Disclaimer: Avatar the Last Airbender copyright Dante Dimartino, Brian Konietzko and Nickelodeon Studios.


The door swung open with solemn finality, forcing Katara to confront the flaw in her plan. Weakened by poisonous fumes, she was already finding it difficult to stand. There was no way she could carry the miners and most of them couldn't walk on their own, including Zuko.

If she stayed they would all die; if she left she might find help and rescue a few, but most would still perish. And she would have to leave Zuko behind.

Knowing that she really had no other choice did nothing to lessen the guilt as she stepped into the darkness alone.


Author's Note: Sorry for the sporadic updates. Currently on vacation with limited computer access. Updates will return to normal next week.