that marriage would also be a betrayal of the women in her tribe. To yield up her birthright to a man like Hahn, who would absolutely undo all the changes that were currently improving the lives of so many women, would be a crime far greater than a broken engagement. In being a little bit selfish on this one point, she was also considering the happiness of others for the future.

Of course, it still left her disquieted as she sat in her room that evening, watching the moon shining in the distance.

It certainly wasn't easy to overcome years of being told to keep still, say nothing, look proper, and obey. She'd felt ashamed of herself, at first, for even daring to consider going against the traditions that had seemed so absolute and unquestionable. However, Yue knew she would have been even more ashamed of herself if she continued to sit on the side and say nothing when her people needed her to step up and act like their future leader. She had to be strong and not back down, no matter what.

Whether it was regarding her marriage or building emergency ice caves, Yue had to take a more assertive stance.

The epiphany was freeing, in many ways. Like she had been carrying a heavy load that was steadily being lightened with each newly-discovered part of herself. She didn't want to be that serene, docile, and accommodating Princess Yue anymore. Because, the truth was, she never really was that girl.

When she lost her mother, her father was so consumed by mourning her that he could sometimes act as if he was half-dead, himself. Oh, he'd tried to hide it from her, but Yue had still seen it. That weary look, as if he was done with the world and wanted nothing more than to throw himself into the ocean to finally be at peace. Yue had done her best to be like her mother. She already had her face, so what would be the harm if she started to act like her, as well? Yue had buried the little girl she'd once been in order to keep some shred of her mother alive, if only for her father's sake. Maybe it would soothe his suffering to have some part of Mother back. But sometimes she wondered if that had done more damage than healing. Had kept the grief alive for both of them. Perhaps the kinder and more compassionate thing was to let go of Chieftess Ukiuk so that Princess Yue could truly come back. Clinging to that grief had only hurt both her and her father. Maybe the way forward was to focus on the love they both had in the present, for each other and for their people – and, for Yue, a more recent and daily-increasing love for a brave and funny boy from the South Pole.

In many ways, Yue had been lying to herself that she was happy with how things were. She'd been deluded into believing that she and all other women in the tribe were doing well because everything appeared fine on the surface. As long as everyone had food to eat, a roof over their heads, and protection from the Fire Nation, that was certainly enough to sustain them. But hearing the true feelings of those around her, whether it was from a visitor like Katara or a citizen like Pikatti, had torn apart the image of the peaceful utopia she'd thought the tribe to be.

"We thought you didn't care about us."

They were damning words, but extremely necessary.

The truth had come. The illusion was shattered. And Yue was no longer willing to sit quietly and be still. The reality she had to come to terms with was that she was not her mother, she was not silent and passive, and she definitely wasn't perfect. As much as she'd once aspired to be all those things, the self she'd lost at ten years old with her mother's death was at last starting to come back.

And that girl had no intention of following Hahn's orders for the rest of her life.

She firmly grabbed the pendant at her neck and ripped it off. The ribbon tore right through and the stone actually chipped in one corner from how hard she was gripping it. Yue considered, for a moment, that she should simply throw the thing out the window. She even raised her hand to do it. However, her sense of duty and propriety reminded her that there was an appropriate way to handle this and she took a deep breath. Setting the necklace down on her dresser, she went to her desk to write out a formal letter explaining her reasons for canceling the betrothal.

It was incredibly daring just to do that. No woman she knew had ever canceled her own betrothal, but there was a first time for everything. Once all this was over with, she would take the necklace and the letter and present them to Hahn.

And she was going to do it as publicly as possible. She wanted everyone to see how she truly felt about him. Perhaps her actions would give other women the courage to leave. If she could inspire just one woman or girl to take her happiness into her own hands, she would be satisfied that she'd done something good for her people.

In all things, her people must come first.

Zhao really knew how to drag out a speech.

He wasn't a bad speaker, aside from the disgusting bigotry and violent nationalism that colored his words, but he could go on for quite a while. Even when he was finished address the troops, he felt the need to continue emphasizing his points about ensuring his personal glory and greatness to members of his military council. Unfortunately, Iroh just so happened to be the one he liked to boast to more than anyone else.

He'd put up with the self-aggrandizement and the rants about 'inferior' peoples and the constant digs about Iroh's own failed conquest of Ba Sing Se. The last of which only served to make Iroh's anger grow because of the complete disregard for the true severity of what was lost in that siege. It was becoming increasingly difficult to hold back from shoving Zhao over the railing and into the ocean. But that would be far too quick.

Iroh already had his plans. He would wait until Zhao believed he was on the cusp of victory and then send out a signal to retreat. As the chief military consultant, he had the authority to release the emergency flare. The moment he did so, the two of them would be trapped in the Northern Water Tribe and the fleet would have to halt its attack until the other chief officers could make a decision. Iroh didn't even care that he'd have no means of escape for himself. As long as he could destroy Zhao's ambitions, strip him of all he'd hoped to achieve, and take him down, he didn't mind that the Water Tribe would undoubtedly have him executed.

He had nothing left to live for. Only the thought of avenging the death of another son kept him going now.

"Tomorrow will be a great day for us, General Iroh," Zhao said. "Soon, we'll be able to realize Fire Lord Ozai's vision of a pure world. A world freed from vermin like the Water Tribes. A world where fire can finally reign supreme."

"There is one thing that I'm still a little confused about, Admiral. Perhaps you can enlighten me."

"Oh? What's your concern, General Iroh?"

"You seem singularly determined to destroy the Water Tribes, more than anything else in the world. I was wondering why you have such intense hatred for them. Did they harm you in some way?"

"Ha! Nothing so petty. No, I don't have any particular grudge against them, aside from their well-known barbarity and natural inferiority. I don't even really hate them, to tell the truth."

"Then why be so fixated on their destruction?"

"General Iroh, I am sure you are acquainted with Lord Kin?"

Iroh felt as if he'd tasted something foul.

"Yes. I know Lord Kin."

"And I'm sure you know his family's history with the Water Tribes."

"His father and grandmother were the masterminds behind the Southern Water Tribe's current state."

"The Scourging of the South. One of Fire Lord Azulon's proudest legacies. Because of his family's tireless efforts, Lord Kin now enjoys one of the highest places of honor in the royal court."

Iroh didn't voice what he felt Lord Kin actually deserved, but a position of honor certainly wasn't even in the top ten thousand options. The man had been a slimy, opportunistic creep since Ozai first befriended him at school. Well, 'befriended' in as much as Ozai could have friends. Iroh doubted there was any true bond of trust or affection between them, aside from a shared cruelty and obsession with their feelings of superiority. At least Lord Wen wore his shameless thirst for violence, explosive temper, and wanton disregard for human life openly. Lord Kin liked to strut about in fine silks and play at being a gracious host and respected gentleman, all while keeping his worst tendencies behind closed doors.

Iroh had long had suspicions about Lord Kin's private activities. Unfortunately, he'd never managed to obtain proof that the man had done anything illegal, though his treatment of the courtesans he hired was infamous in the capital. But, of course, no one would ever dare to testify against one of Fire Lord Ozai's personal favorites at court.

"Lord Kin has been generous enough to assist me in some of my own professional ventures," Zhao continued. "And, as a man of honor, myself, I feel obligated to provide him a suitable compensation."

"You don't mean-?"

"Lord Kin has always hoped to be involved in a similar venture to that of his forebears. He's been content, so far, with the Earth Kingdom prisoners I've provided him, but I know he's always wanted Water Tribe people for his…personal projects."

"What does he want them for?" Iroh dared to ask, dreading what the truth would do to his stomach the moment he heard it.

"You know, I've never thought to ask him. And it's not as if it matters, either way. At the end of the day, if a few savages from a lesser nation are what it takes to improve my standing and satisfy my patron, he can have the lot of them if he wants."

"So, the Water Tribe people are just tools for advancing your career?"

"Of course. What else would they ever be good for except aiding the success of their betters?"

That made it so much worse.

Hatred, at least, could be understood. If a waterbender had done something to make Zhao want vengeance against the Water Tribes, that would be one thing. But Zhao didn't actually care about the people he sought to wipe from the face of the planet. They meant nothing to him. They were simply stepping stones for his own prestige.

And there was a darker tone to all this.

Iroh did not like the implications of what Zhao said about Lord Kin's involvement. First chance he got, he was going to send a message back to his agents in the Fire Nation to put more attention on the shifty nobleman. Even if he didn't make it out alive from the North Pole, the Order had to be informed of what Iroh had learned. The most positive outcome he could imagine was a forced labor camp, but those were so common that another one wouldn't require any secrecy. Iroh did not want to think too deeply on what else Lord Kin might want so many prisoners for.

One thing was certain, though. Iroh could not allow even one Water Tribe person to end up in Zhao's, and by extension Lord Kin's, hands.

The moon was glowing brightly that evening. It would be full in two days. Even covered by her parka, the moonlight made her skin feel strangely warm, like she was getting a reassuring hug from an old friend. It also seemed to pull her forward, drawing her out to the ramparts of the great gate of the city. Somehow, she wasn't surprised to find Zuko waiting there, staring out at the ocean.

As nervous as she was, it was as if the moon wasn't going to let her leave until she'd said what she needed to say.

"Are you cold?" Katara asked.

"I've got a lot on my mind," he said.

"You can tell me, if you want."

"There's really no turning back, now. I'm going to have to fight my own people, for real this time." He took a shaky breath. "Katara, does it make me a bad person that I'm not more upset about that?"

She put a hand on his shoulder.

"Zuko, I want you to understand this clearly. You are not a bad person. You're a very good person that bad things have happened to. But the fact is that you're still doing what you know is right. The soldiers who are coming here…do you think they care that they're threatening the lives of innocent people? People who've never done anything to them."

Zuko didn't answer, but Katara could tell he understood.

"Whatever else I feel about the Northern Water Tribe, its people shouldn't be wiped out. For every one jerk, there are ten otherwise good or at least decent people. There's nothing wrong about wanting to protect them."

Zuko turned to her, his expression still lost and conflicted.

"But the Fire Nation soldiers are people, too," he said. "How many of the troops coming here have family waiting for them back home? Family they'll never see again. I don't want them to die, but I don't want them to hurt the Northern Water Tribe. And I don't know why I'm not upset that I'm joining the fight to stop them."

"It's because you know the war is wrong. Even if the soldiers are just following orders, that doesn't excuse the fact that they're still willing to do terrible things because someone else told them to. But you're different, Zuko. You see something wrong and you stand against it. Because that's the kind of person you are. A good person."

Tears started to well up in his eyes and he frantically began rubbing his hand against them.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't-"

Katara gently but firmly pulled his hand away from his face.

"Don't," she said. "You never have to apologize for how you feel, Zuko."

She wrapped her arms around him and held him close. He stiffened up for a moment, but then melted into the hug, holding her just as tightly.

"Thank you," he said quietly. "But I don't deserve this."

"I wish you wouldn't be so hard on yourself," Katara told him. "Of course you deserve support when you need it."

"Maybe you're just too forgiving. Even after all the stupid stuff I did, after I attacked your village when I was hunting Aang, you're still willing to not just be around me but give me a hug and tell me I'm a good person."

Katara pulled back from the embrace to look him squarely in the eyes.

"Zuko, I would've thought you'd realized by now that all that is in the past. Yes, you did some bad things, but you regret them don't you?"

"Of course I do!"

"And in all that you did, did you ever actually cause anyone lasting harm?"

"I…I don't think so."

"When you showed up in our village, while you did scare us, you never killed or hurt any of us, aside from smacking Sokka on the head a few times."

"I did set that village on Kyoshi Island on fire."

"As far as I'm aware, there were no casualties and Aang put out the fire pretty quickly. But you should probably make a formal apology to the Kyoshi Islanders when you get a chance."

"I still don't know why you and the others think I'm worth keeping around. I haven't even been that good of a friend to you guys. My decision to break into the Northern Water Tribe has caused you all nothing but trouble. I've been wondering if you all would be better off without me."

"That's not true and you know it, Zuko."

"Why? Tell me, Katara, what is it about me that you feel is worth saving?"

There were a million things she could list, but she was hesitant to tell him.

Katara had never been the type of person to hide how she felt, but it wasn't every day that she had romantic feelings for someone. Up until now, the only other guy she'd ever had a crush on was Jet, and that hadn't worked out so well. Though that was more because Jet was a murderous psycho and less about Katara's ability to admit her feelings. If anything, Katara had been way too obvious with her affection and that allowed Jet a chance to take advantage of her trust.

But it was a different situation entirely with Zuko. The fact was that Zuko wasn't just some random cute boy she knew for a couple days. He was her friend. They'd traveled together, fought the same enemies, comforted and supported each other, and shared very personal parts of their lives with each other. Telling him what she thought about him would only open the floodgates and reveal the truth she'd been keeping buried in her heart. And bringing romance into the situation was difficult because she didn't want to make their relationship awkward if he didn't feel the same way. Or, even worse, she didn't want him to feel obligated to pretend he liked her back to avoid hurting her feelings.

However, Katara wasn't sure she could continue ignoring how she felt about him. Her mother had always said that keeping emotions bottled up wasn't healthy. Not for the first time did Katara wish her mother was there to help her figure out what to do. But she wasn't there, and Katara would have to fend for herself, as always.

"To start with," Katara said, "for all that you're a hot-headed, angry firebender, you are caring, compassionate, and kind. You're reckless and impulsive, but I don't think I've met anyone as brave as you. You know the difference between right and wrong, and you're not afraid to say it despite the consequences. You never sit back and let other people do all the work when you know you can contribute. You can be intimidating, but you never cross the line. You make mistakes, but you are willing to own up to them and apologize. And, no matter how much you put down your intelligence, I think you're actually really smart most of the time."

Zuko stared at her, clearly stunned that she could list so many positive qualities about him.

"You really think I'm brave?"

"Of course. It's one of the things I love most about you."

"I guess…wait, love?"

Katara's face immediately went red and Zuko's quickly followed suit.

"No, wait, I'm sorry," he stammered. "I didn't mean it like that."

"…Well, what if I meant it like that?"

Zuko blinked, looked at the ocean, and then back to her.

"What?"

Katara fidgeted with the edge of the scarf he'd made her for her birthday. It seemed she would have to spell it out very clearly.

"I'm not really sure how to say this. But I didn't want to keep silent when we're about to go into battle and it's not really certain what might happen, and I've been afraid because I don't want to wreck our friendship and-"

She cut herself off at Zuko's confused expression, realizing that she was babbling.

"The truth is, I…I like you. You know, like-like you."

Her face was burning and she knew the red in her cheeks must have spread up to at least up to her ears from how embarrassed she was. Before Zuko could respond, she turned away.

"I'm sorry. Just…just forget it."

She took a step, fully prepared to bolt back to the hut and scream into a pile of furs, only to find herself stopped by a strong hand holding hers.

"What if I don't want to forget it?"

Katara slowly turned to face him and saw a bright, hopeful glimmer in his golden eyes.

"Maybe I like-like you, too."

He stepped closer to her and Katara thought her heart was going to break through her ribcage from how hard it was hammering in her chest.

"You just told me all the things you love about me," he said. "It's only fair if I do the same for you."

She could swear his eyes were glowing at least as brightly as the moon in the distance. She wasn't sure if the heat rushing through her was from Zuko warming himself with his firebending while holding her hands, or if it was just the intense rush of emotions inside her from what he said.

"You said I'm compassionate and kind and brave. If I am, it's nothing compared to you. You have the most generous heart of any person I know. You never back down when you see injustice and you're unafraid of standing your ground against the people who commit it. You're relentless and passionate and ambitious, but you never neglect the needs of others to reach your goals. You're strong and determined and know what you want. You're an incredible fighter and beautiful both inside and out."

Katara smiled softly and began to fidget with the scarf again.

"Do you really think I'm beautiful?"

He'd let the word slip out the other day after she'd announced their fake betrothal to the council. She hadn't been sure if he meant it at the time and they'd both been so startled by him saying it that he never gave her an answer. This time, he gave her one.

"If it wasn't true, I wouldn't say it."

"And what if I said I think you're beautiful, too?"

"I'd think you're teasing me."

Zuko let out a short laugh and Katara could tell he wasn't fully convinced. She reached up with one hand and gently touched the edge of his scar. She knew that was the reason why he didn't believe it. But, to her, that scar was simply a mark of his character, a sign of his bravery and compassion in the face of inhuman cruelty. And that made it beautiful in her eyes.

"…If it wasn't true, I wouldn't say it," she said.

Zuko was startled by her using his own words to drive the point home.

"You really do mean it, don't you?" he asked.

Feeling emboldened, Katara tilted her head up and lifted herself on her tiptoes to reach him. He didn't seem like he wanted to pull away, so she pressed her lips to his. His eyes went wide and he touched his mouth as if he wasn't sure she'd actually just kissed him.

"Was that enough to convince you?" said Katara.

A smile broke across his face.

"Not even close."

He leaned down this time to repay her action in kind.

It was as if all the breath left her body. She closed her eyes and pressed back into the kiss. Her hands drifted up to tangle in his hair as she pulled him closer.

In that space and that time, all the rest of the world disappeared.

"Pakku, don't you dare," Yugoda said sternly, restraining the waterbending master by the hood of his parka.

"Yugoda, release me at once. I have to put a stop to this, immediately."

Yugoda rolled her eyes and shook her head. For all the improvement her friend had gone through recently, he was still a meddling, old grump who needed to learn that not everything required his seal of approval. And Katara's love life was certainly one of the things he had to stay out of the most.

It had been purely by accident that they had even discovered the two lovebirds meeting on the wall. Pakku and Yugoda had been on their way up there to inspect the fortification and see if there was anything they could do to reinforce it. How were they supposed to know there was a clandestine love confession about to happen?

Naturally, Yugoda had to drag Pakku away before he could do something to ruin the moment.

"What, exactly, is your problem with that young man?" Yugoda asked once they were a sufficient distance away. "He has been nothing but kind, respectful, and considerate to the people of this tribe."

"I don't like the way he distracts my star pupil," Pakku huffed. "Katara doesn't need her focus disrupted by a firebender. Especially not that firebender."

"You know, Pakku, one might think you were Katara's overprotective grandfather rather than her teacher."

"If only," he muttered under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing!"

Yugoda crossed her arms and frowned at Pakku like he was one of her misbehaving grandchildren.

"Pakku, Katara is old enough to make her own choices about who she sees. And you will stay out of it."

He opened his mouth to argue, but Yugoda cut him off.

"No. If you start interfering in this, you'll lose all the respect Katara has for you. Even if you had a right to get involved, which you don't, this is hardly the time. Do I have to remind you of what we were supposed to discuss this evening?"

Pakku gave a frustrated grunt, but he did not argue further.

They proceeded to inspect the foundations of the wall, with Pakku occasionally shooting a glare upwards. Yugoda ignored it and kept her attention on their work. Thankfully, Pakku snapped out of it after awhile and actually started helping. Once they'd reached an agreement about where to reinforce the wall and what areas to place the troops, they moved on to discussing strategy.

It was refreshing to have Pakku finally start taking her seriously as leader of their White Lotus chapter.

"Will the healers be joining in the fight?" Pakku asked.

"Quite a few, yes. Don't forget, many of my girls are your students now, too."

"I know. But what of the women who haven't been training to fight. Are they going to stay in the caves?"

"Some of them. But most still want to do their part to help the soldiers."

"If the Fire Nation breaks through, though, they'll be defenseless."

"They're willing to take that risk for the sake of the tribe."

"…In that case, I will arrange for weapons to be distributed among them."

"What?"

"There's no time to get them trained to fight, but I won't have anyone go into this without a means of self-defense. At the very least they should have knives. Just in case."

Yugoda had never thought she'd see the day that Pakku would speak up about women and girls defending themselves. Then again, she'd never expected to see him train them in waterbending, either. She agreed to his plan with a smile.

The first strike came in the early morning.

When it hit, it hit hard.

The last time that Zuko had been on the receiving end of a Fire Nation naval barrage had been when he'd run that blockade during one of his previous attempts to capture Aang. It was kind of strange that Zhao was commanding both those attacks, only now Zuko was actually on the Avatar's side. It was like things had come full-circle, in a way.

There wasn't a whole lot Zuko could do in this situation, however. Yes, he still had his swords on him, but all the warriors who couldn't waterbend were being held in reserve in case the Fire Nation broke through. The waterbenders and Aang were more effective out on the open ocean, but it would be tricky to maneuver a group of non-benders out there.

Then, of course, there was the trial-by-fire for the female waterbenders.

Even right up to the last moment before the first assault, there were men arguing that the women should sit this fight out, or at least stay in the caves to protect the other women. Katara wasn't having it. She and many of the girls she'd been training with walked right up to the battlements and took their positions.

As nervous as he felt seeing her go into battle, he knew it wasn't his place to stop her. And he was also proud to see how far she'd come since they'd first encountered each other in the South Pole. Back then, she hadn't even been able to waterbend in a straight line. Now, she was going out to attack Fire Nation ships. She was more than capable of fighting and it would be unforgivably selfish to ask her not to, especially after all the hard work and training she'd done. It didn't stop the flash of worry that something would go wrong, though. Anything could happen in battle.

Thankfully, Katara and the other girls with her clearly knew how to handle themselves.

She actually led a team of them out on ice-rafts to take down a ship directly. They weren't able to pierce the hulls with ice-spikes, unfortunately, due to the reinforced steel; however, they did work well at immobilizing the ships so they could board them and go after the crews.

Whenever a team returned from a strike on the fleet, Zuko was standing by to help any injured waterbenders get to the healers. He'd decided that he would do his best as a support. With his firebending as weak as it was (and because it made the Water Tribe people uncomfortable), the only weapons he had were his dual daos, making him, in practice, a non-bender. So, as long as the Fire Nation didn't get into the city, he was keeping himself in reserve.

The only problem was that, for every Fire Nation ship that was taken down, at least ten new ships appeared.

The strain was clearly weighing on the waterbenders. Katara, despite her obvious resolve to go back out and fight after getting a number of burns and a sprained wrist, was clearly exhausted and might even collapse if she didn't get some rest. By the time the sun started to set, it was plain to see that the waterbenders were running on the last threads of their energy.

"I'm fine," Katara insisted as Zuko carried her to see Yugoda. "I could take out another twenty ships."

"Not until you get patched up," Zuko told her.

"It's just a small sprain."

"It'll become a big sprain if you keep pushing yourself."

She huffed but didn't argue. The instant that Yugoda had Katara healed up, she wanted to race back out to the water and fight another ship full of firebenders. Thankfully, she stopped the same moment the barrage did and Zuko let out a sigh of relief. He didn't know where this newfound protectiveness was coming from. He'd been concerned about Katara's safety before when they were traveling, especially during the incident where she got "kidnapped" by the Taihua bandits, but there was something different about the situation now.

Perhaps it was because of what they'd said and done the night before. Zuko could still feel the warmth of Katara's lips on his and the overwhelming happiness he felt inside of him when she told him she liked him as more than a friend. He'd never expected anyone to care for him that way, least of all someone as incredible as Katara.

And it made him finally realize what he'd been feeling for her for some time. Something he'd never dared to put into words because there was no way she would ever want him in that way. For too long, he'd ignored those feelings and brushed them off because of how ridiculous it was to hope.

Only, it wasn't ridiculous. As soon as she told him what she really felt for him, Zuko realized how stupid he'd been not to see his own feelings for her. The truth was, he'd been too afraid to see them. Afraid of rejection, afraid of ending their friendship, and afraid that she'd think he was disgusting or a creep or trying to use her.

But she didn't think those things. She chose him. Even with all his flaws and failings and mistakes, she still chose him out of all the people in the world.

Zuko had never thought of himself as lucky or blessed or worthy before that day. He still didn't feel worthy, but he now understood a little of what it was like to be blessed. They hadn't had a chance to really discuss what their relationship was going to be moving forward, but, at least, they both got the truth out in the open and there was something more than friendship between them now. And that was already more than he could've ever thought possible.

"I guess they're done for the day," Zuko said as the silence fully settled over the horizon. "You should rest up. I can guess that tomorrow will be even worse."

"I'm not tired. We could do a nighttime strike."

She spun on her heel, likely to rush off and get her team, only to slip and fall backwards into Zuko's arms.

"Katara, please, take at least a few minutes for a breather before racing off into danger again."

She seemed about to argue, until a familiar figure on a fluffy, giant, flying bison appeared in the sky.

"Aang!"

The plan to infiltrate the Fire Nation flagship and assassinate Zhao could only be described, in Sokka's opinion, as "stupid, bad, stupid."

The uniforms were outdated. No one involved understood anything about Fire Nation customs, besides Sokka. They had no knowledge of potential passcodes and phrases that the invasion force might be using. They genuinely believed that a group of unidentified soldiers would be allowed access to the leader of the entire invasion force. And, the worst offence of all, Hahn kept mispronouncing Zhao's name.

At least Chief Arnook and Head Warrior Nanuq seemed to be on Sokka's side. When Hahn kept interrupting Sokka's insightful lecture on the flaws of the mission, Arnook finally stepped in. Of course, that came with a truly unpleasant revelation as the cost.

"Hahn, show Sokka your respect. I expect nothing less from my future son-in-law."

Sokka could've sworn his jaw hit the floor at that.

"Princess Yue's marrying you?" he asked.

"Yeah. What of it?"

"…Nothing. Congratulations."

A lot of stuff from the last month suddenly made much more sense. He could've bashed his head against the wall from how stupid he felt for having missed the warning signs. Of all the guys in the North Pole that Yue could be engaged to, it just had to be a massive asshat like Hahn.

Still, Sokka was able to quickly bury his frustration and his disgust in order to move on with providing his military intelligence. Of course, Hahn and some of his bootlickers refused to let him get on with it and felt the need to add their own running commentary. When Sokka mentioned that the Fire Nation military was integrated, allowing men and women to serve equally, the pack of howling hyena-baboons just had to chime in.

"We'll have 'em beat in no time, then."

"With girls in their army, they're all probably sitting around knitting."

"Are there even men, then? Seems like, with that many girls, they've all probably grown vaginas by now."

Sokka said nothing at first. He took a few steps forward. Then he slapped Hahn so hard on the side of the head that he crashed right into his buddies. The idiot then leapt to his feet, his own hand raised in a fist.

"You fucking peasant! How dare you-"

Sokka grabbed him by his wrist, kicked his legs out from under him, and pinned his arm behind his back.

"Are you finished acting like a brat, Hahn, or do you need another lesson in manners?"

"I didn't say anything we weren't all thinking!"

Sokka turned to the other young warriors.

"If any of you were thinking what Hahn and his friends just said, you're going to get yourselves killed in five seconds on that ship. Not sure how this wasn't obvious, but firebending doesn't care who it comes out of. It'll melt your skin off whether it's from a man or a woman. To tell the truth, I think this entire mission is a waste of time and resources."

Sokka loosened his grip enough to allow Hahn to squirm free.

"I think you're a Fire Nation sympathizer. Why else would you be so eager to stop us?"

"Because you will DIE! What part of that aren't you getting?!"

"You're just underestimating us. And you're bitter that you got thrown out of warrior training before."

"You know what, Hahn, if you want to go off and get yourself killed on a mission with no chance of success, that's one thing. But I don't think it's fair that you're asking all of these guys to do the same."

The other guys began to murmur amongst themselves, visibly unnerved by the thought that this was a suicide mission. Hahn was fuming that his 'glorious plan' was being questioned.

"Answer me this, Hahn, and I'll believe you know what you're doing," Sokka added. "What's the fleet commander's name?"

Hahn's eyes began to dart from side to side and a drop of sweat rolled down his cheek.

"You don't remember, do you?"

"Of course I remember. It's…uh…it's Admiral Choi."

Sokka pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. The crowd of warriors got more restless.

"Um, Hahn?" Alornek spoke up hesitantly. "It's 'Admiral Zhao.'"

"Excellent work, Alornek," Sokka said as Hahn snarled at being corrected. "It's nice to know that someone was paying attention during the debriefing."

"You really think we're gonna die on this mission?"

"No one's gonna die," Hahn insisted.

"Honestly, yeah. Outdated uniforms, minimal intel, and a team leader who can't even remember the name of the guy he's supposed to kill? I'd be amazed if you could make it onto the ship in one piece."

It came as no surprise to Sokka that Chief Arnook called off the mission when every warrior aside from Hahn went to him to ask for a different assignment. Instead of wasting their time, they all decided to use the lull in the fighting to rest up or sharpen their weapons. Sokka was having trouble getting to sleep for once, so he decided to prep a few axes and knives for tomorrow just to clear his head.

Unfortunately for him, Hahn decided to take up a place next to him. He seemed unusually smug for someone whose entire mission just got scrubbed. The reason was soon apparent as Hahn took to making comments about Yue. Clearly, Hahn had a bad mind for memorizing Fire Nation military leaders but a good one for figuring out what subjects got under Sokka's skin. His earlier surprise at learning about the engagement must've clued Hahn into the fact that Sokka had feelings for Yue, and so he was going to rub that in his face as much as possible.

"I tell ya, Soh-Ka, I've courted a lot of girls, but Yue is the finest. And she comes with the most perks."

"Perks?" Sokka snapped. "What does that mean?"

"I mean, Yue's nice and all, but the points I'll gain with the chief won't hurt, either."

"Princess Yue is wasted on a self-absorbed weasel like you."

"What do you care? You're just a simple rube from the southern tribe. What would you understand about the political complexities of our life? Heh. No offense."

He really shouldn't have let his temper get the best of him. He should know better by now. But Sokka wasn't the type of person to let insults to people he loved or his tribe go unanswered. That was why he tackled Hahn and started punching his stupid, ugly face. If he'd been more in control of himself, he'd have aimed for the kidneys.

Sadly, Chief Arnook intervened and had them pulled apart before Sokka could finish the fight.

"That's enough! Both of you. Hahn, go take a walk. Sokka, I need to have a word with you."

Hahn was snickering as he left, clearly assuming Sokka was about to be yelled at and officially dismissed from the warriors. Sokka didn't care, though. He'd already left the warriors of his own choice before. He would gladly put on the Kyoshi Warrior uniform again and fight as an independent. The only reason he hadn't, already, was that he was worried that wearing the uniform in battle might give the Fire Nation an excuse to attack Kyoshi Island. Even if Sokka wasn't from the island, just wearing their uniform would be all the evidence the Fire Nation needed that Kyoshi had broken their neutrality.

"Sokka," Chief Arnook said once the room had cleared. "Is something wrong?"

"Oh, no, Hahn's out there laughing it up and probably trying to plan another suicide mission that will make things ten-times worse for our side. Yeah, everything's peachy."

"Listen, Sokka, I wanted to speak to you about an important matter. I admit that it's selfish of me to ask this, but I have a special mission for you."

"What? You want me to scrub the barracks?"

"I want you to guard my daughter. Princess Yue."

Sokka immediately stood up straight and tried not to let his voice crack too badly as he answered.

"Uh, sure. That shouldn't be a problem."

Aang nearly collapsed as he got down from Appa.

"I can't do it," he said as Katara, Zuko, and Yue rushed over to him. "I can't do it."

"What happened?" Katara asked.

"I must've taken out a dozen Fire Navy ships, but there're just too many. I can't fight them all."

"But you have to," Yue said, her tone desperate and fearful. "You're the Avatar."

"I'm just one kid."

Katara knelt down to give him a comforting hug.

"At least you can have a break, for now," said Zuko. "And we have some time to think of a plan."

"Where's Sokka when you need him?" said Katara.

They walked him up to the palace to rest, giving him lots of reassurances and praise for how well he did so far. He knew they were just trying to make him feel better. As much as he appreciated it, it wasn't doing a lot to help him think of how to fix the problem. Yue's words were still laced with pleading for him to keep trying to protect her tribe. Katara kept to her usual pep-talks and positive outlook. Zuko, at least, seemed to be more honest about how dire the situation was and, in essence, told him that if they gave up then they would all die.

As they rested in one of the palace's porticos, watching the almost-full moon rising in the distance, they continued trying to brainstorm.

There was something else that had been on Aang's mind shortly after he got back from fighting the Fire Navy. Zuko and Katara kept sharing subtle looks with each other. Aang wasn't sure why, but something about that bothered him a little. It was like they had some kind of secret together that they weren't sharing.

It was probably nothing. His friends wouldn't keep anything major from him, after all.

The hours continued on. None of them felt able to go to sleep from how stressed they were, so they just continued to hang around in that one spot, worrying about what sunrise would bring. Yue had become particularly fixated on the moon shining above them.

"The legends say the moon was the first waterbender," she said after a while. "Our ancestors saw how it pushed and pulled the tides, and learned how to do it, themselves."

"I've always noticed my waterbending is stronger at night," said Katara.

"That makes sense," said Zuko. "Firebenders rise with the sun. So, I guess, waterbenders must rise with the moon."

Katara and Zuko were looking at each other and smiling in that weird way, again. Something about it made Aang's skin itch.

"Our strength comes from the spirit of the moon," Yue continued, "our life comes from the spirit of the ocean. They work together to keep balance."

That's when it hit him.

"The spirits!" Aang said. "Maybe I can find them and get their help."

"How can you do that?"

"The Avatar is the bridge between our world and the Spirit World," Katara explained. "Aang can talk to them."

"Maybe they'll give you the wisdom to win this battle."

"Or maybe they'll unleash a crazy amazing spirit-attack on the Fire Nation," Aang said excitedly. However, the others didn't seem to share his enthusiasm, so he added: "Or wisdom. That's good, too."

"The only problem is last time you got to the Spirit World by accident," said Katara. "How are you going to get there this time?"

"We could try locking him in a dark room and burning a ton of incense," Zuko suggested. "I hear that's what fire sages do to try and commune with spirits."

"How many of those fire sages actually make contact with spirits?"

"Okay, fair enough. It was the best I could come up with. The only other idea I had was a boatload of alcohol. I've heard sailors say they've seen lots of spirits after a few rounds of cheap rice wine."

"We're not getting Aang drunk. He's twelve."

"Hey, I never said it was a good idea. But it was all I had. Unless there's some sort of magical spirit portal Aang can walk into, we're out of luck."

"I have an idea," said Yue. "Follow me."

She led them through the royal palace and down through a series of passageways to a courtyard at the furthest end of the grounds. There was nothing of real note in the courtyard except for a doorway carved into the ice, covered by a small, round door.

"So, is this the way to the Spirit World?" Aang asked.

Yue chuckled.

"No. You'll have to get there on your own. But I can take you to the most spiritual place in the North Pole."

She opened the door and a surge of warm air rushed past. On the other side was a tiny, lush oasis sitting in the middle of a large stream that was fed by a waterfall pouring down from the heights of the ice cliffs above. Without hesitation, Aang flew towards the beautiful little slice of paradise that had been hidden within the frozen city. Instantly, it was as if he was in the warm embrace of summer and he felt an indescribable thrill as soon as he plopped down on the ground.

"I never thought I'd miss grass this much!"

He began to roll around, just taking in the sensation of the blades of grass brushing his skin. It really did seem like forever since he made contact with something other than ice. He wasn't sure why, but it was like a missing part of him had suddenly been restored.

"It's so warm here," said Katara. "How is that possible?"

"It's the center of all spiritual energy in our land," said Yue.

As Aang got up to examine the space better, he could understand what she meant. There was something in that little oasis, something old and powerful. As far as he knew, there were no physical gateways to the Spirit World, but this was probably as close as it got. The air, itself, was alive with energy. It was so heavy, he could almost taste it. Like that strange pressure in the air when a huge storm was about to hit.

"You're right, Yue," Aang said. "I can feel…something. It's so…tranquil."

He then dropped into a lotus pose, pressed his hands together, and began to meditate.

Breathe in, breathe out.

"Why is he sitting like that?" Yue whispered loudly enough for him to hear.

Breathe in, breathe out.

"He's meditating," Katara told her. "Trying to cross over into the Spirit World. It takes all his concentration."

Breathe in, breathe out. Don't lose your focus.

"Is there any way we can help?"

"How 'bout some quiet?!" Aang finally snapped. "C'mon, guys, I can hear every word you're saying."

He was so annoyed, he was tempted to just give up.

Then, something about the movement of the koi fish caught his attention. The way they circled, round and round, black with white and white with black, like a great Yin-Yang. It drew him deeper and deeper.

That was when everything went dark.

The bangs and blasts down in the city had resumed as soon as the sun came up. Zuko could see Katara getting restless. Yue had already left them to go and assist the healers as there wasn't much else she could do aside from standing around with them waiting for Aang to come back.

He really wished Aang would hurry up and find a way to get his spirit buddies to help them out. They'd been waiting the whole night. In a way, it was more intense than when Aang went into the Avatar State that first time and wrecked Zuko's ship. At least in that, Zuko had been somewhat prepared for the Avatar to have crazy bending powers. With this, there was no telling what was going to happen. Aang could snap and go on a rampage, or just continue sitting there unmoving. Zuko wasn't even sure the kid was breathing, at the moment.

Katara took Zuko's hand and he gave it a little squeeze.

"He'll be fine," he said. "He's gotten out of tough spots before."

"Not like this. He's only been in the Spirit World once. And he said that it was mostly just being in our world but invisible. He's deep in there, this time. There's no telling what kind of creatures he's going to face."

"I don't really get this Spirit World stuff, but I think we should trust Aang to figure it out."

"I know it's ridiculous for me to worry so much about him. He's the Avatar, after all. But I can't help it."

"I never said it was bad to be worried about him. I am, too. He's our friend, it's only natural to want him to be safe. If I could've gone with him into the Spirit World for backup, I would have."

"Me, too."

Another bang from the siege rattled through the ground.

"It sounds like they're getting closer to breaking through," said Zuko

"Yeah." Katara rubbed at her arms, shifting on her feet.

"You okay?"

"Honestly…not really."

"You want to go back out there and fight some more, don't you?"

"Would you be upset if I said, 'yes'?"

"Of course not. Why would I be upset?"

"Because of how you stopped me earlier. I thought you might be."

"Katara, I'd never be upset by you wanting to fight, especially for something as important as this. I just didn't want you collapsing or hurting yourself before you even got the chance to get into it again."

"You'd really be fine with me going back out there?"

"Whether I'm fine with it or not doesn't matter. I am, but that's not the point. Your choices are yours to make. Will I be worried that someone will hurt you and I won't be able to stop it? Of course, I will. But I trust you know how to take care of yourself. You're an amazing warrior. And, if you're going to fight, you don't need anyone's permission."

A massive bang shook the entire tribe, causing even the ice walls that towered on either side of the oasis to crack.

That couldn't be good. If the Fire Nation had breached the outer walls, then it was only a matter of time before they got deep into the city, found the oasis, and captured Aang. And, in the process of their march through the Northern Water Tribe, a lot of people were going to die.

"I have to help," Katara said.

"I know. I'll stay here and keep an eye on Aang."

She threw her arms around him and hugged him like she never wanted to let go. Truthfully, Zuko wished they could just stay like that for a while. Forever, even. However, he already knew that Katara wouldn't be able to sit still while the rest of the waterbenders were fighting for their lives. Still, it was a wonderful feeling while it lasted.

"Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me for anything. I'm just babysitting Aang for a while."

"I know. But, thank you."

When Katara kissed him, Zuko could swear that his inner fire burned hotter than it ever had before. The heat of it went from his lips right down into his chest. He swayed on his feet a little as he watched her disappear out the passageway.

He plopped down on the grass next to Aang, just watching the spot where she'd left. Hopefully, staring vacantly at the oasis' entrance would make the time pass more quickly and she would appear again before he knew it. It felt like hours had passed, but, when Zuko looked up at the sky, he saw that the sun was roughly in the same position as when Aang went into the Spirit World.

Being alone with his thoughts and a glowy-eyed Aang was not doing so well for Zuko's nerves.

For one thing, it caused his worries about Katara's safety to go up. At least when they were at the wall, they were there together and he could see how she was doing. Up in the oasis, he had no means of communicating with her and had to rely on his trust in her combat abilities. Granted, he had a lot of trust in those, but all it took was one lucky shot from an enemy soldier and Katara might get injured or worse.

Then there was the other major concern on his mind. What would happen when Zhao got into the city? It was clear from the earlier tremor that the Fire Nation had broken through the outer wall. If Zhao made it inside and was able to push through the warriors and waterbenders, if he managed to find the oasis, then Aang was a sitting turtle-duck.

Zuko looked at the kid sitting there unmoving, eyes glowing, face blank. Aang was not in any condition to protect himself or even to escape. Sokka and Katara were off fighting. Yue was tending to the wounded. The only person Aang had left was Zuko.

"Fuck it."

He grabbed Aang and slung the kid over his shoulders.

Without stopping to think, he dashed out of the oasis and began to search for a hiding spot. It was impetuous and stupid and he'd undoubtedly get yelled at later for leaving their designated waiting spot, but it couldn't be helped.

Zuko had to get Aang out of there, somewhere that Zhao wouldn't find him.

His first instinct was to run off onto the tundra. Zhao would never think to look there. But, then again, the others might not be able to find them, either. He also had no supplies, diminished firebending, and no clue how to navigate the terrain. If Zuko had been feeling more desperate and alone, he might have ignored his common sense and run off into the tundra anyway. As things stood, he knew there was a place where non-combatants were supposed to go to stay safe during the attack.

So, bracing Aang on his back, Zuko made for the ice caves.

Thankfully, the entrances to the cave system were not too far from the oasis. Pikatti had designed them to be at the far back, carefully hidden in spots the Fire Nation troops wouldn't think to search. One entrance was tucked away behind the latrines. It was smelly but effective. Not many invaders would assume there was a secret entrance to an emergency shelter in a spot like that.

It didn't take Zuko long to get them both inside. He still navigated the passages cautiously. He didn't want to barge into an occupied cave and frighten the civilians inside with the unconscious body of the Avatar. It might not go well for him.

To his immense relief, there was a cave room that was being used for supply storage so Zuko decided to set them up in there.

"I guess I'll make us a fire," he said after gently setting Aang down on a pile of furs. "That's one thing I'm useful for, at least."

Once he got the fire going and settled in on the fur pile beside Aang, Zuko was again left alone with his thoughts.

"I really hope you find what you need in there, Aang."

Silence. Nothing but the crackling of the fire could be heard.

"You probably will. You've got some pretty good luck. You've made it through stuff most people couldn't even imagine."

Still nothing.

"I wish there was something I could do. I feel like a waste of space just sitting here."

As Zuko looked into the lights coming out of Aang's eyes, he started to feel dizzy. His vision blurred and his body went numb. His last thought before he went under was a tinge of worry about what Katara would think if she returned to find them both missing.

It was perhaps the most intense moment of Yugoda's life, so far.

She'd never actually had to heal in a genuine combat situation before. The last Fire Nation attack had been years prior to her birth and she'd never left the North Pole, so she hadn't had a chance to gain experience for situations like this. Still, she had a job to do and she wouldn't back out because of a few fireballs. And with the nighttime ceasefire, there was a chance to get the last of the civilians out of the city.

Several times, she found herself cursing the stubbornness of some people as she pulled survivors from the wreckage of their homes and patched them up as best she could before she sent them off to the caves they should've been in from the start. Sadly, some had either chosen to remain outside the safety of the caves or been strong-armed by family members into staying. Now they were all paying for that foolishness and Yugoda and her girls had to spend valuable time and energy rescuing them rather than putting all their attention on the soldiers.

One old man had to be carried out as he kicked and screamed about how he built his home and he was going to die in it. Yugoda was sorely tempted to let him.

They still got him out and Yugoda ordered the man's daughters and grandchildren to get up to the caves with him right away. They hesitated, but a sudden blast from a Fire Nation catapult was enough to get them moving fairly quickly. It was clear that the attacks were back on now that night was ending.

"All right," Yugoda addressed her team and began to issue them assignments. "Aaju and Igak, I want you to check that street. I think there may be a few people left in one of the houses. Kuik, Marak, that last strike hit pretty close. I want you to inspect the impact site and check for any injured. Chikuk, you will come with me."

The women split off to their respective duties.

Yugoda and Chikuk headed further down into the city where some of the more vulnerable houses were. There weren't many people left behind in that area, but they did meet up with one of the other search-and-rescue teams. Thankfully, they revealed that evacuation had been successful and there was only one other house they had to check. Yugoda agreed to help convince that last household to leave and then they could all resume their healing duties at the front line.

The warriors would be needing their help soon now that the fight was back on.

Yugoda and Chikuk had just stepped inside the house to confront the residents (another angry old man forcing the women and children of his family to face potential death with him) when another barrage came. The fireball struck right on top of the house, causing it to crack and tumble down. Yugoda barely had time to register what happened before Chikuk shoved her out the door, only to be caught inside, herself.

She stared in shock at the sight of the house collapsing in front of her, right on top of her student and the family inside.

Yugoda, shaking, pulled herself onto her feet.

Before she had time to grieve the loss of that brave young girl, there was a rumbling from under the pile of smashed ice and snow. The shattered remnants of the roof rose up and there was Chikuk, standing tall with her arms raised and holding up the debris with her waterbending. The family that had been inside the building was cowering under the shadow of the mass Chikuk was lifting precariously above them.

"Don't just stand there!" Chikuk yelled. "Help me!"

The healers from the other team leapt into action and assisted her in tossing the rubble harmlessly aside. These were some of the same girls who hadn't dared to go to waterbending class. Yet, when push came to shove, they were willing to give it their all.

Yugoda felt a rush of pride in her students and hurried over to aid them in getting that family out of the ruins of their home. She didn't bother to chew out their patriarch for recklessly endangering their lives, just shouted at them to get to the caves as quickly as they could. After what had just happened, no one dared to argue with her and they got moving.

With the last of the known stragglers finally sent on their way, Yugoda directed her ladies back towards the gate. She took a moment on their walk to rest a hand on Chikuk's shoulder.

"Thank you," she said. "That was a very brave thing you did."

Chikuk averted her eyes.

"I'm not brave, Master," she said. "Just doing my duty."

Yugoda wanted to insist that her actions were indeed brave and incredibly impressive. Her first instinct had been to push her teacher out of harm's way and then to risk her own life to protect an innocent family. If that wasn't bravery, Yugoda had no other word for it.

She was about to point this out when a massive tremor shook the entire tribe. The ground cracked under their feet and Yugoda directed the women to a more stable position. An enormous opening had been rent open in the wall.

The Fire Nation had broken through.

The crash was so loud that the cave shook.

Tuta wasn't worried about herself, though. Somewhere outside, fighting for his life and the safety of the tribe, was her Akicita. She hated that she was in this stifling cave instead of helping Master Yugoda and the other healers tend the wounded. A pit of dread opened up in her stomach as she imagined Akicita lying in a pool of blood with no one there to save him.

But her father and stepmother wouldn't hear of her participating in the defense of the tribe, even if only to heal. They'd dragged her to Pikatti's caves as soon as they were opened to the civilians. Despite it being for her own safety, it seemed shameful. Father and Stepmother had gone on and on about how frail and delicate she was and that she couldn't possibly handle being surrounded by violence and death.

Even if it wasn't her own choice to be there, it still made her feel like a coward.

Tuta knew she wasn't a fighter. She'd joined Katara's secret training because she'd been convinced that it was necessary for survival. She'd stayed because it was one thing she had for herself that her parents couldn't stop her from doing.

And why should they stop her, now?

"Tuta," said Stepmother. "Tuta, where are you going?"

"To do my duty," she said solemnly.

Her stepmother grabbed her by the arm.

"No! The battlefield is no place for a girl. Especially one as delicate as you. Just stay here and-"

Tuta yanked her arm free.

"I am not going to sit here shaking in fear while my Akicita could be dying. I'm going. And you will not stop me."

"Tuta, be reasonable," her father pleaded. His status as a shaman allowed him to join the civilians in the caves, even though he was a healthy man of fighting age. "It's dangerous out there. You're already sickly. You couldn't possibly survive-"

"If you're going to hide in the snow, that's your choice, Father. Mine is to serve my tribe."

She ignored their pleas as she walked out of the cave. She didn't even notice until she was outside that several other women and girls had followed along with her. Their faces fixed with determination. Tuta didn't need to say anything, just led them all back down to the city.

It took a while to get to the site of the action. The break in the wall was still recent and the warriors and waterbenders were clearly holding their own for the present time. However, more and more Fire Nation troops were disembarking and their metallic monstrosities were cutting deeper into the Water Tribe defenses.

Tuta didn't have a lot of time to think on that, though. She sent the other women out in pairs to assist the wounded and locate Master Yugoda if they needed help. Tuta had her own mission.

Her pulse started to race when Fire Nation soldiers got a little too close for comfort. She'd never been in a real fight before. She wasn't a warrior. She was a healer. She just wanted the violence to stop. She had the sudden urge to race back to the cave and hide in her stepmother's arms and apologize for daring to leave.

A pained yell broke her out of it.

A figure was lying sprawled on the ground, a gush of red staining the front of his blue parka. He clutched at his stomach, his face torn between agony and fury as three Fire Nation troops closed in on him to finish him off. As she recognized that handsome face, spattered with blood but still so achingly familiar to her, Tuta felt something she'd never expected.

Rage.

These beasts dared to hurt her Akicita. They actually spilled his blood and now presumed to take his life.

There was a sudden disconnect between her mind and her body. Without realizing, she'd already raised her hands to attack. Three soldiers, carrying spears. Not firebenders. She charged, ice spikes poised to strike.

"Don't touch my man!" she shrieked, launching the first spike into one soldier's stomach.

She dodged a spear and sent the second spike through her assailant's skull. The third soldier dropped his spear and ran. Tuta raised her hand to cut him down, but a choking sound behind her drew her attention back to the man she loved, who still lay bleeding out. She immediately lost any interest in pursuing the third soldier as she dropped to Akicita's side and started to tend his wounds. Removing the fur and cloth and drawing water up to the opening across his stomach, she poured as much of her energy into her hands as possible. Demanding that he live.

He coughed up blood and mucus, but she barely noticed.

"Tu…ta?"

"I'm here, Aki."

For all that she was afraid he might die, another fear crept in. He'd just seen her kill two people. She wasn't the sweet, little, innocent healer anymore. The blood on her hands wasn't just the blood of her patient. Would Akicita ever look at her the same way again? Would he think she was tainted, now? Even if he did, she would never regret saving him. She'd do it a thousand times over.

He'd been the first person to see something in her. Long before Katara arrived and encouraged girls like Tuta to see their true worth, Akicita had been there for her. He'd always been gentle and patient, he'd listened to her and done everything he could to make her happy. Even after Father forbade their betrothal, they continued to meet and she admitted to him that she was learning waterbending. He'd kept it secret and had never said anything negative about her decision.

But it was one thing to support her choice to fight in theory. There was no telling what would change between them now that she'd done this. She wasn't sure what she'd do if he turned on her.

"Tuta."

She looked at him, eyes brimming with tears as she expected to see the disgust on his face. Instead, there was only a small smile, filled with the same affection he always had for her.

"Thank…you. Love…you."

"I love you, too, Aki."

She began to cry. But not out of grief.

Nothing had changed.

Except for her. She wasn't afraid anymore. She'd faced down possible death and hadn't flinched. She'd taken two lives, but she'd also saved one. It was a strange liberation, but liberation, nonetheless. When conflict came, she'd proved that she could defend herself and those she loved. She wasn't weak. She wasn't helpless. She wasn't delicate.

What she was, was a healer. And the hands that heal can also kill.

Fisherfolk can't be warriors. That's what everyone always said.

They were only good for pulling nets and gutting fish. They weren't noble, honorable fighters like the hunters. Yet, when the 'real' warriors began to falter, it was the fisherfolk, men and women alike, who stepped up.

Pikatti was proud to count herself among them. Her father, uncles, brothers, brother-in-law, and cousins were there, with their nets and fishing spears and gutting knives.

The Fire Nation was pushing more and more aggressively against their defenses, but the Water Tribe continued to hold its own in the struggle. The best warriors and waterbenders were at the very front, while the fisherfolk had armed themselves and held the rear along with a small contingent of waterbenders to support them.

When the tribe shook and the wall cracked, Pikatti knew it was their time to prove their worth.

"They've broken the line! Brace yourselves!" someone yelled out.

Who it was, Pikatti would never know, as she was instantly swept into a maelstrom of fire. Truthfully, she wasn't quite a warrior to the same level as Katara, being more interested in using her waterbending to build things, but the earthbending moves Katara had taught her served her natural instincts well. Using the sharp, hard strikes to pull ice and snow up in blocks was already good for practicing her construction skills and came more easily to her for combat use than the smooth, flexible motions Master Pakku taught.

Still, as resolutely as they fought, the Fire Nation continued to pour through the break in the wall.

"There're too many of them! Retreat!"

It was Councilman Yuraq. It wasn't enough that he was a vile, woman-hating, wife-beating piece of shit, now he was abandoning his post to save his own skin. Several other male waterbenders saw him running and followed, leaving the fisherfolk without the bulk of their waterbending support. She would remember their faces.

All the female waterbenders who chose to fight were still there.

More and more firebenders and Fire Nation warriors pressed in on them, breaking through even the most skilled of the Water Tribe's forces and descending on the fisherfolk. They probably saw them as easy pickings, but Pikatti and her people held their ground. Left and right, she sent huge ice blocks hurtling towards the invaders. When their metal monsters – "tanks," she recalled the name from one of Katara's stories of the war – started to rumble into the city, Pikatti remembered what Katara said to do. She ordered the waterbenders to focus their attention on the machines, to freeze them in place. The firebenders would then be distracted by having to thaw the vehicles out, if the things could even be salvaged, at all, as the ice caused some of them to break down.

Unfortunately, that left their own non-bender force more vulnerable as yet more Fire Nation troops advanced on them. Pikatti continued to back them up as best she could and the fisherfolk were certainly giving everything they had.

But she couldn't be everywhere at once. More firebenders broke through their ranks.

When a scream of pain cut the air, a pit opened inside her as she saw her eldest brother burning. Skin literally melted off part of his body and his flesh began to char under the flames. She could see bone.

"Ernannaq!"

She struck a piercing move towards the firebender, sending an ice spike out of the ground and running him through. She rushed to her brother's side. Not for the first time, she cursed her lack of healing ability. All the other waterbenders were preoccupied and she could do nothing for Ernannaq. Looking at the damage, she doubted even Master Yugoda could save him.

"Don't…stop," he choked out, bringing up mouthfuls of bloody froth. "Keep up…the fight."

"Brother, I can't leave you-"

"Go! Now!"

Pikatti was shaking as she got to her feet, picking up her brother's fishing spear as she did. She stood in front of the remaining force, tears stinging her eyes, fury setting her mouth in a snarl, and raised the weapon with a cry.

"Until death!"

The Spirit World was very different from the last time he was there.

When he'd been trying to solve the situation with Hei Bai and stumbled into the Spirit World, he'd still been sort of in the real world but detached from his body. This, however, was very different.

It was a vast, sprawling swamp marsh. Every now and then, Aang spotted overgrown ruins or eerily pristine-looking torii gates. The only sort of help he'd gotten so far was a grudging "Perhaps that thing will help you; chase it," from a grumpy monkey spirit. At least the strange light he'd followed had turned out to be from Roku.

Of course, Roku's directions to seek out a spirit literally named "The Face-Stealer" wasn't the reassuring advice he'd been hoping for. If it was the only way to find the Moon and Ocean, however, Aang was willing to brave the danger. It was his duty as the Avatar, after all.

Stupid duty.

There was one more thing weighing on his mind besides the imminent threat to the Northern Water Tribe. Something he'd been hoping to get answers to for some time. He'd almost forgotten about it in all the stress and chaos he'd been through recently, but having a moment to think and being in the Spirit World finally brought the question to his lips.

"Roku, before I go, I was wondering, do you know anything about Avatar Yeong-Hui?"

Roku blinked in surprise.

"I…I'm not sure, Aang."

"She was a Fire Nation Avatar from Thousand Flower Island, but she has a temple in the Earth Kingdom. I think she tried to contact me about something important."

"I'll see what I can do."

Roku closed his eyes and seemed to be trying to focus on something. However, his expression soon grew frustrated.

"Strange," he said. "I can't seem to connect to her. There's an empty space in the Avatar Cycle that I never noticed before."

That didn't sound good.

"I will meet with the other Avatars and try to find an answer for you. In the meantime, Aang, you have a far more serious task which you must attend to."

"I know."

He was really not looking forward to this, but it had to be done. So, trekking deeper into the swamp until he found an ancient, withered tree with a deep, dark, spooky-looking hollow beneath it, he braced himself for what was to come. He got briefly thrown off by the appearance of a faceless monkey, but took a deep breath and remembered the words of warning which Roku had given him.

"Show no fear. Show no emotion at all."

With that, he stepped down into the darkness.

Zuko wasn't sure what to expect the Spirit World to look like, but a swamp was not his top choice.

He also didn't expect spirits to be so rude. That meditating monkey didn't seem to have a particularly Zen attitude when he told Zuko to get lost just for asking directions. So, Zuko was left to fall into muck and dodge angry snake spirits without the slightest hint of where he was or where Aang could be.

In the confusion of his wandering, he realized that he had no clue of how to get back to where he'd come in.

Just as he was on the verge of a panic attack, a giant mass of fur landed in front of him, growling.

It was a panther. Not a panther-eagle. Not a panda-panther. A pure panther.

Its fur was a dark, almost bloody red. Its yellow eyes, sharp and keen, seemed to stare right into him. It was also massive. At least as large as a komodo-rhino. Its teeth were as long and sharp as daggers and it had no hesitation about showing said fangs to him.

Zuko felt exposed, as if the beast could see every detail of him right down to what was inside his head. For a moment, he almost thought he heard a voice, but he couldn't tell what it said or even if he'd really heard it, at all. The panther stepped closer and closer to him, as if it was daring him to try and run. Zuko wasn't stupid enough to do that. If he tried, the panther would just chase him down.

The beast circled him, sizing him up. Probably wondering if he'd make a tasty snack.

When was it going to strike?

The panther didn't make a move like it was preparing to attack. It just continued to watch him at an agonizingly slow pace. He wished the thing would get on with it. Once it came at him, he could dodge and make a leap up the nearby tree to get out of range.

Instead, the panther stood there and started making a motion with its head, as if it was gesturing behind it.

"You…want me to get on your back?" Zuko guessed.

The panther gave him a look like it thought he was an idiot. Before Zuko could fully process that, the panther lost its patience and lunged towards him. Instinct took over and Zuko, despite previously resolving not to run, decided to run. He soon found himself tossed off his feet, landing squarely on the panther's back and clinging on for dear life as it carried him away into the mists.