Burning Water- Chapter Two

Encounters.

They fortress was quiet. Their footsteps echoed off the marble floor tiles. Katara felt her heart beating so loudly, so loud she was surprised that no one else had heard it. Her breaths were loud, as she swirled a small orb of water around her ready to attack or defend. But was she really ready, she questioned in her mind. Was she ready for the danger, the heartbreak, and the pain that would come with the subsequent battle? She breathed out, a small sigh, her eyes filled with sorrow. She wasn't ready she knew that, but she had to fight now.

Soldiers approached, their weapons ready. The non-benders in their little troop filled off and faced them. These were ordinary foot soldiers, non-benders. They could not afford to waste benders upon these. They soldiers attacked their swords and spears ringing against the other soldiers weapons. Aang signalled that they needed to move on. They needed to go further; they could not stay here, there were harder battles to face. Her face contorted with fear for the men, Katara moved on keeping her thoughts focused.

They snuck slightly through empty passages, all of them ready for an attack at any moment. Then suddenly one came. A flame shot past the group, lighting the hall, just missing a few of the slower people. Turning they saw another gathering of soldiers, theses ones firebenders by the look of their uniforms. The group of their own benders came and faced off against them, Toph among them. Aang gave a sharp strangled cry, to which she responded with a look off determination that clearly said, go twinkle toes, fight your battle. I have to stay and fight mine. With a small nod Aang turned and ran up the stairs, now only followed with Katara, Zuko, Sokka and Suki. He knew Toph could look after herself, but that didn't stop him from worrying.

The small group once again took off down the halls, their feet pounding the floor as they began to run. They had just entered another cavernous chamber when, they heard a giggle. They all stopped their eyes searching for the giggles source. Its owner then fell somersaulted from the room's roof, before landing at Sokka's feet. He whirled back as the girl leaned in close before giving another giggle and chirping,

"Hi Cutie!"

Suki's eyes narrowed at the nickname the other girl gave to HER boyfriend. She pushed herself into the narrow space between the two people, before shoving the other girl back.

"You must be Suki" the pink acrobat said a slight damper on her usually cheerfulness. She shot a small glare towards the tall red head, before bounding back to her feat. She faced off against the Kyoshi warrior completely ignoring the other three people in the room. Sokka moved to stand next to his girlfriend, ready to protect her.

Suddenly out of no-where a knife flew out almost striking Sokka in the chest. He was saved only by Suki's metal fans, which the knife bounced harmlessly off. His eyes met his sister's and he gave a slight nod, knowing she would understand. And she did. She grabbed Aang by the shoulder and moved to flee up another corridor. He understood and together along with Zuko they ran leaving a battle consisting of knives and acrobatics to form.

Her legs began to grow weary with the inconsistent pace but Katara pushed on. This was their only chance to win freedom for the people. Her eyes were drawn to the left by a small blue flickering flame. She gasped knowing its owner and screamed out to Aang and Zuko,

"DUCK!" before falling to the floor herself. The once blue flame shot overhead harmlessly before hitting a wall, the flames returning to a red orange colour. She pushed herself up and glanced at the young Airbender. Go her eyes whispered and the young monk hesitantly did what she ordered. With Zuko by his side he ran off, unable to stop himself from casting one last glance to his long time friend. This was her battle.

Katara got onto her feet, her eyes scanning the room, a small ball of water shifting between her hands in preparation for an attack. She heard a low chuckle as a figure steps out from the shadows. Blues eyes shot up to meet Golden ones. The figure then spoke, their voice low, "Hello Katara."