It was that night, when Piper was in bed, that she started to think of some really stupid thoughts. That day, she was thinking of some way to avoid going to the Capital with the Fire Sages, she didn't want to go. All the talk about the Avatar and Guardians made her mind spin in a whirlwind of uncertainty and confusion. She'd tried understanding what the Fire Sages meant by what they said, but she knew it wouldn't do her any good. No matter how badly she tried understanding, she couldn't. That was when something crossed her mind.

What if she ran away? It felt like a logical solution! If Piper left the colony, she'd be able to find everything she needed to know on her own. Maybe if she travelled to other places, she'd find someone who had some knowledge on the whole Guardian business.

Then she scolded herself for thinking of something so stupid. Running away? What would happen to her family? How angry would the Fire Lord get? She had to keep those questions in mind—her family was vulnerable, they couldn't defend herself like she could. Piper was the only Firebender in her immediate family!

But the Fire Lord's soldiers are far stronger than you'll ever be.

That little voice in her head said that over and over again, and Piper couldn't help but agree. Sure, she practiced from time to time, but she wasn't too skilled when it came to her Firebending. The Fire Lord's army consisted of what he considered to be strong Firebenders.

The guilt came shortly after.

-0-0-0-0-

Piper had been arguing with herself for hours before her mind came to a decision. She had hesitated, scolded herself, got herself irritated, tried convincing herself she made the wrong choice, before she finally made a choice. She was going to stay, for now. She needed to prepare. For the two days she had, the ones where she'd probably have a little more freedom, Piper was going to gather as many personal belongings she saw fit before running away the night leading into the day the Fire Sages would come back. She'd find a way to make sure her family was protected, just in case soldiers did come by. She wanted her mother and Imani to be protected at all costs. Not to mention her grandmother, who was sickly.

Sighing, Piper ran a hand through her hair. She was still working out the protection part.

You've got the right idea, she thought tiredly. Give yourself a little more time to think it over before you do anything too idiotic.

That thought made Piper roll her eyes. Her whole plan to run was idiotic. There'd be no doubt in her mind they might hire someone to hunt her down. Part of Piper didn't believe they'd do something so dramatic, but there was somehow a possibility that Piper was supposed to be a protector of the Avatar, so she wasn't sure how it could get any more dramatic than that.

Rolling onto her side—since she was still in bed—Piper frowned deeply. Protect the Avatar... That had to be the most ridiculous thing she'd ever heard. Growing up in what was probably the most poverty-ridden colonies in the Fire Nation, and somehow Piper was destined to become the world's most powerful person's bodyguard. How did something like that happen?

Just pass out, that seems to work just fine.

Piper let out an unladylike snort at that.

Letting out another sigh, she rolled onto her back, one arm draped over her eyes. Given she could sleep easier since those weird dreams disappeared, but Piper still found it difficult to do so. She wanted to find out more about what was going on, but she also didn't.

The only way you're ever going to figure anything out is if you leave, she thought distractedly. Staying here, or in the Capital, isn't going to provide you the answers you need. The Sages weren't very helpful, and certainly the Fire Lord won't be any help, either. You're better off figuring everything out on your own.

-0-0-0-0-

By the time morning rolled around, she was feeling more exhausted than the day before. She knew she didn't get a lot of sleep, but it didn't feel like her exhaustion was connected to that. The exhaustion felt deeper, and it made her feel terrible. Piper wanted nothing more than to stay in bed all day, but she had things she needed to get done and she had to get them done immediately.

"You're going out?" Imani was in the small eating area, looking at her older sister anxiously.

"I've got a few errands to run." Piper had gotten dressed, cleaning herself up as she did so. "I'll be back later tonight."

"You shouldn't be out late," Imani exclaimed. "What if something happens?"

"I'll be fine." Piper waved off her sister's concern. "Is Mom still here?"

"She's at Aunt Winn's."

Winn was the eldest sister of Piper's and Imani's father. She was a stern woman who didn't take kindly to those who didn't obey her commands. It had been obvious that Winn had been unhappy when she, Yuri (Piper's and Imani's father), and Loa (their grandmother) had moved to a newly-developed Fire Nation colony in the Earth Kingdom.

"My mother had made a very impulsive choice," she'd say, her voice laced with frustration, "the day she packed us up to come here. 'It's to show support for the War'; that's what she called it. I never found the Earth Kingdom all that important anyway. It's a hideous place."

Loa had been a very strong supporter of the War, giving everything she had to show her pride for her nation. Winn and Yuri didn't share her passion as intensely.

"When she gets back, tell her what I'm doing."

A look swept across Imani's face. "I'm not getting in trouble for you," she exclaimed.

"I never said you were getting in trouble," Piper exclaimed. "I'm just asking you to tell Mom what I'm doing when she gets back."

Imani studied Piper's face for a long moment before agreeing.

"Thank you." Piper tried for a smile. "I won't be long."

(A/N):

Sorry it took so long to put this chapter up, but I got sidetracked by responsibilities. I started school again at the beginning of the week, and then I had work, so I have been trying my best here.

I own nothing in the ATLA universe. All I own are my characters and the expensive textbooks I need for the classes I'm taking.

Do you have an OC you'd like to see added into the story? Do you have a subplot you'd like to see added in, too?! Then leave a review or PM me! I love seeing all the creativeness you guys have. Be sure to do that, only if you're interested, though.

Let me know if there's anything I can improve on.

Many blessings,

Indigo Callahan