This is my first fanfiction and I thought it would be best if I start with an Avatar story. I really hope that you all like it. Flames are accepted. I hope that you like it.

A/N: This is going to start in a random spot. Zoko is in the Earth Nation alone. He's just trying to find a place to fit in and not get caught by the Fire Nation, but the rumor of his presence precedes him. Also, this fanfiction is in the view of Akina, my character.

Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar or the characters that are in the original show.

Claimer: I did create my character, Akina.

Enjoy. And please review.

Chapter 1

I came to the market on my weekly run to get supplies, food, and medicine for Mother. I walk briskly from stand to stand as I always do. Newcomers to the village watch me pass. It's unusual in this time to see women wearing pants and a midriff shirt. Many say that its way to revealing, but in it's comfortable in the heat of the Earth Nation.

Villagers nod hello here and there. Others murmur "Good afternoon, Akina," and "Would you like the usual, Akina?" I answer appropriately, but they all seem distracted. Curiosity is slowly overtaking me.

But I force myself to move toward Mother Alice's herb cart to retrieve Mother's medicine. As it turns out, I'm walking directly into the middle of it.

Curiosity overtakes me completely, so I easily climb onto the roof of the trinket shop with the help of an open window. I silently circle the group until I'm directly overhead the ruckus. I silently set down my belongings and lean carefully over the edge, silently watching.

Below, a group of travelers have a boy cornered, pointing spear-like weapons at him. He looked strangely familiar, like from a vision I had. The burn around his left eye, his short black hair. Wait…it couldn't be. But it was. It was – "Prince Zoko," I whispered.

"You will go back from where you came, boy." The husky man in the front spoke sternly.

Zoko's eyes shone with fear, and something else. Defiance maybe.

The man repeated his warning. "You will go or we will kill you -- now, boy."

Right then, my instincts kick in at high gear. Before I can stop myself, I'm off the roof, between the crowd and the lone boy. "You will do no such thing!" My voice is defiant, firm.

The men seem just as startled as I am, to see me between them and their prey.

Behind me, I can feel Zoko's gaze bore into me. It's both grateful and angry. Why he's angry, I can't say, I'm risking my life to save his.

The men before us laugh heartily. "So, this must be Akina, the defiant." The husky man is the leader; he seems to speak for them all. He bows at us, mockingly. "Look men. A girl has come to protect the 'precious Prince.'" He smiles, revealing rotting teeth. "The boys' clothes suit you."

I straighten, anger shining in my eyes. The villagers around us gasp, they know better. "What did you say?" But before he could answer, my temper had gotten the better of me. I knock the spear free from his grasp. Swiftly, I spin it twice, and then point it fearlessly at his throat.

He smiles at his friends, trying to hide the fear that only I see.

When I press the spear against his flesh, he knows I'm not backing down. By the time the rest of the men figure this out, Zoko sends fire flying on both sides of me. I can feel the fire lick at my skin. It burns and itches, but I ignore it.

"You will let him alone." No one can stop me know, my temper all controlling. "He shall go with me."

The man nods hastily, wishing I would release him.

I turn quickly, bringing the spear along with me. I feel the man sigh in relief. I offer an outstretched hand to Zoko.

Zoko just stares at it blankly, not knowing what to come of it.

I whisper just audible for him to hear. "If you wish to live you will come with me. If you don't, I will let them have you."

His eyes and features fill with the shock of what I had just said. He hastily takes it, not knowing what to do next. I pull him after me through the silent and awestruck crowd.

Someone appears beside me, I can see them out of the corner of my eye. I stop suddenly and spin to my right. I sigh when I see that it's only Mother Alice, the gypsy. In her hands was a package which she hands to me, all smiles. "That was brave of you, Akina." She pats my cheek with her weathered hand. She turns to Zoko. "She's headstrong and brave. She will make a great wife to a lucky man one day. Mother Alice winks. I gasp in embarrassment. Zoko glances at me as the corner of his mouth twitches. I feel my cheeks burn.

"We really must go, Mother Alice." I say hastily, embarrassed beyond reason. I can't really tell why. I pull Zoko toward the market entrance. Behind me Mother Alice calls a farewell, "Tell your mother to feel better."

I smile and shout over my shoulder, "I will. Good bye, Mother Alice."

As we exit the gates, I sigh in frustration. "I left my things on the roof so I could save you." A quickly drop his hand and the heavy spear. I never noticed how thick the pole was.

Zoko smiles gratefully at me. "I would go in and get it for you, but…"

I feel the corners of my mouth twitch and I laugh playfully. "Well, I'm not going back in there either. For all I know, I have a reward for my 'safe' return. Let's get out of here"

I turn and disappear in the shade of the trees. I smile when I hear Zoko's footsteps beside me. "I hope you can keep up, it's a long way to my house."

Well, should I continue? Or should I quit while I'm ahead? I would really love your advice and input. I think I said before that Flames are accepted. Please review. Thanks.

Yours,

Brynden