The Ruka Wild ↠ Book 3 > A:TLA

22

Ruka (3)

We manage to get into the prison unnoticed, which is kind of a shock to me. Sokka found a small room where they kept the uniforms and we changed into them quickly.

When I looked at the two boys standing beside each other, I couldn't help but think about Hiko and Reign. I wish I could thank them... 

"I hope these disguises work." Zuko said.

"We just need to lay low and find my dad as soon as possible." Sokka turned to me and grabbed my hand. "And we'll stay together the whole time."

Startled, we all turn our heads to the end of the hallway after hearing loud footsteps. Guards were running down and as one spotted us on the way, he called after us.

"Guards, there's a scuffle in the yard! Come on!"

We quickly follow after them - needing to play the part of course. Out in the yard, everyone circled around a guard and a prisoner.

I make my way past the prisoners and into the circle.

"I didn't do anything. I'm going back to my cell." The prisoner said. As he turned around, the Guard firebended a whip and merely missed the prisoner. "Stop right there, Chit Sang."

From the corner of my eye, I saw Zuko step forward. However, Sokka grabbed onto his arm to stop him. "We can't blow our cover."

"I've had it with your unruly behavior."

"What did I do?"

"He wants to know what he did, isn't that cute?" The Guard leaned into Sokka with a mischievous grin. Sokka only gulped, not following along with his humor. This made the guard lift up his mask and narrow his eyes at my brother.

I jump into the conversation. "The cutest, sir. I practically cracked up."

Satisfied, the Guard smirked before walking back to the Prisoner. "You didn't bow down when I walked by, Chit Sang."

"What? That's not a prison rule!" Chit Sang defended. The Guard got in his face and gritted, "Do it."

"Make me."

The Guard turned his back and walked away. But that didn't mean he was done. He tried to use another whip to make Chit Sang bow, which nearly made me yell out to warn him. But before it could hit him, he blocked it using his own bending.

The Guard shook his head slowly. "Firebending is prohibited. You're going in the cooler."

I widened my eyes. That's completely unfair...

He then points to Sokka, making all three of us straighten up. "You! Help me take him in."

"Meet back here in an hour." Sokka whispers to Zuko and I before he runs off.

Once the crowd started to go back to their own business, Zuko and I did the same. I crossed my arms. "What was Chit Sang supposed to do? Let himself get burned?" I shook my head in disbelief, "Unbelievable. I guess I really wasn't the only one getting abused here by someone else's power."

I notice Zuko glancing away. Even behind his mask, I could see my comment hurt him; maybe it caught him by surprise. "I heard a few Guards talking about a lunch break. Are you hungry?"

I slightly smile while nodding. "I can eat."

"Great. Let's find the Lounge." He turns around and begins to walk away, myself following close behind.

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In the Cafeteria, I hesitantly stacked my plate. My portions were a lot smaller than Zuko's, but it's passable.