THE OTHER AIRBENDER (Book 2)

(XXIII) Air

I know, I know. I seem to have a special talent for getting kidnapped by the Fire Nation's royalty. If we're being truly honest, I seem to have a talent for getting kidnapped, period. Still, it doesn't stink any less.

At least this time I've got Katara with me, I guess. Or maybe it would be nicer, if she were speaking to me.

She's upset because I didn't tell her—or any of the others, for that matter—that I knew that Iroh and Zuko were in town. Granted, I didn't want to tell her, but I knew I had to, when Azula threatened to squeeze the truth out of us if necessary. At least now she had the same leverage over the psycho princess as I did, and I hoped that that information would save her life if necessary. Obviously I wasn't expecting her to give me the cold shoulder like this, though.

"Come on, Katara. You know I couldn't tell you."

"Why? Because you're such good friends now with the people that've tried to kill us?"

"To be fair, it was only Zuko that tried to kill us, and it should be noted that he failed quite miserably. Regardless, I didn't tell you because I knew that you guys would want to warn the King."

"Of course we would! They're ruthless criminals who want to kill Aang—"

"They're refugees now, Katara. Their own family has turned their backs to them. They're just trying to start new lives," I tell her, as I follow her deeper into the cave. "You don't have to forgive them if you don't want to—"

This place doesn't really feel like a dungeon, you know, if you ignore the fact that only an earthbender could find a way out. It's a simple cave with a single entrance, lit inside by dozens of glowing crystals. It kind of reminds me of the Secret Tunnel in a way.

"Forgive them?" Katara scoffs. "Alya, you're too naïve. They're from the Fire Nation. The same people who took your mother. Who killed your people. Who killed my mother."

"If we want peace again, we have to be willing to trust others first," I tell her with a sigh.

"How can I trust you now that you've lied to us?" Katara retorts, as we're interrupted by the sound of the hole above us opening up, a Dai Li agent peeking in from afar.

"You've got company."

He then pushes someone into the hole, and shuts it back up completely. I widen my eyes, as I immediately recognize our new companion.

"Zuko."

***

"Why did they throw you in here?" Katara asks him, but doesn't exactly let him speak. "Oh, wait, let me guess. It's a trap. So that when Aang shows up to help us, you can finally have him in your little Fire Nation clutches!"

"Katara," I warn her, noticing how Zuko isn't responding to her anger. Surprisingly enough, he seems almost thoughtful in his expression, as if reflecting on what she's saying.

"You're a terrible person! You know that? Always following us! Hunting the Avatar! Trying to capture the world's last hope for peace! But what do you care? You're the Fire Lord's son. Spreading war and violence and hatred is in your blood!" Katara continues her ranting.

"Katara!" I say, raising my voice. I know she doesn't mean what she's saying. Her words are coming from a place of anger and pain. But this isn't helping anyone. She's only getting more upset and I doubt this will get Zuko to help us.

"You don't know what you're talking about!" Zuko finally responds.

"I don't? How dare you! You have no idea what this war has put me through! Me personally! The Fire Nation took my mother away from me," her voice cracks at the end, confirming my suspicions.