ARC ONE: MIND
The Fourth Chapter
Confidence
"Come with me."
I gaze at the hand clasped around my wrist, then back at Zuko.
This is bad. Very bad.
If I don't, he will surely figure out…
"Where?" I laugh quietly. Nervously.
"Just come with me."
I find myself being dragged along extensive hallways, full of people who already seem to be feeling the effects of the spiked punch.
Well, at least Boomerang can get to work on his part, I think humorlessly.
Zuko drags me into an empty room and he shuts the door, locking it. Cursing under my breath, I quickly assess it for escape routes (One window. Three feet to the left of me).
Zuko approaches quickly, striding across the room. I inhale sharply as he wraps one arm around my shoulders (shitshitshit) –
And something cool presses against my neck.
"If it isn't the Cat," he sneers, "sneaking into my own home."
"Zuko," I greet him, struggling not to stare at the knife that is inching towards my windpipe. One clean swipe and there'd be one less member of "the Squad" (no one said Boomerang had to be good with names).
"What are you doing here?" he snarls, pressing his weapon just slightly into my skin.
My hands grope at my pockets and I feel the cold handle of my jackknife. I know what I have to do. Protect my side, no matter what.
Zuko doesn't see the weapon. "Ickle Katara wanted to play Princess?" he taunts. Slam.
There is a brief moment afterwards when Zuko stares at me. I stare back. Both of us unbelieving. Then he crumples forward, falling as I yank the knife out of his gut. Gingerly, Ii wipe the bloodstained blade on his shirt, casting him a glance of pure dislike before climbing out the window.
You will never call me Katara.