Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar or Kane.

Kane's Hunt

Kane's travels led him to a small village where a young woman held an encounter with a mad man. He had kept up with Katara's travels ever since hearing about the day of the black sun. The fire nation defeated Ba Sing Seh and captured a huge group of rebels. The Avatar was the only threat to fire nation. With benders being locked up Kane felt it was time for his tactics to change. He knew wherever his best girl was the Avatar would be close by. It was time to enter politics and become friends with the Firelord and the best way to do that was to bring in the Avatar's broken body as a gift. The only thing that made his plan risky was if the daughter of the Firelord recognized him. However appearances can change. He had been to the Air-temples followed through to a camp site and a city where his girl attacked a retired fire-nation soldier, and recently the town where she met Straight Jacket. Taking his knowledge of the Avatar and where they had been Kane predicted their next stop. It was a long shot but he had nothing left to go on.

Getting there was another matter though. Continuing his travel he reached a farm with his ride and possible bonus, a young blond girl around thirteen carrying water. Bending over acting in pain the Kane took a walking stick and trotted over. The young girl turned to see the old man coming down the street breathing hard. "Are you okay?" The girl asked running over toward him.

"Yes. I've just been walking for a long time and I'm so thirsty."

"Oh you poor thing come over here I'll get you some water." The girl said as she helped Kane toward the farm.

Kane sat on a stool as the girl got him some water. After drinking the water he smiled staring at his host. "So where are you parents?"

The girl looked uncomfortable as she answered, "My mother is inside." Kane could tell she was lying as a light grin appeared on his lips.

"Well I would like to meet your mother and tell her what a kind daughter she has."

"I'm afraid she is busy." The girl said becoming even more uncomfortable.

"Really?" The old man stated before grabbing the girl dragging her in the house. After ten minutes of painful, desperate screaming the rapist walked out with a satisfied smile leaving his victim torn and broken. Kane strolled out smiling as he walked toward the carriage hitching the animal to it as he set off to find his prize. Hitching the horse he took off down the road that would take him to his best girl.

***

Team Avatar set up camp after riding all night away from Straight Jacket. All throught the night they suggested to stop sooner but Zuko refused as Toph backed him up. They knew Straight Jacket and wanted to get as far away as possible. "I think we should take turns sleeping tonight." Zuko called.

Everyone groaned in annoiance and lack of sleep. "We are miles away from Straight Jacket. He is no where near us. Let it go!" Suki said speaking for everyone.

Zuko took the hint and started to work with Aang. Katara walked around looking at the desolate place. Her mind was still on her rescuer. She had a feeling that there was more to him then senseless murder. "Hey I'm gonna go for a little walk." Katara called.

"Are you sure Katara?" Aang asked concerned about his friend.

"Yeah I'll be fine. I just need a little air." Katara said giving him a wry smile.

"Okay. Becareful out there." Aang said looking unhappy.

Katara walked on with Aang keeping his eyes on her. "You like her don't you." Zuko said snapping him out of his trance.

"Well yeah she is a good friend we've been through alot." Aang said attempting to conceal his true feelings.

"No. It's more than that. I've seen the way you look at her. She doesn't know does she?" Zuko asked.

"Not really. I-I mean I kissed her before I went to face the Firelord but we haven't talked much after that. I mean we talked at the play but she needed time to think." Aang said rapidly as he looked away remembering how that discussion went.

"I see." Zuko said remembering his own situation with Mai. "Go take a break it was a long night."

Up top on a hill Straight Jacket watched the girl walk away from the group. Killing the Avatar would have been easy however his sister came first. Straight Jacket turned and followed the girl. As the murderer took off Toph shivered looking toward the hill. Something was coming or somethings. After a minute Toph caught a whiff of the air, "Hey Guys! There's a rain storm approaching. We better set up shelter."

Katara kept walking her mind was swirling in confusion. Deep in her mind was the incident in the ally. She felt completely helpless just like her time with someone else. She had tried to forget that day but it was so horrible what happened that she felt broken and almost afraid to be touched by everyone. Everyone except Aang. She had been kissed by him twice and it felt nice. But she wasn't sure what could happen. Sudden a crackle of lightning shot out followed by a roar of thunder. A light rain started to fall as Katara closed her eyes letting the rain soak in. "Enjoying your shower Katara?" A familar voice called. Katara's eyes shot open finding Kane standing infront of her.