Snippet #1519637

Anita slowed her mount to a trot, eventually stopping. She could see a small creek was close by and she wanted to stock up on water and rest. She had galloped throughout the night, anxiety and nerves driving her forward. But now, all she felt was exhaustion.

She knew she should be quite well off the boundaries of the fire nation by now, and felt more relaxed. She dismounted and stretched her aching body, sighing and rubbing her tired eyes wearily. Her mount also looked exhausted of course, having been made to gallop the whole night by her. Anita stared at the creature's eyes, feeling rather guilty.

"I'm sorry..." She whispered to the stallion, giving him a gentle pat on his head. The horse whined slightly, his eyes drooping shut.

Anita felt her own eyes droop, but she kept herself awake, not really wanting to sleep. She wanted to explore the area first- and obtain some water too.

Leaving the horse to rest in the shade, Anita began to walk through the bush towards the water. Just as she was about to get close to the water's edge, she saw slight movement on her right which made her quickly hide behind the bush.

It was a young man, resting by the creek's edge. Not wanting to give herself away, she crept in closer, keeping herself hidden in the bushes. She put the hood of her cloak up around her face, keeping it hidden in shadow.

Her crimson eyes narrowed at the figure, observing him closely. Something about him seemed familiar...

Something... Somehow...

A gasp flew from her lips and she quickly put her hand over her mouth to stifle it, ducking behind a bush.

Her eyes widened with realisation and her mind raced, exhaustion and the need for water now forgotten.

There was no mistaking it, it was the Prince. The Prince of the Fire Nation.

She had never had any personal contact with him. But being the military, she had seen him often, around and about.
She couldn't mistake that posture, those dark, menacing eyes...

"Damn it!" she swore under her breath.

But something wasn't right. What was the Prince of the Fire Nation doing out of the Nation borders- all by himself? Was he on some secret mission, planning the next raid? Surely, he wasn't out here looking for her- the traitor? Surely, she wasn't worth it for the Prince himself to come out and hunt her down?

Shaking her head, she stared out again from the shadows. She felt anger build up within her, but tried to calm herself down and think. However, her pounding heart certainly did not help.

"What the hell am I going to do now?" She growled in her head.

Perhaps she could take him out by surprise. Perhaps she could kill the Prince here and now- deal a big blow for the Fire Lord by killing his son. She could send the Fire Lord a gift- his son's head.

A malicious smile played at her lips, and she only felt cold amusement at the thought.

After all, the Prince was probably just like his father, killing innocent people here and there...

She felt herself shake with building rage. She wanted to kill the Prince... tear him to pieces...

"Haven't you done enough killing for a lifetime?"

A part of her consciousness scolded her, but she could hardly listen. It didn't matter. Nothing mattered.
The end justified the means. And she knew it was too late to save herself now anyway.
She was already too far within the depths of hell.

Anita unsheathed her sword, creeping forward softly. A deadly glint danced in her eyes.
The Prince's life was hers to claim. And that was all that mattered.

So she leapt out of the shadows, blade gleaming in the sunlight, aimed at the Prince's back.