Thank you again, MGK, for your encouraging reviews. I suggest you create an account so I can respond more personally!
Song for this chapter is Riots from Slumdog Millionaire found here - http://wwwDOTyoutubeDOTcom/watch?v=LQ65A8AKedI Enjoy!
Chapter Twenty Eight - Follow
It takes only a second. She didn't expect it, there were none of the usual signs, no crumbling or further weakening of the wall. There was only another, yet another, working at the stone and the wall suddenly gives way above her. It isn't a slight crumbling of gravel, but the utter destruction of a thick wall (finally eroded away by water) and she is almost buried by the stone. If not for Zuko immediately darting forward and pulling her behind, she would have been buried.
It's been a sunrise and a sunset since the water first arrived, Zuko knows. Apart from being punctuated by a brief rest, they've been working nonstop, undisturbed since. Before he boosts Katara up into the unknown, he quickly squeezes her hand. She squeezes back, smiles, and no words are needed.
It's only been a few seconds since the wall was broken, but as Zuko boosts Katara up into the room, it feels like an eternity. He can only pray that destruction does not await them above, although from the noise approaching the wall, it seems it might.
"Oh Agni. Oh Tui. Oh La. Oh Badgermoles. Oh spirits." Toph is uncharacteristically hiccuping the words through her dissipating tears as the truth sinks in. Her grief has become something more manageable, especially with Aang in front of her.
But they have no time.
Haru knows he has never been able to make it in time to help the Gaang. During the crucial moments, such as before Ozai's fall, he was never able to act significantly to help the people who had not only changed his life, but the world. And now, again, it seems he is too late to be of use in helping the rebel uprising. Even the 'army' of training benders of all kinds he has gathered seem to be of no use.
The front lines of the marching platoon read the message and begin to turn back.
On the way to discussing the prisoners with Bumi, Jet and Mai hear an ominous rumbling from within the recesses of the temple. They would have assumed that the earthbender had finally been captured, but it's bigger than that.
Exchanging a glance, they set off at a run, in perfect harmony for once.
Appa and Momo do not normally need words. Being in Zuko's stables for so long has allowed silence to fall upon them. Never talkative, they have forgotten their customary squeaks and grunts.
At this moment, both understand the message, and leave, despite the best attempts of the stablehands.
As the Dragon of the West, he has known both the scorn and praise of people, treatment both good and bad. Yet, in his cell, he knows his time here is over as he hears a commotion filled with the sound of breaking rocks. He prepares.
Now would be a good time for one of Katara's speeches about hope. Yet none of them have the luxury of time
MAJOR plot development this time around!
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