Part 7

Zuko's POV:

After a few hours we reached the outer limits of the Earth Kingdom. Luckily with the help of his uncle, they had become their most important ally. His peers had begged him to rest, but there was no time for such a thing.

Zuko decided it was best to approach Toph on his own. However, in order to do this he would have to escape undetected . Dressed in a grey cloak he exited the ship, making sure his door was locked up tight in hopes they all believed he was resting.

Knowing Toph was temporarily staying with her parents again, he decided that was his best chance of finding her . As soon as he stepped foot on the property, the door instantly opened to reveal the girl standing before him.

"H-Hey Toph, it's me - Zuko."

"I might be blind but I'm not stupid, stupid!"

She rushed to his side with a smile, hugging him tightly .

"I need your help ... is there anywhere we can speak privately?"

"Sure thing Sparky, let's head to the garden."

They both took a seat beside each other , the young girl already sensing his stress.

"I'm sure you've heard about everything ..."

"You're lucky you got your ass out of there while you did, sounds like they're out for blood."

"I don't want to fight Toph... but I know that is out of my hands..."

"There's something you're holding back about, spill it already!"

"Katara visited right before the attack... She was disguised as a fire nation resident and was living inside of the palace trying to work out some kind of peace treaty that might help, before the attack. We never even heard word until after they already breached the city limits... They cornered us on the palace roof and they took her prisoner..."

"I'm sure she's fine, I mean she is a water bender after all."

"I just have a bad feeling about this... I need to get her back to make sure she is okay..."

"Ah, you have feelings for her, don't you? I'd never think you would go after Twinkle-Toes' girl!"

The comment caused him to blush, he instantly became defensive , "Hey! It's not like that... They aren't together..."

"And what happened with Mai? Last time I heard work you two were set to marry."

"Have you met her?"

The young girl chuckled , "You got me there. Look Sparky, because I have nothing exciting for me going on here, I will help you get her back - but I want an all expenses paid vacation to the Fire Nation when you get that palace of yours rebuilt."

"Sure thing, thank you Toph... I really appreciate this."

"Don't get all mushy now, let's get going I guess before anyone finds out you're here..."

The two made their way back to the ship, as they entered Iroh instantly greeted them, "Zuko! You should have brought a team with you ..."

"I'm safe here for now, alright?"

"You need to be more careful..."

"I want a team out there immediately to locate Katara..."

"We will send a team out shortly , but you are staying right here for the time being - we have an important meeting with the order of the White Lotus within the hour. They also might have some insight..."

Katara's POV:

After only a day of recovery a group of soldiers escorted her to her cell. She tried to question them all, but no one would even acknowledge her. This small room only held a bed, bathroom, and a small desk. Katara feared she would be stuck there for the rest of her life. How could she trust her own nation any longer? Hours passed and the silence was starting to eat at her. With nothing to do, she began to write a letter out meant for Zuko. If she could convince even one of the guards to trust her, she might be able to contact him.

Dear Zuko,

They're currently holding me prisoner - my own people. This is far greater than I could of ever imagined. The world as we know is going to change forever. I don't know how long I will be here, and I fear this is the end for me. I want to thank you for trying to help me, and I don't blame you for this. If I can find a way to give this to you, I want to warn you to not come here. Please stay safe and away from danger. The only person I've even spoken to since waking up is Sokka. And even my own brother is now an enemy. I believe he is one of the few in charge of this whole operation. I'm sorry for putting you in danger, I should have never come to see you. Please stay safe...

With Love, Katara

Tears rolled down her face as the signed her name below. Intricately folding the paper, she held it close to her heart and cried. Her crying was soon interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Katara, is it really you?"

She turned her head to see her father on the other side of the bars . Jumping up from her seat, she ran over hands grasping onto the bars.

"Dad... Please let me out of here.."

A single tear rolled down his cheek as he sighed , "I wish I could sweetheart... I no longer have control of anything here... It took everything just for them to allow me to see you..."

"This is all wrong..."

"I know.... We should all finally be living in peace. I will do everything in my power to try to get you out of here, I promise."

"I need you to do me a favor, please..."

"Anything..."

"I need you to find a way to get this to Fire Lord Zuko, as soon as possible..."

"T-That might be impossible.."

"Please... If you can find Iroh, you can find him... He needs to see this..."

Hakoda sighed, knowing he had to at least help her with this. He took the letter from her , hiding it inside of his boot.

"I'll be back to see you tomorrow... Please stay positive Katara, they can't hold you like this forever..."