Author's note : Hey there! So this is actually my first go at a fanfic, so I really hope you enjoy it! The story doesn't follow the timeline of ATLA. This first chapter is VERY short as I'm just kind of getting a feel for the story and the characters. I should have the next chapter up soon, then we will see Zuko for the first time! Please please please review!
I don't own ATLA.
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There was an odd feeling in the air when Katara walked out into the open, her father's voice still echoing behind her where the rest of the tribe was gathered. The snow was already heavily falling, and within a few moments it started to turn black. At her age she hadn't the slightest idea what that meant, only that a 6 year old probably wasn't supposed to play in it. Shouts began to flow from where she'd previously been, the tribe members sure to know what this odd snow meant.
There was a sudden rumble, and the next few minutes could be described as nothing but chaos. Warriors rushed past her, shoving her back and over a snowbank. Unable to catch herself when she landed, her head connected with a chunk of ice, knocking her unconscious.
What Katara assumed was several hours later, she woke to the sound of murmuring near by. Attempting to move, she realized that something was bounding her in place. Unable to move her arms or legs, her crystalline eyes snapped open in panic.
The walls around her were red, draped in what seemed to be some kind of silky cloth. The air around her was warm - much warmer than she was used to. Someone must have heard her struggling, because footsteps could be heard approaching where she sat against the wall.
There was a sharp kick to her leg, causing her to cry out. The man sneered, pulling on her chin to make her look at him. "Scared? You should be," the stranger whispered, his mouth in sharp grin.
"Zhao," an older voice snapped from a few feet away. "Leave the child alone," he continued, his footsteps also growing closer. The man that was standing over her - Zhao, she guessed, snapped his head around to glare at the man who was approaching.
With a frown, the fun clearly taken out of his little game, Zhao turned fully towards the older man. "Yes, General Iroh," were his departing words as he left the small room.
Her heart hammered in her chest as Katara glanced cautiously towards the man who had sent Zhao away. He wasn't as old as she'd thought, but his hair had begun to gray, clearly visible in the darker color that his hair once was. She nearly yelped when a cushion was plopped down in front of her, and the man took a seat with ease. Kind brown eyes met her gaze as she looked at him, conflicting emotions playing inside her at his kind expression. Why would he be kind to her? They'd taken her from her home - they'd kidnapped her.
"What is your name?" His husky voice spoke once more. "I'm General Iroh, as you probably guessed from Zhao's pleasant response," he added, his hand flicking behind him where Zhao had exited the room. After a few moments, when she didn't respond, he frowned. Rather than pushing her to speak, he got to his feet and left the room without another word. However, before he walked towards the door he let his hand rest reassuringly on her petite shoulder.