Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender

A dim lantern lit the dry hallway of the inner dungeon. The light was not bright enough to light the face of its cloaked carrier. Slow footsteps were the only sound echoing within the silent chamber.

The footsteps stopped in front of one particular iron door. The cloaked figure reached into their pocket to pull out a ring of keys. Without hesitating, the man unlocked the door and held the lantern high above his head to bring light into the room. Golden eyes fixed upon the girl at the other end of the cell. She was chained to the wall with both hands above her head. Her blue dress was torn and dried with blood. Her head hung low with her mangled brown hair falling past her shoulders.

"Katara…"

Zuko ran up to the girl with quick, quiet steps. He set the lamp by his feet as he took the keys once again. Unlocking the chain binding Katara's wrists, the unconscious girl fell into the boy's arms. Zuko laid the girl on the cold floor as he checked her wrist. Sighing in relief at feeling a pulse, the boy propped up the girl's head as he uncorked the case of water hidden in his cloak. Gently, he brought the water to her dry lips slowly pouring into her mouth.

Katara weakly coughed up the water, but quickly pushed the case back to her lips to quench her thirst. She scrunched her eyes as the cool water slid past her dry throat. Zuko frowned at knowing that Azula had purposely neglected to give water to the girl, knowing full well her capabilities.

Several moments passed as Zuko patiently watched the girl empty the canteen. Katara lowered the empty case from her mouth as she tried to calm her heavy breathing. After catching her breath, Katara opened her eyes to a dark room. Here eyes take a moment to adjust to see a man above her, looking at her intently, but not harshly.

"W-who are you?" Katara's voice was raspy as the still felt light-headed.

The boy blinked in surprise. "You don't recognize me?" He made a flame in his hand, having ignored the lantern, and brought it up to the scarred part of his face. Katara's eyes grew wide.

"Zuko!" Katara panicked as she quickly backed up against the wall. She winced at her quick movement but didn't leave the gaze she held on Zuko. Fear, anger, confusion, and surprise all swelled within Katara at once. Her heart pounded against her chest as her mind spun with too many thoughts.

Zuko took a small step towards the girl, but stopped when Katara made a small gasp. He looked down at the broken girl, reading the pain in her eyes. His expression softened as he knelt before her, slightly hesitant.

"Look…" His voice was soft, almost a whisper. "I'm not here to bring you anymore pain, Katara." The girl responded to him with a fierce stare.

"And what do you know about pain!" Her voice was low, but harsh. She could feel tears wanting to break free, but she wouldn't allow them. Zuko's expression changed ever so slightly having been reminded of his past, but quickly shook it off.

"Plenty," was his only response as he lowered his head, avoiding her eyes.

Katara watched him carefully as he started to pull of his cloak. Her eyes widened in surprise as he extended his arm to her with the cloak in hand.

"Here, you'll be warmer with this." Katara hadn't noticed that she had been holding onto herself in an attempt to keep warm. She looked at the cloak longingly, but didn't understand why this man would offer her this comfort. She couldn't bring herself to trust him enough to take his offer.

"Please," he continued. She searched his eyes as he spoke. Never before had she seen his eyes so soft and without anger or hatred. They were almost…human. He continued speaking. "You need it more than I do."

The boy held his breath waiting for her to respond. Slowly, he watched as she lifted her arm and takes the cloak from his hand. Relief filled his eyes as she pulled the cloak over her head and pushing her arms through the sleeves.

"Thank you," she whispered, her head looking to the side. There was a still silence as both sat in front of each other, lost in their own thoughts. That is, until Katara broke the silence.

"Why are you here?" She brought her gaze back to the boy, though not as strong as before, yet still not entirely trusting.

Zuko, slightly embarrassed that he had almost forgotten his reason for being here, stood up and offered the girl before him a hand. He spoke with seriousness and sincerity.

"I've come to help you escape."

Sorry it took so long to update, though I wasn't really inspired to write really with having only 2 reviews so far! (and I very much appreciate the two who did :) ) Well hopefully update soon, but I need encouragement! Do you guys like my story so far? Please R&R!!!! Thanks :)