Chapter Seven

Azula

Khundes awoke suddenly when he was thrown against the wall. He felt himself being pulled up by his arms. "Who's doing this? You have no authority to do this to the son of Admiral Natto," Khundes said.

The candles in the room lit up. Khundes shut his eyes rightly because the sudden light.

"Where is he?" came a familiar voice.

Khundes opened his eyes to see Princess Azula standing in front of him. "Where is who? I have no idea what you are talking about Princess," Khundes said.

"Bring her in! You are one of the Avatar's friends," Azula said.

Khundes was shocked when he saw Katara thrust in front of him. She had a large cut on her face and a bruise forming on her left arm. "Katara..." Khundes looked at Azula. "What have you done?" he said, looking from Katara to Azula. "The Avatar is dead Azula. Prince Zuko killed him. Let her go. She hasn't done anything to deserve this," Khundes said.

"Don't lie to me Khundes. I know you are a traitor to the Fire Nation. Do yourself a favor and tell me where the Avatar is and I'll spare your new friend," Azula said.

"Let her go Azula. She's suffered a great loss. She hasn't done anything to you. All I was doing was trying to help her get back to the South Pole," Khundes said.

Azula studied Khundes for a moment then she grabbed Katara, made a blue flame at the tips of her first two fingers. She pointed it at Katara's throat. "Tell me where the Avatar is or I'll kill her," Azula said.

Khundes could see a burn mark forming on Katara's neck. He could see her shaking from the pain. "Azula... take me in her place. I know where the Avatar is. I'll take you to him but you have to let her go first," he said.

Azula smirked and threw Katara aside. Katara fell and smashed into a side table, shattering it. "Show me the Avatar," Azula demanded.

Khundes jerked free of the soldier's grasp and walked to Katara. "It'll be ok," he said, then turned and walked out of the room followed closely by Azula and the Fire Nation soldiers.

After they left Katara got to her feet and stumbled to the window. She watched as Khundes lead Azula to the east gate. Then it came to her. They had entered the village through the west gate. Khundes was giving them a way to escape. She ran out of the room, downstairs, and out the front door. When she got to the west gate she stopped and looked back towards the east gate. She couldn't just leave Khundes, but she had to tell Aang. Katara sighed, turned, and continued out the west gate.

When Katara got to Appa she saw Aang, Toph, and Sokka leaning up against Appa asleep. "Aang, Sokka, Toph! They took Khundes!" Katara yelled.

The three of the awoke with a start. "Whats going on?" said Aang, rubbing his eyes sleepily. Katara stood him up and shook him.

"They took Khundes!" Katara yelled.

"Slow down Katara, who took him?" Sokka asked.

Katara looked at Aang. "Princess Azula," she said.

Aang only now realized that Katara was hurt and bleeding. "What!?" he said.

"She knows Aang. She knows you are alive," Katara said, her eyes brimming with tears. She turned to Sokka and said bitterly, "Is this proof enough of trust for you Sokka?"

Sokka didn't say anything, instead he got into Appa's saddle and waited.

"Which way did they go?" Aang asked.

"East, away from us," Katara said.

"Ok. Lets go," Aang said.

Khundes was silent as he walked along the trail. He knew Aang wouldn't leave him but if he did it would be ok.

"How much further is it?" Azula asked.

"Not much. Just up here around the bend," Khundes said.

Azula smirked. "You remember what I said a year ago? Well I still say it wouldn't have worked out between us," she said.

Khundes said nothing.

"You and I are too much alike. When we both want something we have to have right then and there or else bad things can happen," Azula continued.

Khundes stopped and turned around. "I'm nothing like you. I don't crave battle and I sure as heck don't want the Avatar. The world can have him!" he said. Behind he he caught sight of Appa flying toward them.

"Enough! Where is the Avatar?" Azula demanded.

"The Avatar?" Khundes said.

"I'm here!" came Aang's voice from behind Azula.

Azula and the two soldiers turned to see Aang standing there. "So you did survive," Azula said.

"You see Azula? Even you can't kill the Avatar," Khundes said.

Aang shot a blast of air and the two soldiers flew aside, leaving Azula in the middle between Khundes and Aang.

"You don't know how stupid you are right now Khundes. If you help me take in the Avatar I won't have to tell your father what a traitor you are," Azula said.

Khundes stood there for a moment, clearly considering what she was saying. Azula walked over to him and leaned in close. "Just think, maybe you'll even win me back," she whispered in his ear.