Author Notes: I begin this new fic with a story. It's more like the story before the story. It's an idea that has been tumbling around in my head and I finally decided to write it down. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

I don't own any of these characters or the Legend of Korra.

EM ;)

Ch. 1 Nothing But A Curse

Perched quietly on the edge of the rooftop I lazily gaze towards the setting sun admiring the changing colors and the natural beauty before me.

I can feel my robes sway gently in the wind as I watch a flock of birds begin to take flight. Oh, how I long to follow that same wind and flow freely throughout the land and to be free to follow my own path, but I cannot. I will and forever be nothing more than a prisoner and a weapon to a tyrannical King.

I look down as movement catches my eye and watch attentively as a young woman tends the garden alongside the Queen. Her beautiful blue robes are fitted smoothly against her bronze figure.

She was slightly older than me, but that didn't stop the pounding of my heart. I have been watching her for days now. Creepy, probably, but being someone who isn't supposed to exist, a monster who should be in chains I am fearful to confront her.

My skills to quietly move about the palace was known, but only allowed because I had slowly gained the trust of the guards. This is what gave me the opportunity to catch my first glimpses of her. Glimpses of the beauty that escorted the Queen through her garden every sunset.

Tonight was the night I would face my fears and approach her by finally leaving the safety of my rooftop.

I watched as the Queen exited the garden leaving the young attendant alone as she finished tending to the plants. I swiftly jumped from the high rooftop softening my landing with my air bending, and I slowly creep closer to her zigzagging from bush to bush. I kept my distance but always keeping her within my sight.

"If you think you are that light on your feet you are mistaken."

Her beautiful blue eyes face me as I shyly step out of the bushes.

"I didn't think you heard me."

"You must be at least be twenty and still acting so childish."

Even though her words were harsh I could see the small blush on her cheeks.

"I can't help it. Seeing such a beautiful woman like you makes me feel like a child again."

I bend down plucking one of the fire lilies and handing it to her.

"You make my heart race and my body shake."

She slowly reaches towards my hand as she takes the flower. Our fingers graze each other slightly and the touch is almost electrifying.

Her eyes shift towards mine as she pulls the flower closer to her taking in its fragrance. Her deep blue eyes burrow deep into mine entrancing me and making it almost feels like my body was paralyzed under her gaze.

"My name is Katara. I've never seen you around here before. Are you a new guard?"

I stand there unable to find the words to explain how I am a monster hidden within these walls and before I knew it lies seemed to rush out of my mouth.

"My name is Aang, and I am a night watchman, but I take it I'm not very good if you heard me?"

I scratch the back of my neck nervously, but I see she believes me and smiles kindly at me.

"Well, I must return to the Queen. It was nice to meet you Aang."

She begins to walk away but then turns around slightly.

"Maybe we can meet here tomorrow night as well? If you're not busy?"

I try my best to keep my smile from showing.

"Yes, I will be here!"

She turns and walks into the palace and I can't help, but jump high into the air.

"YES! YES! YES!"

My little dance is interrupted when a fist hits my shoulder.

"Avatar Aang! You have skills!"

I look to see Prince Hiroshi smiling at me and now gripping my shoulder in a friendly manner.

"Shh. She doesn't know I'm the Avatar so you can't tell her ok?"

He nods understandingly, but the smile never leaves his face.

"So what are you doing out so late at night, my Prince?" I turn towards him with a mischevious smile.

"Want to go blow some of the noblewomen's dresses up again?"

The Prince smiles as his eyes sparkle with mischief and adventure.

He doesn't need to tell me what he wishes to do as I have seen that look many times.

After a night of laughter and destroying a few cases of cabbages, the Prince and I are now resting staring up at the stars.

"Aang, when I become King and Emperor I promise to free you."

I turn my face towards him.

"I know the King has high expectations of you. I am happy where I am and being by your side, my friend."

I look over to see the young prince laying there quietly. He is a young married man already and soon he will be the ruler of the world. I know these small moments we share won't last forever.

I stare a little longer up at the sky contemplating what there is to come when I hear soft snore next to me.

The Prince was fast asleep on the grass and I get up and quietly help him to his room closing his door softly when I set out. As I turn to head towards my room a large shadow appears in front of me.

"Avatar, the leniency I have shown you is for my son, but the moment I feel you are pushing your limits I will return you to the catacombs I once had you in."

I bow my head quickly to the rough voice in the shadow.

"Yes, Emperor Daiki."

I hear his heavy footsteps walk away and my breathing begins to even out.

Six Months Laters

Meeting Katara was something I looked forward to every day and my love for her had grown substantially. I was no longer fine just seeing her at night and only for a few hours.

I wanted us to be together and have a life together.

As evening approached I walk towards the small figure in the garden that was waiting for me and I can feel that my heart is filled with uncertainty, but I muster the courage to continue towards her.

She is sitting facing the setting sun but turns to me as she hears me approach and her beautiful blue eyes connect with mine that makes my stomach flutter with butterflies.

I walk to her agilely taking her hands into mine and guiding her to her feet.

"Katara leave the palace with me. Let's run away far from here and get married."

Her eyes quickly filled with concern as she stares into my eyes.

"Why can't we stay here?"

I hold my tongue and I know I should tell her my true identity, but it wouldn't matter I would never show her that side of me.

"I'm not allowed to marry, so the only way is to leave this place."

Our country did restrict marriage between certain classes of people and so it wouldn't be completely unbelievable that someone like myself would be unable to marry.

She bites her lip as she looks down at her feet, but her eyes eventually meet again with mine.

"When do we leave?"

I pull her in and kiss her deeply as my hand dig into her hair. I loved this woman more than anything. I love this woman more than my safety and life. I would do anything for her.

"Pack your stuff and tomorrow night we can meet here and leave together."

I feel her warmth within my arms and I set my chin on top of her head as we reassure ourselves of the decision we have made.

Soon after we part and I sneak back into my room through the window.

I make my way to my small bed and sit there momentarily mulling over all the consequences of my actions to come, but none of them could convince me to not run away with the love of my life.

The sun was beginning to set and I quickly packed the few belongings I owned into my nap sack. I suddenly hear the door slam behind me and a strong fear begins to swell in my chest.

"What are you doing Avatar Aang?"

I take a breath of relief after hearing the Prince's voice behind me.

"Nothing really just putting some stuff away. What can I do for you Prince Hiroshi?"

"What are you planning? Another date with Katara? You know being the Avatar your not allowed to date and if my father finds out he will imprison you again."

"I will eventually end things with her."

Hiroshi's irritated face told me that was not the answer he wanted. Even though he was a good man he was also a prince that wasn't used to the word no or not having his way.

"Ok, ok. I will end things with her tonight. I know you need to show your father you have me under control."

He smiles knowing he got his way and walks out the door shutting it securely.

I take a deep breath feeling the relief that the Prince left so easily.

I waited several hours till the moon was high in the sky and take my nap sack over my shoulder jumping out my window.

I jog most of the way to the garden and finally slow down to a walk once I see Katara's stiletto in the moonlight. I reach for her arm and slide it slowly towards her hand taking it into mine as she smiles blissfully at me.

"Are you ready?" I whisper hoping she hadn't changed her mind.

"Yes."

My heart beats with so much joy as we both begin to make our way through the garden hand in hand. We can see the high wall growing closer in front of us, but we still have to hide behind a few bushes as a patrol of guards pass us.

I quietly lead her to small bush growing along the wall and push back the branches revealing a small breach in the wall.

I had alway kept this place a secret knowing that one day it would come in handy.

I guided Katara into the hole and kept watch until I knew she was safe on the other side of the wall waiting for me. I follow quickly behind her and make it to the other side and I take her hand into mine once again.

We run through the open grasslands outside of the wall and begin our journey together.

We traveled for weeks before we finally made it to an abandoned temple on the side of a cliff.

We cover any traces of the temple from the outside by bushes and fallen trees and make a secret entrance that allows us to come and go.

After several days of settling and making sure we weren't followed, I was beginning to feel like we were finally safe.

While Katara was sound asleep I begin to pick flowers in the forest outside the temple and weaved them together to make a beautiful hair wreath. I was placing the last flower carefully into place as I sat on the floor of the main entrance I felt small arms embrace my neck.

"What is that my love?"

I turn placing the wreath on top of her hair.

"I love you Katara. I vow to love and cherish you for the rest of my life."

I watch as tears fill her eyes and one hand slowly touch the fragile petals on her head.

"I promise to love you and cherish you for the rest of my life," she whispers softly.

I pull her into my lap kissing her as we seal our vows to each other.

Several Years Later

"Darling I am going to go pick some herbs from the forest."

I turn to face her as I place a firewood carrier on my back.

"If you wait a bit I can go with you and keep you safe."

She smiles and laughs lightly.

"I know all the paths to get here like the back of my hand I promise I won't get lost."

I walk towards her taking her face within my hands.

"I'm afraid something might happen to you and what if there are palace guards still looking for us?"

She looks up at me and she smiles trying to reassure me.

"Don't worry it has been years since we ran away. I'm sure they won't still be looking for two runaway servants."

I sigh and kiss her softly on her lips.

"Be safe ok?"

She nods and she makes her way to the temple's exit.

It has been several hours by the time I returned to the temple with my back filled with firewood. I wait excitedly to hear Katara's voice welcoming me home, but silence fills the temple.

I look through the rooms not finding any sign of her. I return to the entrance looking to see if I can see her in the distance when I hear the screams.

I take off running towards the screams ignoring the burning in my chest as I take in the cold mountain air.

When I finally reach her I see her on the ground surrounded by soldiers. I dive into them fighting them away from her with my hands.

I feel my hand grip her wrist as I take her running through the woods trying to lose the soldiers who are pursuing us, but it useless as I feel a metal chain wrap around legs forcing me to fall to my face.

I try to untie them, but soon there are more chains wrapping around my wrists and chest.

They have me completely restrained and I watched in horror as a man in a horse galloped into my view. Even from the distance, you could see he was a man of strong and tall stature. Emperor Daiki.

"I see now why you ran away, but did you really believe you I wouldn't find you, Avatar?"

No words come out as two soldier grab Katara and force her to her feet.

"Please, Emperor, let me and my husband go. We haven't done anything wrong."

A booming laugh is heard throughout the woods.

"I see you haven't told her what you are?"

I look down defeated.

"No."

"It doesn't matter either way. Kill the wench."

A sword goes towards her throat and I feel something inside me snap.

I can feel a warmth spread throughout my body and a surge of strength I had never felt before.

I break the chains and throw all the men around me into the trees surrounding us with a blast of air.

I hear the cracks of their bones breaking as the bodies hit the trees, but I do not care. All I care about is saving her.

Almost in a blink of an eye I grab the guard to her left picking him up by his neck and as I begin to speak to him it is not my voice I hear, but a harmony of voices.

"Let her go!"

I see chaos begin to erupt around me as all the soldiers begin to attack, but not a single one could hurt me. I easily vaporize their bodies with an inferno that is emitted from my hands.

My whole body is controlled by the rage I feel. The rage that they would dare lay a finger on her.

I wasn't completely in control of my body until I noticed the only people left alive was the Emperor and Katara.

The Emporer had Katara in front of him with a blade over her throat.

The harmony of voices spoke through me again as I gave my order.

"Let her go and I won't kill you."

He slowly releases her, but she doesn't run towards me. She stands there shocked looking at the mangled bodies around her.

"Katara, go, I'll meet you at home."

She nods and takes off running.

I walk towards the Emperor and for the first time I see fear in his eyes.

"Leave and never return."

He nods and gets onto his horse galloping away.

I hadn't realized how much the entire experience had taken out of me till I find it agonizing to stand, but I push myself to walk step by step trying to make my way home to her.

I finally see the temple within my view and stumble through the entrance and as I hit the floor I realize I am alone.

Where is Katara?

My eyes open again and I notice the sun had set, but the temple was still empty.

I turn and I force my weak body onto my feet. I walked out of the temple again to look for my wife when an arrow flies through my shoulder.

I am brought to my knees as pain shoots throughout my body. I look up to see Katara standing there.

All around her are soldiers and I speak the question that is ringing through my head.

"Why?"

Another arrow pierces my body not allowing me to rise to my feet.

"You lied to me! When were you going to tell me you were a monster?"

"I didn't think it would matter to you."

My voice was just above a whisper as I look up at her.

Her anger and disgust were clear on her face and I couldn't help but at that moment curse myself for being born the Avatar.

"I still love you Katara, even if you betrayed me. I still love yo..."

Several more arrows enter my body and I feel my body collapses backward onto the ground.

I can't hear the yells anymore or the accusing voices, all I feel is the warmth of my blood spreading across my body. I catch myself staring through the tops of the trees and seeing glimpses of the star filled sky.

To be born the Avatar has been nothing, but a curse.

I see a shooting star as my vision begins to fade and I wish upon that star that the Avatar to follow me doesn't suffer the same betrayal and pain I did.

"I hope you find someone who loves you as much as you love them..."

I feel a strange calmness come over me and I take a final breath.

End of chapter Notes:

I made it short and to the point. I hope it was enjoyable! Not going to lie even I got heartbroken by the end! I was like "why do I do this to myself!" Next chapter will start with the introduction of Korra!

One thing you will learn about me is that I hate dragging things out. Sometimes it causes things to move a little faster than should and I apologize to anyone who dislikes it. I always finish my fics and I don't take years to do it. I hope you continue reading my next chapters. I appreciate all review and comments that can help push me in the right direction.

EM ;)