Disclaimer: Sadly, I own nothing. You wish I owned this...
Chapter One: A Broken Wing
Snap. Katara glanced around her in a flying motion, her eyes connected to everything surrounding her.
She was a runaway. And good girls like her were not supposed to run away. But her mother was dead. Could you blame her?
Her father was gone in some war. Could you pity her? Her brother wasn't home. Would you believe her?
Believe that she had no chance. It was now or never. There were few moments in Katara's life where she had found peace. Tonight would be her night and hers alone.
But apparently, she wasn't alone in these La forsaken woods of the Earth Kingdom. Katara froze in mid step.
It was hard for her to keep her stance, knowing someone, somewhere, was waiting.
Snap. Zuko watched lazily. Raking the area with his golden eyes. There was someone there. He was going to find out whom. He knew that stepping on a twig would alert his presence just in case someone was actually waiting.
Another snap brought his attention to lie on the dark form of a shadow. So, there was someone out here. Who could it be though? It was well past midnight. Anybody had to be crazy to travel the streets at night.
Rape, violence, and drama. Those were the things surrounding the lower ring of Ba Sing Se at night, even in the early evening. Zuko lived in the lower ring. He was accustomed to such happenings.
Maybe that's why people called him cold, unfeeling. But the truth was...he was only starting to heat up.
He tried to protect, keep peace. Even if he was a teenager. The police known as the Dai Lee were nothing, did nothing. It was Zuko's job. And he felt honored. It was only by chance he came out here tonight. He was supposed to help his uncle in their tea shop.
But the night called to him by the wind. The stars beckoned him with their silver sparkle. And the moon watched him, ever waiting for him to strike the menacing, lurking creatures that haunted, corrupted.
Zuko became silent, his breathing slowing, quiet. He was wearing all black, to blend with the shadows. From his peripheral vision, he saw a twitch of movement, followed by a gasp of startling surprise.
Zuko stepped forward.
Gasp. Katara was dismayed. If it was the Dai Lee, she would be safe, they'd probably just leave. But...if it was someone else, she was doomed.
The shadow of a man stepped forward. Katara took one step back, feet landing on decaying leaves that cracked and crumbled beneath the heel of her boots.
"It's okay." A soft voice said. It was quiet, almost inaudible, but underneath laid a roughness that brought Katara back to the realization of being alone. And caught.
His hand, pale as the stars shining above the trees, went to catch her arm. Katara swatted it away, only for her hand to be captured and her body to be slammed against the brick wall of his chest.
"You're alright. I won't hurt you."
Katara gulped against her fear. Maybe if she was still, he wouldn't be too mean to her.
If only she was still...
How'd ya like it? Its been awhile since I've written anything, but I'm almost finished writing this story. All you, my friends, have to do is give me 5 reviews about this fabulous story. Then we'll see if you want more. Its pretty sweetness I think. Tootles!