As promised, here is a new chapter. Sorry for any confusion - a lot happens in this chapter. Anyway! Here you go.
Chapter 3. New Beginnings
A deep throbbing pain pounded my head as I leaned against the tree I was tied to. I had stopped struggling a while ago, realizing that I wasn't going anywhere. Even if I escaped, where would I go? Who knows where in the forest we were.
My eyes grazed my surroundings, but I couldn't see very well. Darkness encased around me, and the only light found was from the guards fire, which was not even close to me. I was freezing. However, it's not like I would sit next to the fire if I could. Those kind of flames cruelly killed my Grandma.
I felt a lump form in my throat at that thought, and the pain in my head increased. I felt numb, despite my soreness. I sighed, and it was much louder than I wanted it to be. One of the men looked over, surprised, but he easily laughed a hefty baritone chuckle, wobbling over. " Hey, boys! Sleeping beauty is awake! " He bellowed, squatting down in front of me.
He breathed on my face. Alcohol tainted his breath, and I grimaced away from the smell. Disgusted, I saw that he was drunk, and I squirmed uneasily under his glazed eyes. He laughed again, moving my hair roughly out of my face, un-bounding me from the tree, but leaving the chains on my wrists and ankles. Gee, thanks buddy. I thought, glaring at him. " Why, aren't you beautiful! Hey, boys, come take a look at this one. Why pay ridiculous prices for a slut when you have a new, unused one right here! " He yelled, and I stiffened, spitting in his face.
" Stay away from me! " I yelled, moving away from his large hands.
" Now, now. You quit it out! " He slapped me, hard against the cheek. He then punched me in the gut, knocking the wind out of me. I gasped in pain, struggling to breath. " Get up, peasant. " he growled, standing over me now. I didn't move. He broke my ribs! I cried inwardly, but an inside voice told me that I was just kidding myself. " Get up! " He demanded, kicking my shoulder. I stifled a cry of pain, curling up into a ball, trying to hide myself.
" GET UP! " He screamed, shooting fire at me. At first, I felt nothing, laughing slightly. He didn't even hit me! But then the pain suddenly appeared. It was on my wrists and ankles, searing slowly into my skin. I screamed in pain, gasping as the heat intensified. Oh my God. I'm going to die. I yelled, cried, and thrashed as the terrible inferno raged on .
" P-Please… stop…" I cried, aware of how heavy my breathing was. The pain was unbearable, and no words could describe it.
Slowly, the pain receded, and I laid there, regaining my breath. Sweat dripped down my face as I coughed, my throat sore from my screams. My eyes opened to see a pair of amber eyes glaring down at me, laughter being heard.
" That is what will happen when you disobey me, peasant. " He snapped, shaking his head, an evil smile on his face. A smile I will come to hate. I smile I already hated. I hated them. I hated him. I hated fire. I hated myself. I hated everything, everybody. I reluctantly nodded, seeing that was what he was waiting for. " Now, get up. "
I slowly got up - it took awhile, I was in chains, after all - and sat against the tree again, fearing for the worst. Seeing how foolish that was, I already had been burned, so what could be worse? I straightened, preparing for whatever was coming.
The man, still squatting, grabbed my cheeks with his rough hands. I yelped in surprise, all the time thinking please don't burn my face, please don't burn my face…but instead, he started to ask me questions.
" How did you do it? " He questioned, his voice hard as he asked me. " How did you air bend? TELL ME. "
" I-I-I don't know, sir," I stammered, trying to make my face appear innocent and truthful, but unable because of his hands. I was telling the truth.
His hands then moved down to my throat, and I let out a strangled breath, " I don't know! " I gurgled, his hands becoming tighter.
Suddenly, he let go, laughter erupting from his mouth. " You DO know, idiot! Tell me or I'll burn you. This time I won't stop it, " he spoke into my ear, and I flinched away.
" I don't know, " I repeated, shaking my head, " I'm telling the truth. " I managed to choke out, suddenly enraged. They don't know anything. Hell, do I even know anything? But I certainly wasn't an air bender. Didn't these idiots go to school? Ozai destroyed them, right? I huffed.
The man shook his head, taking my wrists in his hands. " Wrong answer. " The agonizing pain then returned, taking me by surprise this time. I let out a gurgled scream, this pain was 10 times worse. I thrashed, begging him to stop as the fire burned my wrists, my life, my everything.
" What the hell? Get him! " The fiery pain came to an abrupt stop, much to my relief. I was thrown back to the ground, however, and I groaned, completely unaware of what was happening, completely sure that I didn't not want to get involved. All I wanted to do was go to sleep, and wake to Grandma's grumblings as usual.
A face appeared in front of my own, making me gasp in surprise. He smiled slightly, pulling me up into his arms, whispering, " It'll be okay - hang on. " I obeyed, clutching to his shoulders, and he took off into a run. Who is this? I wondered vaguely. He was young - very young, maybe my own age. He had strange arrow tattoos on his head that I faintly saw before he picked me up, but he also had some on his arms.
He slowed into a walk, his breathed heavy, but it soon returned to normal. " Are you alright? " He inquired, looking down at me. I nodded, but I don't know if he saw it. I rested my head against his chest, feeling drained as I listened to his heartbeat. It was a nice, soothing beat, and I felt myself growing drowsy. He nudged me to keep me awake, and I felt a edge of annoyance. Why won't he let me sleep?
Soon, he stopped the walk altogether, and I heard other voices. One of a girls - maybe two? And some boys. I immediately opened my eyes, gazing around frantically. What was happening? Who are these people?
The boy smiled again, whispering into my ear, " It's okay. " Before setting me gently down. I liked him. He was nice. Something soft was underneath of me - fur? I didn't care to find out. It was soft and comfortable. A dark-haired girl bent over me. She was really pretty, and I sighed inwardly, oddly enough feeling insecure.
" Hi. I'm Katara, and Aang was the one who was carrying you. " She told me slowly, and I nodded. Aang. An unusual name - and Katara? Sounded Water Tribe-ish. " Who are you? " she asked, pushing the hair out of my face. The one named Aang began to take off my chains off one by one, and I wondered how he did so, but once again I didn't care to ask or find out. Katara took something out of her pocket.
" Vinca. " I rasped, closing my eyes. A nice, soothing feeling encased my body, and I sighed at nice it felt. It was cold and flowed through my veins, and I felt…good. I felt sleep edging on, but I fought it off. I had to thank these people.
" Vinca. Nice to meet you. " A different voice said, and I recognized it as Aang.
I looked up at him, " Thank you. " Before drifting off into a much-needed sleep.
My dreams were clouded and hazy, the face of the tattooed boy ; Aang, appearing in almost all of them. These dreams sent chills down my spine, as along with Aang in them, the scene of my Grandmother being burned to death was showing a lot, too. I found myself awakening, being confused, and falling back asleep, a strange, overcoming sense of fear upon me.
Finally, I awoke, forcing myself to stay awake. I groaned, rubbing my head. I was sore, like I ran 100 miles continuously. Every single part of my body ached and moaned. Sighing, I got into a sitting position, brushing the dirt from my clothes. I examined my shirt. This isn't my shirt. I thought. The shirt I had on before was brown. This one was red.
Like Fire Nation clothes.
I clutched the shirt, wanting to rip it off. If felt like it was burning me just with the cloth. I must be going crazy. I mused, rubbing my head again, my fingers slowly going through my hair. I looked around, observing my surroundings.
First, I was encased in four walls.
I scooted forward, feeling the walls. They were rock, and very sturdy. Only a Earth Bender could do this, I realized.
Am I in jail? Was last night just a hallucination? I felt dizzy, tapping gently against the rock walls. I felt the urge to call out, but resisted, half of me fearing what would happen, the other half worried about what would happen if I spoke. Would I start crying? I stifled a laugh. I was cracking myself up.
Then, the ground began to rumble beneath me. I scooted back again, frightened. What was going on? I pulled my knees up to my chest, hiding behind them.
The wall in front of my lower a bit, and a tiny person stepped in. She was wearing earth kingdom clothing, and I relaxed a bit. Emphasis on 'a bit.'
The girl smiled, brushing the hair out of her face. " Hi there. I'm Toph. You are? "
She was blind.
I blinked, looking at her, hesitating, " V-Vinca. "
Toph nodded, " Cool name. Calm down a little bit! Your heartbeat is off the charts, " she waved her hand slightly, " It's not like I'm going to hurt you, " Then she added, with a dark chuckle, " Yet. " Toph sat down in a cross-legged position, both of her hands on the ground. " Anyway, I'll just get to the point. Last night, Twinkle toes rescued you, Katara healed you, and Sokka complained about you. So that's why you're in here - because Sokka thinks you are some badass criminal. " She laughed, " You aren't, right? "
I laughed along with her, comfortable around her now. " No. I don't even know really why I was arrested. " I sat for a minute, thoughtful. " Oh, yeah. Those idiotic Fire Nation people thought I was an Air Bender. An Air bender! " I giggled.
Toph didn't laugh this time, and she seemed… distracted. " Ok-ay. So, I guess these are unnecessary. " She patted the ground, and it began to rumble once again. This time, all the walls disappeared. The sun beat down, and I squinted against the bright light, letting my eyes to adjust. Once they did, I glanced slowly around, taking in everything. My eyes rested on a guy resting around a campfire. He was lying down, prodding the nearby fire with a stick. The delicious smell of fish made my mouth water.
" AGH! TOPH. " A dark-skinned one yelled, jumping up and pointing at me with a accusing glare in his eyes, " WE AGREED THAT WE WOULDN'T LET HER OUT UNTIL AANG GOT HERE! " He raved, taking out a wooden object. A boomerang? I giggled inwardly.
" Sokka, shut up, will you? She's not bad. " Toph snapped, throwing a pebble at his face. Sokka dodged easily, but fell backwards in the process.
I tugged awkwardly at the shirt, before glancing at Toph, " This isn't my shirt, " I told her, " Where is mine? "
Toph laughed, punching my arm lightly, " Katara had an extra one. Thank goodness, because your's was destroyed! "
I froze, eyes widening. They saw me naked? " Uhm - " I began, rubbing my neck, nervousness once again coming back.
Then, she laughed again, louder this time, " Not like you're thinking, Vinca. It was just burnt. " Toph assured me, and I exhaled softly. " Anyway! Where is Twinkle toes and Sugar Queen? Oh! I know. " She glanced at Sokka, a smile creeping onto her face, " Didn't they say they were going to go water bend? Well, they're probably sucking face. " Toph made sloppy kissing noises, and I laughed. The first real laughter in a while. It felt nice.
Sokka's face turned red as he rose to his feet, " They better not be! " He growled, stomping away, most likely to get them. I laughed again.
Toph scooted over, grabbing a pan out of the fire. " Here you go. You must be hungry. " She pushed the pan over, revealing a cooked fish. I could almost feel drool running down my chin.
I shoved the fish back, " I'm… not hungry. " I covered my stomach involuntarily, to try to make it not growl in protest. My efforts were wasted, as my stomach growled furiously.
Toph sighed, " Just eat it. Or Sokka will end up tackling you for it when he returns. "
This made me smile, and I reluctantly took the fish, nibbling on it. I sighed at the fantastic taste… I hadn't eaten in at least a week. I finished the food in a few bites, despite my tries to savor it with small bites. As I swallowed the last parts of the fish, I let my thoughts wander. Why are these people taking care of me? They could've just let me die. And what about Aang? Why did he rescue me?
A sudden crash in the forest broke me from my thoughts, and I looked at the woods, startled. Sokka came stumbling through, hold a boy by the collar of his clothing. What strange clothes. I observed, and then I realized that must be Aang. Or Twinkle Toes, for that matter. Toph seemed to enjoy nicknames.
" Sokka! " Aang cried, flailing around in his hold in Sokka's grip, " I wasn't kissing her!" He yelled, " Please, let me down! " He struggled in his grip, swaying around.
Sokka dropped him, and he hit the ground softly. " I don't ever want to see you look at her like that! Or even think about doing that to my sister! " he growled, overprotective. Aang blushed, appearing offended.
" I would never, Sokka. " he countered, rubbing his hairless head as he rose, brushing the debris from his shirt.
I recognized Katara. She and Sokka looked like brother and sister. They must be related. I mused, rubbing my hands. It was then that I noticed my wrists. I stared at the scars, the memories flooding back. The pain. The burning… I winced, feeling like I was going to throw up. I gently touched them, expecting pain but feeling none. They were permanent. They had left their mark on me.
Aang and Katara then noticed me, and Aang rushed over, excitement glittering in his wide, gray eyes. He was about a head taller than me. He plopped down next to me, words rambling out of his mouth. " How are you feeling? I'm Aang. What's your name? Are you a bender? Where are you from? Why were you with the fire benders? Are you hurt? Why - "
" Aang, um, calm down. " Katara interrupted, and Aang abruptly stopped, flustered. He blushed, murmuring a 'sorry', a smile wide on his face. Katara motion for him to move as she sat down. " Are you feeling okay? " I saw her eyes glance wearily at my scars, and I subconsciously covered them.
" Yes, thank you. It means a lot for you guys to… care for me. " I smiled, meeting her gaze. Her eyes were a light blue. Defiantly water tribe. She must be a healer. Memories rushed back from last night. She definitely was.
To confirm my thoughts, she brought out a vial of water. It was almost gone. " I might be able to fade the scars, " Katara told me slowly, knowing that this was a touchy subject. I moved my hands away, exposing my wrists. But I hid my ankles. She didn't need to waste anymore of her healing waters on me. I am just a peasant, after all. I thought bitterly, recalling the man who gave me these scars words. Katara gently took my wrists, bending the water from the vial onto my hands. I recognized the cooling sensation from last night, and I closed my eyes. Just as quick as it appeared, it was gone.
I looked down at my wrists, and I was pleasantly surprised. The scars were faded, but were still a soft pink. I glanced back up at Katara, " Thank you, Katara. " I murmured, and she nodded, smiling. Aang then butted in, refreshing me with his questions. I answered them slowly, " I'm feeling fine. Nice to meet you, Aang. I'm Vinca. " I then hesitated before answering, " I'm not sure if I'm a bender. " Then continued on, " I'm from Ba Seing Se." I lied. " I was with the fire benders for a… reason. " I countered, " And, no, I'm not hurt. "Seemingly satisfied with my answers, Aang smiled, thinking over my answers. " What do you mean you're not sure if you're a bender? " He inquired, confusion edging his tone. His fingers fiddled with a staff.
" I mean exactly what I said. " I replied, anxiety sweeping through me. I looked down at the fire that was near me. I involuntarily scooted backwards.
Aang peered at me for a few more moments before Toph grunted, annoyed. " Aang, let's practice. " She clumsily stood up, appearing half-drunk with fatigue. Aang seemed the same way, and he sighed, rubbing his eyes.
" Toph, I'm exhausted. " He whined half-heartedly, and I cracked a smile.
" That's your fault, Twinkle Toes. " Toph huffed, dragging him up, " Shouldn't have been water bending. "
" Can't we just do this tomo-"
Toph sighed loudly, stomping the ground like a child having a tantrum, " Listen, Twinkle Toes. Let's face it, you suck at earth bending. And the only way to get good at it is to… " She trailed off, moving her hands in an overly dramatic way.
" Practice. " Aang finished the sentence, seemingly distraught. He was definitely tired, it was clear as he trudged to the middle of the meadow with Toph. I watched intently as Toph barked orders at him, and Aang obliged. His brows furrowed in concentration, trying to perfect it.
As I watched, thoughts lazily fluttered around my mind. How peculiar that he is a water bender and an earth bender. I mused silently, playing with a dirty blonde curl at had loosened itself from my original braid. My eyes widened, He must be…No. He couldn't be. The Avatar is dead… but what about the wanted posters? It can't be him. But the tattoos. I argued bitterly against myself.
As I continued to watch, I realized that Aang was the Avatar. He had to be. Anybody would recognize him, as hundreds of 'Wanted' posters were tacked around the village. Apparently, I'm not 'anybody'. I'm so foolish! I felt like laughing at my own stupidity and unobservant eyes. Pay more attention, Vinca. I scolded myself.
A loud thump drew me from my thoughts, and I glanced up, confused. Katara, who was seated to my left, jumped up in a flash, dashing over to where Toph and Aang had been practicing .Sokka fled over along with his sister.
" Toph! " I heard Katara cry, as she knelt down, " Aang was exhausted. You've hurt him! "
Curiosity sparking, I finally rose, walking over. I went to stand by Katara, who was crouched over Aang. He looked unconscious, but I was once again proved wrong as he groaned softly. " I'm fine, Katara. " He rasped, pulling himself into a sitting position. He wobbled slightly before falling back, and my arms shot forward, catching him before he hit the hard ground. Aang sighed gratefully, and I gently helped him into a more comfortable position.
" What happened? " I dare ask, glancing from Katara to Toph. Katara was glaring at Toph while sending looks of sympathy to Aang, also checking his pulse.
" Um, he kind of didn't move out of the way fast enough. " Toph admitted, rubbing her head embarrassingly.
" Because he was tired. " Katara shot at her, billowing a loud sigh as she hovered over the half-conscious Aang. " You didn't sleep at all last night. " she said pointedly to Aang, who just shrugged.
Toph pinched the bridge of her nose, " He's fine. He even said so himself, Sugar Queen. So calm down. You always freak out at the simplest things. " She fired back, turning away, " He's just tired. He's half asleep, for Heaven's sake, not half dead. " Toph then waved an annoyed hand before stomping away, grunting angrily.
Aang sighed, pushing Katara gently away, " Stop fighting. I am fine. I just need some rest. " He smiled at me, and I couldn't help but smile back. He was very nice.
Katara blinked, pushing the hair away from her face. " Here, let me help you. " She took his hand, despite Aang's protests, and pulled him up. Aang let out a yawn, rolling his eyes as he stumbled over to the campfire, pulling his hands over his head as he laid down.
Katara sighed, walking as well. I slowly followed, sitting down near the fire. I stared into it, feeling suddenly warm and comfortable. No, I told myself, Fire kills. I swallowed, looking around. Aang was to my left, and appeared already in a deep slumber. Katara as well, was sleeping next to Sokka, who was also asleep. Toph was across the fire from me, staring into it's depths.
" You're not really from Ba Seing Se, are you? " This question took me off guard, and I looked at her, surprised.
" O-Of course. " I scoffed, running my fingers along the grass underneath me, looking away.
" You aren't. I'm surprised they believed you. We aren't even close to Ba Seing Se, Vinca. " Toph pointed out, leaning back on her palms as she stared across the fire at me.
I sighed, my shoulders slumping, " You're right. I'm from the village closest to here. " I stared at the ground again, distraught. How would the others feel knowing that I lied?
Toph shrugged, waving a dismissive hand, " I won't tell anyone. It doesn't matter where you're from, does it? "
I ignored her question, looking at her, " How did you know I was lying? "
She smiled slyly, " I have my ways. "
Toph rules. She has her ways. :)