Disclaimer:: Come now, we all know that I don't own any of the exclusive rights to this show, because if I did, I wouldn't have to write about the show, I could simply have made what I wanted to happen a reality. But where's the fun in that now? Seriously, if I owned it, would I really be writing these?

Author's Note:: Okay, so it's been a while since I've written on here, and an even longer time since I've added additional input to this story. So long, that in fact, I have forgotten the original story plot that I had in mind. So in a summary, I will be steering this story in an entirely different direction based on the fact that I don't remember where I was originally going with it... Don't like it, don't read it.

Chapter 5: Gypsy Rose

Katara awoke with a terrible pain in her left side, a side splitting head ache, and a vat of tears yet to be cried pressuring the back of her eyelids. She fluttered her eyes once or twice before finally opening her eyes to take in the nightmare that was her current reality. Blood red banners and tapestries hung as haunting reminders of the terrifying and unforgettable events and losses that had taken place on the previous day.

As the crimson victory cry of her captors filled her vision, she swallowed hard. She couldn't fully comprehend her losses. They hadn't quite registered emotionally yet. As the seconds passed, she glanced at the door, expecting Sokka and Aang to burst through the iron wrought door in a cloud of fury and free her from this nightmare. The more realistic side of her knew, but didn't wish to accept, that this would never again happen. She was trapped in this hell, for good this time. No protective brother to rescue her. He was gone from this world, and had moved to the spirit realm. She had watched his glowing soul leave his lifeless body. Tears stung heavily on the behind her beautiful cerulean eyes at the memory of Sokka, her beloved brother.

She bit her lip as a single silver tear danced down her tanned cheeks. She had to move on, to survive, as was the way of her nomadic people. Although she loved Sokka dearly, and the loss of him would hang heavily on her conscience forever, she couldn't be weighed down to the point of immobility. Right now, she had to think in the present moment. Right now, her current situation called to her attention. In order to survive, she had to focus singly on the matter at hand. Escape from this wretched cell.

The water tribe maiden looked around, looking for any points of weakness or strength that she could use to her advantage. The room was rather plain, although elegantly decorated with fire nation insignia at any and every point possible, and the overpowering hue of red stung her eyes. There was a tapestry delicately draped over the twin bed, a black oak wood dresser that she assumed was filled to the brim with servant garb, and a small red-lined mirror that hung over a wooden chair. No windows, openings, or anything that could even be moderately related to a decent escape plan.

She scanned the room once more, looking for any small detail that she may have overlooked, but it was in vain. The room was too cozy to have any small hidden nooks that could be easily overlooked. She sighed and sat down on the bed, smacking her lips. The sour, metallic taste of blood danced on her taste buds. Even more red enveloping her world. She spat out of disgust, and looked at the red concoction that puddled at her feet. Red, crimson, everywhere. She couldn't escape it. She tightened her eyes, trying to block out the maddening lack of color contrast. It was everywhere, mocking her, laughing at her failure, reminding her of her fate, forever confined to a slave quarter, prisoner of the grand Fire Nation.

Just when she was about to crack, she heard heavy footsteps outside her cell door. Fire Nation guards. She felt the sickening black pit well in her stomach. She knew this part would come. They would decide her fate. They would drag her to the Fire Lord's chambers, and she would be condemned for treason against the "Superior Nation". Chances were that she would be condemned to death. She swallowed hard and tears began to well in her eyes. She closed her eyes and began to mumble in near inaudible prayer to the moon spirit that it was swift and painless.

'Sokka, I'll be with you soon.' Katara blinked and another small portion of salty liquid fell gracefully from her eyelashes. She allowed only allowed the solo tear to fall, blinking the others away, attempting to dam them behind her eyelids. Her eyes flickered to the heavy iron door as she heard the hinges squeal and scream. She exhaled softly and prepared to meet her fate.

Two large uniformed guards stood coldly at the door holding large, sharp spears. One entered and grabbed her harshly by the arm and yanked her to her feet.

"Katara of the Southern Water Tribe," The guard that held her captive spoke in an unresponsive and unemotional, monotone voice. "You are being held under the charges of conspiracy against the Superior Nation, and treason against the Grand Fire Lord. How do you plead?" She remained silent. "Silence pleads guilty." The guard tightened his grip on her arm. "Follow us, stay silent, and put up no fight under penalty of death. The Royal Family has already decided your fate." He began to drag her out of the room. The other guard took hold of her remaining arm, gripping her tightly. She could feel her arms beginning to swell and a bruise welling under her skin from their iron grip.

They dragged Katara down several hallways; the red glow made her severely nauseous. The guards didn't loosen their grip on the young girl, only continued to drag her through out several hallways. Finally, after what seemed like hours, the small group appeared at a large crimson and smoked black doorway with golden engravings. One guard reached for the knocker and pounded three times. Almost immediately, the door slowly creaked open revealing a particular looking chamber.

Sheer red fabric was delicately draped around every plausible space around the ceiling and walls all the way down to the floor, and there were a couple large beds with silken red and black sheets glimmering in the dull light. Several crimson tapestries hung from the wall, bearing the Fire Nation insignia proudly. On the far side of the room, a small balding man sat behind a desk filing forms into several different cabinets. The guards dragged her up to the desk, allowing her feet to scrape the floor. As they approached the desk, they lifted her up by her already bruising arms and held her for the man to inspect.

"Hello boys, what surprises have you brought to my attention today?" The man behind the desk rose from his chair.

"The Royal Family conspirator, one of the three." The guards voice remained completely monotone as they threw her to the mans' feet.

"Mmm..." The man reached down to her, lifting her chin up to inspect her face. She stared him down with blue eyes. He scanned her features over once or twice and looked back to the guards. "Yes, yes, I do recall. The Prince had special plans for this one." Katara's eyes darted up to the man, and the guards shifted ever so slightly. The balding man smiled toward the guards. "Now, now, boys. Don't get too excited." He clapped one of them on the shoulder. She heard a muffled noise behind one of the guards helmets. Finally one of the guards spoke.

"Well you know as well as I do Zhou, that's it's been a while since we've had some satisfying... Fresh meat... In our chambers." The guards' voice was laced with lust and a raging hunger. Suddenly, it hit Katara. She was going to be a concubine. Her body began to shake in fear and her eyes streamed slightly behind her closed lids.

"No, no, I'd rather die!" Her voice trembled as she attempted to stand once more. The guard threw her back to the floor with ease.

"Silence, wench. You have no say in the matter. You are a prisoner!" He threw his hand back, almost as if he was about to slap her. Zhou's face hardened and he blocked the blow.

"Sorry boys, this one is out of your hands now. Special orders from the Prince himself. This one is not for you." Katara released a breath of relief. Zhou's steely eyes crossed from one guard to the other. "Should you have any complaints, I'm just sure his Royal Highness would be happy to listen." Zhou arched his eyebrow. "Would you like an appointment?"

"Negative." The guards voice was angry, almost venomous. "We'll be taking our leave." They turned and marched out. Katara turned her head and glanced backward toward the pair. One guard turned back and returned the glance. She could feel his icy stare and a chill drove up her spine. He lowered his hand as he walked and a small black fire ball formed in his palm. Without a seconds hesitation, he crushed it. His fiery eyes returned to Katara in warning as he took his leave. She gulped, and shook her head vigorously.

"Well now dear, we can't deliver you to His Royal Highness looking like that now can we?" Zhou frowned ever so slightly. Katara looked up to glance at him curiously.

"Deliver?" Anger reflected in her voice.

"Yes indeed. It appears the prince has... reserved feelings about throwing you to the men as was originally planned. Although the Lady Mai was none too pleased." He shook his head. Katara's anger rose at the mention of her name. "You must have made quite an... Impression on him, young lady. It is quite uncommon that the Prince shows mercy to any prisoners of war. Let alone against his father's will." He inhaled sharply.

He led her down another hallways populated by blackwood doors and stopped at one of the rooms at the end of the hallway. He began to intently search under his robe and a few seconds later, pulled out a set of keys and began to ring vigorously through them. Finally he stopped at a small silver key and unlocked the door that they stood before. The door effortlessly swung open, and he led Katara inside.

"Find a set of clothes that you find to your liking. I'll be back momentarily. I must make way to the room to make sure that it is fully prepared for your arrival." He ushered himself out, leaving Katara curious. If she wasn't to be a concubine, then what was her final punishment?

In an attempt to keep her racing mind off of what was to come, she headed to the wardrobe at the far end of the room and began to dig through it, looking for any clothing articles that caught her attention. After several moments of intense sorting, she finally settled on a rose red set of knee length tights that hugged her legs underneath a sheer slitted dancing skirt that graced the floor. As for a top, she selected a crimson top lined with gold colored cloth that crossed at her chest, and tied up around her neck. The clothes were none too suited for daily ware, let alone escape, but they were her only options.

She slowly shuffled to a mirror that hung across the room and looked over her outfit. She was conforming, even adapting to her captors. She bit her lip hard. She must do what she must do to survive. Even if it meant breaking so that she may break through. She scanned one last time and gave a sigh of disappointment. Zhou appeared at the door, a broad smile on his face.

"Are you ready, my dear?" He grinned, flashing his several missing teeth. He grabbed her hand and let her through the hallway and back through the ominous doors.

"Ready? For what?" Katara furrowed her brow as he led her down the halls.

"The Prince."

Further Down The Halls...

He could hear voices coming down the hall, one of an older gentleman, and the other of a young female. Not just any female. It was her. He felt a cold shiver run down his spine. The hallways were dark, foreboding, the perfect atmosphere for seeing without being seen. He glanced around the hallway, and saw the pair. Zhou, in his normal getup uniform, and her. He looked her over, and over again. Blood red didn't look half bad, beautiful, as always. However he longed for the vulnerable baby blue of her past.

She always seemed so young, and had this innocent essence about her. He couldn't see her as anything but a child. But now, the red gently graced her curves, he could see he was sorely mistaken. Now he could see her as what she truly was. A woman, and a seductive and fiery one at that. Although blue would forever hold her past, crimson truly captured her spirit, just as he soon would. The best part of it all, she was all his. Now and forever.

She could forever be his rose red gypsy.