Okay, so onward with the story, eh? Sorry I haven't updated in a while. Bit of a brain freeze... Anybody seen the movie HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE? It's great. Totally recommend it.
Anyway...
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Sinu's eyes fluttered open. It was dark outside. Appa was soaring silently across the sky. Aang was asleep, his hands still grasped around the reins. Katara was huddled up in her sleeping bag in the corner. Sinu lifted her head up. She was next to Sokka who was sleeping like a rock. He hadn't really moved from his position earlier that day. Sinu had one hand thrown across his chest. Quietly, not wanting to wake anyone, she sat up and stared across the sky. The stars shown brightly, lighting the way for them. She was absolutely positive that Appa enjoyed this. The silence...the peace... Who could not enjoy it? With tenderness in her eyes, Sinu glanced down at Sokka. She had never really felt this way before. The actual feeling of wanting a man to protect her. To keep her safe... To wrap his arms around her and tell her it would be alright. Sokka could do that...she liked him. She liked him a lot.
She sighed softly. She couldn't like him. It was completely forbidden. She was a Fire Nation princess. Sure, they didn't know that... They thought she was just a runaway fire bender. Not royalty... Not being hunted down by the Prince of all Fire... She reached out a hand and stroked it across the side of Sokka's face. She was lying to him...she didn't want to, but she didn't really have a choice. It felt so good to be free. So good to finally walk on the ground and not have to worry about people bowing at her or saying things that weren't true. Was it wrong for wanting that?
But most importantly...would he still like her if he knew the truth? Would he feel the same way? Sinu bent down slowly, and placed a kiss on his lips. He let out a mumble and turned his head to the side.
"Kaori..." he muttered incoherently.
Sinu stared at him with shock and suprise. Yes...that was her name now... That was who he thought she was... But that wasn't who she was... She was Sinu, Princess of the Fire. She wasn't Kaori...no matter how much she wanted to be.
As much as she knew she shouldn't, Sinu put herself back in the position she was in before she had woken up. She draped one arm across his chest and leaned her head on his shoulder. It felt good...she wanted to stay like this forever...
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"Up and at 'em" Aang called. Katara let out an annoyed groan and sat up in the sleeping bag, putting her hair back into it's usual braid. Sinu opened her eyes, exasperated with the need for sleep. Sokka let out a groan and sat up, his hand instantly going to his head.
"Ow! I feel like I got hit with a rock," he exclaimed.
"Actually.." Sinu said, sitting up herself. "...it was a fist."
"Ooh, when I get my hands on that Zuko-"
"We know. You'll beat him to a pulp. That's yet to be seen though," Katara laughed.
"Hey! He caught me off guard. Next time, I'll be ready!"
They laughed for a moment, except Sokka who pouted with annoyance. "Alright everybody, we have to land now. Appa's been flying all night and he's tired. He needs a rest," Aang said, looking back at them all.
"Aang, we're close to a Fire Nation city...are you sure that's safe?" Katara asked, concern on her face.
"Yeah, we'll just hide in the trees."
"But what if someone sees us?"
"Katara, don't worry so much. Appa needs a break. He can't fly forever."
"Fine...but don't say I didn't warn you."
Aang nodded and manuvered Appa to the ground below. The city was not to far off. Sinu looked at it with worry. The city was to close for comfort. There was no doubt that the Prince of the Fire Nation would be there. Hopefully, he wouldn't know where to look for them. Appa landed on the ground with an oomph and they all scrambeled out, checking out the surroundings and making sure no one was out wandering. The worse thing possible would be to be spotted. Sinu leaned against a tree, listening to Aang and Katara chatter about what they would do when they reached the Northern Water Tribe. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back agaisnst the trunk. There was a hand on her shoulder that brought her back to reality.
"Hey...you okay?" said the voice.
Sinu glanced to her side and saw Sokka standing there, his eyes full of assurance. She nodded and gave him a smile to ease his worry. "I'm fine. Just tired."
Sokka nodded, knowing obviously how this felt. Sinu glanced back over at Aang. "He's going to be great..." she muttered. "Yet he's so young... His whole life has been decided for him..."
"Yeah, but after he fulfills his destiny, he'll have a life to live. Besides, we're gonna kick the Fire Lord's butt."
"His destiny will never be over. He'll be the avatar for the rest of his life. There's no way to escape that."
"Yeah but, I don't think he really minds. Aang likes helping people. There's no way he'd give that up."
Sinu smiled and nodded in agreement. Running away from destiny... If only it was possible...
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"Sir,"
Zuko looked up from his room. The city had been most gracious as to give him and his uncle the best room and place they had. He put down his book and glared at the solider who had interupted him.
"What is it?" he snarled.
The solider made a half bow then spoke. "Some villengers are claiming that they saw a flying bison fall into the forest. I thought you should be informed."
Zuko stood up quickly, the book falling from his hands. "A bison? The avatar! He's here." he muttered to himself. He waved his arm at the solider, who bowed and left quickly. If the avatar was here...then that meant that she was here as well. Quickly, he walked out of his room and to his Uncle who was sipping a cup of tea.
"Uncle, prepare a troop. The avatar is close." He strode away to prepare his Fire Nation armor.
Uncle watched him leave then took another sip of tea. "That boy works to much..." he muttered to himself.
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THANK YOU FOR NOT RESPONDNG. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND.
-EMMA
