Chapter 2! Finally! Sorry it took a while...I wrote it way ahead of time, but I don't know why I didn't update. I have no excuse lol.

This chapter is fairly short. Standard disclaimer applies.

Chapter 2: Escape

The rest of the party was not enjoyable in the least. Zuko attempted to start conversations with his sister's friend, Mai, with his Uncle, or even with Azula herself, but he couldn't. He couldn't do anything without his thoughts reverting back to the kidnapped Water Tribe girl. She had seemed so…hurt. Beneath all the rage and loathing she displayed, he sensed pain. The Fire Nation had done something to her, taken something away from her, damaged her in some way that could only be repaired by revenge, and even that wouldn't heal the wound; it would only make them even. He could see it in her eyes, and he understood the feeling. When his mother had left, Zuko had felt the same. In his mind, whoever had been the cause of his mother leaving should get the same treatment.

Zuko could see in the girl's eyes that although she came off strong and defiant, she was wounded. Broken beyond repair. He knew the look she wore; he'd seen it in his own eyes countless times.

Of course, that wasn't the only thing bothering him. The words to her song echoed in his mind. She made it clear that she hated his nation with a burning passion and would not rest until they had suffered as she had. Zuko was loyal to the Fire Nation, of course, but he knew she had every right to hate him and everyone else supporting Ozai. They had made her people suffer; tortured them, threatened them, treated them like animals, even killed many without batting an eyelash. Part of him knew that everything his nation had done was wrong, and that they had to be stopped, but he forced that part of him to keep quiet. He couldn't risk being on Ozai's bad side. He'd done it once before, and had the scar to show for it.

The girl herself was also gnawing at his thoughts. Although she acted as if she was raised by a pack of wolves, what with how rude she was, he had to admire her bravery. After all, she did spit in Azula's face. Yes, she was unbelievably rude and obviously stupid if she thought she could say those things to Ozai's face and live to tell the tale, she had stood up for her beliefs and risked her life doing so. Disrespectful or not, that was not something he could bring himself to look down upon.

But where had they taken her, he wondered? Were they going to kill her? Hopefully not; it would only cause more trouble than a Water Tribe peasant was worth. Would they imprison her, maybe? Enslave her like they had so many others? Despite his title, Zuko had no way of knowing, and curiosity always got the better of him.

Which is why he decided to find out.

The palace appeared empty as Zuko wandered its halls. It was eerily silent, but having grown up in the palace, he was unfazed. He was headed to the small cell-like room where Water Tribe prisoners were usually kept before being sent to a proper prison. It was usually to be questioned about what their intentions were, if they had any partners in crime, so to speak, and so on, but occasionally, it was because Ozai or Azula was either bored or had a personal issue with the particular prisoner. This time around, Zuko assumed it was the latter.

When he turned the corner, Zuko wasn't sure whether he should laugh at the sight or be angry at the apparently missing prisoner. The door to the dark, empty room was left wide open and in front of it laid two unconscious guards. The Prince briefly wondered how she had gotten out. He assumed waterbending, but then again, where would she get the water from? He shrugged it off and continued his search through the palace. He soon found himself outside, standing in the very spot he had that morning after taking the blame for his sister's foolish games. Three guards wandered around the entrance but ignored him as he stood completely still, unsure why he was there.

The gates were still open, as some guests had barely left and others had yet to do so. Zuko paid no mind to it until he spotted a shadow near them. He wasn't sure how to react to the sight of the escaping Water Tribe girl. She was inching her way toward the open gates when she saw him as well. She froze, still somewhat hidden by shadows, and apprehensive blue eyes locked on shocked gold ones. They held each other's gaze for one fleeting moment before he felt more than heard himself shout "guards!"

The three guards immediately stood at attention, waiting for their Prince to give them orders. He debated over whether or not he should let her escape or tell the guards. Then, before he was even aware of reaching a decision, he spoke.

"Princess Azula wants to see you."

The guards took off inside the palace as he stood rooted to the spot. He had shocked even himself with his words. Where did that come from? When did he even decide to say that instead of 'the prisoner is escaping' or something of that nature? He didn't know what came over him. Without thinking about it, he looked in the direction of the girl. He gave her no sign of acknowledgement except that he deliberately turned his gaze in the opposite direction just before she ran off.

Okay, end chapter 2. As I said, it's shorter. Not much dialogue, sorry. the next chapter is where it gets really AU. I'm sure you all remember Jet and Yue (and if you don't, I don't know what to tell you)? Well, they're important. I've tweaked their characters a little for reasons, but i can't tell you how. Stay tuned for chapter 3!