Part 8

Zuko's POV:

The three of us made our way to the order of the white lotus , careful enough not to be spotted. Toph and Iroh had been walking ahead of him, chatting it up as if they'd known each other since birth. Zuko chose to hang back a bit, too much on his mind to socialize. Finding Katara was not the only thing troubling him. He knew sooner or later he would have to return to his nation and send orders for an attack. He didn't want to hurt innocent people. But at the same time, his own people had already been hurt so badly. He never wanted to be a leader and make such dire decisions.

As they approached the entrance a carrier pigeon was seen heading Iroh's way. The pigeon dropped off a letter to him. Iroh's face instantly lit up , "I believe this is for you."

Anxious he tore open the letter , smiling as he realized it was from Katara. He read each word carefully , sensing her fear. She had been begging him not to come, but how could he not? She was locked in a cell all alone, probably terrified. This letter only farther proved to him he needed to save her as soon as possible. He could not just sit back and let her suffer all on her own.

Zuko had to find out who was able to get that letter to him. Finding out that information was the easiest way to find her.

Iroh soon sensed his nephews frustration, carefully taking the letter from his hands to read it himself. Iroh sighed , "We will find her... but we must come up with a plan that is best for everyone..."

They finally entered the building, the three of them took a seat as tea was served. King Bumi and Jeong Jeong quickly joined them as others entered.

Iroh stood from his seat, addressing them all, "A war has begun my friends, we all believed this peace would reign for years, however we were very wrong... Those of both water tribes are very angry with my nation... I want to be angry with them, but I know the pain my brother has caused them over the years. It is now our responsibility to plan a course of action with as few fatalities as possible..."

Zuko quickly interrupted him, standing to speak, "I can't help but blame myself for all of this, I should have never let my guard down... And now that I have we risk losing a very important ally, and friend of mine... I know you will all be against this, but tomorrow I am setting off to the Southern Water Tribe to find Katara, and I'm not going to let anyone stop me."

King Bumi took a sip from his cup of tea , bursting out with laughter , "I never thought I would agree with you on something kid, but you are right ... Katara holds a greater importance in this battle than I think you know of. You will find out soon that she is the answer to this all. You must disguise yourself and avoid her brother Sokka at all costs. There is a series of underground chambers that will lead to a bunker , she must be hidden there. If you can locate her father, he will be able to help you gain entry. It will be easy to free her from the cell, but difficult to all escape unarmed. I wish you luck on your journey , FireLord Zuko... And we will all be here to help you when you return. However , you must head there on foot, any trace of fire nation ships or vehicles will heighten their security."

Zuko could only nod in agreement, knowing he was not only risking his own life, but also the lives of Katara and many other innocent people.