Disclaimer:I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or any of its characters. I just like playing with their lives and bending them to my imagination. All ownership goes to Bryke and Nickelodeon.

A/N: I think this might be a record. Just at three weeks for an update—I have been consumed with getting this finished so it's not left sitting around for years. Not much else to say other than thanks as always to my ever patient beta, Jazzpha, who has been my wonderful mentor throughout writing this story. My writing wouldn't be anything worth showing without him.

I also wanted to be sure to give a shout out to the lovely Guest reviewer who left me a couple very kind reviews on different pieces that definitely brightened my day. Thank you! I wish you had an account so I could thank you more directly.

Please read and enjoy! Reviews are lovely but not necessary—I'll have the next and final chapter up as soon as I can!

Crippled Anger

Chapter 4 – A Hand to Hold

"No person was ever rightly understood until they had been first regarded with a certain feeling, not of tolerance, but of sympathy."

-Thomas Carlyle

Sozin's Comet blazed through the sky, dyeing the horizon in shades of red and orange, as if the whole world was already on fire. It was the perfect setting for a battle for the end of the world Katara mused as she and Zuko journeyed to the Fire Nation capital. She had decided that the comet could almost be a beautiful sight if it wasn't the harbinger of doom that her and her friends had been dreading for so long. One way or another, this all ends today.

Katara sat back in Appa's saddle, a grim look on her face, and her stomach in knots. Red had never been one of her favorite colors, but wearing Fire Nation clothing for several weeks had given her a new appreciation for it. Now, however, Katara found herself once more unsettled by the color as it covered the sky and turned the clouds into dark angry streaks. Shifting towards the front of the saddle she studied Zuko's back as he guided Appa to the royal palace, and she wondered what must be going through his mind.

"Hey," she called to him over the sound of the wind, "scoot over."

"What for?"

"Please?"

Zuko sighed in exasperation but did as he was told, scooting over just enough to allow Katara to slide carefully down from the saddle and sit next to him on Appa's head.

"What is it?" He prodded her when she didn't say anything right away.

"Nothing, I just figured you could use the company." She shrugged, and it wasn't entirely a lie.

When he didn't respond she looked at him, studying his face. Gone was the joyful boy from earlier replaced with his old brooding mask and it left her feeling even more unsettled. "Zuko, don't worry, we can take Azula."

He scoffed, "I'm not worried about her, I'm worried about Aang. What if he doesn't have the guts to take out my father? What if he loses?"

The dour expression on her face only deepened, Katara had her own voices of doubt in her head, but she refused to give in to them. "Aang won't lose. He's going to come back—he has to." She replied with a fierceness that surprised even her, uncertain if she was trying more to convince Zuko or herself.

Their eyes met and Katara could feel him scrutinizing her, eyes-narrowed skeptically. "Zuko, we're his teachers, if we don't believe in him, then what was the point? You've trained him well, and he's going to pull through this—we all are." She nudged him gently with her shoulder.

Sighing heavily, Zuko rubbed his forehead with the heel of his hand. "I know, I know, I have to have faith, but it's so hard. I just hope Aang has the strength to stand up to him, the strength that I never had." He finished with a hesitance that didn't go unnoticed.

"What do you mean?" Katara asked; brow furrowed with confusion.

Zuko's mouth pressed into a firm line, staring out at the clouds. He seemed to be fighting with himself about something, and it left Katara with a nagging sense of dread. At last he turned to look at her, his golden eyes searching hers again, as if he had some great secret he needed to tell. Turning his face back towards the open sky, he began speaking, but his voice was strained.

"When I was about Aang's age, my uncle let me to attend my first war council, even though I actually wasn't allowed. He made me promise to keep my mouth shut, but I didn't listen. I spoke out against the plan of one of the generals at the meeting. My outburst was seen as a great insult, and my father demanded that I participate in an Agni Kai for disrespecting his general."

Reluctant to interrupt, but puzzled, Katara asked, "What is an Agni Kai?"

"A duel between Firebenders; often fought to the death."

"But that's—how could your own father demand that of you? You were only a child!" Katara was trying in vain to wrap her mind around the kind of person that would do something so unspeakable.

Zuko's scowl only deepened as he explained. "I participated thinking that I would be facing the general whose plan I had spoken out against, but when I turned around, it wasn't the general—it was my father." Katara couldn't help the small gasp that escaped, but Zuko continued. "I begged and pleaded with him to forgive me, but he insisted I fight. He told me that I would learn respect and that suffering would be my teacher.

"That was when he gave me this." Zuko's voice was hoarse with emotion as he angled his face toward her, motioning to his scarred eye. "After that, he banished me, saying that I showed weakness by refusing to fight. I wasn't allowed to return home until I had the Avatar; then—and only then—could I return home with my honor."

The gravity of his tale left Katara speechless. Suddenly it all made sense: His desperate need to regain his honor, his single-minded determination to capture Aang at any cost, and most of all, why the lure to return home had been too great for him to ignore. Despite her differences with her own father Katara never doubted his love for her, even if they argued she knew that she would always be safe with him, that he would always be there for her. It was impossible for her to begin to imagine what Zuko's childhood must have been like, growing up with such a monster for a parent.

Zuko was silent beside her, jaw set and scowling at the open sky. He was noticeably avoiding her gaze, as if to overlook the significance of what he had just confessed to her, but she noticed how his hand gripped the reins tightly enough that his knuckles were white. Katara felt so terribly sad for him that it made her want to cry but she quashed the urge. He wouldn't want her pity, he deserved more than that.

Wordlessly, Katara turned and wrapped her arms around his middle resting her cheek against his shoulder. She felt him stiffen at the unfamiliar contact but he didn't push her away. There were no words to do justice to the burden he was evidently still carrying, and Katara wasn't about to insult him by trying to find any. Instead, she just hugged him in silence hoping that would be enough for him to understand; after a moment or two Zuko finally relaxed in her embrace.

"Can I ask you something?" She inquired softly after a lingering moment and felt him nod. "What was the plan that you spoke out against?"

Zuko's tone was somber as he replied. "They were going to sacrifice an entire division of new recruits as a battle tactic to distract the enemy; innocent Fire Nation soldiers who were only doing their duty. I was horrified that they would even consider something like that, so I protested."

It was impossible to contemplate. Katara had always imagined the Fire Lord as a horrible person, but the truth of it was enough to suck the breath from her lungs. No wonder his own son had the troubles he did. "Your father had it all wrong, Zuko."

She could feel the weight of his stare when she said this and Katara pulled away to look him in the eyes. "I'm being serious. It took a lot of courage for you to speak out like you did, and I think that makes you a hundred times more honorable than your father will ever be."

Katara watched as the pained look on Zuko's face shifted to one of uncertain shock, and she believed she had some idea what telling all this to her meant for him. It was the Crystal Caves all over again, but this was different, now they were allies—friends even—if she was honest.

Reaching toward him she placed her hand on his scar for the second time, her fingertips resting against the pink and puckered skin. His eyes closed at her touch and, much like that first time, Katara found herself overwhelmed. Originally she had thought his scar was the result of a training accident, but now she knew better, and the truth behind this mark on his young face was so much worse than she could have ever believed. It made her heart cry for him, not out of pity, but with the infinite sadness that comes from carrying such a heavy burden. It made her reflect upon a much deeper conflict within herself.

"You know, I used to have so many dreams about what could have happened if I had healed your scar back in Ba Sing Se. I felt so guilty for so long after that day, wondering if I had been able to heal it, if you would have come with us. That, maybe, if I'd been just a little nicer or more insistent you wouldn't have gone with your sister."

Katara hadn't admitted these thoughts to anyone aside from her father, and she swallowed the horrible lump they created in her throat. Those dreams had plagued her for weeks. Even after Aang had finally awoken, and she realized that not all hope was lost. The guilt had quickly turned to anger and while she had been angry at Zuko, most of all, she had been angry at herself for believing him. What if she had used the Spirit Water to heal his scar? What if he still betrayed them? Those thoughts made the nightmares even worse.

"Katara…" Zuko spoke as he placed a hand over hers, amber eyes opening to stare at her piteously, "it wouldn't have made a difference."

Katara reeled back as if she had been slapped, pulling her hand away confused. "What do you mean?"

"Just, listen, okay?" He pleaded sensing that he had upset her. "I'm not proud of this but I need you to understand."

She peered at him quizzically for a few heartbeats before nodding for him to continue, "Go on."

Zuko took a deep breath and began to explain, "I know that I told you I had changed—and I really had. I've never told you what it meant to me that you offered to heal my scar, but despite all that, despite all the advice of my uncle, I had to go back. I had to believe that all I'd endured wasn't meaningless."

"And, when you finally returned was it everything you wanted?" She asked trying hard to understand.

"At first it was everything I ever dreamed, I was the perfect prince just like my father always wanted," his lips twisted into a disheartened frown as he looked away from her, "but it didn't feel right. I thought I finally had everything I wanted, but it was a lie. I should have known, but I had to find out for myself. When I confronted my father during the eclipse I realized that he never loved me, nor would he ever be able to, no matter how hard I tried to prove myself to him."

The hopelessly despondent look on Zuko's face made Katara's heart wrench. Scarred and rejected, yet Zuko had still deeply desired his father's approval and love. No one deserved that, especially not from their family.

"I know that I was wrong by betraying you, betraying my uncle, and believing in Azula, but if I hadn't gone back I never would have realized just how much I had changed. I would've still had my doubts. I had to believe that everything I'd done meant something, but it didn't. Not to my father."

Katara squeezed Zuko's hand giving him a soft understanding smile when he dared to look at her again. "Your uncle certainly thinks the world of you though." She told him in an effort to be comforting.

"Yes, he told me he was proud of me. Even after everything I've done. He's been more of a father to me than my real father."

"You've come a long way."

Zuko shook his head. "I still have further to go. I know that I deserve your anger and mistrust after all that I've done, but I hope, after this, you'll see that I'm on your side."

"I know you are." Katara assured him with a gentle smile, giving his hand another squeeze.

Zuko graced her with one of his small appreciative smiles and it made her heart swell.

"I should get back in the saddle; Appa is probably getting uncomfortable with both of us on here." She said, letting go of his hand. Appa groaned in agreement making them both chuckle.

"Sorry Appa." Katara patted the sky bison's head, turning to carefully climb back into the saddle on his back.

"It won't be for long, we're nearing the Fire Nation, look." Zuko pointed off into the distance where she could see the rocky mass of the Fire Nation islands quickly appearing on the horizon.

"We are going to win this. I know we are." Katara affirmed, but Zuko remained silent, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. She tried not to let his silence discourage her; she could have enough faith for the two of them if necessary.

"Thank you, by the way."

This got his attention and Zuko turned to look at her over his shoulder, "What for?"

"For confiding in me, about your father, and about your scar—I'm glad you told me." Katara admitted with all sincerity.

Blinking in surprise, Zuko flushed before he turned to face forward again, "It-it was nothing."

Katara smiled at his back. They were going to get through this. All of them, she just knew it. They were flying over the Great Gates of Azulon now and it would only be a matter of hours before they faced Azula. There was no way to know what was going to happen, but the optimist within her staunchly refused to believe that they would lose this time.

The rest of their journey progressed in an increasingly tense silence as the minutes passed by, each one bringing them closer and closer to the Fire Nation capital, and Azula. Leaning over the edge of the saddle Katara gazed down at the various islands that made up the Fire Nation archipelago as they flew by. Their moment of truth was nearing and despite her earlier resolve that everything would be all right, she was frightened. It didn't matter how many battles she had faced up until this moment, her nerves were always hard to contend with, and she was worried about the others—especially Aang.

Please… she begged the spirits. Please give him the strength to do what needs to be done to end this war.

"We're here." Zuko's grave voice broke through her silent prayers as they passed over the outermost rocky edges of the caldera.

The city truly was an incredible sight from above and Katara stared down in quiet awe at the rich houses that surrounded the Fire Nation royal palace. She had never really gotten a good look at the city when they had been here on the day of Black Sun and she thought that she might actually find the city beautiful if it wasn't for the fact that it was the pinnacle of all her nightmares. Much like her previous visit, however, the streets were barren and very few signs of life existed in what she presumed was a normally bustling city. She could feel the shift in their altitude as Zuko guided Appa into his descent as they approached the walls that surrounded the palace.

"Zuko, look!" Katara pointed away from the palace and past the adjoining lake to the Fire Sages' temple which resided at its edge. There, in the middle of a large open plaza, they both spied Azula and several Fire Sages at the top of a grand staircase.

"She's being crowned as the Fire Lord." Zuko's stated grimly. "It's time to settle this."

With a large groan Appa landed right at the base of the steps just as the lead Fire Sage was preparing to crown Azula.

"Sorry, but you're not going to become Fire Lord today." Katara watched as Zuko stood and leapt down from Appa's head. "I am."

Azula's laughter was spine-chilling as she eyed her brother. "You're hilarious."

"And you're going down." Katara thanked whatever spirits were on her side that her voice sounded more threatening than she felt as she joined Zuko at his side.

The Fire Sage that held the crown moved to continue to crown Azula but the young girl dismissed him with a wave, her dark gold eyes hardening. "Wait. You want to be Fire Lord?" She sneered as if the idea was completely laughable. "Fine, let's settle this, just you and me, brother—the showdown that was always meant to be—Agni Kai!"

"You're on." Zuko accepted her challenge without hesitation.

Katara's head whipped around to stare at Zuko in shock. They were supposed to do this together.

"What are you doing?! " She hissed. "She's playing you. She knows she can't take us both so she's trying to separate us!"

"I know, but I can take her this time."

Katara tried to stifle the urge to shake him, "But even you admitted to your uncle that you would need help facing Azula."

"There's something off about her. I can't explain it, but she's slipping." Zuko finally turned to face her, gaze softening for just an instant, "And this way, no one else has to get hurt."

Katara felt her heart jump into her throat as her eyes flickered between Zuko and his sister. The whole reason she had come here in the first place was to help him fight Azula and now she was being forced to the sidelines. It made the warrior within her seethe but this was Zuko's fight and Katara was determined to let him lead. She cast another glance at his sister. There was indeed something off about the princess and it wasn't just in her abnormally sloppy appearance. Azula's eyes held a sinister desperation in them that they had never had before and it made Katara nervous.

I really hope he's right about this, she thought. Katara swallowed hard and looked at Zuko nodding reluctantly in assent.

He seemed to sigh with relief but Katara reached out and grabbed his arm before he could turn away from her and their eyes locked for a hardened moment.

"I'll stand down for now, but if I think for one second that she has the upper hand I am in this. Got it?"

Zuko nodded. "Go, take care of Appa."

Katara grudgingly released his arm as she turned to the bison and mounted him, flying just high enough into the air to find a decently large patch of land where he could be safe from the duel. It didn't take her long to find a large open garden area not far from the temple where she sat Appa down and slipped off.

"You'll be safe here. I'll come back for you, I promise." She swore solemnly as she nuzzled the side of his furry face before running back to the plaza where Zuko and Azula were.

Running as fast as her feet could carry her Katara pushed through the unfamiliar paths not stopping to look around as everything passed her in a whirl of red, beige, and gold. Her heart was pounding and all she could think about was Zuko. What the hell was he thinking taking on his sister alone? Why the heck did he ask her to come along if he was just going to do this by himself?

"I swear if that stubborn idiot gets another scar I am NOT healing it!" She shouted to no one but herself.

Zuko eyed his sister warily across the plaza. Whatever plan he had had for this moment—this had not been it, but the moment he jumped down from Appa and saw the state Azula was in he knew that this time he might actually be able to face her on his own. Ever since she had been born she had been the prodigy, the talented Firebender that Zuko never was, but something was causing her to unravel. Was it his father or maybe Mai and Ty Lee's betrayal? He had no way of knowing but she wasn't her usual controlled self.

"I'm sorry it has to end this way, brother." Azula slurred challengingly as she languidly slipped her mantle from her shoulders.

"No you're not." Zuko's voice was flat and emotionless. Azula always lies.

In the blink of an eye Azula fired her first volley of blue flames and the duel was under way. When Zuko moved to defend, circling his arms to blast a stream of golden fire, the flames collided, erupting in an enormous plume that shot hundreds of feet into the air and across the plaza. Orange and blue flames danced and slammed into one another with more power than Zuko had ever seen. He could feel the comet's power surging through him and it took all his self-control to keep from losing himself to that power.

Azula jumped and spun pummeling Zuko with one burst of fire after another but he never backed down. Out of his periphery he could see flashes of blue darting behind the pillars as Katara sought shelter from the powerful flames and he hoped that she would keep herself safe. One such powerful volley from Zuko caught the main temple building behind Azula and she glared at her him with pure loathing in return. She charged, flipping and kicking a large whip of blue fire which Zuko dissipated with seemingly little effort. Azula was clearly moving and fighting differently today, her standard calm and calculated fighting style was replaced by scattered, sloppy moves that were fueled by pure emotion. I have to break her root.

Unrelenting, Azula charged, circling trying to surround him and throw him off his guard, firing more torrents of fire which Zuko blocked consistently with his own return hits. Crouching to the ground Zuko used his arms as a fulcrum to spin his legs around shooting a huge circle of fire from his feet. Azula couldn't block quickly enough and she was hit, slamming into the ground with surprising force. Zuko winced as his sister rolled and slid to a stop, shakily pushing herself back onto her feet.

This had to end soon, Azula was obviously tiring, but when the princess lifted her head, her mouth was twisted in a snarl, and it was clear she wasn't about to let this end easily. Zuko's body hummed with energy. His sister had always had the upper hand on him and it had always taken all his effort to keep up with her. Today however he was finally just as powerful, if not more powerful, than she was. It was an intoxicating feeling.

"No lightning today? What's the matter? Afraid I'll redirect it?" Zuko taunted his sister challengingly.

"Oh I'll show you lightning!" She snarled.

Zuko inhaled deeply and prepared himself. This is what his uncle had been training him for. On the day of Black Sun he had managed to redirect lightning his father had fired at him and Zuko had all the confidence he could do it again. The air sizzled and crackled with energy as Azula circled her arms, lightning bolts forming around her. The moment hung tense and still for an instant as Azula prepared to take aim. Zuko watched and waited… and then something changed. Azula's eyes flicked to his right and Zuko suddenly realized to his horror that he wasn't alone.

In a heartbeat Azula shifted her stance and fired, shooting the blue bolts at Katara behind him. He hadn't noticed when she had run up behind him but it was too late to worry about that now. Pushing his body into action he ran towards the lightning. There wasn't enough time for Katara to move to avoid them. She was going to die if those bolts hit her, he couldn't let that happen. He urged his body to move faster.

"NO!" Zuko shouted and time seemed to slow. The bolts crept closer and closer as precious seconds ticked away. I have to get to her! His mind screamed. Katara remained frozen in place, eyes transfixed on the rapidly approaching bolts. Desperate, Zuko pushed off the ground and leapt the remaining distance with his arm outstretched to catch the lightning before it could hit its target. With an alarming jolt he took the full brunt of the blast and his whole body was surrounded by lightning. It burned and tingled, making his nerves sing in pain. His heart felt like it was about to burst out of his chest. Let it go he told himself, just let the energy flow through you, and with the last of his strength he passed the lightning out through the finger tips of his other arm just barely managing to redirect part of the blast before he hit the ground with an agonizing thud.

The lightning exploded into the sky as Zuko curled onto his side, clutching his chest and moaning in pain.

"ZUKO!"

Katara's voice crying out his name was the last thing he heard before he rolled over and lost consciousness.

The tears were welling in her eyes faster than she could blink them away but Katara was unable to make it five paces before Azula fired a blast in her direction, laughing maniacally at her handiwork. Katara managed to block the shot in time, but not before she noticed Zuko trying to push himself up off the ground.

He's alive! Her heart cried triumphantly, and instantly she tried running for him again, covering her hands with water, hoping she could get to him in time. Once more Azula fired at her, stopping her just before she could reach Zuko, and Katara had to throw up her water covered hands to protect herself. Frustrated, Katara shot a desperate look at where Zuko reached for her, and retreated. There was no way she was going to be able to help him while Azula was still able to fight.

Another lightning blast exploded on the ground, sending Katara hurtling through the air a few feet. She managed to throw her hands out in front of her, tucking and rolling to avoid the potentially bone-jarring impact.

"I'd really rather our family physician looked after little Zuzu if you don't mind!" Azula chided as she leapt onto the roof of a nearby building, gathered more lightning, and fired it directly at Katara.

Adrenaline pumping, Katara ran, dodging the lightning and flames as they licked at her heels. She sought cover behind one of the pillars of the surrounding structures. When it was safe she peered around the structure to spy Zuko unmoving from where he had collapsed earlier.

"Zuzu you don't look so good" Azula's taunting voice echoed through the plaza.

Katara was angry but desperate. She needed to find a way to end this and fast. Zuko's life was hanging in the balance and the longer Katara took to fend off Azula the less chance he had of surviving. Taking cover from another bolt of lightning Katara leapt into action, pulling the water from one of the trenches (pools?) that ran along the sides of the plaza and bending it into a large funnel to attack the princess on her rooftop perch, but the younger girl was nowhere to be seen. By the time Katara realized Azula had moved the princess was charging at her from behind and Katara was forced out from her temporary shelter.

Skating over a trail of ice to keep ahead of the flames Katara swooped and dodged each attack before skidding to a halt on a grate that was covering an underground drainage system. Looking up she spotted some loose chain on one of the pillars and thanked whatever form of luck was on her side as she scrambled together a plan. Outsmarting Azula was her only hope. She charged forward, grabbing the chain when she heard Azula approaching.

"There you are, filthy peasant!"

Both girls glared unwaveringly at one another as Azula moved forward. That's it… just a little further…

When Azula stopped just on the edge Katara bent several water whips at the other girl forcing her to roll and dodge them, which landed her right on top of the grate. Running around the princess Katara positioned herself behind Azula and just before the younger girl could retaliate Katara summoned a large wave to burst up from the drain freezing them both within it in seconds.

Time and water were frozen as they were held there in mid-motion, and for an instant Katara could swear that Azula actually looked frightened. With a large exhale to melt the water around her Katara swam around the princess wrapping the chain around each of her wrists, binding them together. Azula was completely immobilized by the ice as Katara tied the chain to the grate at her feet. It wasn't ideal but it would have to do for now. Katara unfroze the rest of the ice, freeing Azula, and both girls fell to their knees gasping for air. Getting to her feet again Katara made one final tug on the chain, confident that it was secure before she ran to tend to Zuko.

Precious seconds ticked by as she raced to him; grateful when she could still hear his moans of pain that meant he was hanging on to life. Scrambling to her knees at his side she reached around him, turning him over onto his back with the utmost care. Looking over him she nearly choked as she assessed the grisly wound on his chest. Tears once more threatened to overwhelm her vision but Katara took a deep breath. There would be time for tears later; right now, she had to focus. Covering her hands in water from her skins she placed them on his chest and closed her eyes.

The water began to glow as it covered his skin, seeking out the damaged areas to heal. Katara concentrated all her energy on restoring as much of the damage as she could, hoping it would be enough. When Aang had been struck by Azula's lightning it had taken Spirit Water to heal him, but there was no such chance this time. It wasn't until she heard and felt his breathing ease and his heartbeat even out that Katara finally opened her eyes. Joy surged through her as he too opened his eyes to look up at her wearily.

"Thank you Katara." He managed to say, his voice weak and barely audible.

Katara let her tears flow freely down her cheeks as she smiled down at him. "I think I'm the one who should be thanking you."

He moved to get up and Katara shifted to help him, cradling the back of his neck with one hand to help him sit up while gripping his arm gently but securely with her other, and slowly he got to his feet. A bitter and desperate howl came from Azula as she struggled against her bonds, and Katara was forced to remember the princess' presence. Crying and screaming there on the ground, Azula writhed as blue flames exploded from her mouth. Katara could only watch with muted horror feeling pity for the girl for the first time. Azula had always been a force to be reckoned with, but here, sobbing and growling, she looked truly broken and Katara could take no joy in that.

Zuko stood impassively as he watched his sister falling apart. Katara looked up at him sadly, noticing that despite his outwardly calm demeanor his eyes were ablaze with countless emotions. No matter the bad blood between them it was clear that he would always care for his sister in some way, and Katara's heart ached for him.

"I'm sorry." She couldn't find anything better to say to comfort him.

"Don't be. The one who should be sorry is my father, for doing this to her."

"Come on," she tugged on his arm gently, "we need to get you somewhere where you can get some rest."

"I'm fine Katara." He protested; clearly unaware of the gravity of the danger he had just escaped.

"No, you're not. Please don't be stubborn and let me help you."

Zuko turned to her, a retort on his lips, but there was movement behind them that had Katara spinning to face whatever potential danger was coming, interrupting him. Katara recognized the Fire Sages from before as they approached and she edged protectively in front of Zuko, ready to defend them both.

"Please, stand down young lady, we mean you no harm." The sage with the white beard, who nearly crowned Azula moments before, stepped forward, hands up in surrender. "We only wish to help."

Katara eyed them apprehensively, this was too good to be true, but when she felt a hand on her shoulder she turned to look back at Zuko. He gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze and Katara relaxed her stance, still eyeing the sages warily.

"Your highness, we are here to serve you." The leader said as he and the other sages dropped to their knees, bowing before Zuko in deference.

Zuko seemed hesitant for a moment before answering, "I want you to take my sister somewhere safe and secure where she cannot harm herself or others."

The man nodded. "Anything else, my prince?"

"No, we're going to find some place to rest. Please send someone when you have heard word of the Avatar."

"It shall be done." The head sage complied, retreating with the other sages to see to Azula.

"Are you sure we can trust them?" Katara questioned him once the sages were out of earshot.

"Not entirely, but I think they know that the tide is changing. After that stunt Aang and Avatar Roku pulled at the Fire Temple word spread amongst the sages, so I don't think they're eager to cross the Avatar anytime soon.

"Besides, hardly anyone is here. According to rumors my uncle heard, Azula went on a banishing spree."

"I guess we should thank her for that." Katara mused out loud.

Zuko attempted to chuckle but it fell short when he gasped in pain and clutched at the wound on his chest. Katara moved to support him before he collapsed; taking his free arm and slinging it over her shoulder while she wrapped her right arm around his waist helping him remain upright.

"Hey now, don't fall over on me yet."

"Sorry," he rasped and she felt him lean onto her carefully, "guess the Dancing Dragon will have to wait."

"Do me a favor and don't take lessons in humor from Sokka." She chided, secretly happy that he was at least coherent enough to even try to be joking.

"Is there somewhere I can take you? I don't think you'd make it back to Appa like this and the palace is too far. Would we be safe in there?" Katara asked motioning with her head towards the main temple building where Azula had nearly been crowned.

"Yes, up the stairs and straight down the hall, I'll let you know where we can go."

Katara gripped his arm over her shoulder and began to move towards the stairs. Zuko, for his part, seemed to do his best not to rely too heavily on Katara to carry his weight, but she still kept the pace slow and steady. Inwardly she cursed herself for not having been more diligent during her healing lessons with Yugoda at the North Pole. If she had Zuko might not be in as much pain as he was now. When this was all over she decided she would go to back and humbly beg Yugoda to teach her everything she knew so that, should there ever be a next time, Katara would be ready.

"You're awfully quiet." Zuko's voice broke through her thoughts.

"It's nothing."

"Your expression says otherwise."

"And since when have you been so good at reading my expressions?" Katara spared a glance up at him.

"You're not that hard to read." He smirked feebly.

"Considering you took lightning full on in the chest not even half an hour ago I suggest you worry about yourself." She scolded him, turning her face away to hide the blush that crept across her cheeks as they hobbled together up the steps to the main temple building.

They continued on in silence as Katara shouldered her way through the doors and into the main hall of the temple. Grand tapestries hung from the ceilings and intricate designs in the marble floor still managed to gleam in the weak firelight of the torches that lined the hall. With Zuko's guidance Katara led them through the maze of hallways and corridors until they came to a short hallway with one set of opulent double doors at the end of it.

"It's not the palace but that's the Fire Lord's personal chamber." Zuko explained to her. "We should be safe in there."

Katara nodded and made her way to the door, pushing it open with her foot. The room was sparsely lit but what little light there was allowed her to make out the shape of a couch and some chairs in the center of the room. There was another set of doors off to the side that she guessed must lead to a bedroom and Katara found herself wondering why the Fire Lord would ever need chambers here. Putting her curiosity aside she led them through the remaining set of doors and sighed with relief when she was able to make out a bed in the center of the small room. With a few more careful steps she guided him over to the bed and helped him sit on its edge.

"Care to tell me how to get some light in here?"

"You mean, like this?" He asked as he held a ball of flame in the palm of his hand.

The light from his hand aided Katara as she found a candle in a stand on a table next to the bed and handed it to him. He lit the wick and using the small flame Katara lit the sconces that decorated the walls.

"That's better." She said with satisfaction as warm light filled the room.

"It isn't much but this place is intended for the Fire Lord's use when he visits the temple to study spiritual matters. Not that my father ever bothered with such things."

"But will we be safe here? The Fire Sages have no reason to be loyal to you and we have no idea if your father is even defeated yet." Katara dared to voice her concerns.

Zuko's face darkened. "If Aang falls to my father, it won't matter where we are."

Katara shuddered at the thought. The reality of their situation weighed heavily between them but another painful groan from Zuko snapped her back to the most immediate issue. "Here," she said placing her hands on his shoulders and pushing him back against the bed, "you need to lie down. Let me see if there's more I can do."

Zuko did as he was told and laid back on the bed; Katara gingerly pushed open the remains of his tunic to gain easier access to the wound. Uncorking one of her waterskins Katara once again gloved her hands in water and pressed them to Zuko's chest. He hissed as the cool water touched the burn but began to relax as the water worked its power to heal him. Unlike the frantic job she did earlier, Katara took her time, closing her eyes and focusing fully on the process at hand, calling on all of her reserved skills to make this better.

An indeterminate amount of time passed as Katara worked, Zuko's heartbeat pulsed in her ears all the while. It wasn't until she was sure that there was nothing more to be done that she removed her hands from Zuko's chest, bending the water back into her skin. The wound was smaller and significantly improved, but it was still raw and red, and worst of all—it would scar. Katara worried her lower lip as guilt gnawed at her insides. He would have another scar, and this time it was all her fault.

"Katara…?" Zuko's voice was hoarse with exhaustion as he gazed at her.

"How does it feel? Any better?"

"Yeah, it does. Thank you Katara."

The sincerity in his voice as he thanked her made Katara's heart wrench agonizingly to think that he was even in this state because he was trying to protect her.

"Don't thank me just yet; it'll probably take a few more healing sessions before I'd call it fully healed." She hung her head in shame, reluctant to look at him as she admitted this last bit of information. "And it's going to leave a scar."

There was a pregnant pause before he finally responded. "I would be surprised if it didn't."

Katara lifted her head to read his face but his eyes were fixed firmly on the ceiling, his acceptance did nothing to assuage her guilt. "Why? Why would you do such a crazy, reckless thing like that?" She demanded; the emotional strain of the day's events was starting to show in her voice.

Zuko's brow furrowed in confusion, "What? You mean saving your life?" He pushed himself up on his elbows. "That shot would have killed you."

"And it nearly killed you!" Katara all but screeched. She had no idea why she was so upset, but the torrent of thoughts and words came bursting from her unbidden. "What would've happened if I hadn't been able to heal you? We're lucky that you were able to redirect most of the lightning, a shot like that nearly killed Aang. It took water from the Spirit Oasis to save him and that's gone now! I hate to think what shape you'd be in if you hadn't redirected her shot. Who would've been Fire Lord? You can't just go jumping in front of lightning like that, you're too important to lose."

"And you aren't?" Zuko shot back brusquely.

"In the grand scheme of things, no. If anyone should've been sacrificing themselves today it should have been me." She told him flatly.

"You seriously think that don't you?"

When she didn't answer Zuko pushed himself up with a grunt and sat up, throwing his legs over the edge of the bed and began to stand. Katara reacted, jumping up to push him back down onto the bed but he resisted, gripping her wrists to steady himself. Instantly she was reminded of a different scene from almost another life time involving pirates and a very different Zuko, but the expression he wore now nearly matched the angry one he used to wear then and Katara couldn't help the shiver that ran down her spine.

"Idiot, you need to be resting!" She struggled to pull her wrists free.

"The only idiot here is you. How can you possibly think that you matter so little? Do you have any idea what it would do to us if you were to die?"

Katara wanted to look away but his amber gaze burrowed into her. Everything in his mannerisms said he was furious and yet his voice remained low with a fierce tenderness she had never heard from him before. "I couldn't just stand there and let Azula try to kill you; especially when I was stupid for taunting her like that in the first place."

"But you'll have another scar, and it's all my fault." Katara declared with a broken sob, turning her face away in shame to hide her tears. She didn't know why she was crying again but she couldn't stop them.

Zuko released her wrists, and Katara stood there sniffling, scrubbing the tears away with her fists. It wasn't until his fingers gently grabbed her chin and turned her face to him that she had to look at Zuko again and what she saw there in his eyes almost took her breath away.

"Katara, this is one scar I know I can live with; it's the proof that I was able to keep you safe." He spoke with genuine sincerity.

Katara's heart pounded in her chest. Zuko's face wore the most caring expression she had ever seen and she was lost in his eyes, their golden depths smoldering. Just moments ago they were both struggling to survive and now that the adrenaline was wearing off Katara had to face the reality of what had happened. He almost died, she could have died. There had been so many fights and so many close calls, but never this close. Tears continued to trail down her cheeks as she felt Zuko's fingers leave her chin, trailing up to caress her cheek, brushing away her tears with his thumb.

It suddenly hit her that had things turned out just the slightest bit different, one of them wouldn't be standing there. With another sob she threw her arms around Zuko's neck, hugging him.

"I was so scared. I thought she had killed you."

Zuko wound his arms around her, pulling her close. "But you saved me."

"But at what cost?" Remembering herself, she pushed back from him, looking down at the wound on his chest.

"We're both alive, I think I'd call that a win." He told her with a crooked smile.

Sighing wearily Katara found she couldn't argue with that and she smiled lightly. "Just don't you dare go doing anything like that again, I can't promise I'll always be there to heal you."

"My lord!" A loud knock came at the door.

Both teens were shocked apart by the interruption.

"Enter!" Zuko commanded gruffly.

A young male Fire Sage acolyte pushed open the door and entered with a bow. "Many apologies for the interruption your highness, but I was told to tell you when word was heard of the Avatar."

"Yes, and what have you heard?"

"The Avatar has triumphed over Phoenix King Ozai. He and the rest of your companions are on their way here as we speak."

Zuko and Katara exchanged glances; Katara silently giving him her best 'I told you so' look as she smiled. He gave her a small smirk in return before turning his attention back to the acolyte.

"Thank you; have rooms prepared in the palace for our guests so that they will be able to rest when they arrive, and please do the same for my chambers as well."

"As you wish your majesty." The young man bowed and left the room.

"I told you he would do it." Katara couldn't help saying the actual words as the door closed.

"Remind me never to doubt you again." Zuko replied with only the mildest hint of a grudge.

"Come on, you're supposed to be resting too." She moved around him and pushed the covers back on his bed.

When he dawdled Katara shot him her best mothering scowl and Zuko seemed to relent as he realized this was a battle not worth pursuing. They had at least several hours before their friends would arrive and a little rest would do them both a world of good.

"Fine, but I want to know the instant they're here." He said as he crawled into the bed and covered himself, careful to avoid his chest wound.

"I promise I will wake you the instant they've arrived." Katara assured him as she watched him settle back. "Now rest."

Zuko stared up at her for a long, hard moment before finally closing his eyes and relaxing. It wasn't long until his breathing evened and he was asleep, allowing Katara to study him. Weeks ago she would have balked at the idea of fighting beside him let alone saving him, yet here she was, and she had cried at the idea of losing him. If only her father could see her now, she wondered what he might say.

Looking around the room Katara found a lone wooden chair sitting at a vanity in the corner; retrieving it she dragged it to the end of the bed and made herself comfortable. She was too restless to sleep but hesitant to leave Zuko's side, even if the worst was over. So there she sat, keeping vigil as Zuko rested.

After a few moments Zuko began to groan and toss, face scrunching up in pain. Katara jumped up from her seat, concerned that perhaps his wound was preventing him from sleeping.

"N-no, Azula, don't. Stop—Katara!" He muttered, tossing and turning more fiercely.

He must be dreaming about the fight, she thought with a grimace. Sitting on the edge of the bed she reached for his hand and squeezed it. "Zuko," she spoke tenderly, "it's okay, you're safe now."

Zuko groaned and tossed some more before jolting awake, panting. His eyes were wide, frantically searching the room before they landed on her and focused. "Katara," he said with relief.

She smiled, "I'm right here. Everything is okay."

"I dreamed I didn't move fast enough. And you… you were gone, and it was all my fault." He mumbled in a daze.

Zuko was still clearly half-asleep but the way he spoke with such broken desperation made Katara's heart wrench. Reaching up with her free hand she brushed his bangs from his sweat-covered forehead. "Shhh…" she soothed, "Azula didn't hurt me because you saved me. Go back to sleep, you need to rest."

Nodding wearily Zuko relaxed and closed his eyes once more. Katara moved to resume her bedside vigil in her chair but stopped when she felt Zuko's hand grasp hers. "Don't go." He rasped.

"I'm not going anywhere," she explained and motioned to the chair at the end of the bed, "I was just going to sit there so you can rest."

"You can sit here." He nodded to the other side of the bed.

Katara felt the heat rise on her cheeks, what had gotten into him? This wasn't like Zuko at all but the silent plea in his eyes made it hard to protest.

"O-okay, but get some rest, alright? The only way you'll get better is if you get some rest." She insisted nervously. When he nodded in agreement and let go of her hand she got up to move around the bed to the unoccupied side and crawled onto the mattress. Propping one of the pillows against the headboard she sat back and looked down at Zuko, whose eyes had followed her every move.

"Better?" She asked, sounding much calmer than she felt.

"Thank you." Zuko said with a weak and tired smile.

"Sleep." Katara told him, taking his hand and lacing her fingers through his. "I'll be right here."

Sighing with relief Zuko complied and closed his eyes. When his breathing once more evened out, signaling that he had finally fallen back asleep, Katara allowed herself to relax, settling against the headboard suddenly overwhelmed with exhaustion. Looking down at their linked hands Katara was surprised by the sense of comfort the simple gesture brought not only to Zuko but to herself as well. He very possibly could have died jumping in front of that lightning for her and the fact that he never even hesitated to throw his life in front of hers was going to be something she would never be able to forget.

"I'm the one who will always be thanking you." She whispered to him as he slept, closing her eyes and joining him in peaceful slumber.