The Guider Effect ☼ Zuko || ATLA

Crispy Skin

Kireina wandered the area for hours. Traipsing down endless streets that started to become maze-like, throwing off her sense of direction. Before she knew it, she was utterly lost in the depths of the city.

"Well this is fine." Rein muttered to herself in a feeble attempt at calming her rising nerves. If she had her bending she would simply leap onto a tall building or tree to find her way back home, but, alas, she was powerless.

The sun was setting, leaving her to navigate home in the dark. Her mind couldn't fathom the idea that once, a walk in the night brought her no unease at all yet now the act filled her with terror.

"You scolded your brother about being late for dinner yet here you are, still roaming around."

Rein's head snapped to the side where she spotted the same teenager from back at the school. He leaned nonchalantly against a storefront, a smug smile displayed on his face. He reminded her of Jet in a way; the conceited, dominant type.

She scoffed, "Wow, seems I have myself a stalker."

     Cheeks reddening, he began to stutter and trip over his words. Rein neared him causing his posture to straighten. He attempted to take a step backwards but he was already pressed against the building, leaving him with no escape.

     "If I scare you so much why do you approach me?" Rein questioned him, scanning her eyes across his face.

     He trembled beneath her stare yet felt no need to call out for help. This girl was beyond fascinating to him, her hair symbolizing the way she made others feel.

     Split down the middle. To fear her yet feel secure in her presence. Her dead gaze was enough to give someone chills but pinned under that stare was eerily comforting. She was an anomaly and because of that, she was garnering a lot more unwanted attention. Connections were starting sooner as her hair piqued the interest of many, as opposed to before when Rein seemed to be like any other normal girl.

     "I—I don't know, I just want to help you." He finally managed to speak. Upon hearing his reply, Rein took a step back from him, giving him his space.

     She dramatically gestured for him to lead the way and start walking, "You can help me by guiding me home. I seem to have gotten myself lost."

     The teen nodded at her, "Where is it you reside?"

     "Like I'd tell you that." Rein rolled her eyes at him, "Just take me to the border, I can find my way home from there."

     "So elusive."

     "What's your name anyway?" She questioned him as they walked side by side down the emptying streets.

     He perked up instantly. Since encountering her earlier today he's wanted nothing more than for his name to be known to her. "Hide."

     "Why? Who's coming?" She quickly used his broad frame to shield herself.

     He chuckled and gently pulled Rein out from behind him. "No, my name is Hide."

     She breathed out a sigh of relief and slapped his large bicep playfully, "You scared me! What is wrong with your parents?"

     Hide continued to laugh as her reaction played on a loop in his brain. Meanwhile, the sound of his deep chuckle filled Rein with that same feeling from earlier when Sokka found her amusing. She felt a strange burst of accomplishment as she made others feel joy.

     They continued to stroll down the road in a comfortable silence but it didn't last long. The sudden sensation of eyes leering at her had Rein leaning into Hide as a source of protection. Guilt bubbled to the surface as he looked down at the frightened girl. Confused as to how it was possible she could seem so vulnerable right now when only minutes ago she had him practically swallowing his own tongue. Hide signaled for his crew in waiting to stand down but he was met with devious smirks in response.