The Lost Waterbender (Avatar: The Last Airbender Fanfiction)

6 Months Later

I dodged underneath Raiko's strike and lashed out my foot. He ducked and leapt forward to hit me, but I stepped out of the way, sending a kick to hit butt as he passed. Raiko stumbled onto the floor. I leapt on top of him and pinned him down, my hand holding his head.

"Okay, okay, I give up!" He said. I stepped back from him and brushed off my shirt.

"I'm making a comeback," I said. "The score is now 4-6, you in the lead."

Raiko snorted. "Only because I let you."

"I won and you can admit it," I said.

Raiko gave me one if his sly grins and bowed. "It was an honor fighting you, Badger."

I returned the bow. "Likewise. Have you heard if Koza have any missions for us?"

Raiko shook his head. "He gave us the day off. We could go into town."

I agreed and we made our way up out of the hideout. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the sky was a rich blue, and there wasn't a cloud in sight.

"I have three copper pieces," I said. "You?"

I've got a silver piece," Raiko replied.

"Where'd you get a silver piece?"

"I don't spend my money on useless items like candy and combs."

I huffed. "It's not useless. I ate the candy and I use the comb to brush my hair!"

Raiko snorted and I shoved him playfully.

In the six months I'd stayed in the Underground, I felt for the first time like I belonged somewhere, like I had an actual family. It's been the best time of my life.

"Hang on," I said. I stopped at a rain barrel and dipped my hand in. The water was cold and refreshing.

"You want some?" I looked up for Raiko, but he wasn't there.

"Raiko?" I turned in a circle, scanning the area for him.

"Badger run!"

I whipped around to see Raiko in the hands of a Fire Nation soldier.

The same one who'd taken me six months ago.

He held a palm of fire up to Raiko's head. "Come with me or your friend gets it."

"Please don hurt him!" I said. "I'll come peacefully."

Raiko shook head. "Go get help! I'll be okay."

I shook my head and walked towards the man. "Just let him go. He's not involved in this." My heart was pounding like a drumbeat. I had to get Raiko out if here. He had nothing to do with..whatever this whole thing was.

"Kneel on the ground and put your hands behind your head," Lee commanded, gripping Raiko even tighter.

I did as he told me and said, "Now let him go."

The soldier shoved Raiko against a house, smacking his head on the brick. Raiko fell to the ground, clutching his skull and groaning. I tried to go to him, but the soldier pushed me back down.

"Don't move," Lee snarled. "Do you know what you've put me through? I was stripped of my rank, and the only way to get it back is to bring your head to the Fire Lord."

At this point tears began rolling down my cheeks. Raiko was hurt, I was wanted dead by the Fire Lord, and this man was driven by a horrible anger that made him dangerous. I felt total, utter, dread and defeat. In a fit of rage, I let loose screaming.