Inspired by 0KiWi0's fantastic piece, "Runaway Zutara" on Deviant Art. You MUST GO SEE THIS!!

Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar, and I'm not making any money off of this!!

Also, I'm looking for an Avatar Beta, my usual Beta isn't into ATLA, so if you are interested, PM me.

The dark floor of the palace reflected everything, even emotions at times. Zuko steeled his face into a practiced mask as he marched with his personal guard, their boots making an intense thundering sound. In the rooms surrounding the passage way he could hear the shrieks of the concubines as they scattered, fearful.

He didn't blame them. He knew what type of man his Sire was. They should be thankful that this was Ozai's country palace, and not the Royal Palace in Sozun. It was here though, that his search had finally bore fruit.

The last door at the end of the hall bore a solid guard who regarded the Fire Nation Prince with mild distain.

"Move aside," Zuko commanded, his voice cold.

The man regarded him for a moment, hesitant.

"Did you not hear the Prince? Move aside!" His lieutenant barked.

"His Highness should be warned, the bitch is..."

Fire ignited in Zuko's hands and he surged towards the soldier. "Move," he hissed, the flames reflecting in the quaking man's eyes.

The audible gulp echoed in the long hallway, and after a long agonizing moment, the guard moved, reaching with shaking hands to heat the lock with a firebending move. When the lock clicked, he stepped back into a bow.

Zuko nodded to his lieutenant, who opened the door.

The stench assaulted the team's senses first, and Zuko allowed the flames to grow around his hands as he stepped into the room. The dank chamber had no windows, as it was intended to serve as a storage room, it now was a cell.

Rushes covered the floor in an attempt to soak any excrement from the cell's only occupant who lay in the filth.

"By the Gods!"

Zuko shot his soldier a level look, and stepped forward placing his fire on a wall torch, illuminating the room. He bent down over the naked form, gulping air to avoid the churning of his stomach. The chains hung off of her bony arms, and her flesh shone dark with bruises. Her feet were bloody from apparent whippings.

"Katara," Zuko murmured, touching his fingertips to her cheek.

Her eyelashes fluttered, and she cringed, still unconscious. "Please...no..."she rasped.

The pained plea only reached his ears, but immediately the flames in the room grew larger. He reached his arms gently around her midsection, his hands curling around the bones of her hips easily. She lifted easily and he held her to him, touching his hand beneath her chin gently.

"I'm going to take you out of this goddamn place,don't die on me now," he whispered.

There was silence in response, and the form in his grasp grew even limper as he cradled her within the safety of his arms. Zuko turned, his eyes blazing.

"Send a healer to my ship, NOW!" He barked, stepping into the illumination of the hall. The wounds were worse in the light. They had little time. "Did you hear me!? I SAID NOW!"

A soldier went scrambling down the hall, barking orders for the servants.

"Highness, will not the Fire Lord be angry that you have taken his prisoner?" The lone guard had gathered his courage to speak.

Zuko began marching down the passage, never turning to look back. "I don't care."

When the heavy metal door to his personal quarters finally closed behind him did Zuko allow his real emotions to show. He lay the Waterbender on his futon, and reached for a water pitcher.

"Katara, Katara...it's me...Zuko..."

She was silent.

He dribbled water from a rag to her lips, willing her to swallow.

The door slammed open and he was on his feet, flame whips at ready. He relaxed slightly at the figure in the doorway.

"Where is my sister?" Sokka demanded.

Zuko's shoulder's slumped. "Sokka...she isn't...you don't want to see her like this..."

Sokka stepped to the side, only to have Zuko step in front of him. Again Sokka moved sideways, only to yet again be blocked by the Fire Nation noble.

The Water Tribe Warrior gave Zuko a level glare. "Get out of my way."

Sighing, Zuko moved aside, letting the sibling rush forward to take his sisters hand. He immediately began to cry his sister's name over and over again, pleading with her to wake. Zuko watched, silently adding his voice to his comrades. They kept vigil until the Healer arrived.

Much thanks to MomotheLemur, and 0KiWi0 for their inspiration and listening to me prattle. Read and Review people! The muses stop talking to me if you don't!! Lady