Chapter 23: Song of the South

(Crystal POV)

The hustle and bustle of the Earth Kingdom village we arrived only an hour earlier at was deafening to my ears. When we emerged from the forest, crossed the bridge, and entered the busy city of travelers and traders we found ourselves quickly discussing how to get food. We hadn't had a full meal since dinner the night before.

It had been a little over a week since I'd told Zuko and Iroh about my scars, and that next morning we'd continued our journey as fugitives on the run. We started to see flyers being posted near Fire Nation colonies we passed of our descriptions. There was even a drawing of Zuko as well, with special detail to his scar. He tore down each one he saw in rage.

About three days ago, I'd also asked Zuko to teach me how to swim. He was surprised by my plea, and willingly did so since he had promised. As Iroh sat to the side on the bank of a deep pond to watch us, Zuko stood shirtless in the water while I took off my outer clothes leaving on my shifts. He wasn't thrilled everything was exposed apart from my chest and the area above my knees, but he decided fussing about it would get us nowhere. He said it concerned him because I was attractive and someone passing by would notice too. I only blushed from his concern and told him I wasn't worried.

He backed up into the deeper water, and instructed me the best he could. He told me to start with floating first, and so I tried to do just that. It took many attempts, but eventually I was successful. Then he moved on to teach me how to push myself through the water with my hands and feet, how to float on my back, and how to wolf-dog paddle. Three hours of practice later, and I was able to swim a good five meters. Each time I practiced my strokes, Zuko would always be at the end of my stretch to help me get back to the shallows.

Although I still wasn't good at treading water, Zuko told me I made great progress for someone learning so late. Iroh encouraged me to keep practicing on our journey, and stated I would become an expert one day.

"Crystal," Iroh suddenly spoke from where he sat beside me, and held out a sunhat towards me made out of twigs. "Put this on dear. You'll get sunburn."

Deciding not to argue, I gratefully took the hat from him and placed it on my head. Zan was curled up behind me, and suddenly tried to take the hat from my head. I giggled and lightly shoved his head away, saying, "No Zan… I'll let you play with it later." He pressed his beak to my cheek, and then dropped his head back on the straw mat we were seated on drifting back into a nap.

Zuko let out a heavy sigh beside me, and pulled his own twig hat down lower on his face. Iroh took his own hat off his head suddenly, and held it out to a passerby. "Any change you have to spare? We're travelers just looking for a meal." I was astonished as the couple he'd extended his begging towards kindly tossed some copper coins in his hat. He bowed his head. "May the spirits bless you."

As Iroh continued to beg for money, I leaned against Zuko who was lounged back against Zan. His arms were crossed, but he felt my touch and suddenly wrapped an arm around my shoulders pulling me into his side. We stayed comfortably like that for another hour, and Iroh kept up his pitiful begging.

"Spare coins for weary travelers?"

A man threw some coins into the hat, and Iroh thanked him.

Zuko raised his head suddenly and turned his eyes towards Iroh. "This is humiliating! We're royalty. These people should be giving us whatever we want."

Rolling my eyes, I looked up at Zuko's face with disbelief. "These people don't know that though."

Iroh nodded. "Patience, Zuko. They will give - if you ask nicely." A woman suddenly walked past, dressed in fine emerald clothing. He extended his hat towards her. "Spare change for a hungry old man?"

She stopped in her step, looked at the three of us with sympathy, and then smiled reaching in the bag at her side. "Aww, here you go."

She tossed it in the hat with the others, and Iroh beamed with gratitude. "The coin is appreciated, but not as much as your smile." She giggled and continued with her business.

Zuko groaned and slapped his forehead with his palm. I smiled at the familiar gesture. Sokka would do that often when Katara used to get into trouble back at home. I lifted up the tip of his hat to get a better view of his face. He looked down at me with question.

"You and my brother might actually get along."

He was surprised and looked at me puzzled.

"You two are very similar."

He grimaced. "I doubt that."

I smiled. "One day you may find I'm right."

Footsteps suddenly approached, and a scraggly looking man with some broadswords stepped towards us. He looked at the three of us with a smirk. His eyes landed on me the longest, and I shrunk a bit against Zuko. He was a very tall and lean man, with the kind of beard and side-burns that reminded me of Zhao. He looked as shady as him too.

"How about some entertainment in exchange for..." He held up a gold piece suddenly in his hand, and Iroh perked up eager for the coin. "A gold piece."

Zuko scowled, pulling from me and crossing his arms in irritation. "We're not performers."

Iroh quickly shot his nephew down. "Not professional, anyway." He stood up and prepared to sing:

"It's a long, long way to Ba-Sing-Se,

but the girls in the city they look soo prett-ay!"

The man cut Iroh off looking displeased. "Come on! We're talking a gold piece here! Let's see some action!"

A gasp escaped me when I saw the man yank out his two broadswords. Zuko growled beside me. As Iroh started to sing again, the man hit the sharp tip of his broadsword in a rhythm towards Iroh's feet forcing the old man to dance.

"And they kiss so sweet that you've really got to meet the girls from Ba-Sing-Se!"

"More!" The sadistic man ordered. "That was too short!"

I scowled. Tearing my hat off and standing up, I snapped, "Forget it! You can't keep bullying him like this! Keep your damn gold piece!"

The man was surprised by my words, but then he looked amused. "I like your spunk beautiful. How's about you sing for me and…" he pulled two more gold pieces from his pocket. "These other babies are yours."

Crossing my arms, I went to argue but stopped. I knew we could really use the money… Zan needed some feed, and we needed food. With a heavy sigh, I dropped my arms to the side. Zuko stood and went to argue, but I placed a hand on his shoulder letting him know it was okay.

"Fine… Just keep your end of the deal." He grinned and nodded in agreement. With defeat, I sang the sea shanty my father taught me a long time ago:

"The ships sailed away on a cold cold day

Headed to a land that is very far away.

If they ever do return then a blessing that will be

Because, for years they have been afar at sea.

But where have they gone, asked the small warrior boy

And his father answered, son they have gone to find us joy.

The land which they have gone is free of war and pain

And once it is found it will be for all our gain."

When I finished, I wasn't surprised to find I'd gathered a crowd of pedestrians. Children giggled at my shanty, others applauded, and more people tossed coins into the hat on the ground. The man with the broadswords smirked and nodded in approval. He tossed the money down in front of Iroh, and said to me, "Now that was entertainment."

Zuko scowled from where he still stood beside me. "Alright… You got your show. Move on." The other pedestrians had moved along, but the man still stood. He had sheathed his broadswords and stepped towards Zuko to size him up.

"You got a problem boy?"

Zuko clenched his jaw. "Yeah. Get out of my face."

He smirked. "Tough guy, huh? Trying to be tough for your girlfriend. How's about I show her a real ma-"

"Hey! Move along! Leave these travelers alone," a familiar voice suddenly spoke. Time seemed to stop. My breathing hitched. I looked over in surprise. My eyes widened in utter amazement and also horror at the man I saw.

"Kona! Go grab me the bowl of water! Her fever's come back," Kieda ordered, tucking the covers back under my shivering body. My face pulsed in pain, and I whimpered as another chill coursed through me. The petite woman with chestnut hair and aqua eyes smiled kindly at me. "Don't worry, sweetie… Your body's just fighting off the infection still. You'll be back to yourself in no time."

"Here!" A young man's voice spoke through the tent I'd been in since I'd woken up three days ago. When he came over, I saw he had dark blue eyes like his father and brother, but the hair tint of his mother. "Do you want me to go get Areto? Or I could go find Hanna?"

She shook her head. "No. Areto's out with some of the younger warriors training, and Hanna's with her fiancé. Stay here with Crystal while I go get her grandmother."

Kona obeyed, taking the spot where his mother had been kneeling beside me. She left the tent swiftly. As she was gone, the eighteen-year-old young man, who looked like an older version of his brother Areto, dabbed at my sweat covered face with a damp cloth. He was careful not to press against any of the blistered skin for fear of causing me pain.

It had been difficult to speak since I woke from my trauma, but I managed to choke out, "Dad… Where's my dad?"

Kona was surprised when I spoke. He hadn't heard me speak for days. He smiled kindly. "He's at a council meeting. Things have been pretty hectic since the Fire Nation attacked... My father's there with him. I'm sure he'll catch us up when he gets back for dinner."

I grimaced as another sharp pain shot through my skin. "I want daddy…" Tears started to fall. "I want him…"

He sighed, brushing a strand of sweat drenched hair from my face. "Chief Hakoda will arrive soon… You need to rest though, kiddo."

"Mommy's dead," I suddenly choked out. "She's dead Kona."

He frowned, and then gently stroked my hair. "Your mother died protecting you... She wouldn't want you to be upset." He pulled his hand away. "You need to focus on your health right now. Your father and grandmother are worried about you."

I coughed suddenly, and then a harsh shiver ran through me. He placed the rag back on my face trying to soothe my aches and pains. "Katara… Sokka… Are they okay…?"

"Yeah... They're safe. Your grandmother's been keeping an eye on them. We'll let them see you tomorrow."

My eyes drooped, and I sunk back on my mat in pain and exhaustion. "Good… I'm glad they're okay…"

"Thank you, kind sir," Iroh suddenly said to the man approaching us. The broadswords man had stomped off around the corner with a scowl. "We owe you for your assistance."

My eyes looked at Kona with utter bewilderment. He didn't look much different from when I last saw him three years ago. His hair was a little longer, which he kept tied back in a low hanging ponytail. He also appeared stronger, and had some battle scars adorning his tan skin. His dark blue eyes were no different as they bore holes into my own. He knew who I was, and he was astonished to see me as well. He was wearing some earth kingdom clothing, and I assumed he was in disguise.

"My pleasure. I saw you all could use the help." He stepped towards me then. "You sang that a little slow. You still have the best voice in the whole tribe though."

I grimaced from his acknowledgement, and Zuko looked between the two of us with bewilderment. "Wait… You two know each other?"

My heart began to pound hard in my chest. Blood rushed through my ears. I'm certain word had reached the warriors by now about my treachery. Kona probably knew who these two travelers were.

"What are you doing here, Crystal?" He completely ignored Zuko's question. "How did you escape that Fire Nation Prince? Are your brother and sister here? Who are these two travelers?"

My mouth dropped. So the Northern Water Tribe hadn't spread word about my treachery?!

"Kona… Wha- is dad here?"

He shook his head. "No. I was sent on a mission through the Earth Kingdom to deliver a message to Ba Sing Se. I'm headed back to the troops now. It's a good trip from here. We should start to head there before the troops worry."

He suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me away from Zuko and Iroh. Zuko quickly stepped forward grabbing my other arm to stop him. "Hey! Let her go! Who do you think you are?!"

Kona was stunned by the sudden stranger gripping at my limb, and then scowled. "I'm Kona! Chief Hakoda's second lieutenant! I don't know who you are, but this girl is coming with me. She means too much to my family and the tribe."

Zuko grit his teeth. "I don't care. She means too much to me."

"And who are you?" Kona tried to jerk me away from him. "Why is she your concern, boy?"

I was jerked back to Zuko. "That doesn't concern you. Let her go."

"I'm delivering this girl to her father. You let her go!"

"Both of you let me go!"

The two of them released me by my shout. When I was free, I stepped away from the both of them. Crossing my arms, I said to the young man I'd known as a child, "I'm fine, Kona. I escaped the Fire Nation and I'm headed back to the South Pole. I don't need to go back to father. I need to get to Gran Gran." I wasn't being a hundred percent honest, but I didn't want to give away to Kona who my companions were.

"We'll get you back home," Kona promised. "Your father was planning on sending a fleet back anyway to check on the women and children. Areto will be more than happy to escort you."

At the name Areto, both Zuko and I grimaced. Zuko then stepped in again. "My uncle and I promised to keep her safe. We'll get her where she belongs."

"She belongs back with the Water Tribe warriors," Kona snapped. "Not with a couple of strange men."

Zuko growled. "You can't decide for her."

My heart began to pound heavily in my chest. I knew no matter what I couldn't go back to my father. Kona may not know of my treachery, but I was certain my father and the other warriors had heard by now. I'd be punished for treason as soon as I was brought to my father and his men.

"Kona… I want to travel with Lee and his uncle. They've taken care of me for the last month now."

The man who I'd known most of my life, narrowed his eyes at me. Iroh stepped forward finally, promising, "We'll take good care of her, sir. She's in very caring hands."

Kona's eyes darted between both Zuko and Iroh. His eyes landed on Zuko's scar then, and my eyes widened in horror when recognition shot across his face. He didn't try to hide that he knew Zuko's true identity. Abruptly, he jerked a knife out of his belt and pointed it at Zuko's chest. I gasped and jumped forward grabbing at his arm.

"Kona! Stop!"

People had stopped walking, and were watching the scene before them in horror and amusement.

Indifferent, Zuko ignored his threat and reached for my hand. I quickly went to take it, but Kona grabbed my arm and forced me behind him. I gasped at the powerful pull. "I don't know what's going on between all of you, but it ends now." His voice was low and venomous. "I know who you are, Fire Nation swine. Your scar just told me… you no longer have a hold on her. I'm going to make sure you don't ever see her again."

"You can't make that decision for her," Zuko spat. His fists tightened as he resisted the urge to burn Kona. "She should have the right to choose."

Kona's grip on my arm tightened. "She wouldn't choose a filthy firebender like yourself. And as her future brother-in-law, I can decide for her."

Silence filled the air for a moment. My arm ached at the grip that restrained it. Zuko's fists tightened more. "What makes you think you'll be her future brother-in-law?" He stepped forward, closer to the sharp knife. "Did you ever ask her if that's what she wants?"

"She doesn't know what she wants! Her father knows what's best for her. The whole tribe agrees with the match."

My eyes widened. What? The whole tribe agreed?

"Yeah… Well I don't," Zuko hissed. "No one should force her to marry someone she doesn't love."

My heart fluttered by Zuko's defense. I smiled at the sincerity in his words.

"The Chief of the tribe has spoken. Crystal respects her father and will do as he desires. I know her better than you do! She's always been obedient to her father!"

This time I was irritated. "Hey! I'm not some submissive toy, Kona! I already told father I will decide for myself!"

Kona darted his eyes back to me, appalled by my sudden refusal. "What's gotten into you?! There's nothing to decide. Areto and you are made for each other."

"You're wrong. I don't see him as anything more than a brother! I love someone else!"

A long pause fell over the air. Then realization came to the knife bearing man. His mouth dropped as he understood. "No… You can't mean… You love this…" His face twisted into sudden fury. His eyes shot towards Zuko. "I will not allow such a treacherous act!" He went to lunge his knife at Zuko. Panic rushed through me.

"Kona! NO!" Reaching forward, I grabbed right at the knife. My hand tightened around the sharp bone and a piercing burn shot through my skin.

Zuko's eyes widened in terror. Iroh shouted my name. Blood began to stain the sharpened bone knife as I held on tight to it. Zuko had stepped back to avoid the lunge, and Iroh had grabbed Kona's wrist to stop him.

"Crystal! What are you doing?!" Kona released the knife when he saw what I'd done, which I immediately dropped to the dirt. The slice in my hand was deep and blood spilled out of me onto my skin. My heart pounded in my ears, and everything seemed to turn into a blur. There were shouts in the background, but I saw my vision become distorted. The hot searing pain was blinding.

My body was suddenly lifted from the earth and I was placed down on something soft. My focus returned, and I saw Zuko was kneeling in front of me anxiously pressing something to my wound. My back was against Zan and blood was staining the mat under my hand.

Kona stood behind Zuko and looked both bewildered and outraged. "Why would you do that? Are you crazy?!"

My head rushed, but I managed to gather myself. With disbelief and frustration, I snapped, "Me crazy? You're crazy! You can't just go around stabbing at people!" Zuko pressed down too hard, and I gasped trying to jerk from him. He held my wrist firm so I wouldn't escape.

"You should've let me! I know who he is! Why would you defend him? He's your captor!"

Iroh spoke up, stepping between Kona and us. "Please quiet down sir. We have an audience."

He scowled. "You think I care! You're lucky I haven't turned you over to the authorities."

I grit my teeth. He had just threatened Iroh and this really irked me. Zuko left the cloth over my wound and stood to intimidate Kona. "Leave us alone," he ordered. "She doesn't want to go with you."

"She doesn't have a choice!"

Tears burned in my eyes, and slid down my cheeks. "Kona! Leave me alone!"

His eyes widened at my sudden order. "What's gotten into you, Crystal?! You're smarter than this! What would Areto and your father say?!"

My head was heavy from the loss of blood and pain, but I found my balance and stood. Trying to shove away the guilt, I stepped over to Zuko. The cloth in my hand was soaked, but I held firm to it as I prepared to do the craziest thing in the world.

"I'm tired of being told what to do… I'm tired of having my future planned out for me. I don't love Areto. I don't care what father wants for me! I'm not some Chief's daughter that can be sold to the highest bidder! I'm not a little girl anymore!"

"This is treachery! What would your family think?! You're dishonoring your father by doing this!"

I stood strong. "I don't care. You can tell father about my betrayal all you want… I'm not going anywhere. They need me."

Kona scowled. He bent down and picked up the knife from the ground. Stepping back, he sheathed it but held firm to the handle. "Your father will hear about this… He will be very disappointed in you."

My voice fell softer. Pain shot through my heart. With a heavy spirit, I admitted, "He was disappointed in me six years ago… This will make no difference."

Kona let out a huff. His eyes shot to Zuko with rage. "This isn't over you Fire Nation pest. The tribe will have her back! I don't know what mind trick you're playing on her, but it will end soon!" Twisting on his heel, he stomped way from us all. As he headed through the town, past onlookers who were watching the scene with confusion and curiosity, I watched him go with shock. Had I really just done that? Had I just admitted I was a traitor?

"We need to pack up and leave," Iroh said behind me. "There's not telling if that man will turn us in or not." As Iroh began to pack up our belongings, I continued to stare at the spot where Kona had faded into the crowd.

"Your father will hear about this… He will be very disappointed in you."

"He was disappointed in me six years ago… This will make no difference."

A hand suddenly rested on my shoulder. The warmth was reassuring. "Crystal… Come on. We should go." Zuko turned me so I was no longer gazing at the spot Kona had disappeared. My eyes met his. He looked concerned, probably because I was still bleeding. "We'll get you to some water so you can heal."

A few minutes later we were on Zan and headed away from the Earth Kingdom town. Iroh had bought some supplies with the money we gathered, and even bought some bandages to mend my hand more efficiently. As we headed away from the possibility of being captured by Earth Kingdom soldiers, I felt my body sink into exhaustion. The heat, lack of food and water, confrontation with Kona, and bleeding constantly was beginning to strain what little strength I had left. My eyes drooped and I had trouble staying awake. I was currently holding onto Zuko's waist as the three of us traveled, and Iroh sat behind me humming a soft tune. His tune was the last strain of my strength.

My eyes shut and the next thing I knew my body leaned forward slumping into something warm. Then unconsciousness took me away.

When I came to consciousness sometime later, I found I was no longer on Zan but laying on a soft blanket. Looking around, I noticed I was outside and the sky was dark. A figure slept a few feet from me, and I made out it was Iroh. Zan slept by the dying fire. Zuko was nowhere to be seen. Sitting up, I grimaced as my hand pulsed from the cut I'd received from my rash action. Grabbing the knife may not have been the wisest choice, but at least it got the man's attention...

Leaving my mat, I slowly made my way over to a pouch of water by the fire. As I did, I took off my bandage and gasped as the movement sent sharp pains across my skin. My limbs shook from exhaustion, and my stomach growled from hunger. When I reached the pouch, I grabbed it and used my teeth to pull the cap off. Taking a few gulps down to quench my thirst, I then placed the pouch back down and pulled some water out of it. With my good hand, I let the water rest on my injured palm. The liquid soaked into my skin, causing a stabbing pain at first but then easing the pulse. As the water glowed blue, I felt the molecules settle on my injury and begin to repair the damaged skin. The pain slowly eased through the healing.

"You should be asleep," a voice suddenly spoke behind me.

I dropped the water in surprise, and turned to Zuko with a pounding heart. "Don't sneak up on me like that… You scared me…" My voice faded as I took in Zuko's appearance. He wore all black, and in his hand was a cloth sack that looked filled to the brim. On his back, tied by some rope to his body, I saw some dual broadswords. They were most likely the possession of the man from earlier.

"You hungry? I went back to town and got a few things." He stepped over and dropped the bag. Then he sat down and opened it rummaging through.

I knew the truth behind those words. Zuko had stolen every single thing in that bag. I didn't comment, and instead sat down across from him. He pulled out some fruit and passed a few over to me. I took one up with my good hand, and immediately bit down to fill my hunger. The two of us ate in silence, and I could sense Zuko's gaze on me. My eyes stayed planted to the fruit in my hand.

"How are you feeling?" Zuko's question came after a few minutes of silence. "You passed out pretty hard… Uncle said it was from exhaustion and blood loss…"

Letting out a deep breath, I answered, "Better… It was a long day. I guess I was worn out from it all."

A brief pause fell over us as Zuko searched for his next words. A few minutes later, Zuko spoke again. "I didn't get to ask you… Everything back in town happened so fast… That guy said something about being your future brother-in-law?"

Cringing, I placed my half eaten fruit down. "His name's Kona… He's Areto's older brother and has always supported our union... When I was injured after the Fire Nation attacked us, Kona would sit with me when no one else could to give me company. He's a good man… War's just turned many people hard… I'm sorry he tried to hurt you."

Zuko grimaced. "I think he did more damage to you." Zuko held his hand out towards me, and I willingly placed my scarred hand in his palm. "I see you healed the majority of it though."

"It will leave a scar," I stated. "But I guess I can come up with a cool story for it now."

He shot me an inquiring glance. "What would that be?"

I smiled. "I could say I wrestled with a Goose Grizzly."

He released my hand with a small laugh. "Yeah… Because you'd walk away from that with just a scratch. Great story."

"Sokka and Katara are pretty gullible. I could get them to believe me."

"You've never seen a Goose Grizzly," Zuko said, picking up a piece of Black Cherry from his pile. "What happens if they ask for a description?"

A playful smirk came on my face. "What do you think I read in those books Iroh loaned me?"

Zuko and I chatted softly for a few more hours, both of us not wanting to wake Iroh. Eventually, Zuko decided to crawl on his mat and get some shut-eye. As he and Iroh slept through the night, I decided I wasn't tired and went to go find more firewood for the morning. I didn't stray far from camp, knowing I was unfamiliar with these parts of the woods. As I found some nice dry pieces of wood to feed the morning fire, I suddenly felt my spine tingle with angst. It felt like someone was watching me...

A twig snapped behind me, and I gasped turning in shock. The dark silhouette of a man stood before me, and the only thing I could make out was his outfit covered everything but his eyes. He said nothing as he reached for me. In a panic, I dropped my pieces of wood causing them to clatter on the ground between us. Turning sharply, I went to run but only smashed into another man. This one placed a hand over my mouth quickly and turned me so my back was against his chest. I screamed through his hand, but it was muffled.

"Sorry Crys… But I'm not going to your father without you," Kona whispered in my ear. "He'd skin me if he found out I left you with the enemy. We're going to talk some sense into you."

While he covered my mouth, I sensed the water that sat in a creek nearby. As his buddy stepped forward with some rope I could see from the light of the moon, I knew I had to be quick. Jerking my hand up, I brought the water from the stream towards me. The water flew past the side of my head and hit Kona in the face.

He cried out as the cold liquid went into his eyes. His hand released my mouth, and his other lost its grip on my body. I let out a scream as soon as I was free. The other man ran forward though and shoved his hand on my mouth too. He grabbed the necklace around my neck as I struggled to escape him. The metal of the chain dug into my skin, but I ignored the pain. Trying to jerk away from him, the chain broke and my eyes widened as Zuko's gift was left dangling in the stranger's hold.

My blood boiled. Taking up some more water, I went to crash it at the man but was stopped mid-attack. My wrists were restrained and jerked behind me by Kona. His pal still had a hand over my mouth. I tried to kick back at Kona, but he dodged easily.

"Hand me the rope, Jaka."

Kona's words made my eyes fly open. Jaka?! My cousin Jaka?! He was twelve years older than Sokka and I, but before the warriors left for battle he'd helped my parents out in keeping an eye on my sister, brother, and myself. He was the son of my mother's older sister, a woman named Kina who hadn't spoken to me since my mother's death.

As Jaka handed over the rope, Kona let go of one of my hands to take it. As he did so, I used my free hand to punch forward at my cousin. He easily kept one hand on my mouth, dropped my necklace, and grabbed my hand with a tight grip.

Somehow the two of them managed to tie my hands back. When I was restrained, Kona took a scratchy piece of rag and shoved it into my mouth to keep me from screaming. I struggled and kicked back at him but to no avail. He managed to keep the rag in my mouth by tying a strip of cloth from my mouth behind my head. My body was sore from the confrontation, but I tried not to give up. I knew Zuko and Iroh were sleeping, and I had to alert them somehow.

"Kona," my cousin's familiar voice spoke. "We have to go. The others should be headed to the meeting spot by now."

My eyes widened. The others! How many other warriors did Kona have with him? I thought he was traveling to Ba Sing Se alone in disguise?

Screaming as much as I could through my gag, I kicked harder than I ever had before. "Man… You were right… She's completely lost her senses," Jaka muttered. "What did those beasts do to her?"

"We'll figure that out later." Kona said, grunting at the end when I kicked him in the shin. "Let's go before they wake up and realize she's missing."

"We should just kill them," Jaka suddenly suggested. "They are the enemy." My eyes widened in terror.

Kona answered, "No. We can't kill two men disguised as innocent travelers. If word got out the Water Tribe killed them we'd be in a lot of trouble. Chief Hakoda would have our necks if we killed in such a brutal way."

Jaka scowled. "Fine… It's not like they're much of a threat out in the woods on their own anyway. Let's g-"

I took a kick at Jaka and hit him hard in the stomach. He gasped, tripped over my dropped pile of twigs, and fell back on the ground in shock. Kona let out a heavy sigh from behind me, and the next thing I knew I was tripped up and shoved on the ground. Kona knelt beside me, his hand pressing down on my back as my face lay flat against the dirt.

"Hand me the rest of your rope," Kona ordered. "I guess we'll have to carry her."

My feet were suddenly restrained and rope was tied around my ankles. I screamed as loud as I could through the gag, but to no avail. As Kona lifted me from the dirt and managed to maneuver my bound body over his shoulder, I looked back towards the direction of the campsite with agony. My eyes then scanned the dirt which was lit by the moonlit sky. My crystal necklace sat in the dirt, the chain most likely broke around it.

"Don't worry, Crys," Jaka said softly. "We'll get you home. Your free from these Fire Nation monsters."

A tear fell as I struggled on Kona's shoulder. Another muffled scream came from me.

I didn't want to go home… I didn't want to be torn from my companions… I didn't want to leave Zuko...

Kona started walking through the woods, away from Iroh and the young man I loved. A sob escaped me as I dropped my head in agony.

I didn't want to go home… I didn't want to see the disappointment on my father or my Gran Gran's face… I didn't want to go back to living on a lonely piece of ice, having my life planned out for me, and being seen as the weak girl who couldn't save her mother. I wanted to choose my own path and be free!

A sudden feeling built inside me. My body heated up as anger flowed through my blood. My eyes narrowed as I stared at Jaka who was following behind us. I was tired of being told what to do by the men of my tribe. As soon as I got the chance, I'd show these two guys just how strong and determined I was to choose for myself.