ARC THREE: SOUL

The Eleventh Chapter

Hope

A/n: Because of the reader's need to see all sides of the story, this chapter will vary in point-of-view.

"Okay," I say shakily. Inside, I'm shouting, No! Are you crazy! I…I love her! But what is there for me to do? Azula will end my life and hers…

Azula nods, still grinning. "I know you care for her, brother – so take your time." She exits as swiftly as she entered, and I'm left alone to do that I know I have to do.

Grabbing a backpack, I shove a few belongings – including a certain forgotten pistol – in. Slinging it over my left shoulder, I crawl over my window sill.

The alley is empty tonight. Jet has been arrested for stealing a knife from a hunting store. He's probably down in the police station right now, worming his way out of juvie. Flighty and T. are who-knows-where doing who-knows-what.

Because of this, I am finally alone.

I rummage through my bag. Is it still here? When I spot the little orange capsule, I sigh in relief. Good. He hadn't found it. Quickly twisting the cap off, I pop one of the pale pills into my mouth. I swallow dryly…and, unfortunately for me, don't hear my brother walking up being me until it's too late.

"What are you taking, Kat?" We're alone, and I can practically hear that affectionate capital K being spoken. Embarrassed, but seeing no way of escape, I turn and give him the capsule, hoping he won't read the label.

But his eyes fall on the little slip of paper and that curious, amused look instantly smolders.

"Birth control, Kat?" He murmurs, gripping the orange bottle like a safety bar.

I flush and open my mouth to explain, but my brother cuts me off.

"I thought you were better than that."

"I am, I just…"

"Who was it, Kat?" I'm caught off guard by this question. How can I tell Boomerang the truth? That his little sister has been sleeping with the enemy? Loving the enemy?

I turn my eyes to the ground. "I can't tell you. You'd kill him." And you'd hate me.

Boomerang's eyes narrow. "I think I already know. Ever since that gag we pulled at the Agni's party, you've been skipping out on a lot of things. You come back smelling like some expensive cologne."

"I –" I falter. How can I counter that?

"You're right, Kat, I am going to kill him." He turns and starts walking briskly away.

I gasp. "No! Boomerang!"

"Stay, there, Kat!" He yells, beginning to run down the sidewalk.

"Sokka!" I scream, the name wrenched from my throat.

She sits in front of me at the rickety fold-out table, which is placed in the center of the tiny kitchen. The room is a mess, yet painfully bare of any trinket, or odds and ends.

"Zuko, you shouldn't have done that," she reprimands, handing me a cup of tea. "Azula is dangerous – though it must seem horrible for me to say –"

"No," I interrupt quietly. I wrap my hands around the warm mug. "Thanks for the tea, Mom."