Chapter 22

Running Away

Katara ran out of the shop through the streets. She didn't know where she was going. She could see nothing with her eyes so blurred. She had to get to Aang. To help him escape. She wiped the tears from her eyes and ran faster through the streets. She must catch the earth train that is bended by earth benders. She ran even faster. She was running from love. Something she hated. Something she had done before. Tears swelled in her eyes but she fought them back.

She was almost there. The train would take her to the other side of the city. She would run to the apartment and the trio would be off before the prince knew anything. Katara held a sob as she thought of tricking Zuko. She cared for him so much. Must she hurt someone she loved to protect another!? She asked that question so much lately.

There it was. The station. There were so many people. Such confusion. She was running away. Running away and she knew it. She hated it. She hated it so much. Suddenly, she stopped. Just as everyone was boarding the train…

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Zuko followed close behind. She was going in the opposite direction of his apartment. He felt anger rising. Just a moment ago, she was kissing him, now she was running away…again. Zuko then felt a wave of guilt. She was trying to save those she loved, those he needed to gain the throne. He hated this situation. Hated it. He had just thought that the one he could never stop thinking about would be his. And that he would be hers. His hopes were now dashed. He knew that hers were also. He hated it. He followed still. She went to the station. Of course. She would warn the avatar. Then they would start the chase all over again. He would have to forget the kiss...

He would never forget…

She stopped. Just before the train boarded, she stopped. He approached her from behind. He was maybe five feet from her.

"Katara"

She turned around. She was not scared that he was in front of her. She stood perfectly still, her shoulders high.

"Zuko"

He looked at her. He looked into her eyes.

"You are leaving me…again."

Katara's face became soft. She answered in a whisper.

"I don't want too."

Zuko closed the gap between them.

"Then don't. Stay with me. Please."

Katara looked at him. Her face hardened and she backed away.

"Don't ask me to do that! You are asking that I betray those I love!"

"You do not love me?"

A single tear rolled down her cheek.

"Either way I lose!"

She was angry and confused. Zuko felt the same emotions. Their conversation turned into a shouting fight. No one stopped to look. They were all too busy getting on their trains.

"What do you mean either way you lose!? Are you saying that you do not care for me?"

"I care for you and my family. If you cared for me, you wouldn't ask me to choose!"

"So you accuse me of not caring for you!?"
"This is not only about us Zuko! What about Aang?! What about your father?!"

"What about him!?"
Their conversation was getting even more heated.

"Zuko, your father does not care for you! He sent you looking for something he thought you never catch! He doesn't want you back!"

Zuko now toned his voice down to a furious whisper.

"Are you saying that I am incapable?"

Katara also toned her voice to a whisper.

"No."

Zuko's eyes lowered.

"I know my father does not care for me. I thank you for reminding me so vividly."

His words were dripping in anger. This time, Katara closed the gap between them. She lifted his chin with her hand, forcing him gently to look into her eyes. She saw hurt and pain.

"He was a fool not to love you, Zuko. He still is."

He took a deep breath.

"Even if I were to catch the avatar, everything wouldn't be the same. And, no, I don't believe that he would accept me back. Uncle has told me before."

His words were filled with pain.

"Zuko, join us."

Zuko's gaze snapped up to her.

"What!?"

"Aang is going to defeat the fire lord. He is going to end the war that has hurt so many. I know you also hate this war. You could be the fire lord. And Aang needs to learn fire bending…"

Zuko held his hand up.

"Are you saying it's out of the question for you to come with me? But, that I should join you?"

"What would we gain from me joining you? You would catch the avatar, and not be accepted by your father. If you join us, we will end the suffering."

"How could you ask me to betray my country and my father and give up my honor?"

Katara shook her head.
"You know what Zuko? I'm sorry. I'm sorry I asked you too turn on those you love. I'm not going to ask you to. So, don't ask me to."

With that she turned around and boarded the train.

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Zuko felt his heart tear out as Katara turned from him and board the train. He was going to run in after her, but his stubbornness stopped him. They were both angry.

Katara sat in a seat. She held her head high. When the train left the station, she put her head in her hands and cried her heart out.

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Celebrating 80 reviews! Thanks to all reviewers.

After I finish this story, I will make a thank you chapter for every single person who reviewed! I love you all! Thank you!

Chap 23 coming up.

Who all thinks they will make up?

In fact! Why not have a vote!

Who thinks they'll make up?

Well, adios amigos! (goodbye friends) Hasta pronto! (See you soon)

--sahlili20

P.S. Who is lovin Christmas break!!!! Oh yah!!!! I am!!!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!