The Jaded Princess - A Sokka Love Story

Chapter Twelve

Haru was starting to worry. Orzala had fallen unconscious upon arriving to the shipyard, and he had been unable to wake her. His only reassurance was the ragged rise and fall of her chest that mimicked her breathing.

The boy had come to discover that his father had established himself as a leader amongst the prisoners, and he was pleasantly surprised when he had come to their aid. Tyro had gathered several blankets to wrap around the girl's wounds, hoping to staunch the bleeding. However, the thick cloth was stained crimson, and the patch was only growing darker.

He needed to clear his head.

Tyro had been kind enough to sit with Orzala and watch over her, telling his son to take some time. "It's not easy to watch a friend in pain," he sympathized. His sad, old eyes had watched Haru as he disappeared into the crowd.

The boy was astonished as he looked around, recognizing the old faces he had grown up around. Several of his father's friend had waved toward him, flashing him small smiles. Their eyes betrayed them, however. They were sad- devastated, even. They held none of the fire that he was used to.

A flash of blue caught his attention through the sea of sack-cloth, and he furrowed his eyebrows. What earthbender would be wearing Water Tribe colors? A beat passed before his eyes widened, and he raced in the direction he had seen the color.

"Katara?!" He shouted, his green eyes searching for another sign of his friend, but there was no sign of her among the crowd of elders. Had he just imagined her? Haru sighed, running a hand over his face in frustration.

"Haru!" A voice gasped behind him, and he was suddenly knocked forward as a body slammed into his back. He looked down at the blue clad arms that were wrapped around his torso, and a bright smile lit up his face.

"Katara!" Haru exclaimed, spinning in her grasp to return her embrace. His cheek nuzzled against her hair, and he couldn't help but release a sigh of contentment. They pulled apart for a moment, smiling at one another. Haru's face suddenly fell. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to rescue you and Orzala!" She exclaimed, and Haru couldn't help but smile at the girl's determination.

"So you got yourself arrested?" She nodded, seeming somewhat proud of herself, and he chuckled.

Katara frowned at the grave look that suddenly painted the boy's face. "C'mon. I assume you want to see her." She felt her heart drop as he laced his fingers with hers, and they began making their way slowly through the crowd. Her heart seemed to be crawling up her throat, and Haru's tense state only confirmed her fears.

"Haru?" He turned his head, not looking back but raising an eyebrow to show that he was listening.

"S-she... she's not-" Katara tensed as he whirled around, his eyes wide as he gripped her shoulders, but he shook his head.

"Katara, no!" She felt herself relax slightly, and Haru gave her a small smile. "No. She's a fighter, Katara. Orzala wouldn't give them that satisfaction." A quiet laugh escaped them both. He raised an eyebrow, silently questioning if they were ok to continue on. She nodded.

"You're right."

"I do have to warn you though," he explained, once again weaving the two of them through the crowd, "she passed out when we got here. Father says she'll be fine. She's just tired, but the worst is over. Still. It's hard to-" Haru paused mid-step, and Katara furrowed her eyebrows "...see."

"What is it?" Katara peered around his large figure, eyes lighting up when they connected with a pair of dark green ones. "Orzala!" The princess did not seem to share her sentiment, however.