A/N: All it took was one review to get me back on the horse, but there'll be a slight change; this chapter will be a flashback, but only this ONE chapter, kay? No, I don't own ATLA yet…I'm working on it.J

Chapter Five: In the beginning

The wind was tolerant that day, as it combed through my thick brown braids. I glared at a fine patch of dark red on Zuko's vest as if I absolutely detested it; which is ironic, because that's the total opposite of what I feel for him. I love to be in his presence, to watch him practice, to sit adjacent to him at our evening campfires at the Western Air Temple…to just wake up and know he'll be somewhere near. But that was all coming to an end because of Zuko's pride.

"What's the matter? No lightning today? Afraid I'll redirect it?" I hear him taunt. The psychopath is thoroughly aggravated, and says something I can't quite decipher. She's been talking-no screaming- like that this whole Agni Kai. I look up at the tragic scene to find Azula channeling the extension of her element…right towards me!

I am entranced, however, by the sheer beauty of the moment. Call me crazy, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from the insane young woman, her body illuminated in a vibrant blue hue, as her tangled mess of ebony hair flew fluidly around her. And in the next second, my friend, my sparring partner, my Zuko is writhing on the floor, emaciated by her blow.

Yes, he took the hit for me. I ignored the diminutive rivers flowing down my cheeks and ran over to him. No words could be uttered in my hurry to heal him. I think him dead until he finally groans and stirs. "Zuko!" I choke out, and it's now or never. "Don't die, Zuko, just…I just want you to know I love you…I've always loved you! Just please--" "Katara!" he is thrashing madly beneath me, and good sense allows me to turn and glance behind me. "You! I'll be sure to include you in Zuzu's obituary" she clasps me by my throat and lifts me off the ground. But Zuko won't allow this.

"Get your hands off her, Azula!" he staggers forward, and I'm grateful for this distraction. My hands are free, and I run my nails into her sockets for as long as I can; which isn't very long. She shrieks and releases me, and I make haste with Zuko on my trail. "Here, this way! I can feel the pull of the water!" I insist. We round the arena and sure enough, there's a grate atop a sloshing mass of water beneath our feet. "Step back" I warn Zuko, and as Azula appears I drench her, knocking her off her feet and quickly encase her in my element. Wasting no time, I freeze the ball and it rolls backwards.

"Hurry before she comes back!" I call back. I am running, running, running, trying to get to Aang as quickly as possible.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

Nothing could've prepared us for the scene before us. Aang, bloodied and in a mangled heap, lay dead on the canyon floor. I clap my hand over my mouth to stifle a scream, and Zuko wraps himself around me. "I love you, don't worry, I'll take care of you, this isn't the end" Are all among the murmurings coming from his mouth, all in that husky baritone I love. I sink into his frame, giving all my worries to him. I don't know how this could happen. He's the AVATAR! Losing was never on anyone's agenda. Our tender moment of mourning is cut short by the steady pace of bare feet coming our way. "Hide! It's Ozai!" he hisses as I scurry behind a rock tower. As he predicted, Ozai steps on the scene. "By that hideous scowl on your face I'm assuming you've discovered that pitiful child…or at least what's left of him" if I'm not mistaken, I heard him chuckle. But there is no answer from Zuko, and Ozai, not being one to just dawdle idly, retreats. "My men will retrieve you. And as for the rest of your friends, I'll dispose of them myself" he promises. As soon as I'm sure he's gone, I come out from my hiding spot. "What now?!" I cry, distressed. I don't get an answer, because in the next minute he's being seized by a slew of soldiers.

No.

Alrighty then! I hope that clears things up. The next chappyter is coming right up! And please review, I love 'em!