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Description
The spark flew up in the sky and shimmered against the clouds. It exploded into a million colors that quivered back down to the horizon after their marvellous display. His vision got blurry all of a sudden and Aang quickly wiped away his tears. "Katara would love this." he thought. He felt a strong hand on his shoulder and Aang whirled around. "Any sign of her?" he asked. Sokka shook his head and looked down to the floor.
Aang sighed. "Don't worry, Aang... we'll find her. Whoever kidnapped her couldn't have gotten far." he said reassuringly. Aang looked back up at him, his dark eyes blazing. "Then find her! Agni knows what could have happened to her by now!! I won't take no for an answer, Sokka!" he roared. Katara's brother looked taken aback, and didn't say anything for a few minutes. Aang's heart-rate slowed and he put his head in the palm of his hand. "I'm sorry, Sokka. I'm just having a hard time coping right now." he said roughly.
"Look, we've been searching for weeks. And believe me, I want to find my sister just as much as you do... but my men need to spend time with their families. It is The Anniversary, after all." Sokka said bluntly, stroking his short goatee. Aang sighed again. "You're right." "Hey, big guy. Remember who we're looking for here. Katara is a fighter and she can definitely take care of herself. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she's waterbending her way back here right now!" Sokka said enthusiastically, giving Aang a lop-sided grin.
Aang smiled, but it failed to touch his eyes. "Yeah, you're right. She's coming back." he said. After Sokka walked away with a pleased look on his face, Aang added under his breath, "She has to."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Katara reached the shore, the dark sky was glimmering with fireworks and fly-away lanterns. Her breath was coming in short, tired breaths and she collapsed on the rough shore. She turned her head up to the sky and the festivities brightened her mood and her smile. She stood back up and the movement caused her to grit her teeth in pain. Her hands and legs were sore from bending and the sand dug blisters into her palms and knees.
It had been several weeks since the night she left, but one thought kept occupying her mind. Aang.... Did she make a mistake? Was it really true love they felt for each other? She couldn't think of the answers to those questions so Katara just sighed and wrung out her messy braid, causing silvery drips to pour from her thick, ragged waves of hair. She didn't bend all the way here, of course. She had made a couple of stops on the way. After she left the Southern Water Tribe that night, she bended all the way to a small island at the Southern Air Temple, where she rested and collected food for a few days.
Afterward, she water bended to Palea, a small town on the southern end of the Earth Kingdom. Katara then walked all the way to Omashu, keeping close to shore so she couldn't be spotted and hitched a ride with some nomadic travelers for about a week. Then when she reached the Foggy Swamp, she bended all the way to Ember Island, where Zuko had built his new palace. Katara shivered at the thought of seeing Zuko again.
What would he say? Would he think of her now? Fleeing from her own wedding?! She put her head in her hands as the sobs stared to come. Why did this have to happen! Why couldn't she and Aang be happy forever? Was it the age difference? No... that didn't sound right. "Is it because the same age difference applies for Zuko as well?" her conscience questioned.
She sighed and brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. This was all too complicated. She came here because she thought Zuko might understand. That he might not report to Aang. She started to cry some more, but they were angry tears that were flowing down her cheeks. This was ridiculous!!! She ran away completely on impulse... but...no, not impulse. She went where her heart was telling her to go. She started walking up a hill and she spotted the horizon. Huge balloons and banners were flowing in the wind.
Large lanterns and fireworks were sparkling all over the rooftops. The Victory Anniversary lasts all week. And it was only Thursday! The actual party was on Saturday. There was no telling if he would be at this carnival at all! She sat down and took some colored paints out of her bag. Looking down at a small stream, Katara dipped her fingers in the red paint and drew streaks across her cheeks, chin, forehead, and lips. She then drew a yellow crescent moon on her forehead. "There, that should stop people from recognizing me!" She thought, stuffing the paint back in the bag.
No one knew the Painted Lady legend from that small town on the water. She slung her hood over to shade her face and started into town. Before she could do anything to find Zuko, she had to find a place to stay and get some rest. She sniffed the air and caught a whiff of something vile and stuffy. She brought up a rag from her shirt and smelled it. Her gag reflex cringed and her eye twitched. "Okay, FIRST I need some new clothes." she concluded out loud.
Katara continued up the steep incline of a sandy hill. She skidded down the slope and hopped softly to her feet. The sand turned to slate under her leather and ribbon boots and she stared at the carnival carts around her. Multicolored paper lanterns were strung above the roofs of the marketplace and made everything brighten with a festive glow. Katara noticed an elderly women cleaning up her shop and having some difficulties. Katara rushed over. "Do you need any help?" she asked.
She didn't wait for an answer and took a heavy produce bag she was holding. The woman seemed flustered. "Oh, well thank you." she said. Katara opened the door for her and set the bag on a small wooden table inside. "Where would you like these?" Katara asked, setting the contents of the bag on the table. "Just in the cupboard on the left." she said, dusting off her apron. Katara nodded and did as she asked. Afterward, she looked around the shop.
It was simple and pleasant. Scribbled-on pieces of parchment were scattered around the floor and around painted vases with fire-lilies. Musical instruments were set neatly on a dresser. "What kind of shop do you run here?" Katara asked, gingerly dusting off one of the cases. "I own an instrument repair shop." she said simply. Katara spotted a dusty pair of narrow stairs. The woman noticed her gaze and smiled. "I have a spare room upstairs. I won't have you pay for it as long as you help me in the shop. It's going to be a busy few days as a result of the carnival." she said.
Katara's eyes widened. "Oh, really?! Thank you so much!" she said, giving the woman a hug. She laughed, and then wrinkled her nose. "But, you should have a bath first. I have some clothes upstairs in the dresser. I'm going to sleep and I'll see you in the morning. Be up and ready for work!!" she said, returning the hug. Katara nodded appreciatively and scrambled upstairs. As she bathed in the hot water she sighed contently. All of her troubles seemed to wash away with the grit and dirt. The wedding, what Aang must be thinking about her departure, what she'd say to Zuko.. She shot up in the water, sending droplets to fly all over and her hair whipped around her face. Katara put her head in her hands. Oh no!!
She sighed and combed her hair back. No doubt they were looking for her already. "I wonder if he found the note.." she wondered, remembering how he craft fully inserted a small scroll in the locket-type engagement necklace Aang gave her. Katara stepped out of the water and drained the tub. She tied around the sash of her silk robe. She put her hair in a towel and walked into the room. She saw crisp folded clothes on the bed and smiled, getting dressed into them. Katara just couldn't get over this woman's hospitality.
She thought about the last time she was taken in by a kind elderly woman and giggled hysterically. What would this woman teach her to bend? "Oh, Agni... I'm losing it." she mumbled, taking out the turban and combing through her hair with her seashell comb. She settled in the bed and blew out the candle. Her muscles relaxed and she let out a contented sigh. "I would just sleep for a few hours.. it was only a few hours until sunset anyway. And I have to be up and ready for work." She thought, closing her eyes. Just a few hours.....
Katara woke up with a start. "What time is it?!" she gasped, looking at the sundial on the balcony. She breathed out a sigh of relief. It was maybe a few hours before dawn, and a small sliver of orange was peeking above the horizon. She rubbed her eyes and got out of bed. She put her feet down on the cold wood and found a pair of light gray slippers under the bed. She smiled and pulled them out, sliding her feet gingerly into them. She breathed out another sigh as the warm fabric hugged to her feet, soothing the blisters and bruises from the boots. "Wow, waterbending for that length of time really took its toll." She thought.
Katara made the bed and tip-toed down the stairs, afraid to wake-… wait a minute! Katara smiled in disbelief. She didn't even know what this woman's name was! Well, anyway.. she made her way down the narrow curves of stairs and found the woman whistling a strangely familiar tune, while flipping thin cakes on her fire-stove with a plank of wood. A step creaked and the woman looked back. "Why, good morning! I wasn't going to wake you until breakfast was finished." She said, flipping up another thin piece of bread. Katara smiled.
"Good morning… and thank you. I actually wanted to make you something, as a thank you for your hospitality." Katara said, pulling up a small chair at the table. The woman chuckled and waved her free hand. "Oh, no need. You'll be thanking me soon enough with your hard work. Speaking of, what name am I to put on you're name tag?" she asked, setting out the cakes on porcelain plates. "Sue Lin." Katara replied.
She felt guilty for lying to this woman, but Aang and the others were no doubt looking for her already. She remembered spotting several posters all throughout the Earth Kingdom. "Well, Sue Lin… I hope you like chocolate with your hot cakes." She said, sitting down to join Katara at the table, steaming plates of hot cakes in hand.
She set them out and gestured for Katara to eat. She did eagerly, trying hardest not to dig in with her bare hands. She neatly cut a fluffy square from the hot cake and placed it in her mouth. She bit down and warm, exotic flavors blossomed on her tongue over the warm cushion of bread. She swallowed the bite and took a sip of papaya juice before opening her mouth to speak. "So… what's your name?" she asked. The woman smiled.
"Please, call me Ursa."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Firelord Zuko, General Iroh requests you on deck." A voice called from outside his door. Zuko shot up in bed at the sound of knocking and sighed. "Alright… Tell him I'll be there soon." Zuko said. He heard the satisfying sound of footsteps fading down the corridor and swung his legs over the side of the bed. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Zuko sighed. He hated admitting it... but he really didn't want to speak with his uncle right now. His conversation with him a few weeks ago had left him more high-strung than usual.
"Uncle.. I must speak with you." Zuko said as he stood outside his uncle's bedroom door. The door opened up just a crack and Iroh's weary eye peered out. "What is it, nephew? Is something wrong?" "I don't know, Uncle. I was hoping you could tell me." Zuko said. Iroh opened up the door and gestured for Zuko to come in.
He hung his head and bowed respectfully, before silently stepping into his Uncle's serene bedroom. The air stung with incense while a faint breeze of tea leaves hinted in the warm air. Zuko sat down on the edge of the bed and swung his legs back and forth. "Can I get you some tea?" Iroh asked. Zuko shook his head and waved his hand. Iroh grunted indifferently and sat down on the empty patch of silk next to his nephew.
Zuko didn't really know how to begin, so he just sighed and stated it like it was. "I've been having these nightmares, Uncle. Every night since… well, I can't remember the last time I'd had a pleasant dream." Zuko said awkwardly. Iroh made a disapproving sound, but motioned for Zuko to continue. He sighed and fidgeted with his hands. Iroh noticed his confliction and stepped in. "What are they about?" he asked. Zuko sighed. For the first time in a long time, he felt really nervous talking to his uncle.
"See, that's the hard part to explain. They evolve every time; adding on more and more negative topics that I try to ignore each day." Zuko said. Iroh sighed. "Well, what was this one about?" he asked calmly. "The first one showed my Agni-Kai with Azula. But when she shot the lightning at Katara, I couldn't move. I watched her get struck by the lightning and-" Zuko cut off, wincing at the memory and instinctively traced his fingers over the scar on his chest. Iroh placed his hand on Zuko's back. "Continue." He said encouragingly.
So he did.
When Zuko was finished describing the nightmares, Iroh's brow was furrowed in concern. Zuko noticed that his uncle seemed more conflicted when he described the Ursa/Mai re-enactment than anything else. "I'm glad you told me this, Zuko. The occurrence of nightmares usually ceases once you speak of it out loud." Iroh said. Zuko's eyebrow rose. He'd never heard of that. Leave it to uncle to give him otherwise useless information after he needed it most. Iroh smiled, but it seemed forced, and patted his back.
"Try to sleep now. But first.." his uncle wandered off into the kitchen. A few minutes later he came walking back with a steaming cup of tea. "Try this… it's a new creation I came up with this morning. It's called Cherry Lotus-bud." He winked, handing Zuko the warm porcelain mug. Zuko walked out. "Thank you for your wisdom, Uncle." He said, giving Iroh a one-armed hug. Iroh returned it warmly and smiled. "Sweet dreams."

Zuko was already dressed when he finished remembering the conversation that had occurred a few weeks earlier. He walked out of his room and wandered through the corridor. When he reached the steps up to the deck, he noticed that everyone was crowded on deck. "What's going on?" he asked, wading his way through the crowd. Iroh's brow furrowed and he opened his mouth to speak.
The whispering and chattering of the guards eluded him from this so he yelled. "Quiet! Everyone get back to work!" he roared. The guards muttered apologies and headed back to their stations. "What is it, Uncle?" Zuko asked, peering at the piece of parchment and then at the messenger hawk it arrived on. Iroh sighed and handed him the scroll. "Lady Katara is missing." He said. Zuko's eyes widened and he hurriedly opened the scroll.

Zuko,
Because of the matters at hand, I don't think that formalities are in order…

Katara has been kidnapped! I'm not sure when this letter will reach you, but she disappeared the night before our wedding in the Southern Water Tribe. We've been searching for about a week and there is absolutely no trace! Toph is leaving to the Earth Kingdom and will search with Dai Lee agents. Sokka managed to send out some search parties from both water tribes. I'm doing a search of the neighboring islands and I was wondering if you could send out some of your men to do a sweep of the Fire Nation. Please, my mentor and my friend, you have to help!

Regards,
Avatar Aang

Zuko squinted at the letter and read it over and over. Kidnapped? No! She couldn't be! If Zuko knew anything about Katara, it was that she had the keen senses and gracile fighting skill of a Peahawk. That only left one option. She left by her own doing.. But why? Zuko was too tired to figure out these answers, but that didn't stop the question from festering in his mind. "You look puzzled, Nephew…" Iroh trailed off, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
Zuko shrugged it off and sighed. "This doesn't make any sense." He said, his voice raspy. Iroh smiled his all-knowing smile. "Nothing ever does. You look tired, Zuko. Maybe some rest and a warm cup of tea will stimulate your thoughts in this confusion." He said. Zuko smiled. "Not now, Uncle I have too many things to attend to." And with that, Zuko gave him a firm pat on the shoulder and walked back to his quarters.
Time passed quite slowly on the ship. Zuko occupied himself with sorting through bills, requests, and worldly news letters. But that one thought always occupied his mind; Why did you leave, Katara? He stayed up night after night pondering possible answers, but no luck. Eventually, the ship crawled to a stop and Zuko wrapped himself in a silk robe and walked upstairs to the deck. An orderly asked him what he wanted for breakfast. "Herbal tea. Cold please." He said. The orderly bowed and walked away.
Zuko smiled when he spotted the familiar shores of Ember Island. He could just spot his palace, lingering off the side of a large mountain. Its gold roof glistened in the early-morning sun and the bright crimson paint was shaded by palm trees. The orderly returned and handed him his glass of tea. "Welcome home, Firelord Zuko."

Description
The spark flew up in the sky and shimmered against the clouds. It exploded into a million colors that quivered back down to the horizon after their marvellous display. His vision got blurry all of a sudden and Aang quickly wiped away his tears. "Katara would love this." he thought. He felt a strong hand on his shoulder and Aang whirled around. "Any sign of her?" he asked. Sokka shook his head and looked down to the floor.
Aang sighed. "Don't worry, Aang... we'll find her. Whoever kidnapped her couldn't have gotten far." he said reassuringly. Aang looked back up at him, his dark eyes blazing. "Then find her! Agni knows what could have happened to her by now!! I won't take no for an answer, Sokka!" he roared. Katara's brother looked taken aback, and didn't say anything for a few minutes. Aang's heart-rate slowed and he put his head in the palm of his hand. "I'm sorry, Sokka. I'm just having a hard time coping right now." he said roughly.
"Look, we've been searching for weeks. And believe me, I want to find my sister just as much as you do... but my men need to spend time with their families. It is The Anniversary, after all." Sokka said bluntly, stroking his short goatee. Aang sighed again. "You're right." "Hey, big guy. Remember who we're looking for here. Katara is a fighter and she can definitely take care of herself. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she's waterbending her way back here right now!" Sokka said enthusiastically, giving Aang a lop-sided grin.
Aang smiled, but it failed to touch his eyes. "Yeah, you're right. She's coming back." he said. After Sokka walked away with a pleased look on his face, Aang added under his breath, "She has to."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Katara reached the shore, the dark sky was glimmering with fireworks and fly-away lanterns. Her breath was coming in short, tired breaths and she collapsed on the rough shore. She turned her head up to the sky and the festivities brightened her mood and her smile. She stood back up and the movement caused her to grit her teeth in pain. Her hands and legs were sore from bending and the sand dug blisters into her palms and knees.
It had been several weeks since the night she left, but one thought kept occupying her mind. Aang.... Did she make a mistake? Was it really true love they felt for each other? She couldn't think of the answers to those questions so Katara just sighed and wrung out her messy braid, causing silvery drips to pour from her thick, ragged waves of hair. She didn't bend all the way here, of course. She had made a couple of stops on the way. After she left the Southern Water Tribe that night, she bended all the way to a small island at the Southern Air Temple, where she rested and collected food for a few days.
Afterward, she water bended to Palea, a small town on the southern end of the Earth Kingdom. Katara then walked all the way to Omashu, keeping close to shore so she couldn't be spotted and hitched a ride with some nomadic travelers for about a week. Then when she reached the Foggy Swamp, she bended all the way to Ember Island, where Zuko had built his new palace. Katara shivered at the thought of seeing Zuko again.
What would he say? Would he think of her now? Fleeing from her own wedding?! She put her head in her hands as the sobs stared to come. Why did this have to happen! Why couldn't she and Aang be happy forever? Was it the age difference? No... that didn't sound right. "Is it because the same age difference applies for Zuko as well?" her conscience questioned.
She sighed and brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. This was all too complicated. She came here because she thought Zuko might understand. That he might not report to Aang. She started to cry some more, but they were angry tears that were flowing down her cheeks. This was ridiculous!!! She ran away completely on impulse... but...no, not impulse. She went where her heart was telling her to go. She started walking up a hill and she spotted the horizon. Huge balloons and banners were flowing in the wind.
Large lanterns and fireworks were sparkling all over the rooftops. The Victory Anniversary lasts all week. And it was only Thursday! The actual party was on Saturday. There was no telling if he would be at this carnival at all! She sat down and took some colored paints out of her bag. Looking down at a small stream, Katara dipped her fingers in the red paint and drew streaks across her cheeks, chin, forehead, and lips. She then drew a yellow crescent moon on her forehead. "There, that should stop people from recognizing me!" She thought, stuffing the paint back in the bag.
No one knew the Painted Lady legend from that small town on the water. She slung her hood over to shade her face and started into town. Before she could do anything to find Zuko, she had to find a place to stay and get some rest. She sniffed the air and caught a whiff of something vile and stuffy. She brought up a rag from her shirt and smelled it. Her gag reflex cringed and her eye twitched. "Okay, FIRST I need some new clothes." she concluded out loud.
Katara continued up the steep incline of a sandy hill. She skidded down the slope and hopped softly to her feet. The sand turned to slate under her leather and ribbon boots and she stared at the carnival carts around her. Multicolored paper lanterns were strung above the roofs of the marketplace and made everything brighten with a festive glow. Katara noticed an elderly women cleaning up her shop and having some difficulties. Katara rushed over. "Do you need any help?" she asked.
She didn't wait for an answer and took a heavy produce bag she was holding. The woman seemed flustered. "Oh, well thank you." she said. Katara opened the door for her and set the bag on a small wooden table inside. "Where would you like these?" Katara asked, setting the contents of the bag on the table. "Just in the cupboard on the left." she said, dusting off her apron. Katara nodded and did as she asked. Afterward, she looked around the shop.
It was simple and pleasant. Scribbled-on pieces of parchment were scattered around the floor and around painted vases with fire-lilies. Musical instruments were set neatly on a dresser. "What kind of shop do you run here?" Katara asked, gingerly dusting off one of the cases. "I own an instrument repair shop." she said simply. Katara spotted a dusty pair of narrow stairs. The woman noticed her gaze and smiled. "I have a spare room upstairs. I won't have you pay for it as long as you help me in the shop. It's going to be a busy few days as a result of the carnival." she said.
Katara's eyes widened. "Oh, really?! Thank you so much!" she said, giving the woman a hug. She laughed, and then wrinkled her nose. "But, you should have a bath first. I have some clothes upstairs in the dresser. I'm going to sleep and I'll see you in the morning. Be up and ready for work!!" she said, returning the hug. Katara nodded appreciatively and scrambled upstairs. As she bathed in the hot water she sighed contently. All of her troubles seemed to wash away with the grit and dirt. The wedding, what Aang must be thinking about her departure, what she'd say to Zuko.. She shot up in the water, sending droplets to fly all over and her hair whipped around her face. Katara put her head in her hands. Oh no!!
She sighed and combed her hair back. No doubt they were looking for her already. "I wonder if he found the note.." she wondered, remembering how he craft fully inserted a small scroll in the locket-type engagement necklace Aang gave her. Katara stepped out of the water and drained the tub. She tied around the sash of her silk robe. She put her hair in a towel and walked into the room. She saw crisp folded clothes on the bed and smiled, getting dressed into them. Katara just couldn't get over this woman's hospitality.
She thought about the last time she was taken in by a kind elderly woman and giggled hysterically. What would this woman teach her to bend? "Oh, Agni... I'm losing it." she mumbled, taking out the turban and combing through her hair with her seashell comb. She settled in the bed and blew out the candle. Her muscles relaxed and she let out a contented sigh. "I would just sleep for a few hours.. it was only a few hours until sunset anyway. And I have to be up and ready for work." She thought, closing her eyes. Just a few hours.....
Katara woke up with a start. "What time is it?!" she gasped, looking at the sundial on the balcony. She breathed out a sigh of relief. It was maybe a few hours before dawn, and a small sliver of orange was peeking above the horizon. She rubbed her eyes and got out of bed. She put her feet down on the cold wood and found a pair of light gray slippers under the bed. She smiled and pulled them out, sliding her feet gingerly into them. She breathed out another sigh as the warm fabric hugged to her feet, soothing the blisters and bruises from the boots. "Wow, waterbending for that length of time really took its toll." She thought.
Katara made the bed and tip-toed down the stairs, afraid to wake-… wait a minute! Katara smiled in disbelief. She didn't even know what this woman's name was! Well, anyway.. she made her way down the narrow curves of stairs and found the woman whistling a strangely familiar tune, while flipping thin cakes on her fire-stove with a plank of wood. A step creaked and the woman looked back. "Why, good morning! I wasn't going to wake you until breakfast was finished." She said, flipping up another thin piece of bread. Katara smiled.
"Good morning… and thank you. I actually wanted to make you something, as a thank you for your hospitality." Katara said, pulling up a small chair at the table. The woman chuckled and waved her free hand. "Oh, no need. You'll be thanking me soon enough with your hard work. Speaking of, what name am I to put on you're name tag?" she asked, setting out the cakes on porcelain plates. "Sue Lin." Katara replied.
She felt guilty for lying to this woman, but Aang and the others were no doubt looking for her already. She remembered spotting several posters all throughout the Earth Kingdom. "Well, Sue Lin… I hope you like chocolate with your hot cakes." She said, sitting down to join Katara at the table, steaming plates of hot cakes in hand.
She set them out and gestured for Katara to eat. She did eagerly, trying hardest not to dig in with her bare hands. She neatly cut a fluffy square from the hot cake and placed it in her mouth. She bit down and warm, exotic flavors blossomed on her tongue over the warm cushion of bread. She swallowed the bite and took a sip of papaya juice before opening her mouth to speak. "So… what's your name?" she asked. The woman smiled.
"Please, call me Ursa."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Firelord Zuko, General Iroh requests you on deck." A voice called from outside his door. Zuko shot up in bed at the sound of knocking and sighed. "Alright… Tell him I'll be there soon." Zuko said. He heard the satisfying sound of footsteps fading down the corridor and swung his legs over the side of the bed. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Zuko sighed. He hated admitting it... but he really didn't want to speak with his uncle right now. His conversation with him a few weeks ago had left him more high-strung than usual.
"Uncle.. I must speak with you." Zuko said as he stood outside his uncle's bedroom door. The door opened up just a crack and Iroh's weary eye peered out. "What is it, nephew? Is something wrong?" "I don't know, Uncle. I was hoping you could tell me." Zuko said. Iroh opened up the door and gestured for Zuko to come in.
He hung his head and bowed respectfully, before silently stepping into his Uncle's serene bedroom. The air stung with incense while a faint breeze of tea leaves hinted in the warm air. Zuko sat down on the edge of the bed and swung his legs back and forth. "Can I get you some tea?" Iroh asked. Zuko shook his head and waved his hand. Iroh grunted indifferently and sat down on the empty patch of silk next to his nephew.
Zuko didn't really know how to begin, so he just sighed and stated it like it was. "I've been having these nightmares, Uncle. Every night since… well, I can't remember the last time I'd had a pleasant dream." Zuko said awkwardly. Iroh made a disapproving sound, but motioned for Zuko to continue. He sighed and fidgeted with his hands. Iroh noticed his confliction and stepped in. "What are they about?" he asked. Zuko sighed. For the first time in a long time, he felt really nervous talking to his uncle.
"See, that's the hard part to explain. They evolve every time; adding on more and more negative topics that I try to ignore each day." Zuko said. Iroh sighed. "Well, what was this one about?" he asked calmly. "The first one showed my Agni-Kai with Azula. But when she shot the lightning at Katara, I couldn't move. I watched her get struck by the lightning and-" Zuko cut off, wincing at the memory and instinctively traced his fingers over the scar on his chest. Iroh placed his hand on Zuko's back. "Continue." He said encouragingly.
So he did.
When Zuko was finished describing the nightmares, Iroh's brow was furrowed in concern. Zuko noticed that his uncle seemed more conflicted when he described the Ursa/Mai re-enactment than anything else. "I'm glad you told me this, Zuko. The occurrence of nightmares usually ceases once you speak of it out loud." Iroh said. Zuko's eyebrow rose. He'd never heard of that. Leave it to uncle to give him otherwise useless information after he needed it most. Iroh smiled, but it seemed forced, and patted his back.
"Try to sleep now. But first.." his uncle wandered off into the kitchen. A few minutes later he came walking back with a steaming cup of tea. "Try this… it's a new creation I came up with this morning. It's called Cherry Lotus-bud." He winked, handing Zuko the warm porcelain mug. Zuko walked out. "Thank you for your wisdom, Uncle." He said, giving Iroh a one-armed hug. Iroh returned it warmly and smiled. "Sweet dreams."

Zuko was already dressed when he finished remembering the conversation that had occurred a few weeks earlier. He walked out of his room and wandered through the corridor. When he reached the steps up to the deck, he noticed that everyone was crowded on deck. "What's going on?" he asked, wading his way through the crowd. Iroh's brow furrowed and he opened his mouth to speak.
The whispering and chattering of the guards eluded him from this so he yelled. "Quiet! Everyone get back to work!" he roared. The guards muttered apologies and headed back to their stations. "What is it, Uncle?" Zuko asked, peering at the piece of parchment and then at the messenger hawk it arrived on. Iroh sighed and handed him the scroll. "Lady Katara is missing." He said. Zuko's eyes widened and he hurriedly opened the scroll.

Zuko,
Because of the matters at hand, I don't think that formalities are in order…

Katara has been kidnapped! I'm not sure when this letter will reach you, but she disappeared the night before our wedding in the Southern Water Tribe. We've been searching for about a week and there is absolutely no trace! Toph is leaving to the Earth Kingdom and will search with Dai Lee agents. Sokka managed to send out some search parties from both water tribes. I'm doing a search of the neighboring islands and I was wondering if you could send out some of your men to do a sweep of the Fire Nation. Please, my mentor and my friend, you have to help!

Regards,
Avatar Aang

Zuko squinted at the letter and read it over and over. Kidnapped? No! She couldn't be! If Zuko knew anything about Katara, it was that she had the keen senses and gracile fighting skill of a Peahawk. That only left one option. She left by her own doing.. But why? Zuko was too tired to figure out these answers, but that didn't stop the question from festering in his mind. "You look puzzled, Nephew…" Iroh trailed off, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
Zuko shrugged it off and sighed. "This doesn't make any sense." He said, his voice raspy. Iroh smiled his all-knowing smile. "Nothing ever does. You look tired, Zuko. Maybe some rest and a warm cup of tea will stimulate your thoughts in this confusion." He said. Zuko smiled. "Not now, Uncle I have too many things to attend to." And with that, Zuko gave him a firm pat on the shoulder and walked back to his quarters.
Time passed quite slowly on the ship. Zuko occupied himself with sorting through bills, requests, and worldly news letters. But that one thought always occupied his mind; Why did you leave, Katara? He stayed up night after night pondering possible answers, but no luck. Eventually, the ship crawled to a stop and Zuko wrapped himself in a silk robe and walked upstairs to the deck. An orderly asked him what he wanted for breakfast. "Herbal tea. Cold please." He said. The orderly bowed and walked away.
Zuko smiled when he spotted the familiar shores of Ember Island. He could just spot his palace, lingering off the side of a large mountain. Its gold roof glistened in the early-morning sun and the bright crimson paint was shaded by palm trees. The orderly returned and handed him his glass of tea. "Welcome home, Firelord Zuko."