Katara had never been able to run for extended periods of time. Sure she was the fastest sprinter in the South Pole, but that was the whole nature of the thing-she was a sprinter. Her endurance was terrible. So when Katara found herself looking at the outer wall of Ba Sieng Sei she was quite drained, and shocked, but mostly drained. She staggered the remaining yards toward the wall and leaned, with her back supported by it. Why was she here? Sure she had just followed her feet-but still why would her own feet betray her? Especially, when her original intent for running had been to widen the gap between herself and the memories Ba Sieng Sei held. She thought on these memories while she attempted to restart her heart.
The Ball where they had met Lei Fong, The Dai Li's constant watch, Lake Laogai, Jet. Much more recently, Azula's near killing of Aang and the hand that Zuko played in it.
She banged the back of her head against the wall. This was stupid. Why had she come here? Zuko was the enemy he had recently proven that point all over again. Besides even if she really wanted to enter Ba Sieng Sei, she was a waterbender it was impossible for her to get over the wall.
"This is ridiculous…and now I'm too tired to go back." She sighed, as she sank to her knees on the muddy ground.
"Mud? It hasn't rained in days-sure its been rather damp and chilly- but no rain…oh, great now I'm talking to myself. More like Sokka everyday. Haha…uughhh"
Mud. When was the last time she saw- the drill! Sure enough there was the wall the Dai Li constructed around the machine. The drill had broken all the way through the outer wall before they had managed to stop it right?
"Oh, no. I'm not going to say it. There is no way."
"Come on Katara I gave you my assistance you can't back out now." Came a familiar voice next to her.
"Yue!?! You don't really expect me to-"
"To use waterbending to propel yourself over the small wall around the drill, and then crawl through the hole the drill made? Oh, yes, I do. You see yesterday the world hinged on what several people chose. Now you must go, you'll understand soon."
"Hmph. I'll never understand. I'm not going in back to the city of crazies! Why would I want to help Zuko?!" Katara exclaimed.
" I never said anything about Zuko. Though it has been quite apparent he has been on your mind as of late. I need you to free Iroh. As for the fate of Zuko-I can not interfere there. It is not my place. She paused and then smiled. Though for whatever the reason it seems to be yours." She looked up toward the now fading night sky. I must go now, as do you. I've stayed too long." And with that Katara was alone again.
Katara looked toward the wall surrounding the drill.
"How did I get myself into this? I'm not Sokka! I never made any promises to any Karma Spirit…ugh." She smacked herself in the forehead.
" I've come too far now."
A/N: Sorry, but that's that for now. I don't like this as much as the first chapter. Darn writer's block. One day I'll make a cure for it an have enough money to remake avatar as I see fit… It is late. I am tired. I'll continue tomorrow. Zuko will be seen again next chapter…
R'R. And thanks.
