The cold metal of a blade as pressed against Zuko's throat, and he suddenly realized how bad his current situation was.
He didn't even remember how or why it had happened, just that he and Katara had been ambushed by a group of Fire Nation soldiers. They had fought back as well as they could, they were outnumbered fifty against two.
They should have just given up and let themselves get captured. But no, they had to fight and make the soldiers angry and get themselves killed.
Zuko squeezed his eyes shut. If he was getting decapitated, he didn't want to risk seeing anything. So, he blindly awaited his fate, bracing himself for pain.
None came.
Instead, he felt the man behind him stiffen as he cried out in pain ad surprise. Then, the sword that had been pressed against his throat was pulled away, and he was freed from the man's grasp.
Opening his eyes, he saw Katara standing across from him, her own eyes narrowed in concentration. She moved her arms around in the familiar motions of waterbending, though he didn't see anything for her to manipulate.
Then Zuko turned around and was proven wrong.
The soldier that had previously been trying to kill him was now on his knees, slowly lowering closer to the ground, obviously against his own will. The man grunted and struggled against the invisible force controlling his body, but it was no use.
Zuko glanced from Katara to the man, quickly making the connection. The other soldiers seemed to do the same, slowly backing away and murmuring in horror.
"Pplease! Stop!" the man begged. "We'll let you go! Just, please, stop!"
The waterbender seemed satisfied with his statement, for a few seconds later the man was running away, his comrades wisely following.
Once the soldiers had vanished from sight, Katara collapsed onto her knees. At first, Zuko thought she had over-exerted herself – a technique like that had to take a lot of effort – but then he realized she was crying.
He wasn't stupid; he knew why she was upset. A person as kind hearted as her wouldn't take pleasure in using such a manipulative technique, especially if it operated the way he suspected it did.
He walked over to where Katara sat and knelt beside her. She turned her head away from him, remembering her grudge even through her sadness.
"Go away," she choked between sobs.
Ignoring the request, Zuko tried his best to comfort her. "It's okay, you were only protecting me."
"Why should I protect you? I don't even like you!"
The statement hit him hard, but he still stayed at her side.
Growling in annoyance, Katara stood and said, "We should get back to camp."
A hand on her shoulder prevented her from walking away. Before she could do more than glare, Zuko had pulled her into a hug. Her arms, seeming to develop a mind of their own, wrapped around his neck. They stayed like that for a few moments, Katara crying on his shoulder as he offered silent comfort.
"Just so you know, I still haven't forgiven you," Katara muttered.
Zuko smiled softly and murmured, "Okay."
The sun slowly rose above the horizon, signaling the beginning of a new day.
Author's Notes: So, Katara's experiencing a little thing called denial. :D Don't worry - she'll get over it eventually.
Oh, ummm.. I tried a bit of a symbolism type thing at the end. Do you guys think it's too obvious, too subtle, or just fine? 'Cause I'm not sure...
Disclaimer: I do not own 'Avatar' or any of its characters.
