I almost made this into two separate chapters but decided to just throw it all together so its extra long! Yay's all around right?… This one did make my head hurt more than a few times so let me know what you think. Also, excuse me if you run into any errors. I'm sure they are rampant.
Chapter 4.
Broken Glass
As they started off their journey Katara asked Sokka how their mother was.
"She's as good as she can be considering. Her leg was healing fine and last I knew they were staying at Gran Gran's. Father's had half the guards fixing the house, but honestly I think mom was just using that as an excuse to stall him." Sokka sat down near her to finish his tale.
Aang was steering Appa so he could only hear bits of what they were saying, and soon straining his ears became to much so he just ignored them.
"So he still plans on coming after me then?" Katara said softly.
Sokka let out sigh, "Yes. I'm not sure why this means so much to him. We should keep our eyes open behind us so we can avoid that problem for as long as possible."
Katara nodded then asked him about his expedition to find her.
"Well the ship I bought passage on hit a storm and we were knocked off course. I only left two days after you so I would of caught up sooner if not for that." he said looking up thoughtfully.
"Where did you end up?"
"There's this small island… we uh ended up at for repairs. Stayed there for about four days..." says Sokka looked everywhere but at Katara trailing off while he mentioned this island.
She stared strangely at him knowing there was more to that story but letting him have his secrets. Spirits knew she had her own.
"So then what happened."
"I finally arrived at the trading port and asked around for you, a few people had saw you and pointed me in the right direction. I figured you would camp rather than stay at an inn so I tried to think like you. As tiring that that turned out to be… I found your first camp but then lost you. Then I came across a boat captain in the next port town and he told me about this village that travelers often ended up at. He was so hesitant to talk about it. I had a feeling, you had to be there. And voila! Sokka enters the creepy village to rescue his long lost sister!." He jutted out his chin and puffed up his chest giving Katara his hero pose.
"Yeah and it was good that you did. Who knows what would of happened to us there." Katara said truthfully.
"Oh I have a good idea of what would of happened there." Sokka said narrowing his eyes at her.
She blushed and continued, ignoring his interruption. "We should ask around when we get to the next city, that place is dangerous." Katara said.
"Yeah dangerous to the population-"
"Sokka shut it." she hissed at him. This time he kept going ignoring her.
"One thing I've learned while looking for you Katara. People in the Earth kingdom do not like to talk especially to strangers, But we can ask around." he said shrugging, then laid back to take a nap.
They had only been flying for about a hour or so when Sokka started to get frustrated. He was standing up looking all around, letting out a frustrated sigh he sat back down.
"Sokka what's wrong?" Katara asked from the corner she was leaning against knowing that he wouldn't stop making noise until someone acknowledged him.
"How can you tell where we are? I can't see anything but clouds and trees! How are we supposed to get anywhere?" He laid down with a huff putting both arms over his face. Katara just shrugged and went back to practicing small waterbending movements.
Aang had overheard the whole exchange and tilted his head trying to remember something.
The map! Of course how could he of forgotten. Reaching around to his pack he rummaged through it until he pulled out the scroll Gyatso had given him.
He walked over to where Sokka was, "Sokka I have something that might interest you."
Sokka lifted an arm and squinted up at him. Aang shook the scroll back and forth teasingly and Sokka sat straight up.
"What's that?" Sokka reached up to take it from Aang. He let him have it then walked back over to take up Appa's reins again. The squeal of delight that Sokka unleashed made both Aang and Katara jump.
Aang looked back and just laughed, while Katara shook her head.
Sokka spread open the scroll to find a map of the world. All four nations were labeled with major towns and cities, rivers and lakes, even popular vacation spots were marked.
"Aang this is amazing! Almost amazing enough for me to forgive you for making out with my sister." Sokka kept going on about the map and its amazingness, missing the shocked glare from Katara and the small half smile from Aang.
They had sort of in a way talked about what happened in the cave, but not really. She just took a breath and decided not to worry about it. Looking over to Aang she saw his strong back flexed while holding the reins. His hair was really starting to come in now, almost about an inch. Long enough for her to feel how soft it was… if she had the nerve to do it. You could barely see the shadow of his tattoos underneath. So far she liked the new look, but there was something about seeing his tattoos in all their glory that made Katara shudder. Maybe him growing hair is a good thing.
Sokka sat up from studying the map, "Alright look guys there is a pretty big city not far from where we should be, I found that crazy town Gansu we were in. Head east Aang and we should see it soon." Aang nodded his head and turned Appa slightly. Some time went by Katara had stopped paying attention to how much when she heard Aang and Sokka both let out a gasp. She stood up to walk over to where they were, curious to what they saw.
The town of Omashu was an amazing sight to behold from the sky. It was like the city built upon itself reaching higher than thought possible into the sky. Katara smiled seeing the view, she couldn't wait to see what it was like in a big city.
They found Appa a perfect spot, promising to come back with a treat and headed out. Sokka and Aang were busy talking about what they wanted to eat first while Katara just rolled her eyes.
There was no one to greet them this time, just a big gate that had armed guards blocking the entrance. They got in easily enough , only receiving a few suspicious glares.
This city was to large to take in, they were constantly turning to look around trying to see everything. Shops selling everything from food to clothes. Tea shops and dining spots offering every kind of food imaginable.
"Look I think we can get some food there." Sokka said pointing to a restaurant.
He led the way through the crowds to get them there. A boy at the door greeted them and led them to a table.
"Can you believe this place! Its amazing." Aang said in an excited whisper leaning down to the table. Katara laughed and Sokka nodded enthusiastically. They placed their order, each getting something different.
As they waited the conversation from the other tables flowed around them. Making a plan to find somewhere to stay first then come back and explore the town more.
Katara wanted to ask around about the 'creeper town' as Sokka liked to call it, and see if there were any benders here, shrewdly of course.
Aang wanted to meet some of the locals, and no one was quite sure what Sokka wanted to do.
The whole time they were talking about it he'd kept his eyes on the kitchen door waiting for the food.
They finished eating and headed out to find an inn. Which they did easily enough, all getting separate rooms. They took a few minutes to wash the grim of travel off and settle in., deciding to meet back up downstairs after.
Aang was ready first and he was waiting by a window looking out at people when Katara came down. She stopped short for a second, they hadn't really been alone since that day and frankly she was nervous about it. He had the blissful circumstance of not remembering anything, but she on the other hand could think of nothing else.
She remembered every brush of his mouth, every heated glance, every agghh… she let out a low groan. Aang looked back at her and grinned. "Hey Katara how's your room?"
"Oh its fine." she answered not really interested in this small talk. Aang knew something was off, and he had a pretty good idea of the reason. He motioned her to come closer and she slowly obeyed, avoiding his eyes, unable to stop the blush that always seemed to appear when he was around.
He tilted her face up, "Katara we need to stop this." Her eyes had been looking anywhere but at him but at these words she looked.
"I know, I'm sorry Aang. Its my problem and I'm working through it."
He didn't say anything so she kept rambling. "Its just hard. I feel so stupid about it all, and completely embarrassed. Your mind is blissfully blank but I still have the fading proof on me." She swung her arms up gesturing to her neck. "I just want to go back to the days before." Her head fell forward and she let out a deep breath, but she soon felt his arms come around her giving her a hug.
Katara felt herself relax. This is what she needed, she knew it would be back to normal soon.
"Katara you need to get out of your head and stop thinking so much. Although, if it makes you feel any better," Aang pulled her closer putting his mouth near her ear to whisper.
"I'm jealous that you remember everything, because I'm sure nothing I've imagined lives up to the real thing."
He released her just as Sokka came barreling downstairs.
"Good your already down lets get going." with that he walked out, leaving Aang and Katara to follow behind him. Both boys missing Katara's crooked smile.
It was their third day in Omashu, Katara had found out that no one would even recognize the village of Gansu's existence. Everyone would quickly turn away calling her crazy, it was all very frustrating.
Aang had made a few friends so he was happy with the turn out, and Sokka had shopped enough to make them worry about their financial situation.
Right now Katara and Sokka were walking in the market trying to sell some of the garbage Sokka had spent their money on while Aang was busy visiting Appa.
They stopped at a small shop that had gone unnoticed before and went in. She browsed around and saw a pile of old scrolls, she rummaged through them uncommitted when she came across the most amazing thing. An actual Waterbending scroll! She carefully opened it just a bit seeing that it was real.
A small gasp escaped her, she needed this, so did Aang him being the Avatar and all. She held onto it and looked around the store again with new interest.
A small wooden figurine caught Katara's eye this time, it was shaped like a sky bison and painted white, Appa came instantly to mind.
She bargained with the owner for a few minutes and eventually ended up trading a large bag Sokka had needlessly bought yesterday for it, she had to give up quite a bit more for the scroll, which made tears come to Sokka's eyes but it was all worth it in the end.
She dragged him out of the store appreciating her purchase in her pocket and the scroll in her hand. Aang had been so kind lately, going out of his way to make her comfortable around him. She hoped he liked the figurine, and the scroll would help them both.
The streets were unusually crowded as they walked back to the inn. The reason became apparent when Katara saw the familiar uniform of the world guard. Her heart was instantly lodged in her throat, then Sokka leaned down and told her not to worry it wasn't their father, just some other unit. She breathed easily.
"There must have been someone caught bending to bring them all out like this." Sokka said quietly. She nodded feeling nervous.
Trying to work their way through the crowd Sokka came to a stop when something wet hit his face.
"Ehh gross someone spit on me."
"Sokka its starting to rain we need to get out of here I don't want this to get ruined." Katara said. Then the skies opened up, letting out a downpour.
Sokka started to push people out of the way trying to get cover when he glanced back at Katara.
"Hey what do you think your doing Katara!" He stopped to grab her arm, Katara was completely dry bending the water around her.
"Stop that are you trying to get caught? The World Guard is right over there!" He tried shaking some sense into her.
"I cant help it Sokka!" she looked around worried, never wishing she could control her bending more than ever right this moment.
"Hey look that girl is Waterbending! Someone tell the guard!" both Sokka and Katara froze and tried to run but the crowds were to thick and they soon turned against her.
"Here please take this Sokka and you better get me out of this" She passed him the scroll trying to be brave but he saw the fear in her face.
He started to fight the hands that tried to grab his sister. "No! Katara!" people pushed him farther and farther away from her, he tried to reach but with the rain blocking his view and so many people against him he failed. He could only watch helplessly as they took his sister from him, he looked around angrily glaring at everyone who glanced his way. They wouldn't have her for long. He could promise them that.
Aang decided to stay with Appa until the rained stopped, which turned out to be a few hours, but Appa loved to fly in the rain so they had a little fun. He gave him one last pat and headed back to the city. Thinking along the way about the most confusing girl he's ever met.
He didn't know what to do about her, he could only be so obvious about how he felt. But then again, he didn't even know exactly what he felt. He knew he liked her. It was hard not to, she was kind, generous and brave.
She was very beautiful, and she made his heartbeat do crazy things when she smiled at him, especially that half smile that she only did when she was trying not to smile.
Aang let out a long sigh and put his hands behind his head as he walked.
She was a mystery his Katara. Sometimes he would bet anything that she liked him, then other times she looked at him with as much interest as she gave the floor.
How he wished he could remember that night in the cave! After seeing the evidence of what went happened on her neck he's imagined himself doing that to her in every way possible.
Letting out a groan, he decided to think of something else, those images only left him wanting to act on them, and who knew where that would lead.
The moment he stepped through the gates he felt that something was off. Everything looked normal, except there did seem to be more people out then usual. He headed toward the inn, picking up bits of conversation as he passed.
"What a show, how dare that girl flaunt that demon power?"
He picked up speed hearing this feeling that it had to do with Katara.
"I was hoping they would let the crowd have her."
"Oh I know, I just hope they punish her good, maybe have a public punishment?"
Aang started running. Worry moving like poison through his blood giving him speed he didn't know he possessed without Airbending.
He burst into the inn and ran up the stairs opening his own door first, then Sokka's. Nothing.
He walked slowly to Katara's wishing with everything that she was in there and would look up and smile at him, then yell for barging in unannounced.
He pushed open her door and fell to his knees. Squeezing his eyes closed to keep the pain from escaping.
Aang was breathing heavily and not only from the breakneck pace he'd kept to reach the inn, but from the anger at these narrow-minded people.
They knew nothing about bending yet disdained the practice anyway. If they hurt Katara or Sokka they would regret this day forever.
His breathing didn't slow as he felt the air billowing out around him, he couldn't take the time to care about that, not when his friends were somewhere in danger.
"Aang! Aang stop I don't need you stuck in prison too."
Sokka had never seen anything like this. He knew right at that moment that Aang was definitely the Avatar. His tattoos were glowing and the wind was blowing out of control around him. Sokka stepped back unsure of what to do, the power that filled the room was terrifying. Not that he worried for himself, just for whoever Aang decided to use that power on.
Aang heard Sokka's voice and felt the wind suddenly stop around him, he jerked his head around to see, hoping he was wrong about everything. But knowing without a doubt that Katara was gone when he saw Sokka's face.
"What happened?" Aang's voice was flat, emotionless.
Sokka quickly explained what happened, getting right to the point. "She Waterbended and they took her Aang, but I already have a plan. Come here I'll show you." He headed back to his own room and Aang stood up to follow him, but his eyes caught on the dresser. Walking over to it he gently caressed her hairbrush that was set on top.
"I will save you Katara." he promised. Then softly closed the door to follow Sokka.
"They're keeping her in the jail under the kings palace. I'm not sure what they plan on doing to her but we're going to get her out before we find out. I have a layout of the grounds at the palace." Sokka spread out the map and pointed to where the cells were.
"The only problem is inside, I have no idea how deep it goes or where exactly she'll be. We'll have to be as quiet as possible so we can search." Aang nodded, still silent.
"If only we could talk to someone who knew the palace well… I suppose we could grab someone and question them…" Sokka put a hand to his chin thinking out loud.
"We cant just hurt some innocent person." Aang finally ventured.
Sokka who was keeping it together by only a shred of control snapped when Aang shot down his idea. "Well I don't see you helping this situation any Avatar. If you didn't want to stay here longer to make friends we would have been long gone by now!" Sokka yelled breathing heavily.
He glared waiting for a reaction from Aang. But Aang wasn't giving him the reaction he wanted. Sokka wanted to fight and yell, he didn't understand this silence, he knew what Aang was capable of.
"Don't you think I know that Sokka?" Aang said quietly. Then his head jerked up to look at Sokka.
"Of course! I'll be right back, give me ten minutes then we'll go save her!" Aang ran out of the room leaving Sokka to stare at where he once stood. Shaking his head he went back to his map to study the layout one more time.
"Why didn't I think of this before." he mumbled running to the café. He had wanted to stay to make friends and now he was glad he did.
He glanced around the place when he arrived, where is he? Letting out a frustrated growl he turned to leave, if he wasn't here he would tear this town apart looking for him, when he ran right into someone.
"Hey Aang slow down! What's the rush?" Aang stepped back to see exactly who he was looking for. "Bumi! I was looking for you actually, can you come with me I need help?" Aang said already pulling him out. "Oh alright."
The three of them were standing around the table in Sokka's room. Bumi was turning out to be a great asset, as he had spent time in the prison cells himself.
He drew them up directions of the best route to get to the cells.
"I'm sorry I cant come and help you Aang-"
"don't be, you've already helped more than you can imagine." He smiled, feeling better already that they have a plan in motion. Sokka couldn't help but feel better as well, knowing that his sister would soon be back with them.
"I do have bad and good news though." Bumi said with hesitant smile. Both boys sobered up and gave him their attention.
"Good news is that the King is throwing a party for his birthday so you will be able to walk right into the palace with no trouble at all, and maybe even get right to the cells with little problem…"
They gave him a look of suspicion, knowing the bad must be horrible if the good news was that easy.
"The bad being that the party isn't until tomorrow night. She'll have to spend the night there, and the party doesn't begin until evening. I really do think you should wait until the party though, the palace will be full of people getting ready for the festivities you would be noticed immediately. Whereas if you wait you will be just considered lost party guests."
The stricken look on both their faces was telling. Bumi apologized again, he gave Aang a pat on the shoulder.
"If you need anything else Aang let me know." and with that he let himself out, neither boy noticing that he slipped a note into Aang's pack that was sitting next to the door.
"What should we do Sokka? Wait or go now?" Aang looked out the window, it appeared to be about a hour before sunset.
Sokka let out a sigh. "The brother in me says now. But the logical thinking person says tomorrow." he turned and walked over to the window and looked toward the palace. "Hold on Katara. We'll be there for you soon." He whispered to himself, but Aang heard.
"I assume after we save her we'll have to make another quick exit so I'm going to go buy everything we'll need. I…I just need to get out of here for awhile." Sokka said then walked out, leaving Aang to himself and his thoughts.
Katara woke up with a splitting headache.
She tried looking around but her eyes were having a hard time focusing. Giving them a moment to adjust she squinted into the darkness.
She was in a metal cage, that much she could see. It wasn't very large either. There appeared to be no one with her in the room, though there were two other cages on either side of her. One was definitely empty, the other to her right had what looked to be a pile of dirty clothes in it. She supposed it was possible that pile had a person underneath it but she wasn't about to ask.
She took deep breath to steady her nerves. She could feel her hair was everywhere, pushing it from her face, she tried to see but noticed her hands were shaking.
She held them together to stop the shaking and scooted back until she hit the wall behind her. There was no natural light in this room. There was a great metal door directly across from her and she could see candle light spilling in through the cracks above and below.
Feeling her eyes sting and she closed them hard, fighting back the tears. Bringing her knees up she put her head down to block out her surroundings. A shattered breath escaped and she brought her arms around her legs squeezing into the smallest space possible. As if trying to hold herself together.
Aang was sitting on his bed in the rented room. Knowing he would never get to sleep; just staring out at the sky.
There was a weight on his chest that he knew wouldn't leave until she was back, until she was safe.
He couldn't help but feel that this was his fault. If only he had stayed in town with them. If he had just left in the rain and not stayed with Appa. If he had camped somewhere else all those miles ago and never met her she would be safe somewhere else.
But he couldn't really mean that.
He was glad he met her, Sokka too, they were both turning out to mean a lot to him. He would do anything for his new friends and possibly more, he couldn't stop the feelings that Katara brought out in him.
Life in the temple had been secluded in way, he knew so much of the world yet he had never felt the passion he feels when she's around, the urge to pull her into his arms.
He had never felt the likes of his anger when he thought someone had hurt her, or this back aching fear that held him now.
He was terrified she was being hurt or that she was scared. Terrified that she was alone and hopeless.
He heard Sokka arrive back in his room, and from the sound in things in there he probably wasn't sober. Turning to alcohol in a crisis isn't unusual, and frankly Aang was jealous that Sokka would get some sort of sleep while he knew sleep would evade him tonight.
This waiting was impossible but just as Sokka had said it was the logical thing to do. She would be safer in the long run if they don't have to fight.
He let out a breath and rubbed his eyes. "Please be safe Katara."
"Come on Katara stop being such a coward." she thought out loud. She lifted her head and looked around again this time there was a face starting at her. She let out a small scream.
"Don't be scared. I can't hurt you, I'm in jail too." said the face.
It was then that Katara's fear addled brain took the time to notice that yes indeed the other person was in the cage next to hers, the pile of clothes she had saw earlier.
The fact that they had said I can't hurt you rather than I won't hurt you wasn't missed on her.
"What did you do girlie? Rob someone?"
Katara shook her head still unsure of her cellmate.
"Well what did you do?" a still silence followed.
"Listen girl I've been alone a long time with few visitors to talk to and you're going to talk to me or I'll call the guard tell them your trying to escape and watch them beat you for my entertainment."
After that speech Katara still felt no inclination to speak but gave in anyway.
"I am a Waterbender." she said softly.
Katara took a good look at the pile of dirty clothes that happened to have a face. She assumed it was female, an older woman, by the tone of her voice.
"Aahh Waterbender hhmm. Haven't had one of those in here for awhile. Interesting." the pile shuffled around and came to sit near the back wall by Katara.
"Well I killed my husband. He was the King before this one now."
Katara swung her head to look at her again. She said that with no feeling whatsoever. She was obviously crazed, yet there was this certainty in her eyes that quite unnerved Katara even more than she already was.
"That's uh… I'm sorry?" Katara said unsure how to reply.
The woman laughed, and Katara couldn't help but think of shaking laundry.
"What is your name?"
Katara answered automatically.
"So Katara the Waterbender. You're a pretty girl, I assume you have a dashing young lover who will come to your rescue?"
An image of Aang rose to mind and she looked down to hide her smile.
"Aahhh yes indeed you do. How touching."
She desperately hoped they would come to her rescue, but practical Katara couldn't help but have doubts. She didn't even know where she was.
"Talk to me Waterbender. You have no idea how tiring your own voice starts to sound after a few years." She said.
Katara didn't miss the touch of desperation in her voice so she decided why not ask her the question that no one else seems to know.
"Do you know anything about the village of Gansu? Its not too far from here." she asked.
The pile leaned back and laughed. "Found yourself stuck in Gansu then? Ha! I'm surprised you made it out of there if you go and get yourself stuck in this hole."
"That's not really the answer I was looking for." Katara snapped, she didn't need to get laughed at by this dirty laundry pile.
"Gansu is a village that has been around for centuries. It is village of people who serve the evil spirit Duji. They find souls and give them to him. Trapping them forever for him to play with." She answered seriously.
"How do you know that?" Katara asked fascinated.
"I've been around for some time, and being the wife of the King did mean lots of gossip." she flashed her dirty teeth and Katara subconsciously ran her tongue over her own.
"There are evil spirits?"
"Oh of course there are, the world needs harmony. Good would not be good without evil to balance it. Are you stupid girl?" Katara ignored the insult and let that knowledge sink. How interesting the world was turning out to be.
Like now, getting a lesson about spirits from a murder in jail. Katara never would of guessed this to happen.
She didn't know how long she slept, or how long she'd been in this cell for that matter. Had to be at least a few hours if not more. Time had made her comfortable in her prison so she stood up and walked the perimeter. She tried the gate just for the act of doing something and sighed knowing it would be locked. She turned to see that her cellmate looked to be sleeping.
She paced back and forth wondering what Sokka and Aang were up to. She knew they would be trying to save her but who knows how that will end. She sat back down to count the cracks in the wall.
Sokka came in his room unannounced. "Here I got us something to wear tonight so we blend in better. Are you ready for this?" Aang nodded his head taking the clothes from Sokka.
"I would say that you have a choice in this and that you don't have to come with me but I'm sorry I cant. I need you, I have a feeling this won't go at all as smooth as we hope." Sokka said with an unhappy frown.
"You couldn't keep me from helping you save her if you tried Sokka." Aang gave him a small smile even though the act of smiling was hard to pull off.
"Good. Get ready and meet me over in my room I'll show you what I've drawn up." Aang nodded his accent and Sokka left.
Aang felt silly in these dress clothes Sokka had gave him. His robes were soft and loose, these clothes were itchy and stiff. He walked about the room trying to get used to them then headed over to talk with Sokka.
The sound of the metal door scratching open startled Katara out of her reverie, there were two men dressed in fire nation uniforms. Katara felt dread rise up her spine, what were they doing here?
"That's her, grab her and lets go." she heard spoken but couldn't tell who said it. They walked up and opened her cell and Katara felt herself scooting back trying to stay far away from them. They each grabbed one of her arms and lifted her up, she fought back twisting and turning with all her might. But all they did was grab her tighter. She really tried fighting back in earnest and even kicked one of them in the leg, then she heard the old woman call out,
"There is water in more places than the ocean, don't be stupid girl!"
One of the guard yelled at her and Katara tried to move her way to get one last glance at her but then everything went black.
Sokka and Aang made their way through the crowded streets, the moon was full and it lit up the way to the palace. It seemed the whole town was invited to this evenings festivities, luckily they blended right in.
"So according to your friend we need to get to the servants staircase that is next to the kitchens, go down two floors, and we should be able to find our way from there."
Aang nodded having memorized the layout himself. This was it.
Finding the staircase was child's play, no one noticed them or cared if they did because all the servants were so busy.
They made their way down carefully looking around each corner.
"Are those fire nation soldiers?" Sokka whispered throwing Aang a look of disbelief. Aang just shrugged.
The hallway was lit by torches and Aang made quick work of blowing them out. They ran out and quickly subdued the two soldiers standing guard. They came to a row of doors at the end of one hall but a quick glance in each window proved to be unsuccessful.
They doubled back and turned a different direction coming to end at large metal door with no window or any other feature.
"I have a good feeling about this one." Sokka said as he walked up slowly, Aang hearing a noise turned around in enough time to see a guard take off in the opposite direction.
"Uh bad news, we need to hurry up." Sokka was already pulling the door open and rushing inside, Aang quickly followed after him. The high they had both been feeling suddenly dropped. There was no one in here.
They turned to leave when a voice spoke up. "You just missed her."
Sokka and Aang swung back to the cage where the voice came from and took a better look.
There in the corner was someone.
"Where did they take her?" Aang asked hoping that he sounded as angry as he was.
"Two fire nation nitwits came and dragged her away. Not sure where, which one of you is hers?"
Aang felt his face heat up, despite their predicament. He wished he was hers.
"I'm her brother. Do you know anything or are you just wasting our time?" the person moved closer to the front of the cell and a face peered back.
"I'm in jail how would I know anything. But I do know that the King has an affinity for the full moon." and with that she started laughing hysterically.
Sokka let out a disgusted gasp and turned to leave, Aang followed his lead but stilled for a moment remembering something that the monks told him years ago.
They were almost to the stairs back up when Aang stopped.
"Come on Aang we need to find someone and beat the information out of them."
"That woman, what she said about the moon. I think I know what she was trying to tell us, the monks only taught us one thing about bending. That each element is effected by the world, Waterbending Sokka, its effected by the moon! I think that the King has Katara somewhere." Aang was happy they had a new destination to find her but when the information sunk in knew it couldn't be good.
Sneaking someone out of prison was one thing, sneaking someone from the King of the city, something else entirely.
Sokka was reacting to the information in a similar manner. "Well we don't have a choice come on." and he turned to head back up to the main floor. "What are we going to do Sokka?" Aang yelled up at him as they ran, "We're going to wing it Aang."
Katara opened her eyes and the first thing she noticed was the bed.
She was laying on the most beautiful bed she had ever saw. The coverlet was lace and silk, beautiful coverings flowed around the top. The room was similarly decorated with soft pinks and crème. She tried to sit up and felt that her hands were bound to the top of the bed frame, her feet similarly bound.
She looked down and saw her clothes were different, she wore a dark blue robe with gold trim, a shudder ran through her. Someone changed her clothes without her knowing, and judging by how the rest of her felt she had a sneaking suspicion they bathed her as well. She gulped back her fear that tried to make its way out and took a deep breath.
"You're finally awake, I was about to give up on you."
Katara froze, the sound came from the end of the bed so she craned her neck to look. She didn't need to, a man appeared and walked slowly to the side of the bed. He was thin and lanky the clothes that declared him royal were too big giving him a childish appearance, but you couldn't miss the hard edge in his eyes. He looked down at her with disdain.
"Waterbender hmm… how wonderful. What is your name?" He stared down at her and Katara couldn't help but edge farther from him.
"Not talking? Well there are ways. But really I could care less what your name is, what I want is for you is to do me a small favor and maybe I will let you live." He moved closer and she shifted farther so he sat down next to her on the bed. Katara held her breath, this somehow helping get a grip.
"Waterbender." he leaned down close to her, she could feel his breath on her face.
"If you want to stay in this nice room with these nice clothes, you'll have to do something for me."
She shut her eyes tight wishing to be anywhere else.
"I know you filthy Waterbenders have a certain skill on the full moon… and I want you to do it to me." He brushed back a strand of hair that had fallen into her face.
The sound of the slap that followed surprised her more than the instant pain in her cheek.
Her eyes snapped open and she saw all the anger reflected in his eyes.
"You will look at me and you will answer me."
She still couldn't find her tongue but when he pulled back his hand she stammered out "I don't know what your talking about, I don't know what skill your talking about." it rushed out of her in one short breath. His eyes narrowed at her.
"I'm talking about how you people will take control over another. I'm talking about Bloodbending. And I want you to do it for me."
Katara stared back at him, despite what was happening to her she couldn't hide her confusion. Bloodbending? That was a horrible notion, but I guess it could be possible. The thing that her cellmate yelled out at her suddenly making more and more sense. 'there is water in more places than the ocean…' but this idea of taking control of someone's body, it was disgusting. Who was this man?
She couldn't hide the revulsion off her face and he hit her again.
"Don't you dare lay there and judge me you scum." he stood and smoothed out invisible wrinkles on his clothes. Trying to control the anger that Katara could see so close to the surface. He gave her such a look that she couldn't help but flinch back, she could see his hands shaking.
"I will give you a few hours to change your mind. I have a party to go to. Don't make any noise." He reached behind her and pulled the pillow that her head was on from the bed, pushing it into her face.
Katara felt a deep terrifying fear rise in her, he was going to kill her right now, smother her to death. But death never came, he had merely put the pillow on her face, she heard the door shut and she struggled until it fell off her. Taking big gulps of air Katara tried to get a grip on things.
She felt hopeless.
How was she ever going to get out of this? This time she didn't fight the sting of tears, she let them fall, running to each side of her face to be soaked up by her hair.
Aang and Sokka arrived back to the ballroom just as the King was making his entrance.
"He doesn't look very threatening." Sokka said glaring his way.
"Sokka we need to keep a low profile. There is no way to know which room she is in, our best bet is to just wait until he leaves and follow him." Aang said tossing some careless smiles to the few people giving them bizarre looks.
"No I can't just wait around, you stay and watch this guy. I'm going to search around. I'll be back before he leaves." and with that Sokka pushed his way to a side door, did a quick glance around and stepped in.
Aang shook his head.
This easy get in get out plan was turning out to be a disaster. He wandered around listening to various conversations making his way to the lifted dais where the King and his few select few friends mingled. People were being herded up to give the King his gifts and best wishes, Aang decided to go up and meet this man.
He wandered to the back and lifted a gift from the pile that was forming around the edge and stood in line. When it was his turn he bowed and handed over his gift but looked straight into his eyes the whole time. The King's eyes narrowed and he scowled, Aang knew he was risking trouble at this disrespect but saw in his eyes the anticipation and impatience of something to come. Aang knew it had to do with Katara. He quickly lowered his eyes and backed away from the king.
Sokka was getting desperate.
This was turning out to be the worst year of his life, and it all seemed to center around his wild sister. He rolled his eyes but even with his lighthearted thoughts couldn't stop the fear and dread that had settled in his gut. He wouldn't breathe easily until he knew she was safe. He had searched what felt like hundreds of rooms, all coming up empty. It was getting very irritating.
Katara had been left alone for some time and finally got enough nerve to look about the room again. She knew she was alone so she tried to sit up but with her arms pulled above her head and her legs similarly tied it was impossible. She lifted her head and saw something familiar on the table next to her. The Appa figurine! Its presence brought her instant relief. A familiar thing in an unfamiliar surroundings. She thought about Appa, but that brought her thoughts to Aang. If she ever got out of this she promised herself that she would give him his gift as soon as she could. Maybe when he held it he would think of her.
She sighed and took a moment to regret never getting to really kiss him… but then felt instantly stupid for the effort.
After shutting what had to of been door one thousand he walked over to the next one. Sokka took an exasperated breath and let his head fall to hit the hardwood. He lifted it and let it fall once more having no faith that his sister would be behind this one. He rested his head for a second when suddenly he was falling forward into the body of someone.
Aang had been holding up one of the pillars near the king, waiting for him to leave, he knew it would be soon. The king had taken to shooting a look over to where the moon was hanging outside the window about every five minutes. He was definitely counting down the time before he could leave. Aang let out an impatient breath.
Sokka knew this was bad.
He now had a small, she looked to be a maid, person in his arms. He had fallen towards her but caught himself in time, grabbed her swung her around into his chest and covered her mouth with his hand.
A quick glance around the room proved that she was alone. Sokka groaned in frustration. This night just keeps getting better!
"Listen I'm not going to hurt you. I need your help. If I lift up my hand are you going to scream?" he felt her head shake. "Ok. Please don't be lying." he lifted his hand slowly just incase she lied, but no sound came.
"Alright good. I'm going to let you go, don't bother running I'm blocking the door anyway." He let her go expecting her to step away from him but she didn't. In fact she just slowly turned and pressed her front into him. Sokka took a step back, bumping into the door behind him. What did he get into now….
'Finally' Aang thought. The King was making his regrets and getting up to leave, two guards followed along. He turned to go out a door behind and Aang followed them at a safe distance.
They went up two flights of stairs and headed down an ornately decorated hall of doors. It went out in both directions for as far as he could see.
This must be the top floor, the ceilings were enormous and Aang took a second to admire them. He had to dodge a few servants but was able to keep up with his prey.
He saw the king step into a room but leave his two guards outside. Aang had few choices. He knew without a doubt Katara had to be in that room. He stepped out and whistled.
The two guards saw him and knew he wasn't supposed to be there. One started to walk over to him and Aang just waited until he got close enough. The guard started to tell him to go back to the ballroom when Aang used his Airbending to throw him to the top of the high ceilings and then released him. Not waiting to see how that ended he turned his attention to the other man.
By this time the second guard was running to attack, he didn't bother to warn the King so confidant he was in winning, his sword raised.
Aang ran at him then at the last minute slid to his knees knocking the soldier down, Aang took this second to blow him down the other end of the hallway with all his might.
He turned to run to Katara, not even bothering to check how far the soldier went. He was about there was a piercing scream went out and Aang's heart dropped to the floor. He ran faster…
"Ahh Hi. Will you help me?" Sokka asked putting his hands on this crazy girls shoulders pushing her back to give himself some much needed space.
"You are gorgeous! Of course I'll help you dashing stranger." she batted her eyes up at him and Sokka had to stop his exasperated groan. "I'm looking for someone the King has prisoner, but not in the prison, they may be a bender…."
She put her finger to her lips and thought for a second. "Well he had a Waterbender held in one of his apartments for awhile but she died a few months ago." the blood drained from Sokka's face.
"Where did he keep her? Can you show me?" Sokka said grabbing her by the arm roughly.
"Sure its just down the hall a ways." She said pointing right. Sokka turned to open the door and was about to step out when an armed guard went flying past him. He leaned out to see the man still soaring down the hall, knowing Aang must be near, he grabbed the maid and started running.
Katara froze when the door opened again. Wishing for anyone but the King she was dismayed when she set eyes on him.
"I hope you reconsidered our bargain." He sauntered over to her, confidence in every step.
"But if not there are ways to make you do what I want. Freedom for example." He held up a key that must be to her chains.
"You could have free reign of this room if you behave." He tossed it to her and she felt it hit her neck.
Feeling brave in the face of terror she turned and spit at him.
He leaned over her, "Yes you will filth or I will be forced to make you!" he was shaking in anger and Katara knew then the King of this city was deranged.
He crawled up on the bed and straddled her reaching for her face Katara couldn't hold back her scream anymore. He hissed out a shut up and put his hands around her throat to stop the noise. Katara stopped screaming but he didn't release her, choking her in earnest. She felt her eyes water and black dots started to appear as her vision blurred.
Aang burst in and only saw the king hurting her. His Katara.
He felt himself overcome with rage, his breathing became erratic. There was something happening to him but he wasn't sure what, all he knew was that he had to get that man off her… instincts took over.
She suddenly felt air rush into her lungs. The King was suddenly gone. Her head lolled to right and she saw someone standing in the doorway, an eerie blue glow surrounding them. Then it was gone and Aang stood there. She felt emotion catch in her throat and she started to cry genuinely the relief that this nightmare was over making her smile even with the tears.
Aang ran over to her "the key is by my neck hurry." she managed to say. Aang still had a look of absolute anger on his face while he freed her feet and hands. When she was able to move Aang swept her into a tight hug. She could feel his erratic breathing in her hair. Katara couldn't stop the tears that flowed down her face and when she felt Aang shudder she squeezed him tighter. Feeling suddenly like she was comforting him more than he was her.
She leaned back a little still in his arms, reaching up to touch his face and smiled "I knew you would come Aang. Thank you."
Aang couldn't find the strength or the words to say so he just stared into her eyes, not caring that she could see everything he was feeling in them.
He was so glad she was safe and finally in his arms. He leaned closer to her and saw her eyes fall closed, reaching up to feel her face his hand settled behind her ear on the back of her head, holding her.
He tilted her head and was about to lean closer still when he heard the yell.
Looking sharply to the side he saw the King crumple to ground once more a boomerang laying uselessly to the side. He turned to the door to see Sokka standing in the room.
Not wanting to release Katara he tensed his arms holding her tighter but then let her go see her brother.
He would take care of the King.
Katara rushed to her brother and gave him a hug. "You sure did take your sweet time Sokka. Who is that?" Sokka let her go and looked, "Oh that's a maid, didn't catch her name. She helped me find you." the maid in question gave a small wave more interested in watching the worst boss she'd ever had get tied up to the bed.
"We would have been here sooner if you would of stayed in one place Katara. Leave it to you to get taken to royal prison." Katara rolled her eyes at her brother.
"I really just want to get out of here."
Aang had finished tying the king up to the bed and he stepped back, "Lets go. They'll find him sooner or later."
Katara pushed passed Aang and stepped by the bed. Taking a minute to grab her little Appa she looked at the King. He looked so harmless with his eyes closed. Shaking her head she stepped away from him into Aang's waiting embrace. He turned to walk out of this room, grabbing a hold of her hand, when he noticed Sokka wasn't following.
"Are you coming Sokka? We still need to get out of here and it may not be as easy as coming in was." Aang said rubbing his thumb along Katara's hand that he held in his, still unable to stop touching her, proof she was safe.
"There are some things a brother needs to do to the man who hurt his sister… I'll catch up." he walked slowly over to the bed. The maid was watching this all with rapt attention. She walked over to Aang and Katara, "If you take the servants stairs down you can bypass the security and leave through the side entrance through the garden, just turn right and you'll see it on your left." Aang nodded his thanks and pulled Katara from the room.
They stepped outside and felt the fresh air on their faces. Katara paused for moment causing Aang to jerk back. She took a second to just inhale the air. The freedom.
She looked up to see Aang staring at her worried. Katara smiled and started walking with him once more. Starting to feel safer they walked at a more sedate pace.
The gardens turned out to be very well maintained and wonderful, after the time she's had Katara was taking time to appreciate the beauty. They were almost off the grounds, she could see the garden wall and where a small gate was attached.
She pulled him to a stop a second time. "Aang I told myself if I got out of there and saw you again I would give you something." Katara looked up at him.
Aang could feel his pulse quicken, finally he would get to kiss her and remember it, be an active partner in it. She looked down shyly and he smiled, he flexed his hands nervously waiting for her, letting her have the lead. For a few more moments at least.
She looked down and fumbled with something in her pocket.
"I saw this and knew it had to be yours."
Aang felt his forehead crease in confusion. Unless she saw herself in a mirror he didn't know what she could be talking about.
She put out her fist between them. He looked down at it and waited. She was watching his face.
She unfurled her fingers and held the little Appa on her palm.
He frowned at it confused for a second too long.
Katara's shoulders slumped and her arm went slack letting the small treasure fall, "never mind forget it." Katara started walking from him. He had caught it before it hit the ground allowing her enough time to turn. "Katara wait, what's wrong?" he grabbed a hold of her elbow before she was able to get far.
"Nothing its stupid. I was just, I got that for you. But its stupid forget it." Aang could see the light glisten off her eyes and new this was fragile territory.
"Nothing you do is stupid Katara, your amazing. I was just surprised you were thinking of me. Thank you so much for the whistle." he gave her a hug whether she was wanting it or not, just wanting to take that look off her face.
She pushed back on his chest, "Wait. That's a whistle?"
He looked at her and snorted a laugh, "You bought it and you don't even know what it is?" Aang felt the laughter starting, from all the stress of the past two days, and finally the relief that everything was going to be alright, it all piled up and come out as laughter.
It was contagious and soon Katara was joining him.
After they had gotten their breath Aang brought a hand up to caress her face, he loved being able to touch her.
He brought the whistle up to show her where it worked. "Oh that makes sense. Well good my gift turned out to be even better than I thought." She said grinning, the awkwardness of before forgotten.
"Thank you Katara, now I will just have to give you something in return. Though this might be more for me again anyway." he said pulling her close again. He brushed a few flyaway strands of hair from her face and watched her eyes close.
He leaned in, their breath mingled together and he could feel the need he had for her come to the surface bursting to get out. Their noses brushed together and he was so close to tasting paradise… when the bane of his existence came running by.
"Aang Katara what are you morons still doing here! Come on we really need to get out of town." Sokka yelled as he ran past them.
The moment completely killed, Aang's head leaned forward and hit hers, they sat their for a second foreheads touching when Katara started to laugh again.
Aang just rolled his eyes, "Yeah hilarious…" he started walking out of the garden Katara's soft laughter trailing behind him.
All he could think about was how he'd like to hurt Sokka.
All she could think about was that he actually wanted to kiss her, no crazy tea induced state needed.
She ran up and grabbed his hand. They both walked away with a smile.
WHEW! You can cut that romantic unfulfilled wanting with a knife right! No worries, they wont last much longer. Dragging it out has been for my benefit, tension is so fun.
Sorry if this chapter got a little irritating near the end with all the jumping around from person to person. It was my attempt at fast paced action... apologies if I failed miserably.
On another note. Finished Mockingjay loved it! Anyone else read Hunger Games? If not, check that shit out.
Don't forget to Review!
Comping up next:
Aang saw the scene first and had to choke back a laugh, Katara who was currently pressed against Aang's back peered past him and gasped. Neither sound reached the ears of Sokka or the girl who had him tied to a tree and was currently kissing him senseless.