Hey guys, sorry it's been a while. A long while. But I am so grateful to all of you readers out there who are reading and enjoying my little story. I would also like to thank everyone who has read, reviewed, followed, or favorite this story. I finally seem to have time to write again, it always seemed something got in the way. Thank you so much, please review, comment any ideas, questions, or anything really. I love getting feedback from you guys and finding new ways of improving.
Ever since Katara got back to her cell, all she had done was sleep. Hours passed and morning was soon approaching, but Katara still laid there almost motionless on her bed. She was taking small shallow gasps and if one wasn't looking close enough, they might mistake her as dead. Her back was bloody and raw, her wounds still opened. Her shirt was ripped even more, it was barely a cloth covering her and she was using her arm as a substitute pillow, her tangled hair falling in waves over her face.
Katara began to stir a little, the noises from the rest of the prison coming to life as the sun rises higher up in the sky. But it did little to motivate the girl into fully waking up. She was still so tired; she could barely even remember where she was. Oh how she missed her family now more than ever.
It wasn't until she heard her cell door open and a small gasp that she lifted her head. In the doorway was the same guard as yesterday with a shocked expression on his face. He seemed to be saying something, but Katara wasn't paying much attention.
"What do you want?" Katara groaned, still dazed from just waking up.
"Oh, um, I'm just here to give you your breakfast." He put the bowl down beside her after she had slowly sat up. "I'll see you later." He quickly fled her cell and Katara briefly wondered how bad she must look to scare off a guard. But that thought quickly left as soon as she smelled her breakfast. It was simply a bowl of soup, some rice, and even a few vegetables, but it all looked great to Katara as she started munching on her food. She had to remind herself not to eat all of it at once so she forced herself to slow down. It took almost everything she had not to, her stomach grumbled with hunger. And she also had to be careful not to move too much, even the smallest movement cause's pain to shoot throughout her body.
After she had eaten most of her food, she spared some of her soup to heal herself. Her stomach still grumbled, but the pain in her body won over her hunger and she started bending the water to her will.
She knew she had to be quick if she was going to heal herself, she didn't want anyone to see her. When she brought her glowing hand to her back she almost cried out in pain. But if she was going to do it, it was now or never, she knew the guard would be back soon. She took a deep breath before reaching to her back again and tentatively touching one of the lashes across her body. After a few moments some of her pain was replaced with a feeling of cool relief.
She didn't have enough of the soup water to completely heal herself, but knew it was for the best for it would have been too noticeable. Even now she was nervous about someone noticing her injuries have magically disappeared overnight. They already didn't give her a drop of water, she couldn't let them take away her food as well.
And not even five minutes after she finished her very small and quick healing session, her regular guard came back. She still didn't know his name, but she wasn't going to be the one to introduce herself, if he didn't want to tell her his name it was fine by her.
He offered her small smile which she did not return. He picked up the dishes and was heading out, but when he got to her door he turned around and asked something that took her by surprise "You're that girl aren't you? Are you okay?"
Katara bristled slightly "What girl?" she asked confused.
"Almost everyone's been talking about you. About this new prisoner in the palace. The Avatar's exotic waterbender. Fire Lord Ozai had ordered her publically whipped for withholding information in hopes of her revealing the whereabouts of the Avatar. She refused even after receiving many lashes and during the whole thing she was yelling, insulting the noble court and Prince, and refusing to cooperate. Showing defiance every time she could. Some people are calling her foolish to do such a thing, but some of the servants are calling her brave for standing up for herself and for not giving in." He almost looked like he was telling her a story, but then his eyes met hers and he took in all the beatings visible and his eyes soften.
"I'm sorry that happened to you." If he wasn't Fire Nation she might have thought he was almost being sincere.
"Well, I'm fine."
He nodded "Right, well I guess I'll see you later for your next meal."
She should have known everyone was talking about her, it probably wasn't everyday something like that happens. However, she was surprised she didn't hear more hateful things about her, or maybe guard was just trying to spare her feelings, she wasn't sure.
She shuddered remembering yesterday's evnts.
'I don't want to hurt you Katara' His words were ringing in her head her. What a big fat lie.
She could still remember every lash with precise details, could still hear the snickers from the audience, could still hear the sound of the whip.
No, she couldn't think of that, at least not now. So once again Katara was left to stare blankly at the wall across from her and new thought started forming. What's going to happen to her now? When are they going to torture her again? Is it going to be as bad as the first time? Or will it be worse? Why can't they just leave her alone? She needed to start thinking of an escape plan before things got too tough for her to handle.
She had just gotten up from her bed when she heard footstep heading her way. They didn't seem like they were coming from a guard, no they sounded strong, purposeful.
She tried to stand tall, positioning her back away from the bar door, crossing her arms in both to show annoyance and also because she suddenly became aware of her sparse clothing.
She tried to hide her new found fear as she counted how many steps he had left until he reached her cell.
Three…two…one "What do you want now?" She asked anger in her voice at seeing him again.
"Why else would I be here? So you can tell me where the Avatar is." He said it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, and Katara had to admit it kind of was.
"If I didn't tell you yesterday, why would I tell you today?" She asked raising an eyebrow
"I was hoping yesterday would help convince you to talk." He said his voice threating.
"Well it didn't so why don't you leave and go off to torturing your next victim?" ice in her tone.
"Trying to get rid of me so soon?" He said with mock hurt.
"I've been trying to get rid of you since the first time I met you." She said remembering when he came to her village. How his ship had no right to be in her land, how he had no right to be in her village.
"Do you want a repeat of yesterday?" He asked his voice harsh. She visibly stiffened in place and he took that as her answer. "I didn't think so. I don't want to do this, but I will arrange it if I have to-"
She couldn't take it anymore, she didn't want to listen to how he 'doesn't want to do' many things but does anyway so she spat at his face, or as much as she could with metal bars separating them, cutting him off mid-sentence.
At first he looked shocked that someone would ever do that but then his face contorted into a scowl. "You should really learn your place, before you anger someone else. Someone less…forgiving " He growled at her.
"Forgiving? You? Ha, don't make me laugh. Now let's just get to the point. Are you here to torture me again?" She asked him. If it was going to be done best to get it over with she reasoned.
"Not if you would just tell me where he is"
She glared at him "You know my answer so why do you keep asking me the same question? Why don't you just give up now Zuko? I am not going to tell you." She getting exasperated having to say the same thing over and over again.
"I do know your answer" He said it almost sadly "But you do know that there are worse things than what you went through yesterday? Some things some things so awful you can't even imagine it."
She couldn't hold his gaze, his golden eyes seem to shine even brighter in this light. She tried not to shudder as she remembers Hama's stories of when she was captured and remembering some of her own incidents while traveling. "I know." Her voice was quiet.
She looked back at him and it almost seemed like his eyes were softening a bit. "Then make this easier on yourself Katara. Please, just tell me." He almost pleaded with her.
But she turned her back on him tears swelling up in her eyes "I can't" She sniffed. "But please, don't take me back there" she said turning around to meet his gaze. If she wasn't going to give him the information he wanted maybe she could appeal to his humane side. He had to have one right? Even if it is somewhere deep down inside him.
"Yesterday was horrible, I'm covered in bruises, burns, and my back is covered in still open lashes all covered in blood. Everything hurts and I can barely move. I just…please." She pleaded, her voice cracking and hoping to convince him. She hated doing this, but she knew what a few tears could gain her.
It seemed to be working since he had a horrified look that she knew meant wasn't expecting this and had no idea what to do. It almost reminded her of Sokka and the look he got when that happened.
"Ok! Ok, just stop crying." He sighed. "I'm feeling generous today so I'll give you some water just this once so you can heal yourself. I know you haven't been given any since you've arrived, Right?" He asked suspiciously.
Katara had to make sure she kept eye contact before nodding in agreement. He still had a bit of doubt in his eyes but he nodded anyways. "I'll be back shortly. Don't try anything stupid." He warned her and with that he left.
Katara couldn't help the smile of actually getting water. But soon her smile fell. What's the catch? There has to be one if Zuko is the one giving it to her.
Should she try to escape with when she gets it? No, it probably won't be enough and Zuko would be ready, she wouldn't get five feet. And besides, she was in no condition to fight. No, she should use the water to heal herself and regain some of her strength, until then she'll just have to wait and think of a plan.
It almost felt like hours Zuko left but in reality it was just a few minutes. She was beginning to think he had lied to her and was about to scream out of frustration that she actually believed him when suddenly she heard footsteps again.
"I was beginning to think you wouldn't show." She told him being honest.
"Crossed my mind, but what kind of Prince would I be leaving a damsel in distress?" He said with a slight smirk which caused her to glare at him at being reminded of her situation.
"Some prince you are." She muttered under her breath as he unlocked her cell and stepped in, closing the door behind him and blocking it with his body.
"Here, and remember what I said earlier. If you try anything I'll fry you." His warning, however, did little to scare her.
"Yeah, yeah, no tricks." She said rolling her eyes. He gave her a cup and she sighed in disappointment. She knew she wouldn't get a lot, but hopefully it be enough to get rid of most of her physical pain.
She bent most of the water onto her hand making it glow bright blue. She reached behind her to start the healing process and made sure to brace herself for first contact. She had no intention of screaming out in pain in front on him.
But healing herself proved to be more difficult than any other time. Since most of her lashes were located on her back she had to reach around which limited some of the movement in her arms, but after a moment or two she found a way to make it work.
Once her first round of water was gone, she sighed with relief. She could have used more water since there was still whip marks on her back, but now most of them were closed and weren't so painful that it hurt while sitting. Katara thinks she might even be able to lie down with little discomfort.
With the rest of the water she plans to heal the burns on her body. After she used up all of her water, she felt so much better, she felt more alive at being to move around without wincing every moment.
She had almost forgotten Zuko was there watching her. She thought she saw curiosity flash in his eyes but it was gone the moment she saw it.
She cleared her throat "Thank you Zuko." She stated simply.
"Don't get used to it though." She nodded, knowing that was true but couldn't help the small smile creeping onto her face. Maybe it was her new found energy but she truly was grateful and hoped she be able to convince him again.
Then he left without another word, empty cup in hand.
Prison is so noisy, she thinks. All around her prisoners curse, moan, mutter, and some even sob. Yet she can't see any of them. The cell in front of hers is empty which she doesn't know if she considers it a good thing or bad thing. It could have provided company for the lonely girl, unless it was unwanted company, then maybe she would be better off alone.
'prisoners' she thinks, it's still kinda hard to believe she one of them.
This time hours have actually passed and it's finally night. Today was the first day she was conscience all day. Today was her official first day of prison. And it was quite boring. After Zuko left she didn't have any other human contact, if Zuko is even considered human, until her regular guard came to give her dinner and even that was pretty quick.
Even though there are no windows, it's becoming easier to tell the difference between daytime and night. It is considerately much darker with fewer torches lit and it is also a little quieter.
Katara didn't know what time she fell asleep, but she did know that she fell asleep thinking of a certain prince.
Once again he kept thinking of the waterbender with blue eyes. He knew he was becoming soft. All that time with his uncle had changed him. 'Today did not go as planned' he groaned.
He should have never given her water, it shows he's weak. But he didn't know what else to do once she started crying. He was never that good around girls especially if they start doing something like crying. It always makes him feel awkward.
But was done is done; now he just needs to make sure it doesn't become a habit. He would never admit this to anyone but he found it fascinating how she can heal herself, so different from his own element. And he can still remember how her blue eyes shone brightly against the glowing water.
Zuko stopped himself right there, she is nothing but a prisoner that knows where the Avatar is. She will tell him…eventually. And with that he banished the blue eyed girl from his thoughts as best as he could. He needed a good night sleep, he had a long day tomorrow.