Kima's stomach churned as she sat huddled in the corner of her cell. Sleep had evaded her all night, leaving her exhausted but too wired to close her eyes for long. Every creak of the wooden doors or distant echo of footsteps sent her heart racing, a painful reminder of how little control she had over her life now.
What does this mean? Why now?
She had tried to piece together some explanation for her sudden transfer, but nothing made sense. The guards who had brought her meals earlier had said nothing, their faces stony and unreadable. It left her imagination to fill the gaps, and the conclusions she came to weren't comforting.
When they'd taken her out of the dorms, she'd thought she'd seen the worst of what the Air Nomads could do. But the idea of being taken to Zephyros, the capital of their empire, sent chills through her. She knew little about it beyond the rumors and whispers that passed through her village long ago—whispers of a place where power and fear ruled hand in hand.
Kima hugged her knees tightly to her chest, the heavy iron cuffs on her wrists digging into her skin. She had been shackled again, and she could feel the bruises they left from days of confinement. Tomorrow. Tomorrow they'll take me…
But why?
Her mind spun until exhaustion finally claimed her, though her sleep was fitful and filled with strange dreams of home—her mother's voice, her brother's laugh, and the warmth of the Southern Water Tribe.
When the first rays of dawn broke through the narrow window, she woke to the sound of footsteps approaching.
Aang stood beside Appa, absently brushing the sky bison's fur while lost in thought. He could feel the soft hum of the wind around them, but for once, it didn't bring him the clarity he sought.
"This is the right thing to do, isn't it?" he asked aloud, though the only one who could hear him was Appa.
The sky bison turned his massive head to look at him, blinking slowly.
"Yeah, I know," Aang muttered, managing a small smile. "It's not like I could leave her here. But taking her to Zephyros…"
He trailed off, running his hand along Appa's side. The idea of bringing Kima to the capital felt like the only option, but he couldn't ignore the nagging voice in the back of his head telling him it might not be enough. She was scared, hurt, and—if Banzan's account was accurate—defiant to a fault.
"She's probably going to hate me for this," he said, his voice quieter. After he had gone through the trouble of trying to cheer her up, now he would be put back at square one with her. Appa let out a low, sympathetic rumble.
Aang chuckled dryly. "Thanks, buddy. You're always on my side."
Before he could say more, he heard the sound of boots crunching on the stone steps. He turned to see Banzan approaching, flanked by two guards. Between them, Kima walked stiffly, her wrists bound and her expression wary.
"Avatar Aang," Banzan greeted with a slight bow, his tone measured and respectful. "The arrangements have been made. She's ready for transport."
Aang's gaze shifted to Kima, noting the fear and tension in her posture. She wouldn't look at him, her eyes fixed firmly on the ground.
Banzan continued, "I trust you'll find a way to… channel her energy in a more productive direction. She's shown a knack for stirring trouble, but I'm confident she'll be no match for the discipline of Zephyros."
Aang's jaw tightened, but he simply nodded. "Thank you, Banzan."
The guards guided Kima toward Appa, her movements slow and reluctant under their watchful eyes. The iron cuffs on her wrists jingled softly with each step, a cruel reminder of her captivity. She refused to look up, keeping her gaze locked on the ground as though it would protect her from the reality of what was happening.
Aang stood by Appa, watching silently as they prepared to load her onto the saddle. His stomach twisted at the sight of her bound like a criminal, her small frame looking even more fragile against the imposing figures of the guards. He glanced at the cuffs and opened his mouth to speak, but no words came.
Instead, he turned his attention to the saddle, checking its straps and supports as if to distract himself. "Make sure she's secured," he said, his voice steady despite the unease brewing inside him.
One of the guards nodded, lifting Kima onto the saddle with little regard for her comfort. She winced as they placed her down, fastening a thick leather strap across her lap to keep her in place. Another strap was secured loosely around her waist, ensuring she wouldn't fall off during the flight.
Aang's guilt deepened as he watched the process. She's terrified, he thought. And I'm the reason why.
He turned away, looking back at the expanse of sky as memories of his teachings surfaced.
" As the Avatar, you must remain strong. Resolute and decisive in everything you do. You can't falter in your decisions. Everything you do must be because you believe it's right. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."
The words echoed in his mind, grounding him. This is for the greater good. He wasn't sure how it was yet, but deep down he knew this was right.
Kima didn't resist or speak as the guards finished securing her. She sat stiffly, her shoulders hunched and her head down, as though willing herself to disappear.
Banzan's voice broke the tense silence. "I'll ensure the Wind Envoy keeps you updated on the Southern Water Tribe's progress. I trust you'll do the same from Zephyros."
Aang nodded, his expression neutral. "I will. The Air Empire's unity depends on open communication."
Banzan gave a slight bow, his gaze briefly flickering to Kima before returning to Aang. "Safe travels, Avatar. May the winds guide you."
Aang returned the bow out of habit before lifting off and climbing into the saddle. He positioned himself at the front, taking hold of Appa's reins. The familiar texture of the leather beneath his hands brought a small measure of comfort, but it did little to ease the weight in his chest.
"Yip-yip," he called, his voice firm.
Appa let out a low bellow before his massive body shifted, and with a powerful thrust of his tail, they were airborne. The temple below grew smaller and smaller as they ascended into the open sky, the wind rushing past them in cool bursts.
Aang glanced over his shoulder at Kima. She sat perfectly still, her face turned away from him, but even from a distance, he could see the tension in her frame.
He sighed softly, turning his attention back to the horizon. The journey to Zephyros would be long, and he couldn't shake the feeling that it would be even longer for her.
The vast sky stretched endlessly around them, the soft hum of the wind and the rhythmic beating of Appa's tail the only sounds to accompany their flight. Aang kept his eyes on the horizon, but his mind was anything but focused.
What am I doing? He gripped the reins a little tighter, his knuckles whitening. This wasn't part of the plan. He didn't go the Air Temple to save some random girl. He wasn't even sure if he was actually saving her, or if her situation was just going to be worse. What do I even say to the Council when I get there? How do I explain her?
The enormity of his decision pressed on him like a weight, and for the first time in a long while, he felt unmoored. The words of the elders echoed faintly in his mind—advice about strength, decisiveness, and duty—but they offered no clarity. He had been taught that whatever he believed was right had to be so, but now he couldn't even say if this was even acceptable.
Behind him, Kima sat in silence, her gaze locked on the horizon that seemed to swallow her whole. She hadn't said a word since they'd left the temple, but her mind was far from quiet.
Every second carried her farther from everything she knew. Her home. Her family. The tribe she had fought so hard to protect. The realization began to sink in, heavy and suffocating: she wasn't going back. Not now. Not ever.
Her hands clenched tightly against the strap securing her to the saddle, her breathing shallow as the thoughts spiraled. The wind tugged at her hair, but she barely noticed.
They're gone. I'll never see them again.
The tears came slowly at first, warm streaks sliding down her cheeks. She tried to hold them back, biting her lip until it hurt, but it was no use. A soft, broken sob escaped her, and she quickly turned her head, hoping the Avatar wouldn't hear.
But Aang did.
He glanced back over his shoulder, his expression softening as he caught sight of her trembling shoulders. "Hey," he said gently, his voice cutting through the wind. "Don't cry."
The words only made it worse.
Kima's quiet sobs turned into full, shaking cries, the sound raw and filled with a pain that pierced through Aang's resolve. He shifted uncomfortably in the saddle, unsure of what to do.
"Please," he tried again, his tone softer. "It's going to be okay. I promise, I'm not going to hurt you."
She didn't respond, her face buried in her hands as the tears continued to flow.
Aang hesitated, his grip on the reins faltering. He wanted to say something, anything, to make it stop. "But you have to listen to me now, okay? Things will be better if you just... if you just trust me."
At that, Kima looked up, her eyes red and swollen, her face streaked with tears. Trust him? How could she trust him when everything about this screamed betrayal?
Her sobs quieted slightly, but her expression remained haunted, a mix of fear, anger, and despair. Aang sighed, his gaze flicking back to the horizon. The wind swirled around them, carrying the unspoken tension between them.
"I'm sorry," he murmured, almost too softly to hear.
Kima didn't respond, but her tears continued to fall, her cries now barely audible over the wind.
Aang swallowed hard, forcing himself to focus on the journey ahead. What am I even doing?
The hours stretched on as Appa soared over the endless sea. The rhythmic beat of his tail and the occasional chirp of a passing seabird were the only sounds that broke the stillness. Kima had eventually succumbed to exhaustion, her head drooping against the saddle as sleep claimed her. Aang glanced back at her occasionally, relieved to see her resting.
He had decided not to disturb her. Letting her sleep seemed kinder, especially after everything she'd been through. Maybe she'd wake up feeling a little less overwhelmed.
Or maybe not he thought, the weight of uncertainty pressing on him again.
The sun was beginning its descent when Kyoshi Island came into view, its lush greenery and rocky cliffs illuminated in the warm hues of late afternoon. Aang sighed in quiet relief. A break is what we both need.
He guided Appa down toward the familiar island, his thoughts turning to Mayor Renji, a trusted ally and one of the few non-Air Nomads he felt he could speak openly with. Renji had been instrumental in keeping Kyoshi aligned with the Air Empire, balancing loyalty with the needs of his people.
As Appa's paws touched down near the village outskirts, Aang gently nudged Kima's shoulder.
"Hey," he said softly. "We're here."
Kima stirred, her eyes fluttering open in confusion. For a moment, she seemed disoriented, her gaze darting around before landing on Aang. The sight of him brought her back to reality, and her expression hardened slightly, though it lacked the energy of earlier defiance.
"Where are we?" she asked, her voice hoarse from hours of silence.
"Kyoshi Island," Aang replied, moving to help her down from Appa. She hesitated at first but eventually accepted, her movements sluggish.
Aang noticed movement below. The villagers were gathering, as they always did when the Avatar visited. Their loyalty to him, and by extension the Air Empire, was unwavering—rooted in their deep respect for Avatar Kyoshi and her legacy.
When Appa had first landed in the village square, a wave of cheers and bows greeted them. Aang dismounted gracefully with Kima, offering the crowd a small smile and a nod of acknowledgment.
"Avatar Aang!" one of the elders exclaimed, stepping forward with a deep bow. "It is an honor to welcome you back to Kyoshi Island. What brings you to us today?"
"Thank you," Aang replied, his voice steady but kind. "I've been traveling and needed a place to rest. Kyoshi Island felt like the right choice."
The elder smiled warmly, gesturing toward the village. "You are always welcome here. Please, let us make arrangements for your comfort."
Aang turned back to Kima, who had remained silent. Her wide eyes scanned the crowd, her posture tense as though ready to retreat.
Aang glanced at her and spoke softly. "It's okay. These are all good people."
The murmurs in the crowd shifted as they noticed her, curiosity sparking in their expressions. Aang felt a pang of discomfort, but he didn't let it show.
"This is Kima," he said, his tone neutral but firm. "She'll be staying under my care."
The villagers nodded, their curiosity tempered by their respect for Aang's authority. One of them stepped forward—a broad-shouldered man with streaks of silver in his hair.
"Avatar Aang," he said with a respectful bow, "welcome back. My home is always open to you. If there's anything you need, please let me know."
"Thank you, Renji," Aang replied. "Actually, I was hoping Kima could stay with you for now. I have some matters to attend to."
Renji's gaze flicked to Kima, who stood silently beside Aang, her head slightly bowed. He nodded. "Of course. She'll be safe here."
Aang turned to Kima, his voice softening. "You'll be alright. Renji's a good man. If you need anything, just ask him."
Kima didn't respond, her expression unreadable, but she followed Renji without protest as he led her toward his home.
The crowd began to disperse, satisfied that they'd greeted the Avatar properly. Aang watched them go, exhaling deeply once they were out of sight.
This is for the best, he thought, though the knot of uncertainty in his chest refused to loosen.
With a final glance toward Renji's home, Aang made his way toward the cliffs overlooking the ocean, hoping the sea breeze would help clear his head.
Renji's home was modest but warm, a blend of practicality and charm. The walls were lined with shelves filled with books, small trinkets, and what looked like heirlooms passed down through generations. A faint scent of sea salt lingered in the air, mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed tea.
"Make yourself comfortable," Renji said kindly as he gestured for Kima to sit at the small dining table. "You've had a long journey, and I imagine you're tired."
Kima sat cautiously, her eyes darting around the room. Despite his politeness, unease prickled at her. Renji seemed kind, but his loyalty to Aang was clear in his every word and gesture. She couldn't let herself relax completely.
"I'll get you something to eat," he continued, moving toward the small kitchen area. "Nothing fancy, but better than what you'd get on the road, I hope."
Kima nodded silently, keeping her hands folded tightly in her lap. A short while later, Renji returned with a simple but hearty meal: steamed rice, grilled fish, and a bowl of miso soup. He placed it in front of her with a smile.
"Eat as much as you like," he said. "There's plenty more if you're still hungry."
"Thank you," Kima murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
She picked up the chopsticks and hesitated for a moment, then took a small bite of the fish. The flavor was mild and fresh, a stark contrast to the bland, overly spiced meals she'd endured at the Air Temple. Despite her wariness, she couldn't deny the relief she felt at eating something normal again.
Renji lingered nearby, leaning casually against the counter. He didn't say much, but Kima could feel his gaze on her now and then. It wasn't hostile—more curious, as if he wanted to ask her something but thought better of it.
After a few minutes, he spoke. "If you need anything else, just let me know. I'll leave you to eat in peace."
Without waiting for a response, he stepped out of the room, leaving her alone.
Kima ate slowly, her mind churning even as her body welcomed the nourishment. She thought of Sena and Anik, wondering where they were now. Were they still at the temple? Were they being punished for her defiance? The uncertainty gnawed at her, but there was nothing she could do about it.
She set her chopsticks down, staring blankly at the table. The faces of her friends swam in her mind, Sena's determined expression and Anik's quiet strength. I should've done more,she thought bitterly.I should've found a way to help them.
But deep down, she knew there was no "more" she could've done. She was as powerless now as she'd been at the temple, trapped in a situation she couldn't control.
Her fingers curled into fists on the table, her nails pressing into her palms. The weight of everything—her failure, her captivity, her separation from her family—felt suffocating. And now, here she was, in yet another strange place with no idea what awaited her next.
Kima closed her eyes, taking a shaky breath. For now, all she could do was wait.
The room Renji had offered Kima was small but comfortable, with a simple futon laid out on the floor and a blanket that smelled faintly of the sea breeze. Exhausted from the day's events, she had eventually drifted into a fitful sleep, her dreams plagued by fleeting images of Sena and Anik.
When she awoke, the room was dark, save for the pale light of the moon filtering through the paper screen of the window. The sound of muffled voices reached her ears, low and steady, coming from somewhere in the house.
Her heart skipped.
She sat up slowly, straining to hear. It was Aang and Renji. Their voices were too soft to make out the words clearly, but the tone was serious, almost tense.
Kima hesitated, torn between staying in the safety of the room and venturing out to learn what they were discussing. Curiosity and a faint, desperate hope won out. If she could gather any information—anything at all—it might help her find a way to escape.
Moving as quietly as she could, she slipped out of the futon and padded toward the door. Her pulse quickened with each step, the wooden floor cool beneath her bare feet.
She followed the voices to the edge of the main room, careful to stay in the shadows. Peeking around the corner, she caught sight of them. Aang stood with his back to her, his posture relaxed but his tone firm as he spoke to Renji.
"…leaving in the morning," Aang said, his voice clear now. "I want to get back to Zephyros as soon as possible."
Renji nodded, his arms crossed. "I understand, Avatar. I'll make sure you have everything you need before you go."
Kima's stomach twisted. Back to Zephyros. The words echoed in her mind, a stark reminder of how far she was from any semblance of freedom. The capital city of the Air Nomads—she'd heard whispers about it from others in the tribe, stories of its grandeur and its strict, unyielding rule.
She leaned in slightly, hoping to catch more, but the floor creaked faintly beneath her weight.
Aang's head turned, his gray eyes flicking toward her hiding spot.
Kima's breath hitched, and she ducked back into the shadows, her heart pounding. She scrambled silently back to the room Renji had given her, slipping inside and pressing her back against the door.
She waited, ears straining for the sound of footsteps, expecting someone to come after her. But the house remained silent, the low murmur of their conversation continuing as if nothing had happened.
Still, her chest heaved with fear. Aang had looked right in her direction. Had he seen her? Or had it been a coincidence?
She didn't know, and that uncertainty only added to the dread coiling in her stomach.
Curling up on the futon, Kima clutched the blanket tightly around herself. Whatever hope she'd had of finding a way out was fading fast.
The room was silent, save for the occasional whisper of the night breeze through the open window. Kima lay on the futon, her thoughts racing as she clutched the blanket. Aang's words kept repeating in her mind: "Back to Zephyros."
Her chest tightened. The capital city was a death sentence for her freedom, and she knew it. If she let herself be taken there, she'd never see her family again.
She sat up slowly, her eyes flicking toward the open window. The cool air that drifted in carried the faint scent of the sea. The thought struck her suddenly, almost absurdly simple: I could run.
Her heart pounded at the idea. It was risky, almost certainly foolish. But if she stayed, her fate was sealed. She couldn't let that happen—not without trying.
Kima rose to her feet as quietly as she could, glancing toward the door as if expecting someone to burst in. The voices she'd heard earlier were gone now, and the house seemed still. She crept toward the window, her movements careful, and peered outside. The ground wasn't too far below, and there was nothing to block her path.
Swallowing her fear, she hoisted herself up, swinging one leg over the sill, then the other. Her breath hitched as she lowered herself down, her bare feet hitting the cool grass with a soft thud.
She hesitated for only a moment before taking off into the night.
The air was cool against her skin as she ran, the village fading behind her. She had no idea where she was going—she didn't know the layout of the island—but that didn't matter. She just needed to get away.
Her legs burned, her lungs ached, but she kept going, pushing herself deeper into the forest. The trees closed in around her, their branches casting shadows that danced in the moonlight. Every rustle of leaves made her flinch, the fear of being caught—or worse, of encountering a wild animal—gnawing at her.
Eventually, her strength gave out. She stumbled to a stop, leaning against a tree to catch her breath. The realization hit her like a wave: she was lost.
But as terrifying as that thought was, it also brought a strange sense of relief. Better to be lost than to be a prisoner.
She sank to the ground, her back against the tree, and hugged her knees to her chest. The forest was eerily quiet, the only sounds the occasional chirp of insects and the rustling of leaves. Despite her fear, exhaustion crept over her, and her eyelids grew heavy.
When she woke, the first thing she noticed was the sunlight filtering through the trees. The second was the figure standing a few feet away.
Her heart sank.
Aang stood there, his arms crossed, looking down at her with a mix of frustration and something she couldn't quite place.
"What," he began, his voice calm but sharp, "did you think you were doing?"
Kima didn't answer, her eyes darting to the ground. It was obvious, wasn't it?
Aang sighed, exasperated. "You know, if you want to play hide and seek, there's a lot more space for it in Zephyros." His tone was mocking, but his gaze was piercing.
Kima clenched her fists, anger and fear swirling in her chest. She didn't respond, biting her lip to keep from saying something she might regret.
Aang crouched down, his expression softening slightly. "You can't keep running, Kima. It's not going to change anything."
She looked away, her jaw tightening. She knew he was right, but admitting it felt like giving up.
"Come on," he said, standing and offering her a hand. "Let's get back."
Kima hesitated, then reluctantly stood without taking his hand. Aang didn't comment, simply turning and motioning for her to follow. As they walked, the weight of her failed escape settled over her, heavy and suffocating.
Appa was waiting for them when they returned to the village outskirts, his saddle freshly secured and stocked with supplies for the journey ahead. Kima's heart sank further at the sight, her failed escape now feeling like a distant, hopeless memory.
Aang motioned for her to climb into the saddle, and though she hesitated, she eventually obeyed. He followed, stepping up with practiced ease and crouching to secure her restraints once again.
"Do you really have to do this?" she asked quietly, her voice trembling.
"Yes," Aang replied, his tone firm but not unkind.
She lowered her gaze, her fingers twisting nervously. "Why?"
Aang adjusted the straps, making sure they were snug but not overly tight. "Because it's for your safety. You don't know how to ride Appa, and if you fell, I wouldn't be able to catch you in time."
Kima didn't respond, but the subtle slump of her shoulders spoke volumes.
Aang straightened, glancing toward Renji, who stood nearby. The older man offered a polite bow. "Safe travels, Avatar Aang. And may your journey be swift."
Aang nodded. "Thank you, Renji. I'll keep in touch."
With that, he climbed into position at the front of the saddle, taking the reins. "Yip yip!"
Appa let out a low rumble and lifted into the air, his massive body rising effortlessly above the trees. Kima felt the wind rush past her face, the sensation both exhilarating and terrifying.
For a while, the flight was quiet, the only sounds the steady whoosh of Appa's gliding and the occasional flap of his massive tail. Kima sat in silence, her mind racing.
Finally, she mustered the courage to ask, "How long until we get there?"
Aang glanced over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. "Normally, it would take about three more days of straight flying."
Her stomach dropped. "Three days?"
"But," he continued, "I know a route that cuts that time down to just a day and a half."
Kima stared at him, the weight of his words settling over her. A day. A day and some hours until she was in the heart of the Air Nomads' empire, surrounded by their most powerful leaders and entirely at their mercy.
She looked away, her chest tightening as dread threatened to overwhelm her.
The silence stretched between them again, heavy and oppressive. Aang focused on the horizon, his thoughts a swirl of uncertainty and resolve. He didn't know what he was going to do when they arrived in Zephyros, but he'd made his choice. Now, he had to see it through.
Kima, meanwhile, sank into her own thoughts, her mind spiraling as she imagined what awaited her. The Air Empire had already taken so much from her—her freedom, her family, her sense of self. What more could they take?
And yet, she knew the answer: everything.
A/N: Hey hey, so this chapter was a bit difficult because I realized I have no clue yet where exactly Zephyros actually is lol. I'm thinking of having it be more inland and closer to the Earth Kingdom than the Fire Nation, but of course even with that it's not exactly a place you could just walk up to, as you guys will see in the next chapter. But while I'm working that out, I hope you guys liked this one and thanks so so much to everyone reading. Y'all are awesome!