Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar, The Last Airbender
Why she was worried she could not explain. Again her gaze turned towards the line of trees that separate the darkness of the forest from the light in the meadow. No movement presented itself, and again she turned back to the ground, a frown still upon her beautiful face.
She heard him coming, but it didn't register, Katara's mind still on her older brother. Zuko sat silently next to her. She hadn't really talked to him that much since he joined the group, just the basics like a small question or hello. He started to speak, but stopped when he realized he didn't know what to say.
Katara smiled inwardly. At least Zuko's attempt to cheer her up was working, although he may not realize it. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice cold and dark like it always was.
"This whole thing with Sokka has me worried, is all," she answered. With a sigh she looked up at him. The normal side of his face was turned to her, and at that moment she really realized how handsome he was.
"Although your brother is stubborn, he can take care of himself," he reminded her.
She sighed again, "I know. But the last time he wandered off into the forest he came back at midnight bleeding to death."
Zuko chuckled. Katara realized it was the first time she had ever heard some form of laugh from him. She liked it. "I suppose you're right."
"So this is how you cheer people up?" She smiled while glancing towards him.
"I'm not going to lie to you Katara," She quickly realized she loved it when he said her name. "You're right, the last time he went into a forest alone he came back lucky to be alive."
"I'm going to go find him," she said while standing. She stopped when she felt his strong hand gently grasp her arm. She glanced back curiously.
"No, it's too dangerous. I came here to tell you I'm going to go look for him." With that he proceeded to his bag, grabbing his swords. Katara watched him confused. Since when did he care?
"Zuko I can't have you go in there alone, and besides he's my brother. I'm coming." He gave her a frown but she lifted her hand before he could object. "You shut your mouth and follow me." Ignoring his stupid look, she strode into the forest.
Zuko grinned when she was out of view. She's so stubborn.
Like me…
He quickly swatted away the thought and followed her.
Ty Lee ran, ran as fast as she could. Tears streamed from her eyes, and she fought the urge to scream in agony. She didn't know if Mai or Azula were still alive, just that she ran as soon as the first guard was killed.
Why was this happening? Again she fought the urge to scream. With a graceful leap she jumped into a tree and climbed the branches. When she found a sturdy high branch she stopped and silently took deep breathes. After she caught her breathe she began to sob, hugging her knees.
It was so simple, neutralize the warrior and bring him back as hostage. But that all changed when he did. Those eyes, those horrible eyes that glowed such and evil red. They burned into her soul, and she prayed to Agni that she would never see them again. The sudden snap of a twig from below completely silenced her.
"He went this way right?" a familiar female voice asked.
"Yes, although its hard to tell. Your brother can really hide his tracks." replied a very familiar voice, the voice of Prince Zuko.
Ty Lee suddenly smiled. Yes, help. Without thinking she dropped from the tree silently and landed, staring directly at the sharp blades of two swords. She immediately lifted her hands in surrender, and noticed the girl in a fighting stance.
"What are you doing here Ty Lee?" asked Zuko.
"Please, I don't want to fight. Help me, please," she begged. Tears still pouring from her eyes she fell to her knees. "Please Zuko, help me."
"Why should we help you?" asked the girl. "You're probably trying to trick us."
"No, you don't understand. He's coming, he's coming and he'll kill me."
"Who?" Zuko glanced around real quick, still keeping his swords to her neck. "What are you talking about?"
"Th-the war-warrior." She suddenly screamed and fell pitifully to Zuko's feet. He just stared at her with confusion.
"Sokka?" the girl asked.
"What?" Everyone turned to see him walk from a bush, carrying his machete. "What are you guys doing here?"
"No, please don't kill me!" Ty Lee rushed behind Zuko, cowering like some child. "I don't want to die! I never wanted any part in Azula's plan, please don't hurt me! Zuko, don't let him kill me, I don't want to die!" Ty Lee screamed.
Sokka's eyes widened. "Whoa, calm down, I'm not going to hurt you." He took a step closer.
"Stop! Zuko, protect me, please!" She hugged his waist tightly while he stood with a confused and stupid look on his face. He held up a hand to stop Sokka and bent down to look at her in the eyes.
"Ty Lee, what are you talking about?"
"Him!" she pointed to Sokka. "He'll kill us all." With those final words she fainted.
It took me some time to update, I know. But I'll try and update faster. Review and Request.