I groggily opened my eyes and waited for my vision to clear up. I quickly tightened my grip around Zuko's waist when I realized Jimbo was running fast. "Why is he going so fast?!" I asked Zuko who looked like he hadn't slept in a few days because he hasn't.

Ever since we left the village, which was about three days ago, we haven't stopped. Zuko only stopped to get water, and maybe some food.

At times, I convinced him to let Jimbo rest for a few hours and sometimes he listened.

Zuko and I have gotten somewhat close these past three days. 72 hours is a lot of time to spend with a person. At first, Zuko was distant and wouldn't talk to me. But the more I opened up to him, the more he did the same with me.

I always felt accomplished when I made him smile or laugh, even it was just once the whole day.

"You should laugh more, smile even." I told him one night.

"I smile..." Zuko defended. "Sometimes."

"Laughter is what people need right now." I frowned, "I know I need it."

Zuko eyes softened, "You have a nice smile."

I wearingly smiled, "So do you."

I can genuinely say we're friends, which is crazy considering his position. But, I like Zuko. I really do.

"He's following Azula." Zuko answered my initial question. I widened my eyes, "You're crazy psychotic sister?!"

"That's the one."

"Have you gone mad?" Considering your obsession with Aang, that was a dumb question. "Why are you following her?!"

"She's leading us right to the Avatar."

My expression went dull. All that went through my mind were my siblings. I haven't seen them since the North Pole and that was about two and half months ago.

After a few minutes, I finally broke the silence, "How do you know it's her?"

"I just know."

I sighed, "Alright."

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Do you want me to take over?"

"No."

Following Azula not only means I have to face my siblings again, it also means risking Aang's safety.

I told Roku that I wouldn't fight against Aang. And I won't. I never will. But I can't fight against Zuko either.

I thought it'd be easy when times like this came. It be easy.

If I fight Zuko, I'm throwing away any ounce of his trust. I can't afford that. I'm supposed to help him get on the right path and though I still have no idea how to do that, me helping Aang isn't going to make that easier.

"Ruka!"

I jumped once I was snapped back into reality. Zuko was looking over his shoulder at me. Both of us held a blank expression - we kept staring at each other for a few moments before he shook his head and faced forward.

I brought my head down and stared down at the tracks under us. I kept my gaze on them for the remainder of the time we were following them.

>>>

Zuko started to follow footprints from what looked like came from a mongoose lizard. The footprints ended at a ghost town.

Houses were old and destroyed - looked like people didn't live here for years.

Zuko got off of Jimbo them looked back to me, "Well?"

I bit on the insides of my cheeks, thinking if I should stay here and or go with him.

"Are you coming!?"

"No! You- you go ahead. I'll be here."

Zuko was confused at my decision. Usually I'm arguing with him to let me fight. But right now wasn't the case.

Zuko nodded then turned around and made his way to Azula... and Aang. "I'm sorry Aang." I muttered to myself, "I chose myself."

Long minutes had gone by. I've heard several shots of flames and sounds of wood being crashed to the floor.

When I looked up at the houses that were up in flames, I gripped Jimbo's reigns. "Please be okay. Please be okay."

"Ruka."

I turn my head and smile wide when I see Iroh walking over to me. "Iroh!"

"Zuko can't fight them both." He said. "We need to help them."

"But I can't-"

"All you need to worry about is Azula."

I nodded then got off of Jimbo. Iroh and I ran to where he saw Zuko last. On the way their, he was telling me how he's watched our every move from a distance. "Just in case you needed me and look at you both now - needing me more than ever."

I gasped when I saw Zuko on his back on the floor, "Zuko!"

Iroh and I ran over to him and when we shaded him, he slowly opened his eyes. "Uncle?"

Iroh and I leaned down, "Get up!"

Zuko grabbed onto Iroh's hand to sit up and I held his other arm to help him stand. "We need to find Azula." I said.

We followed to where we heard the most commotion. It didn't take long to find Azula because she found us. She was running from my siblings and Aang and two girls I've never seen before in Earth Kingdom clothing.

To stop her from running anymore, Iroh made her stumble back by using his belly. Soon enough, the seven of us were cornering Azula.

"Well, look at this. Enemies and traitors all working together." Azula raised her arms up in surrender, "I'm done. I know when I'm beaten. You got me. A princess surrenders with honor."

Well all held our ground. Neither of us made a move on her but we kept our stance.

Maybe a minute went by when a horrific scene took place. Azula unexpectedly fired at Iroh and his cry of pain had us all fire our elements - and boomerang - at the psychotic princess.

The combined attack caused a large explosion. I shielded myself when the black smoke surrounded me. Once it somewhat cleared up, I saw that she was gone. But I didn't care about where she had gone. I immediately ran to Iroh who was laid unconscious on the floor.

Zuko was already by his side. While he put his face in his hands, I opened up Iroh's shirt and winced at the burn. It took up most of his of chest and some of his shoulder and it started to bubble. I didn't realize I was crying until I saw a tear drop onto Iroh's clothing. "It's okay, everything is going to be alright Iroh." I sniffled. "I got you."

I placed the water from my water skin over his wound and when it started to glow, I used my shoulder to wipe away my tears.

When I heard footsteps, I looked over my shoulder. I quickly looked away from my siblings when they were looking down at me. I didn't want them to see me like this.

"Get away from us!" Zuko furiously demands.

"Zuko, I can help!" Katara said. Zuko once again lashes out at them but this time with a burst of fire, "Leave!"

"Ruka..." Katara sighed.

I shut my eyes and looked away from Zuko.

"You could still come with us." Sokka said slowly. I opened my eyes and my vision was blurry because of my tears. "I... I..."

Zuko grabbed my hand and I faced him with a frown. Zuko's eyes met mine and he was begging for me to stay. His glossy eyes showed his plead.

"Please just go!" I yelled. I wasn't angry with them but I didn't want them here anymore.

When I heard their footsteps run away, Zuko placed his head on my shoulder and silently started to cry.

I whispered, "I'm so sorry."