A/N: (re-write 6/30/07)

Book One – The Journey Begins

Chapter Two – The Open Window

Aang and Sokka slowly trudged up the large hill that the rather big, earth kingdom guard was taking them to. It was an enormous structure, and it looked as if a king lived there. The three walked through the large doors only to see the large palace made from the finest golds and silvers; decorated in such a precise way. They quickly turned a corner just a little bit a ways from where they entered from; the three then wandered down a long hall. At the end of the hall was a door; not in the finest shape. It was wooden, yet it looked pretty sturdy. And the pretty paint on the walls seemed to fade as they neared the lonely door.

"You two will be staying there for the time being," the guard pointed to the door as then continued, "King Kabira wants a word with you in a few hours. He has to tend to some important business first." The guard then quickly turned on his heel and walked away.

Aang and Sokka apprehensively and gently stepped into the little room, curious for what was in store for them now. It actually wasn't half-bad; two beds, a table with some food, and a big window. Sokka smiled an eager smile and slowly wandered over to the food on the table.

"Hello gorgeous…" He mumbled as he quickly took a seat and began to eat.

Aang rolled his eyes and sat down on one of the beds near the large window. He heaved a soft sigh and stared out of it, thinking what a fool he was to actually let those guards keep Katara locked up like this. Sokka, meanwhile, shoved his face full of food, talking to himself occasionally.

"Aang, Eat!" Sokka said, his mouth full of food, making his words hard to understand. He mumbled a few things before he glanced at Aang a few times.

When Aang didn't respond, Sokka swallowed and said, "You pick the food up, shove it in your mouth, chew, and swallow, duh." He grabbed a piece of fruit and took a huge bite from it. Aang instantly felt the anger in his heart skyrocket; he quickly stood.

"How can you eat at a time like this when we both know where Katara is? She's in that little hut with no food or water or a nice place to sleep!" Aang yelled in Sokka's face; his hands now clenched into fists.

"Cool it, airhead. I know my sister more than you do. She'll be fine. Besides… what was that little kiss for earlier?" Sokka said as he swallowed. He then eyed the young monk with a small smile.

Aang instantly blushed and let his eyes quickly dart around the room. He gently rubbed the back of his head in a nervous manner before he quickly sat back down on his bed. Sokka stared at him, he being somewhat happy that Aang was the one who liked Katara. There really wasn't a better person for her.

"You really like her, don't you," Sokka smiled as he stared at Aang. The airbender sighed and looked out the window. He then gently nibbled his lip.

" Yeah…I guess so," he admitted; feeling his face get hot at the very thought of her pretty face. The two were in a thick silence; until it was loudly shattered.

"Man, you should've seen how red your face got," Sokka chuckled loudly as he beamed at Aang.

"Oh yeah?" Aang started, feeling defensive as well as embarrassed, "Well it's not like you've never been kissed, remember Suki?" Aang yelled as he stood up again, his anger boiling again. Sokka immediately stopped laughing.

"Hey, don't bring Suki into th- hey, how did you know?" Sokka shouted. Aang smiled and crossed his arms.

"It was pretty obvious," he said as he sat back down on his bed, his fury subsiding. Sokka muttered something and sat on the other bed. He plopped down to go to sleep after having his fill on the delicious food set out for the two boys.

"Wake me up when that weird king wants to talk to us or… whatever," Sokka said as he waved his hand in the air, an act of dismissing what had just been conversed between the two. Aang frowned and looked down at his pillow.

"All right," he sighed and laid his head down. He couldn't fall asleep, however, because his mind was plagued with thoughts about Katara all alone in the shack.

Emotions ran high in his heart. He liked Katara more than just a friend, and he desperately wanted to be the one who saved her from this horrible fate. He sighed and turned over, trying to forget his troubled thoughts. Before he knew it, a couple hours had gone by, and a knock sounded on the door. Aang stood and walked over to answer it as Sokka mumbled something and rolled over. Aang opened the door, revealing the guard they had followed earlier. Aang sighed and looked at him in a displeased manner. The guard glowered and pushed the door open further, walking into their room without permission. In this action, the guard managed to push Aang backwards, but, being good with reflexes, Aang quickly regained his footing. The man just stood there staring at Sokka. He pointed his finger at him and frowned.

"Get him up," he snapped, motioning for Aang to Sokka; who snoozed the evening away.

Aang slowly walked over to Sokka and nudged him. He snorted, mumbling something about meat. Aang rolled his eyes and chuckled softly.

"Sokka, get up. We have to go," Aang said gently.

Sokka sat up and rubbed his eyes. The guard stepped out of the room and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Hurry it up," he said again, his voice filled with bitterness.

Sokka groggily stood and followed Aang out of the room. They walked through the lobby and into a whole different wing of the building, on the opposite side of where they had previously been. The three came to a stop at a set of enormous double doors. The guard opened the door and walked in, not bothering to hold the door for Aang or Sokka. The two boys hesitantly ventured in, seeing a man standing at the other end of the room. He was dressed in fancy clothes and he had a large golden staff. They assumed that this man had to be the king and he motioned for Aang and Sokka to step forward. The guard quietly left the room, closing the doors behind him

"Why did you bring that filthy girl here? She's not welcome in this kingdom," the king said rudely. He marveled at his large staff before him before cocking his head slightly.

Aang's fists tightened. "She's not filthy, why did you put her in that little hut for no reason?" Aang yelled, his temper rapidly rising No one put his love in danger.

"Cool it, lover boy." Sokka said, calming the young airbender slightly. He then turned to the king, "We were just coming to stock up on supplies for our trip. We meant no harm. Why did you have to lock Katara up? What's the problem with girls?"

The king stared at him for a moment before responding, "Females aren't welcome here. As a result, this filthy little girl will become your slave. She will begin working for you in the morning." He said rudely before he began muttering to himself, "Women are only here to reproduce…and work for us men,"

Aang glared, knowing all too well it wasn't true; and he wouldn't let them treat Katara this way but just as he was about to say something, but the king interrupted him. "That is all. You can leave now, " he barked rudely.

Two guards, the same ones as before, came into the room and grabbed Aang and Sokka by their arms. The roughly dragged the boys back to their room. Once Sokka and Aang were inside the room, one of the guards closed and locked the door with a click. The guards' footsteps could be heard walking away from the room. Aang gasped and pried at the door, but it wouldn't budge. Sokka plopped down on his bed and tried to return to his slumber. Aang pulled at the door until his hands throbbed. He sighed and turned around before immediately noticing the large and conveniently open window. Aang smiled and strode over to it.

"Sokka, we've gotta go save Katara! I don't want her to become my slave,' Aang frantically said as he looked out the window, a frown covering his face; " She…she means too much to me, it's just wrong!" Sokka chuckled into his pillow.

"It actually would be nice," Sokka said, muffled.

Aang got mad and immediately airbended him up into the air.

"What?" Aang yelled; anger written all over his face.

Sokka squealed and squirmed in the air. "Okay okay! I was kidding, just put me down!" Sokka screamed.

Aang laughed and dropped him; he hit his bed with a thud. Sokka moaned and rubbed his shoulder.

"Ow," he said loudly.

"Are you with me?" Aang asked softly, feeling very protective of Katara; he didn't want to see her become a slave, he wouldn't allow it.

Sokka nodded, still massaging his shoulder.

"I'm in, let's go."

It was nearing nightfall when Aang and Sokka quietly slipped out the large window. They both crept around the building, hoping not to run into any guards or townspeople. Aang looked around and noticed the hut where Katara was being held.

He smiled and pointed. "There," he whispered.

They both tip toed to the hut. Aang smiled as he approached and gently peeked into it.

"Katara?" he whispered softly.

Katara gasped softly and sat up. She then crawled to the little window and noticed Aang's sweet face. She smiled, happy to see the sweet airbender she knew and loved; she knew he'd pull through.

"We're here to get you out."

A/N: R&R please! No flames

-Katara-

Mohalo ;)