Authors Notes:

I'm rewriting this story. I was going over it, and I saw all the spelling errors, grammar errors, and some of it just read weird. I will keep all the best parts of it, but the plot is going to be different. I hope you like the new version; Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar The Last Airbender. It is the property of its creators and Nickelodeon.

Chapter 1: Cracking the Ice

It had been two days since Sokka and Zuko got back from the Boiling Rock, the Fire Nation's top prison. They managed to get out Hakoda, Suki, and a Fire Nation prisoner named Chit Sang. It was an accomplishment that the two young men were proud of since no one had ever successfully escaped from the Boiling Rock before. However, even though Zuko was proud that he did something good, he felt concerned for Mai. He knew that she held off the guards, and allowed them to escape. If it wasn't for her they would have been boiled alive in the volcanic lake, but Zuko couldn't help but imagine what Azula was doing to her.

He was alone thinking of all the terrible things that could happen to her in the prison, but he eventually realized that he was overreacting. He knew Mai was strong and that she could take care of herself with or without her weapons. Plus Tai Lee was there as well. He may have thought that an ostrich horse had more sense than her, but he knew he could count on her to protect Mai.

He began to wonder how he felt about Mai, though. True, they dated, but what about now. It seemed unlikely that she was going to forgive him for dumping her like that, and she seemed to disagree with his reasoning to join up with the Avatar. However, they did seem to want to help one another, despite their opposing arguments. When he got home, if he got home, Zuko was hoping that they could still be friends, but that seemed like such a distant time from what Zuko was thinking about.

"Hey Zuko!" yelled Sokka.

Zuko perked up, his thoughts on Mai interrupted. He looked toward Sokka who had a curious expression on his face.

"Look, I've been wondering, would you be willing to give me a hand with my sword fighting?"

"Sword fighting?" asked Zuko a little confused.

"Don't play dumb," said Sokka, "I saw your saber when you came here."

Zuko thought about it for a minute. It was an odd request from Sokka, but then again, it was Sokka. Still, the two had set aside their differences from the past, and Zuko was intent on solidifying his position with him.

"Sure," said Zuko.

"Really? Alright!" he noticed Zuko staring at him, "I mean…that's cool."

"Wait, why do you need my help?" he asked out of curiosity.

"Oh, no reason," said Sokka innocently, "Just wanted to, you know, spar."

Before Zuko could say anything, Sokka ran off in a giddy sort of mood. Somehow, seeing Sokka act this way did little to reassure him.

xXxXx

"You want me to what?" asked Suki.

"I want you to sit right here," said Sokka.

He set Suki down, and ran off to get his sword. Just then, Zuko walked in carrying his own sword, and then, he noticed Suki. He saw the expression of confusion on her face, and he noticed Sokka running back to her excited. He looked back and forth between the two, and rolled his eyes as he put two and two together.

'So that's why he wanted to spar,' he thought to himself.

"Ready?" asked Sokka as he held his sword.

Zuko faced Sokka on the opposite side, and just before they could begin, Aang chimed in.

"What's going on?" asked Aang.

"Aang, go away," said Sokka, "We're doing man…stuff."

Aang noticed the swords, and his face lit up.

"Are you guys having a sword fight?" asked Aang excitedly, "Don't start yet, I'll be back."

Before Sokka could protest, Aang sped off. Two minutes later, the entire group came, except for Hakoda, who said he was going hunting earlier.

"You brought everyone?" yelled Sokka.

"I told them what you and Zuko were going to do, and they all wanted to come. Is that alright?" asked Aang innocently.

"Oh, no sure, it's fine Aang. I have no problem with the entire group watching," he replied, his voice seething with sarcasm.

"Glad to hear it Sokka," he replied before returning to face the group, "He said it's OK to watch!"

Sokka slapped his forehead, causing Suki to giggle. Zuko couldn't help but smirk at the sight of Aang foiling someone else's plan for once. He looked around before he noticed Katara giving a smile at Aang.

She felt him stare at her, and she quickly turned his way. Zuko's heart nearly skipped a beat as she gave him a glare colder that the ice at the poles. He quickly turned away, and scratched his head.

"Let's get this over with," sighed Sokka drawing the blade, his good mood gone.

Zuko turned to face Sokka.

"Don't you want to wait for your dad?" he asked.

"Don't you think you should worry about me kicking your butt?" said Sokka, confidently taking his stance.

Zuko smirked, slung his swords on his back, and grabbed them with his right hand. He slowly drew them out, holding the two blades together as one, and got into a stance and waited patiently.

"No firebending," said Sokka.

"Fine," said Zuko.

Sokka lunged at Zuko, and swung. Zuko deflected the strike and delivered one of his own. Sokka dodged, and the two began to deliver blows to one another. As he did, Zuko looked at the attacks with great intent, and never once removed his gaze from him. He analyzed every aspect of his opponent with exceptional ability: Sokka's expressions, his footwork, and the rhythm of his movements. He quickly took all the factors into account, and delivered the appropriate responses to Sokka's attacks.

As the deadly dance of clashing metals went on, Hakoda entered the area, overhearing his son's battle cries from further into the temple. He approached behind Katara and Aang, and began to observe his son's newfound strength. A smile of pride crept up along his lips as he saw his son hold his own.

"He's become a lot stronger," said Hakoda.

The others noticed him, before returning their attention to the fight.

"Yeah," responded Suki in a sigh of admiration.

"Go Prince Zuko!" yelled Chit Sang randomly.

As the fight dragged on, Zuko felt impressed. He saw that Sokka had come a long way from being the boy who he poked in the head with the butt of a spear. Despite using every advantage that he gained posing as a non-bender, Sokka was able to hold his own, and counter all of his attacks with blocks and attempted strikes. Eventually, they came to a deadlock and separated from one another, not once breaking eye contact or wavering in their stances.

"Not bad," said Zuko.

"Same goes to you," said Sokka getting ready for another strike.

Zuko smirked, "I hope you don't hate me," he said.

"What for?"

"For embarrassing you in front of your girlfriend," replied Zuko.

Zuko grabbed the handle of his sword with his other hand, and separated the two blades. Everyone gasped, except for Aang who was familiar with Zuko's sword fighting, and Toph, who couldn't even see what was going on. He charged at Sokka twirling like a tornado and spinning the swords in a flurry. Sokka tried his best to fend off the attacks, but every time he deflected one sword, the other sword struck out. Zuko was not giving Sokka the opportunity to counterattack, and all the Water Tribe warrior could do was defend. Zuko pressed the attack until he got his opening, and in a few quick moves, he disarmed Sokka, and pointed a sword at his chest.

"I win," said Zuko.

"You cheated!" yelled Sokka, "You used two swords!"

"No I didn't," said Zuko, "Technically, I used two halves of one sword.

Sokka opened his mouth to protest, but closed it.

"I hate you," he said exasperated.

Zuko just smiled. "I knew you would."

Zuko put the swords together and extended a hand, but Sokka looked at it.

"Am I supposed to see something?" asked Sokka.

"It's called a handshake," said Zuko sternly.

"Oh, uh, thanks, I guess," said Sokka before clasping and shaking Zuko's hand.

"You're a good swordsman," praised Zuko.

"Thanks," said Sokka.

Sokka went back to the others. Everyone congratulated him, especially Hakoda, who was very proud of his son. Zuko smiled weakly, jealous of Sokka for having such a loving father. He sheathed his swords, and turned to walk away.

"Hey!"

Zuko stopped, and turned around to see Suki with her arms crossed.

"Yes, um, Suki?"

"Do you have time for one more fight?" she asked.

Everyone looked at her. Zuko was particularly surprised that she would want to spar with him.

"Sure, if you want," answered Zuko.

"Good," said Suki.

"Suki," began Katara, "Are you sure you're ok? I mean you just got out of prison!"

"Katara, I know you're concerned, but don't worry, I'll be fine," said Suki.

Katara sighed, and stepped back glaring at Zuko. Zuko caught a glimpse of it and looked away, understanding what it meant.

"Sokka, lend me your sword," said Suki.

Sokka gulped and handed his sword over to Suki. Suki walked over to Zuko, and got into a stance. Zuko pulled and separated his swords before getting into his own stance.

"Just so you know, I'd like you to bend; I don't want you to hold back," said Suki.

"Only if you don't," said Zuko.

Suki smirked, and that was the only answer that he needed. This time, he made the first move. He ignited his swords and shot jets of fire at Suki. She dodged the attacks quickly, and charged. When she closed the gap, she took swings at Zuko. Zuko noticed that she fought differently from Sokka, and most swordsmen he fought against. She was more direct in her attacks, and she was faster. The fight continued on, and suddenly, Suki disarmed one of Zuko's swords.

"She did it!" shouted Katara, "Suki's going to win."

"Not yet Katara," said Hakoda, "the fight's not over until it's over.

Everyone watched on, and saw that even though Zuko was only using one weapon, he seemed more focused in the fight, no longer having to worry about coordination between two swords. Suki took a swing, but Zuko arched his back to dodge. Using that momentum, he kicked the sword out of Suki's hands, and from the kick, Zuko let go of his sword, somersaulted, grabbed the sword out of the air as he landed, and charged again. He took another swing at Suki, but she grabbed his wrist and disarmed him, turning the fight into a hand to hand match. The two threw punches and kicks, and on occasion, attempted take downs. Suddenly, Suki drew out a dagger and swiped it at Zuko, causing him to step back.

"When did you get that?" asked Zuko.

"Just a little something I swiped from the warden," replied Suki.

"Then let's make this fair," said Zuko smirking.

He drew out his pearl dagger, and took a stance. The two circled one another, and in a brief moment charged. It was decided at that: a deadlock. Zuko had his dagger pressed against Suki's neck, and Suki's dagger was poised at his heart.

"Want to call it a tie?" asked Zuko.

"Fine, I'm satisfied," said Suki.

The two lowered their weapons, and stepped away from one another. Zuko nodded his head in acknowledgement. Suki did the same as Sokka rushed over to her.

"Sukiareyouokhedidn'thurtyoudidhe?"

Suki could make out her name, "ok," and "hurt."

"Sokka, I couldn't understand a word you said," said Suki.

Sokka pulled her into a hug, "It doesn't matter. You're ok."

"Of course, I'm better than you after all."

xXxXx

Everyone was still talking about the match between Suki and Zuko at dinner. Zuko got some praise, but Suki got applause. Zuko heard the conversations as he approached the campfire from his room, and despite most of the praise going to Suki, he didn't seem to mind much. Three years of being an outcast made any praise toward him feel strange. He grew a preference toward the quiet, and the shadows mostly because it gave him more freedom to do what he pleased without having other people be too critical about him.

But now that he had comrades, he felt more inclined to step into the light every now and then.

"You're quite the fighter," Hakoda told Suki, "If you lived during my mother-in-laws time, you'd have men from all over the south-pole begging you for your hand in marriage."

"Thank you, I guess," said Suki blushing.

"Hey Sparky! Quit dawdling, dinner's over here!" shouted Toph.

Zuko snapped back to reality, and quickly approached the campfire. Everyone stopped talking, and he responded by treading lightly.

"I'm just going to get my food, and go back to my little corner," said Zuko as he got congee from the pot.

"Good," muttered Katara, "I've seen enough of you today."

Hakoda and Sokka both raised eyebrows at Katara's statement. Zuko froze momentarily, but got his food and walked away. Before Zuko could get very far, Sokka cleared his throat.

"Hey Zuko! Do you want to eat with us?" he called out.

Zuko stopped dead in his tracks, and turned around to face Sokka.

"What?" asked Zuko.

"Look, I've had my doubts about you, but our time at the Boiling Rock, well…it's changed my opinion," said Sokka, "So come on, join us."

Zuko thought about it, and after a moment, walked over to join them. Katara had a look of horror on her face. She was thinking how her brother could possibly ask Zuko of all people to join them for dinner. What's worse was that everyone, including her own father was warming up to him; only she gave him the cold shoulder.

Even though Zuko was slowly becoming accepted, there was still an awkward feeling that he gave that made everyone quiet. After sitting between Sokka and Aang, Sokka spoke up.

"So, um, great sword fight," said Sokka.

"Err, yeah, really…fun," responded Zuko.

Sokka rubbed his neck, not knowing what to say next. This time Suki spoke up.

"So, Zuko," she began, "You're pretty good at non-bending martial arts.

"Yeah," added Sokka quickly, "You're the first bender I've met who doesn't rely on bending all the time."

"Well, it's not too hard for me to transition between the two" said Zuko.

"Why is that?" asked Aang.

"My people have a proud warrior tradition, we-"

"Proud?" interrupted Katara, "So, you pride yourselves in killing innocent lives? Aren't you civil."

"Katara," said Hakoda sternly, "don't be rude."

"I'm sorry dad," said Katara, false innocence in her voice, "I didn't know it also applied to people from the Fire Nation. Please, continue 'Prince' Zuko."

Zuko didn't say anything. He just stared at her for a moment before getting up.

"Actually, I just remembered, I have prepare Aang's lesson," said Zuko.

"Wait, Zuko hold on-" began Sokka.

"Thank you for inviting me to join you," interrupted Zuko before politely bowing. After that, he walked into the darkness of the temple.

The campfire was quiet.

"Nice going Sugar Queen," said Toph.

"What?" said Katara.

"Ever since he's got here, he's been nothing but nice to us," explained Toph, "Don't you think you could drop the angry, bitter woman routine?"

"Why should I?" asked Katara.

"Look, Katara, I know he's done a lot of messed up things to us, but he's changed," said Sokka, "If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have gotten dad or Suki out."

"That's right," said Hakoda and Suki in unison.

"Oh please," said Katara, "that's one thing. That doesn't automatically make him good."

"He's a good teacher," said Aang.

"So am I," said Katara.

"He's not as anal about things as you are," said Toph.

"What did you say?" demanded Katara.

"That's true," Sokka muttered to Suki.

"Sokka!" yelled Katara.

"What? It's true," said Sokka.

As the two water tribe siblings began to argue, Hakoda decided to take a walk.

xXxXx

Hakoda was walking in another part of the temple when he saw Zuko sitting down by the edge of a pagoda, and talking to himself in the courtyard.

"Rgh, stupid girl," muttered Zuko casting stones into the ravine, "Why am I even trying to get her forgiveness? She'll never give it to me, but I still try. Am I going crazy?"

"Keep talking to yourself like that, and people will think you are," said Hakoda.

Zuko whipped around, and saw the Water Tribe chief.

"Sir, um, good evening," said Zuko.

"Don't call me 'sir," corrected Hakoda, "My name is Hakoda. You can call me that from now on."

"Oh, um, thanks?" said Zuko, surprised at Hakoda's pleasant manner.

Hakoda sat down next to Zuko, and looked across the canyon.

"You know, I've noticed Katara's behavior towards you. Is there anything going on between you two?" asked Hakoda.

"Why don't you ask her?" said Zuko sadly, "I'm sure she'll give you all of the information and more."

"Really," responded Hakoda, "Well, I'd like to hear your side of the story."

"My side?" asked Zuko, "Well, you won't like it."

"Regardless," said Hakoda.

Zuko took a deep breath.

"Okay," said Zuko, "It all started last Winter…"

In the course of an hour, Zuko told Hakoda his story on how he met the Avatar, met Hakoda's children, his fights with them, and how he acted toward Katara. He told him how he tied her to a tree, about their fight at the North Pole, and what happened at Ba Sing Se.

"… and that's why we aren't on good terms," finished Zuko.

Hakoda simply stared at Zuko.

"You really are something you know that," said Hakoda, "Most would have given up by then. What drove you to do the things you did?"

Zuko thought for a moment.

"My nation; it was the only way I could go home, the only way to get my father's approval," said Zuko, "I managed to succeed."

There was another silent moment between the two.

"And when you did," began Hakoda, "was it everything you thought it was going to be?"

Zuko fell silent.

"No, it wasn't worth it. I really felt like a fool more than a prince," he managed to say.

Hakoda looked into his eyes, and he could tell he was telling the truth.

"I see," said Hakoda as he got up, "I can see you're not the 'monster' Katara and Sokka made you out to be."

Hakoda then began to walk away.

"Thank you," blurted out Zuko, "For listening.

Hakoda stopped. He looked at Zuko, and nodded at him. Afterward, he continued to walk away. Zuko sighed; he was tired and he needed to go to sleep. He got up, and went to his room.

xXxXx

Hakoda approached the campfire, and saw that the arguing had died down.

"Where were you?" asked Katara.

"Talking with Zuko," answered Hakoda.

"Oh? Not an enlightening conversation I take it," said Katara.

"Oh, just his version of fighting with all of you, and what he went through the past year," he answered again.

"Really," said Katara.

"What did he say?" asked Aang.

"Yeah, I'm curious to know too," said Toph.

"Well, he's not as bad as you portray him," said Hakoda.

"Don't trust anything he says," muttered Katara.

"Now hold on Katara, you don't know him," said Sokka.

"Oh, and you do?" shot back Katara.

"No, I don't really know," said Sokka, "…none of us do."

"Well I know enough," said Katara before storming away from camp.

She left quickly so that no one could stop her. Everyone was quiet for the rest of the night, confused by Katara's increasingly hostile attitude toward the group's newest member.

So there is the new first chapter. I just fleshed out a lot of the scenes, and expanded on selected dialogue portions. The real changes won't be occurring until the next chapter. Thank you for reading, and please review.