Author's Note: I don't know whether I love or hate plot bunnies. This fic isn't supposed to be in existence but here you go. Hope you enjoy and please review.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Avatar: The Last Airbender

"Hadara!"

The girl being called stopped and turned her head, brushing a curtain of raven curls out of her face so she could see who'd called for her. She felt an instant wariness wash over her as she recognized the Kyoshi Warrior.

"Hell, Suki. What do you need?" Hadara asked, her tone polite and almost formal.

"Have you heard the news?" Suki replied with a question. "The avatar arrived on Kyoshi Island yesterday."

Hadara felt her tension increase, but tried not to overreact. "Well, that's exciting," she said. "Although hard to believe since the avatar disappeared a hundred years ago. Are you sure it isn't a prank of some sort?"

"No. The boy is an airbender," Suki answered, and gave her a hard look. "You know all the airbenders were wiped out by the fire nation." Again, Hadara refrained from reacting, and after a moment Suki continued. "This boy even has the arrow tattoos the air nomad monks were infamous for. I'm positive he's the avatar."

"Well, his arrival will have the village in z buzz," Hadara commented. "Was there anything else you needed, Suki? I was on my way to the market."

"No," Suki replied innocently. "I just wanted to tell you the good news. I thought you would be more excited."

Hadara forced a smile. "I am," she assured the warrior. "It's great news. I'm just very busy today. I'm sure you can understand."

"Yes, of course," Suki replied, starting to back away. "I won't keep you any longer. Although if you ever do find the time you should come train with the Kyoshi Warriors."

"No, I'm not one for fighting," Hadara returned keeping her voice even despite her uneasiness. "I'd much rather live my life in peace."

Suki nodded her head. "Alright," she said. "But you're welcome if you ever change your mind."

Hadara watched the warrior walk away before turning around and heading to the market. She almost felt like just turning back and heading home, sure that with the avatar's arrival she would be closely watched. As a firebender she wasn't trusted by the citizens of Kyoshi Island. Her presence was merely tolerated, and only barely. If she made one wrong move she knew she would be executed. It didn't matter to the islanders that she was exiled from the Fire Nation and on the run from its soldiers. She was still the enemy to them. Suki's offer to join the Kyoshi Warriors was just a hidden threat for her to remain at peace. She knew the girl didn't really mean for her to join. And that was fine with Hadara. She didn't want to fight. She just wanted to survive.

Still, she hated the distrust she was always treated with. She'd lived in Kyoshi for over a year now and had never shown the citizens of the island harm. She felt she deserved some trust, and yet she found herself ignoring suspicious glares from others as she entered the market. Hadara sighed and went about gathering supplies she needed. She had just finished filling her basket when she heard an unfamiliar voice from behind her.

"Oh good," a girl's voice rang out. Hadara turned to see a girl a few years younger than herself addressing a young boy with a blue arrow covering his bald head. She realized immediately that he must be the avatar, and it was her surprise that kept her listening to the conversation. "Can you help me carry these back to the room? They're a little heavy."

"Actually, I can't right now," the avatar replied sheepishly.

"What do you mean you can't?" the girl asked annoyed.

"I promised the girls I'd give them a ride on Appa," the avatar explained. Hadara glanced over to the girls the young boy was pointing at and smiled. It seemed like he had quite the fan base going on. "Why don't you come with us?"

"Watching you show off for a bunch of girls does not seem like fun," the girl replied waspishly. Hadara looked more closely at the girl's pinched face and jerky movements as she played with the contents in her basket. It seemed like the girl had feelings for the avatar and Hadara quickly pieced together that the two were traveling together.

"Well, neither does carrying your basket," the avatar snapped back.

"It's not my basket!" the girl exclaimed. "These supplies are for our trip. I told you we have to leave Kyoshi soon."

"I don't want to leave Kyoshi," the avatar replied glancing back at the group of girls that were waiting for him. Hadara hid a smile as the young girl scowled at the avatar.

"Simple monk, huh?" the young girl questioned. "I thought you promised this Avatar stuff wasn't going to go to your head."

"It didn't," the avatar sighed exasperatedly. "I think you don't want to come because you're jealous." Hadara raised an eyebrow and watched what was sure to be an entertaining train wreck. She herself had figured the girl was jealous but she would never make the mistake of saying so to her, and sure enough the girl did not react well.

"Jealous?" she shrieked. "Of what?"

"Jealous that we're having so much fun without you," the avatar replied.

"That's ridiculous," the girl snapped picking up her basket.

Hadara continued to watch the avatar dig his own grave. "It's a little ridiculous, but I understand," the young boy said.

"Ugh!" the girl moaned and stormed off. Hadara watched the boy stare after her for a minute before making his way to the girls who were waiting for him. She knew she should head straight home, but she found herself following after the girl who was struggling with her heavy basket.

"Let me help you," Hadara offered catching up to the girl and taking a few things from her basket and transferring it to her own.

"Oh, thanks," the girl replied sounding relieved. "My friend ditched me to pursue his own interests rather than helping me."

"I know," Hadara responded, and smiled sheepishly at the girl's surprised look. "I overheard what happened at the market. That young boy is the Avatar, right?"

"Yeah, Aang's the Avatar," the girl answered. "He's quickly becoming the Avatar with the biggest head."

"He's young. All the attention he's getting is exciting," Hadara replied. "I'm sure he'll come to reason soon enough. What's your name by the way?"

"I'm Katara," the girl responded. "And who are you?"

"Hadara," she answered.

"Are you a Kyoshi Warrior like Suki?" Katara asked. "We met her yesterday when we arrived."

"No," Hadara answered quickly. "I'm not a warrior. I'm just your typical, average girl."

"I remember those days," Katara laughed. "They were fun. And then the Avatar showed up and I found myself on this crazy adventure."

"You found a purpose," Hadara said. "And it must be interesting to travel with the Avatar. Is it just the two of you?"

"No, my brother travels with us," Katara replied.

"Is your brother Appa?" Hadara asked.

"No," Katara giggled. "Appa is Aang's flying bison. That's how we travel from place to place. My brother's name is Sokka. I don't know where he is at the moment, which is actually a little concerning."

Hadara smiled. "I know how younger siblings can be," she told her.

"Ha!" Katara exclaimed. "Sadly, Sokka's my older brother, but you'd never know it upon meeting him."

"He can't be causing too much trouble," Hadara said. "The Kyoshi Warriors would be on him if he did."

"That's probably true," Katara laughed. "They and a few other villagers on the island attacked us shortly after we arrived yesterday."

"The people here are wary of strangers," Hadara explained. "It's one of the few places left where the war hasn't reached. The people here want to keep it that way."

"Yes, well they aren't the only ones who'd like to keep the fire nation away," Katara huffed. "The people here are lucky the Fire Nation never touched their shore."

"I guess you haven't been as lucky," Hadara replied nervously. She rather liked this young girl. She didn't want to lose her new companion when the girl discovered she was a firebender.

"My brother and I are from the Southern Water Tribe," Katara told her. "The Fire Nation's navy repeatedly raided our village to take away our tribe's waterbenders. I'm the last one left from our village."

"I didn't realize you were a bender," Hadara said. "I guess you're teaching the avatar waterbending?"

"Actually, my brother and I are escorting him to the North Pole," Katara answered. "I don't know much waterbending myself since there was no one left to teach me. We're both hoping to find a master there."

"Well, I'm sure you'll find someone to help you," Hadara replied. "It's just a shame you have to go so far."

Katara snorted. "Well, there's the Fire Nation to thank for that," she responded bitterly. "Firebenders are such jerks!"

"Not all firebenders," Hadara replied quickly, and then froze.

Katara stopped too and looked at her intently before her blue eyes widened. "You're a firebender?" she gasped and then glared at her. "You're a spy for the Fire Nation!"

"No, I'm a fugitive of the Fire Nation," Hadara replied firmly.

Katara's expression softened. "A fugitive?" she repeated. "Why?"

"Four years ago my father led a few men from his legion in the army to rebel against Firelord Ozai," Hadara explained and began to walk forward again. "They'd intended to put General Iroh on the throne since he had originally been the intended successor of Firelord Azulon. They thought Iroh would be the better leader."

"So you and your family were banished?" Katara questioned.

Hadara shook her head. "My family was killed," she said blankly. "My father, mother, and my two younger brothers. The only reason I survived was because I was out when the Firelord's assassination troops came to the house. I was supposed to deliver a message to one of my father's men, but when I arrived at his house I saw that the troops were there. I knew the plan had been discovered and ran back to my home to warn them, but I was too late." She paused and swallowed before finishing. "I've been on the run ever since."

"I'm so sorry," Katara whispered. "And they killed everyone involved with the plan?"

"Every person and their families. I'm the only one that got away," Hadara replied. "If the Fire Nation ever catches me I'll be executed too."

"Is that why you came here?" Katara asked. "Because the war hasn't touched this village."

Hadara shrugged. "Someone suggested I come here," she said. "I've been here for a year and a half." They suddenly stopped walking and Hadara looked up at the building they were standing in front of. "Is this where you're staying?"

"Yes," Katara answered and began to take her supplies back. "I'll let you go now. You've been extremely helpful. I'm grateful."

"It's not a problem," Hadara replied. "Honestly it was nice to talk to someone who doesn't look at me like they expect me to burn the whole place down."

Katara smiled at her. "You know," she said, "you could come with us if you want. I'm sure Aang wouldn't mind, and my brother will get over the fact you're a firebender once he realizes how nice you are."

"Thank you, but I can't," Hadara refused. "I'd like to stay under the radar of the Fire Nation."

"I understand," Katara replied. "It was very nice meeting you."

"Likewise," Hadara returned grinning. "I hope I'll see you again someday." She waved goodbye before turning around and heading towards her own home.

Zuko tapped his foot impatiently as he saw the shore line to Kyoshi Island still a few feet away. He knew the avatar was on the island and he was determined to capture him this time. His honor would be restored.

"Patience, Prince Zuko," he heard the warm voice of his Uncle Iroh come from behind him. He looked over his shoulder as his uncle stepped up beside him. "We'll be on their shore in less than ten minutes."

"He might escape by then," Zuko huffed, his attention returning to the arriving shore.

"And if he does you'll be right on his tail," Uncle Iroh assured him.

Zuko turned around and walked away. "I have to get my men ready," he said tersely. He went around the ship barking orders at his men and preparing everyone for the invasion. His uncle was right about the time it took to reach the coastline of Kyoshi Island. He had his men unload the komodo rhinos and mount them before leading them into the village.

When they arrived at the mouth of the village he looked around at the deserted streets, and scowled. "Come out, Avatar!" Zuko cried. "You can't hide from me forever." When there was no response he finally gave his men their orders. "Find him. Go door to door if you have to." He watched his men march off through the streets and was about to follow along when his attention was caught by a villager moving nearby. He had never been to Kyoshi Island before, yet the wild tangle of raven curls was instantly recognizable to him. Without further thought he dismounted his komodo rhino and headed towards the worn out shack the girl had entered.

"Zuko, where are you going?" his uncle asked following after him. He didn't respond and walked up onto the porch before pounding on the door. When it opened he knew immediately that he had the right girl. Hadara Maki, a fugitive wanted by the Fire Nation.

"Do you know who we are?" Zuko asked her. The girl's eyes were large with fright, but she seemed puzzled by the question. It seemed that although he recognized her she did not realize who he was. Of course, she had run off a year before he got the scar marring most of the left half of his face. He watched as her eyes drifted from him to his uncle behind him, and then the girl gasped.

"General Iroh!" Hadara exclaimed stumbling back. Zuko took the opportunity to push forward into the shack. Looking around him he could see the building only had one room, and it was scantily furnished. The only decorative piece at all was a painting of the girl's family. How she had that on her, he did not know. The Fire Nation army had burnt her house to the ground the day after her family was executed.

"Prince Zuko, it is rude to burst into someone's home uninvited," he heard his uncle chide him from the porch.

Zuko whirled around to face him. "She's a fugitive Uncle!" he cried. "And an enemy to the Fire Nation. I don't need to be invited in to make an arrest." He turned his attention back to Hadara who was staring at him. She was clearly terrified, and he had to try hard to ignore the sympathy he felt for the girl as he watched her trembling. He had a duty to perform. And capturing a traitor and the avatar in one day could only please his father. "Hadara Maki, you are under arrest for…"

"Please," Hadara whispered backing up a step.

The soft plead drew him up short. "What?" he asked.

"Please," Hadara said again. "Don't."

And that shook Zuko back into himself. "You're a traitor to the nation. If you think…"

"Zuko, I think you should reconsider," his uncle said suddenly.

Zuko sighed and turned to face his uncle. "She committed a crime against the Fire Nation…"

"No, her father did," Uncle Iroh cut him off. "She is just a victim of his actions."

"That doesn't matter!" Zuko cried. "There is an arrest warrant out for her, and I'm taking her in."

To his surprise his uncle's face hardened. "You would send her to her death knowing she herself is innocent," Uncle Iroh questioned.

Zuko hesitated and looked back at Hadara. The girl's large amber eyes were staring pleadingly at him, and he felt his resolve crumble. He glowered and walked back towards the door. "I suggest you make sure to never come across my path again," he called over his shoulder in warning. "I won't be so lenient a second time." He hopped off the porch and remounted his komodo rhino before rushing back into town. He turned his head to see his uncle was following behind him.

When he got back to the main road he saw that his men had come under attack. His soldiers were off their steeds fighting armor clad women as the village burned down around them. Before he could decide what to do he was suddenly knocked off his own steed. He quickly got back on his feet and easily brushed off his attackers. He stormed out into the road and looked around him.

"Nice try, Avatar!" he called out. "But these little girls can't save you."

"Hey! Over here!" he heard a voice cry out from his right. He turned and saw the avatar staring him down, positioned for battle.

"Finally," he whispered before sending flames straight for him. The avatar dodged the flames with his airbending. Frustrated, Zuko charged the young avatar, but was knocked back by a large blast of air. When he got back to his feet the avatar had rushed off. Zuko looked around for him, and then saw the avatar's sky bison soaring overhead.

"Back to the ship!" he ordered his men. "Don't lose sight of them." He took off at a run to the ship, his men following him. He hadn't quite reached the end of the village when a giant sea monster reared up from the sea and sprayed the town with water. He scowled as the water dripped from his face and glared at the receding form of the sky bison. They were going to lose track of the avatar again. He sighed in frustration as his men continued on to the ship, and was about to follow them when for some reason he turned his head back in the direction of Hadara's home. His eyes widened when he saw the charred black siding and the huge hole burnt into the roof, and without much thought headed towards the shack.

"Prince Zuko, what are you doing?" his uncle asked him.

"I want to make sure she wasn't hurt," Zuko replied carelessly as he made his way to the shack. He didn't know why he cared, but he felt bad that her home was burnt.

"I don't think that is a good idea," Uncle Iroh replied grabbing his shoulder and pulling him back.

"Why not?" Zuko snapped.

"I do not think she will be glad to see you," his Uncle told him.

"I spared her life," Zuko retorted, ignoring the fact that his uncle had convinced him too. "She should be thankful towards me."

"Somehow I doubt that's what her feelings are towards you," Uncle Iroh said dryly. Zuko scoffed and brushed him off, continuing to make his way to the girl's home. Behind him he could hear his uncle following him, again.

"Hadara," he called as he entered the ruined building. He stopped short when he saw the girl staring at the painting of her family with her back turned towards him. It was destroyed. Most of the canvas had been burnt by the fire and what remained what blackened beyond recognition. He felt a horrible surge of guilt fill him as he stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Hadara…"

The girl whirled around to face him. "What?!" she cried, cold fury barely contained in her voice. Her eyes gleamed with a raging fire behind them. "What do you want? What more can you possibly take from me?"

Zuko's eyes looked back up at the ruined family portrait again before lowering back to Hadara's glaring gaze. "I'm sorry," he said. "I never meant…"

Hadara's hysterical laughter cut him off and he blinked at her in surprise. It was a moment before she calmed down again, her expression murderous. "Take your fake apologies and get out," she hissed.

"I wasn't…"

"GET OUT!" Hadara screeched and he dodged a ball of flame that she hurled it at him. He immediately positioned himself into a fighting stance and was about to attack when he felt his uncle's hand on his shoulder once more.

"Zuko, please listen to the girl," Uncle Iroh pleaded. He hesitated for a moment and headed for the door, pausing to wait for his uncle who was now addressing the girl. "I am very sorry for you loss. Your father was a great man. I am thankful to have known him." Hadara's eyes squeezed shut and she crumpled to the floor as her grief flowed through her.

Zuko wanted to say something, but let his uncle lead him out and back to the ship. They traveled in silence and it wasn't until that night, long after they'd set their course to chase after the avatar, that he finally said anything to his uncle. "The next time we enter a town if you see any wanted posters of her take them down," he ordered.