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Post by Funk Oni on Sept 8, 2006 22:19:02 GMT -5
Hey everybody! Sorry for disappearing for months on end, like I said, hiatus for the summer job and then moving in to the new apartment.
Alright, new chapter. For anyone who's still reading this, I'm really grateful to you for your patience with me.
Oh, and Babbs: You rule, I miss you, sign on.
Enjoy!
Chapter Fifteen: Advancements
“More,” Jung growled lowly as he pressed his hand firmly to the ground beneath him.
Enlai looked towards his fellow rider, an exhausted sweat coating his skin as he held another boulder.
Feng hesitated, the scar across his face burning softly as sweat trailed its edge. His deliberation was broken by another growl.
“More,” the Demon insisted again.
The former bandits exchanged glances, nodding before each stacked another boulder atop the warrior’s back.
Feeling the pressure of the additional weight, Jung lowered his chest again, halting as it hovered inches above the temple soil. Slowly he pushed again, bringing himself back up to his original position. The mask stared coldly at the ground as he commanded more weight be added to his back.
The priests watched from along the edge of the temple grounds, their chores delayed by the display of the Demon’s training session. The crowd filled with murmurs and the exchange of rumors.
“An intense exercise,” Chin-Hwa noted as he stroked his beard, stepping out from the temple interior.
“Hmph,” Min grunted, folding her arms as she watched the display with narrow eyes. “Pushing himself too hard, he still needs some rest.”
The old noble smiled, appreciating not the irony of the statement, but of the one issuing it. “You surprise me, Min. I assumed that you of all people would understand his motivation.”
The old woman glanced up at him suspiciously, wondering as to what his point was.
“The body will only rest as long as the spirit will allow. A passionate spirit will push the body far beyond the standard measure.”
She turned her attention back towards the Demon, considering the words before grunting once again. “Hmph.”
“Madame Min, the tea you requested me to watch is finished,” a priest stepped out holding a kettle. She had not so much requested as commanded, much to his irritation.
“About time,” she muttered as she snatched the kettle from his hand, waving it out towards the three as she cupped her hand around her mouth, yelling. “Hey! Time for a break!”
Jung pushed himself up yet again, the two bandits looking towards the old woman nervously. She had enlisted them both the morning prior to help make tea.
Both had become well acquainted with her temper. So much so, that they had dubbed her “the Tea Demon.”
The Demon lowered himself again, paying little heed to her words.
“Hey!” she yelled out, storming towards them. “I said to take a break!”
Enlai and Feng glanced down at the Demon, then towards the oncoming Min. Both considered carefully which one would be safer to defy.
Jung tilted his back, feeling the stones cascade off, dust rising as each hit the ground. He breathed deeply as he stood, gazing down at the aggravated old woman standing before him.
She glared up at him with a stiff upper lip, holding up the kettle and pointing towards it with her free hand. “When I say to take a break, you stop.”
The two bandits glanced quickly towards the Demon, curious as to his response.
There was an awkward silence as the warrior stood before her, her stare not faltering for a moment.
“…Hmm,” he nodded slowly.
“Good,” she muttered, her attention turning towards Enlai and Feng. “You two! What’re you just standing around for?! Go help the old hog monkey with the rhinos!” she waved her hand towards the rhinos, “old hog monkey” being the name she had recently assigned to Gang.
“Y-Yes ma’am!” Enlai stood at attention before hurrying towards the rhinos, slowing to talk to his partner. “Man, I thought we were gonna get some tea.”
“Our arrival here was not one of peace. We shall do all we can to make penance for the mistakes of our past,” Feng explained as he continued towards the rhinos, hardly perturbed the old woman’s commands.
The former bandit glanced towards his partner, grinning at his attempt to be stoic. “Is it that, or are you just afraid to share tea with two Demons at once?”
“…Quiet,” Feng muttered after an indignant pause.
“Heh, knew it,” he folded his arms behind his head confidently as the two continued towards the rhinos.
“Stop pushing yourself so hard,” she muttered as she sat in the shade.
“We need to be prepared, in case he returns.” His counter had the sound of reserved explanation as he sat beside her, looking out over the temple grounds.
“What good are preparations if they break you?” she argued before taking a sip from the cup.
He turned his head away from her, tilting his mask back as he took a careful sip from the cup. Readjusting the mask, he faced back towards the grounds.
“I will slow if it becomes too much,” he surrendered the point, setting the cup back down.
Where a statement of victory was expected, there was none. Min simply stared forward, embarking on an awkward quiet between the two.
He turned his attention towards her slightly, disturbed at her untypical silence.
“We brought all of your belongings from the cave here,” she started as she gazed sternly forward.
“I’m grateful.”
“Everything is here. There’s nothing to go back there for.”
The mask turned towards her, now curious as to her meaning.
“You’re a hero, in Bai-Jing. They still gossip about you in the tea house,” she snorted softly, humored by the fact.
“Wen Lan has told me.”
“...Stay in Bai-Jing.”
A sudden and powerful silence passed between the two, the mask staring down at the old woman in cold confusion.
“…It would be best for you to be closer to Wen Lan.”
He turned his attention back towards the temple grounds. The notion of staying in Bai-Jing, close to the one he loved, was more than appealing yet carried with it the worry that such actions were too forward.
“My place is among the mountains, guarding over the valley.”
“Every morning I gather up ingredients for the tea,” her response seemed to completely ignore his. “Sun has whined every day for the last few years that I’m getting too old for it.”
The mask tilted towards her again, uncertain of her point.
“You can stay at the tea house and gather ingredients for me in the morning. That way I won’t have to listen to her complain at me every morning.”
“My place is in the mou-“
“I’m old,” she interrupted.
Silence.
“I don’t have the energy I had when I was younger…I can’t walk as far as I used to. And my hands…” she glared down at them, as if disappointed.
His attention turned towards her hands.
“They hurt,” she spit the words softly, hatefully, narrowing her eyes. “Always, they hurt.”
Slowly, he looked back towards the temple grounds.
“I will stay in Bai-Jing.”
She looked towards him, her expression slowly altering from one of surprise to relief. “Good,” she answered softly.
“Hmm,” he remained stoic, lifting the cup of tea.
“So,” she smirked as she faced forward, lifting her cup to take a sip. “Have you kissed her yet?”
His body twitched as his hand tightened, shattering the cup as tea drenched his hand. He remained rigid, completely stunned by the old woman’s forwardness.
“Yeah, you kissed her,” she grinned knowingly as she lowered her cup again.
“Admiral Kano, welcome back. They await you in the war chamber,” the guard bowed as he greeted the admiral, stepping aside to allow him entry.
“My thanks, my thanks! I trust all has been well since my departure?” Kano approached excitedly, smiling as he greeted the guard. His wounds had been treated, some bandages marking areas of his body that still needed time to mend.
“Yes sir,” the guard nodded.
“Splendid, absolutely splendid!” he nodded as he entered the war chamber, smiling in greeting towards the other commanders of the Fire Nation army. “Greetings, one and all!”
His excitement was greeted in cold silence, his brethren already well aware of his defeat.
Undaunted, Kano made his way to his seat. Looking over the map before him, he brought his finger towards a defeat marker near Kun valley. “Ha, I see someone’s already taken the liberty of marking the result of my battle!”
The flames at the far end of the room grew taller.
“Admiral Kano,” a powerful voice called out slowly. “Have you any excuse for wasting the resources of the Fire Nation on an endeavor we were constantly hesitant to support?”
Kano’s cheerful visage was broken by the voice, as he bowed his head obediently. A slight smirk remained on his face as he narrowed his eyes at the memory of those he fought. “Only that I have successfully gauged the enemy’s resources, and return with the most valuable of commodities, Fire Lord Azulon. Information and insight.”
“You will share them now, so that we may evaluate whether your failure was as grievous as your lieutenants have described,” the Fire Lord glared angrily towards the arrogant admiral, his poise remaining calm.
“Of course, my lord. I have eliminated our initial target.” He made careful note to kill his lieutenants later.
“The butcher Dak-Ho has been dealt with, then?” A general turned his attention towards the admiral.
“Slain by my own hand,” Kano smiled, entertained by his own lie.
“You were asked to secure him as a prisoner,” the general glared as he spoke lowly.
“It could not be helped, he saw fit to resist until his survival was no longer an option,” the corner of his mouth grew as he slipped out of the confrontation.
“Enough,” the flames grew briefly, the Fire Lord irritated by the failure to follow instruction. “What else have you discovered?”
“The dreaded Demon of War,” his expression faded from one of cunning satisfaction to disappointment, annoyed that the Demon had survived his treachery.
The other commanders turned their attention towards Kano, intrigued by this.
“I have discovered that he is no spirit, but rather, a man. One that can be cut, one that can bleed. More importantly, one that can be burned,” he grinned slightly as he imagined the scene, the Demon lying before his feet, writhing as flames clung to his body.
“What else have you to report?” the Fire Lord sat attentively, his eyes narrowed as he awaited any further news.
“A powerful and disciplined opponent, one who may prove to be a definite threat to the Fire Nation in the future. A general named Seung.”
“Enough,” the Fire Lord interrupted the thought. “You will not waste our time with a personal vendetta against an opponent who defeated you.”
Kano’s eyes narrowed as he bowed his head again. “Yes, my lord.”
“Admiral Kano,” an old general asked from the far end of the table. “Based on the outcome of the battle of Kun Valley, what course of action would you recommend?”
There was a quiet pause as the other generals listened. Kano had been the one to recommend the initial invasion of Kun Valley. It was he that had argued time after time for its consideration. Quietly, the commanders hoped that the defeat had taught him a well deserved lesson in humility.
“I would recommend a second invasion, with twice as many soldiers.”
There were mutters if disapproval as the commanders reacted to the suggestion.
“You must be mad,” an admiral grunted, turning his attention back towards the map.
“You lead hundred of our own soldiers to death, and then ask for more?” another quipped, folding his arms.
“Insulting,” another muttered.
“Enough,” the general closest to the Fire Lord stated, stroking his beard.
Obediently, the war chamber became quiet as Kano glared. This particular speaker had been the first to disapprove of the initial invasion proposal.
The general turned his attention towards the other commanders.
“The Kun Valley is a peculiar place. It is cradled by treacherous mountains and a river that is impossible to navigate without being discovered by scouts.”
Every word carried a torturous sting to Kano.
“If we were to conquer Bai-Jing, it would not provide us with any advantage. We would be trapped in an area unfamiliar to us, vulnerable to any retribution the Earth Kingdom would see fit to answer with. You are correct admiral, the area has advantages. But only to the Earth Kingdom.”
The statement had no insult to it, yet brought Kano to clench his teeth.
“This village is not occupied by soldiers, but civilians and nobles. It is much like the Demon of War. It will do nothing to bother us, so long as we avoid provoking it.”
“So you intend to conquer the Earth Kingdom, save this village?!” Kano snapped, making no effort to restrain himself.
There was a nervous quiet in the war chamber as the other commanders looked towards the Fire Lord.
“You misunderstand, admiral. Someday, we will have reason and resources to invade the Kun Valley. For now though,” he turned his attention towards the Fire Lord. “It is my recommendation that we avoid it.”
Kano glared at the general, his attention broken as the Fire Lord spoke out to him again.
“Admiral Kano. No second invasion shall be mounted. You shall remain here in the Fire Nation until your wounds have healed, at which point you will be dispatched by my order. Furthermore, you will apologize for your outburst here and now.” His tone had a hiss behind it, one of offended aggravation.
The admiral glanced from side to side, the eyes of the other commanders upon him. Slowly, he lowered his head, staring hatefully towards the table below him. The opponent he had always hated had defeated him not with flame, but with words alone.
“My apologies, general Iroh.”
The Dragon of the West nodded his head, smiling softly. “It is fine admiral, I take no offense.”
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Post by Funk Oni on Sept 8, 2006 22:20:06 GMT -5
“You’re sure you’ll be able to find your way?” Chin-Hwa looked up towards Feng as they reached the crossroad.
“I am sure. We are grateful for your concern,” Feng nodded his head to the old noble from atop the rhinoceros.
“I wish you well, then. Should you ever find yourself in Bai-Jing, you shall be welcomed in my home,” Chin-Hwa nodded his head politely as he smiled.
“Thanks!” Enlai waved at Chin-Hwa as his rhino passed Feng’s, a kettle of tea strapped proudly to its side.
With a nod of his head, the former bandit bowed his head towards Chin-Hwa, his rhinoceros tearing down the path as he dug his heels into its side.
“Do you think they will be alright?” Seung stepped up behind his old friend, watching as the two rhinos made their way down the path.
“I suspect they will,” Chin-Hwa smiled as he turned towards the general, walking along the forest path. “And what of you?”
“Hmm?” Seung walked alongside the old noble, not understanding the question.
“Something seems to have been weighing down on your mind, these past few days.”
“Ah,” he looked towards the path ahead of them. “Now that my men have had the time to heal, I’ve had time to consider the challenges of the future.”
“The return of the Fire Nation,” Chin-Hwa guessed, tilting his head up.
“…Yes.”
“You cannot let such things trouble you, old friend.”
Seung turned his attention towards the old noble, curious as to his meaning.
“Since I have known you Seung, I have been aware that you train each day, exercise your mind and body, even if only slightly. Something that your soldiers have taken to doing as well.”
“I believe it is best to begin each day with the proper foundations.”
“Yes. And I feel it is for that reason that you will rise to each challenge. Even that of the Fire Nation. Do not let your worries of the future perturb you so much that you fail to appreciate the beauty of the present. Especially when they are challenges you will be well prepared for.” There was softness in the old man’s face as he looked out towards the trees ahead of them.
The general followed his trail of sight, observing the sunlight as it poured through the leaves above them. The observation quickly grew into admiration as a gentle confidence came to him.
“I suppose you’re right,” he mused.
“Indeed. I would also advise bringing your soldiers to my estate, tomorrow. I feel that training with Gang will be of benefit to them.”
“Due to his being a firebender?”
Chin-Hwa looked towards the general with slight puzzlement. “No. Because the man is insane and will push each of them well beyond their physical limits in the interest of strength.”
“Ah,” Seung smirked, agreeing completely with the statement as he glanced back towards the party trailing behind them.
Gang laughed as he stroked the rhinoceros’s side, Xiu scolding him as Min rode atop it, arms folded and staring forward defiantly.
He noticed a sudden change in Xiu’s expression as she noticed him through the corner of her eye. A soft blush came over her face as she trotted quickly behind Gang, a hand on his shoulder as she peered out towards the general.
The sheer sweet innocence of this action brought his cheeks to flush as he admired her features, turning back towards the path ahead with a gentle smile.
“We will expect you sometime in the morning then,” Chin-Hwa smiled knowingly.
“What’re you hidin’ from?” Gang looked over his shoulder towards the typically outspoken girl.
“Quiet,” Xiu whispered, still blushing.
Min glanced down, studying the scene before looking ahead towards the old man and the general. After a brief and quiet deduction her eyes lit up, her face warming with what lay before her: another match to be made.
“Hidin’ from your boyfriend?” the old man teased as he made kissing motions towards her, laughing as she smacked him in the back of the head.
“Boyfriend?!” Min’s eye lit up as she began her assault.
“He’s not my boyfriend!” Xiu protested, her face growing redder.
Gang leaned in towards the rhino, patting his side as he explained. “She starts blushin’ every time she sees him.”
“Shut up, stop telling the rhino stories!”
“Don’t call it ‘the rhino,’ he has a name!”
“Eh? I thought ‘Rhino’ was it’s name,” Min looked down at the beast, who proceeded to snort loudly.
“What’re you naming it?” Xiu raised an eyebrow curiously.
“Easy! ‘Boots’!”
The two stared at him with disdain, Xiu breaking the silence with a calm and polite point.
“That’s the stupidest name I’ve ever heard.”
“Why would you name it ‘Boots’?” Min inquired. In her mind, the beast was still named “Rhino.”
“Because that’s his favorite snack,” Gang tilted his chin up, giving an air of superiority in regards to his naming skills.
Xiu glanced down at the old bodyguard’s feet, only now noticing his lack of footwear.
“Dumb hog monkey,” Min muttered, breaking the pause.
“Tea Demon,” he grumbled as he patted Boots’ neck again.
The rhino nodded its head towards Gang, jutting its tongue out to lick his hand.
“Admiral Kano, did your meeting in the war chamber go well?” the lieutenant stood at attention as Kano boarded his ship.
“Lieutenant, did you give information in regards to the outcome of the battle of Kun Valley?” Kano stared at the soldier, his composure rigid and frustrated.
“Why, yes sir. I-“ the words bled into shrieks as Kano bathed the lieutenant’s head in a stream of flame.
“Ah, that relieved quite a bit of my pent up anger. Can’t have me becoming cranky, that benefits no one!” the admiral smiled as he explained to the writhing lieutenant.
“I assume the meeting did not go well, sir?” another soldier asked calmly, having been witness to seven lieutenant executions by Kano’s hand. It was for this reason that he never made any attempt at gaining a promotion.
“Indeed! So poorly in fact, they’ve refused to grant me the resources necessary to capture Bai-Jing!”
“My apologies, sir.”
“Why, at this rate, no one will ever force dear general Seung to watch as all those he protects are murdered before his very eyes! I ask you, where is the justice?”
“Unfortunate, sir. I assume we will be giving up in our pursuits to capture the valley, then?” There was a hint of hope in the soldier’s voice, wanting very badly to gain the opportunity to transfer to another unit.
“Oh, by no means! Just because the Fire Lord has forbidden it does not mean we will heed his orders!” Kano smiled warmly towards the soldier, the treason of his implication having no weight on his manner.
“…Sir?”
“Not now though, certainly not. I’m sure there are multiple eyes on me, making sure I play nice. Soldier! Take a message on my behalf!”
“Yes, sir?” the soldier stood at attention, still not quite sure what to make of Kano’s intentions. “Who am I to make this out to?”
“The only one I would entrust to act as my own hand!” There was an exclamation of pride in Kano’s words.
The soldier felt a terrifying stillness as his mind began to suspect to whom it was the admiral was referring.
“My pupil,” Kano smirked.
“So you will be living in the tea house?” Wen Lan smiled as she walked alongside Jung, far ahead of the others.
“Yes,” he smiled gently towards her. They were far enough ahead that he was comfortable removing his mask.
“That is excellent, I think you will enjoy it,” she smiled as she looked forward. “Will you miss your cave?”
“No,” he stared forward, his mind sorting through the worthwhile memories, finding none but those shared with her. “The only good to have come of the cave was the time spent with you.”
The young noble blushed, her hand lifting to brush some hair aside.
“In Bai-Jing, near you…I will have that, still. There is nothing to miss.” He blushed faintly.
“…There is one part that will always stand out to me,” she reminisced.
“Hmm?”
“Each time, when I would return to Bai-Jing…There was an outcropping of rock that would cut off my view of you as I walked down the path. Each time, just before it divided us, I would look up to you.” She blushed again, her eyes trailing to the path as she smiled.
He smiled at the memory, very familiar with it.
“I will always remember it, and appreciate the memory.”
“As will I,” he noted.
There was a quiet between the two as she looked up at him, smiling.
“The Fire Nation will return,” he stared forward, his expression looking distant.
“Yes, I suspect they will,” she nodded softly as she fought off the memories of his wounded body.
“…I will train harder than I have before, each day. So that I never cause you to worry like that again.”
There was sweetness in the notion that brought elation to her heart, her face warming. Looking towards him, she smiled confidently.
“We shall protect this valley.”
“Yes,” he nodded, grinning gently.
The two continued on, the conversation turning to stories and legends of the two nations.
“Sir, this message arrived for you a few moments ago,” a soldier presented the paper to the young man, bowing before making his way back down the garden path.
Kazuki opened it carefully, his long hair hanging freely. He smiled pleasantly at the contents, turning to make his way back towards the interior of the estate. He frowned as he noted a bit of dust on his clothing, concerned that such an imperfection should be permitted nowhere near his person. Brushing it off, he continued along.
As he entered the interior, his subordinates looked up from the edge of the garden. The gaze of each was fixed upon the message.
“What is it? An order?” the largest of the group grinned hopefully. His huge axe remained strapped to his back, ever ready to charge into action.
“Now Iwao, what have I said time and time again? Patience is key.”
“I know, I know! But I want action!”
“Then you’re in luck, loyal warrior.” Kazuki grinned, waving his hand gracefully as flames began chewing away at the message’s edge.
The other members of the group looked up towards him, listening carefully.
“Dear teacher Kano has a task that must be fulfilled.”
Dedicated to Isaia and Babbs, for bein' so awesome t'me since the very begining.
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Post by Brightfire18 on Sept 9, 2006 20:31:38 GMT -5
giroro, I love your story. It's just....awesome. *wish I had a better word* Can't wait to see what happens next.
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Post by Funk Oni on Sept 10, 2006 0:05:03 GMT -5
Chapter Sixteen! I've wanted to get in some development for the Li Mei crew for awhile now, especially Shui. I've felt like he's been really deprived of any good character development.
I think I did alright with it. I really enjoyed writing this chapter, and I hope you guys enjoy it! Oh, and Brightfire; Thank you very much for commenting!
Shui extended his palms, stepping forward as he turned his foot slightly. There was a tightness in his face as he concentrated, pulling his palm back quickly before thrusting it forward. A burst of flame tore away from him, dissipating into the morning air.
Resetting himself, he prepared to repeat the maneuver. Months ago, he had spent his mornings watching the other firebenders train, watching their movements carefully in order to better mimic them.
Frustration grew within him as he scolded himself for being unable to match their motions, unable to capture the control they had over the element. Where they unleashed flames in long impressive streams, he found himself struggling.
He shot his palm forward again, clenching his teeth as he noted the disorganized pattern of the fire before him.
“Is that really all you can do?” Yakone grinned as he stepped out from the trees, carelessly holding a fish over his shoulder.
The firebender glared, attempting to ignore him as he repeated the movement once again. His actions did little to hide his annoyance, the flame spreading even wider upon release.
“What’s that?” Li Mei looked up from the campfire, her hands carefully grinding some roots and plants in a wooden bowl.
“Breakfast,” he smirked as he tossed the fish down onto a cloth near the fire. “Just caught it,” he bragged, anticipating expressions of gratitude.
“That’s it!?” she exclaimed as she held the fish up, her eyebrow raising questioningly.
“What?”
“You really think this’ll feed the four of us?!” She held the fish by the tail and mouth, her face conveying irritation.
“It’s gonna have to,” he shrugged as he sat, lying back against his bedroll. “That’s all that was in the river.”
“Liar! You’re just being lazy!”
Shui smiled quietly as he repeated the movement once again.
His eyebrows furrowed as he opened an eye towards the spiteful girl. “And you could do better?”
“Absolutely!” she stood defiantly, storming off towards the river.
The waterbender watched as she disappeared behind the tree line, annoyed by her attitude. He turned his attention back towards Shui, smiling at the opportunity to antagonize.
He stepped forward again, thrusting his palm out. The flames faltered the moment they left his hand, his wrist twitching as he heard a voice call out.
“Your stance sucks.”
Ignoring him, the firebender regained himself. He stepped forward again, his concentration broken as the voice rang out.
“So is not breathing while you do the moves a Fire Nation thing? Or is it a you sucking thing?”
He glared towards Yakone, his expression conveying his desire for silence.
“Ooh, scary,” the upstart observed with a smug grin.
Shui regained his composure, staring forward before taking a quick step. He nearly lost his footing as he was interrupted once again.
“You suck.”
“Enough!” he shouted as he turned towards the waterbender, his hands smoldering lightly.
“What? Just tryin’ to help,” he shrugged, his smug expression failing to mask his real intention; aggravation.
“How would you even know about firebending?” he muttered as he turned away, walking back towards his training spot.
“From watching the old man,” he explained carelessly.
Shui froze, his eyes widening as the words soaked in. Turning slightly, he studied Yakone to determine whether he was lying or not.
“What?” the waterbender’s eyebrow lifted curiously.
“The old man is a firebender?”
He stared, further impressed by his stupidity. “Are you serious?”
Shui’s eyes narrowed slightly, trying to ascertain the truth.
“Where did you think that lightning came from when you and I were fighting?”
He recalled the scene carefully. His focus had been on his opponent; unaware as to what it was exactly that had disrupted the fight. He had given little thought to it, more concerned with his inevitable rematch with Yakone.
Lightning, however. He had heard rumors of it being an advanced form of firebending, yet had never been fortunate enough to witness it. If the old man was capable of it, it implied he was a master of the firebending discipline.
And one who has mastered such form could surely teach it.
“Where can I find him?” His tone was hurried, his body energized with excitement at the present possibility.
The waterbender shrugged, caring little for Shui’s intentions. “He’s probably practicing, go find him yourself.”
Without hesitation he rushed into the forest, clawing at the plants before him.
Yakone watched as he disappeared into the trees, unsure as to what his hurry had been about. He glanced over his shoulder as a figure emerged from the trees.
Confidently and defiantly Li Mei passed by, soaked in river water as she held three fish over her shoulder.
“…Showoff,” he muttered indignantly as he closed his eyes.
Shui stopped as he reached a clearing, the old man in its center.
Bo moved quickly, each step commanding a graceful might as he extended his hands forward rapidly, streaks of flame launching forth. He bent his frame before striking his palm back, the motion meant to evade and counter an imaginary attacker.
His pace changed, moving backwards as he quickly alternated the extension of his hands, fire tearing ahead of him in powerful streams.
Without pause he brought himself to full height, his hands lowered in front of him as he breathed deeply, his exercise complete. He stared calmly towards that which lay ahead of him, closing his eyes as he felt the wind pass, hearing the tall grass bend in its wake.
He opened his eyes slightly as a voice called out to him.
“Please!”
Bo turned his head softly towards the voice, recognizing it as Li Mei’s traveling companion. Shui, the firebender who had been fighting Yakone.
“I humbly ask,” he stood at attention, a nervous sweating breaking out as he stood in awe of the old exile’s skill. “I humbly ask that you take me as your pupil!” He bowed deeply, closing his eyes.
The field remained silent, the trees twitching calmly in the wind. Quietly and lowly, he responded.
“Why?”
The young firebender stood, the nervous sweat only intensifying as he fumbled for the words. He had never had an instructor, resigning himself to self-study and gradual understanding. On this path he had faced many obstacles, the aggravation of each only hindering him further. The answer to this stood before him, a skilled master.
“So that I may become a powerful firebender, one capable of inspiring others as your motions have inspired me!”
There was a short pause before Bo stepped past him, staring coldly towards the forest.
“No.”
Shui’s eyes widened briefly, before closing. His expression held anger to it, certain that the denial had been a result of his bold and unexpected request. He had been too hasty, too forward.
He opened his eyes, staring at the ground as he felt the disappointment in himself grow.
“We’re wasting time,” Yakone groaned as he walked beside the old man. He looked apathetically over the rest of the marketplace, bored of the small village.
“No we’re not, Kyo and Ryo need feed,” Li Mei protested as she walked ahead of the two ostrich birds, holding their reins.
“I say we just let ‘em starve and then eat ‘em,” he muttered. He took a quick step back, eyes widening as Kyo reared his head back and snapped at his arm.
Shui patted the bird’s neck to calm it, paying no particular notice to the waterbender’s comments. He had spent the last day angry with himself for his failure to properly request Bo’s instruction.
“Don’t threaten them!” Li Mei yelled back at him, aggravated by his complaining.
“Yeah yeah,” Yakone muttered as he eyed the beast cautiously.
“Shui,” Li Mei glanced towards him, slightly concerned as to his nature, which had taken on an untypical quiet.
“Hmm?” he glanced towards her, snapping to attention.
“Take Ryo and Kyo and find feed for them, I’ll go buy some other supplies.” She held out a few coins, studying him carefully.
“Right,” he slid them into his pouch, taking the reins as he made his way deeper into the market.
“…Is he alright?” Li Mei watched as he disappeared into the crowd.
“Who cares?” Yakone muttered as he continued along, shrugging slightly.
Bo watched the heads of the ostrich horses as more distance came between them, recalling the image of Shui’s request.
His thoughts traced gently against a distant memory of his own request to be trained at the hands of a master.
“…Hmm,” he turned his attention back towards Li Mei and Yakone as the two bickered.
“As many bags of feed as this will buy,” he set the coins down on the counter, tightening his grip on the reins as Ryo let out a soft chirp.
“That’s not a good way to ask,” the girl explained as she brushed the coins into her open palm.
“Hmm?” he glanced up at her, her response surprising him.
She was an average looking teenager, her skin tanned by labor. Her hair was tied back behind her head, a few disturbed strands hanging over her face. Her face and eyes held a look of exhaustion to them, contradicted by her eager expression. A bracelet of jade hung at her wrist, a bit too large for her.
“If you ask it like that, people might cheat you out of a bag or two. You have to ask for a real number,” she explained as she began stacking bags in front of him.
“I see,” he turned his attention towards the bags, not particularly caring for the point.
“Hey hey,” she flicked a finger against his forehead, demanding his attention.
His eyes widened in surprise at the gesture, narrowing as a slight embarrassment came to him, assuming that she had performed the action to ridicule him.
“Don’t just say ‘I see,’ or ‘right,’ or something to just brush me aside. Advice is a favor, you should appreciate it,” she folded her arms, the four bags standing on the counter.
“Fine. Thank you,” he grumbled as he lifted the first back, sliding it into a pouch on Ryo’s side.
“I cheated you out of a bag by the way,” she teased.
“What?” he glared over his shoulder.
“See? Now don’t you wish you’d paid more attention?” she grinned, throwing an additional bag onto the stack. “Now you know better.”
Silently, he lifted the second bag, sliding it into another pouch. As he turned to lift the third, he noticed a middle-aged woman step behind the counter.
“Thank you again, Hea. You can go now,” the woman nodded.
“Thank you,” Hea bowed respectfully, waving towards Shui as she hurried to the crowd. “Take care now, remember what I taught you!”
Shui watched her leave, turning his attention back towards the remaining bags of feed.
“Your daughter is very enthusiastic,” he observed as he lifted another bag.
“Hmm? Ah,” the old woman smiled. “Hea is not my daughter. She is helping me while my husband recovers from a sickness. But I will be sure to pass the compliment on to her,” she bowed her head. “Thank you for your business.”
He nodded, taking the two ostrich horses by the reins as he made his way back into the crowd to reconvene with the others.
“Took you long enough,” Yakone muttered as he chewed on a roasted chicken pig leg.
Shui ignored the waterbender silently, handing the reins to Li Mei.
“You got the feed?” she stroked Kyo’s neck, smiling as the beast cawed merrily.
“Yes,” he answered quietly.
“Good,” she nodded, his quiet perturbing her.
Bo bit into a fresh mango, smiling slightly as Ryo leaned his head in towards it expectantly. He removed a segment of it, allowing the ostrich horse a taste.
Glancing along the passing faces, he caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye. His pace slowed as he observed the scene.
The girl with the jade bracelet stood a few feet off in a nearby restaurant, placing food in front of a table full of soldiers. She smiled, making quick and casual conversation with them before hurrying back to the kitchen.
“Hey, idiot, stop slowing down,” Yakone sneered, curious as to why his insults were failing to get any rise out of his usual victim.
Returning to attention, he caught up quickly.
“Are we done yet?” the waterbender complained, tossing the bone from the roasted chicken pig aside.
“Lord Bo, does he always whine like this?” Li Mei groaned as she looked back towards the old man.
“Hmm.”
“I thought so,” she nodded, looking back towards the market.
“All he said was ‘hmm’,” Yakone protested.
Shui glanced back towards the restaurant, his attention soon returning to the path before them.
“I hear scouts spotted them early this morning,” one soldier offered nervously.
“If they were spotted, we would have been organized by now,” another dismissed the notion, biting into his food.
“Unless it was a recent enough discovery that they’re still preparing,” the third lowered his cup of tea slowly.
“You’re both paranoid,” the second persisted as he continued his meal.
“What are they talking about?” Hea glanced over towards them, curious as to the topic.
“There’s rumor of a Fire Nation attack,” the chef explained as he set down a dish in front of her.
“There is?” she took the dish carefully, making sure not to spill its contents.
“There always is,” he grunted, setting down another plate. “Every month, another rumor, no attack. It’s not even worth worrying over anymore.”
Hea took the plate in her free hand, looking out towards the passers-by as she made her way to the patrons. She smiled as she glanced back towards the soldiers, dismissing any notion worth worrying over.
“Ah, I almost forgot!” Li Mei exclaimed as she fished through her pouch, turning back towards the village. After hours of restocking they had reached the outskirts, seeking to leave early enough that they would make good distance before camping for the night.
“What?” Yakone sighed. The village was small and remote, the atmosphere boring him entirely. Having to stay within it longer inspired disappointment.
“I need a new water skin, I was going to buy one here.” She fished through her pouch quickly, searching to see if she had enough coins for it.
“Figures.”
“Quiet,” she insisted as she drew out the money. Glancing towards Shui, she paused. She extended her hand towards him, offering the coins.
“Hmm?” he glanced down, confused by the gesture.
“You’re quicker than me; can you go get one?”
“Right,” he took the coins, making his way back into the village.
“I’m worried about him. He seems out of it,” she explained.
“Seems dumb as usual t’me.”
“Jerk.” Li Mei hoisted herself up onto Ryo, scratching the top of the beast’s head.
“Witch,” he muttered.
“Hmm,” Bo noted.
Shui walked silently through the marketplace, searching out a vendor who would sell him the water skin. Finding what he was looking for, he approached the stand quickly.
“One water skin,” he placed the coins on the counter, inserting the item into his pouch as the vendor handed it to him. Making his way back towards the edge of the village, he stopped as the vendor’s voice rang out.
“Ah, Hea! You’re early!”
“Yeah, the restaurant was slow today,” she said happily.
He turned quickly to confirm, shocked that it was the girl with the jade bracelet yet again. Facing towards her, he studied her through curious eyes.
She waved as the vendor left the stand in her care, turning to face towards the crowd. Catching sight of him, she waved towards him with a smile.
“You again!”
“How many jobs do you have?!” He immediately regretted the boldness of the question, its tone reminding him of his failed request to Bo.
She laughed, brushing some hair out of her face. “As many as I need!”
“What do you mean?” he stepped towards her so their conversation would not carry across the entire market.
“Lady Joo’s husband is sick, so I help her out in the morning. Old man Chul needs help with his restaurant after that, and then I help lady Dae with this stand while her husband’s away at war.”
Her tone had a peace and joy to it that inspired, yet the exhaustion in her eyes and face became even clearer to him now.
“Why would you work so many jobs?” he found the question to be more on behalf of her tired features.
Hea shrugged, still smiling. “I just help out where people need me. I can’t fight in the war, and I don’t know anything about medicine. If I can’t protect people, I’ll just try to make things easier for them!”
“…Hmm.” There was something inspiring in the notion. He found himself snapped back to attention as her finger flicked against his forehead once again. He countered once again with a glare.
“Now get out of the way, you’re disrupting business!” she shooed him away with both hands, smiling.
He began making his way towards the village outskirts, glancing over his shoulder at her.
“Hey!” she yelled out as she smiled. “Remember what I said about giving a real number!” She waved to him happily, the jade bracelet sliding down her arm.
Shui nodded, lifting his hand and waving once before turning his attention back to the path in front of him.
Hea continued waving, smiling as she turned her attention back to the stand. The lesson was small and perhaps trivial. Yet in helping someone ever so slightly, even a stranger, she felt a powerful joy.
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Post by Funk Oni on Sept 10, 2006 0:05:47 GMT -5
“Lord Bo, do you think big sister Wen will be surprised to see us?” Li Mei smiled, holding the reins of the Kyo and Ryo as they pressed on up the gentle slope.
“Hmm,” he smiled slightly, his expression slight but delivering the affirmative.
“Me too,” she mused happily, confident in the progress the group had been making. Night had fallen upon them earlier, the party seeking to reach the top of the slope before making camp for the night.
“How does she understand what he’s saying just from ‘hmm’?” Yakone muttered towards Shui as they pressed on.
“I don’t know,” the firebender answered passively, his thoughts reflecting on the words of the girl with the jade bracelet.
“Right, why would I expect you to know anything?” the response was barbed, the insult intentional.
Shui issued no response, paying little attention to his tormentor.
“…Hmph,” Yakone grunted, losing interest in his usual opponent.
“Ah! Finally past all the trees!” Li Mei laughed as she hurried towards the top of the hill, now visible. Kyo and Ryo followed after her, her sudden movement exciting them.
“Good,” the waterbender approached the ostrich horses, preparing to make camp. The day had been boring and long. He took note of Li Mei, now frozen as she stood a few feet from him, dropping the reins from her hands as her gaze stared towards the path behind them. He turned as he opened his mouth to inquire, the words failing him completely.
Puzzled by their expressions, Shui turned towards what lay behind them, a thick patch of woods separating them from the distant village.
Flames plagued the village, smoke billowing slowly. There was no sound, no cries of soldiers. Terrifying silence stabbed down from the night sky.
He grabbed Ryo’s reins, pulling the ostrich horse in the direction of the village as he kicked up onto its back. Slamming his heels into the beast’s side, he lowered his body. Branches and leaves ripped and chewed at his clothing as he pressed forward, his heart pounding ferociously within his chest.
Li Mei stepped forward quickly, Bo’s hand rising to stop her. He glanced back towards Yakone, his expression conveying the sincerity of his command.
“Stay,” he ordered as he mounted Kyo, hurrying off into the woods.
Yakone nodded, keeping his arm in front of Li Mei to stop her from advancing.
The girl simply stood there, her hands cupped over her mouth as her eyes burned, tears trailing softly down her cheeks.
“Faster Ryo,” he growled the command, the ostrich horse cawing loudly.
As the leaves whipped past him, words pounded through his mind, through his heart. Each came to him as if the person were there speaking it directly to his very spirit.
“I just help out where people need me,” the tired eyes smiled eagerly, his face tightening.
“Lord Chao, lord Bo and big sister Wen tried to help. So they killed and exiled them!” The defiance in her tone made the quote louder to him as he felt a branch slam into his shoulder, doing nothing to slow his pace.
“Is it honorable to take that gift and come back at them as an enemy?” the question slammed harder against his chest as he clenched his teeth.
“If I can’t protect people, I’ll just try to make things easier for them!” A brief and silent image of her waving towards him as he walked away, the bracelet too big for her arm, appeared before him. He screamed at the trees ahead of him, his spirit pushing forward, burning with terror at what he rode towards.
“Fan out, search for any surviving soldiers. I don’t want any surprises,” a Fire Nation lieutenant spit as his soldiers saluted him. He stepped over some ashes, grimacing at what a negligible victory this would amount to.
The village was small, raided for no other reason than being in proximity of their unit. There would be no commendations for this, no recognition. In a short amount of time, his small unit had managed to completely devastate what few forces were present to oppose them.
It inspired within him a venomous disdain for the victory. There was no satisfaction in it.
“Sir!” A voice called out, demanding his attention.
He turned quickly as an ostrich horse rushed by, a figure swinging an axe out into the chest of one of the soldiers.
Another stepped in the path of the beast, crushed beneath its claws as it ignored his presence.
“Why?!” Shui screamed out from atop Ryo, bringing him around for another pass. His face tightened with rage as he glared towards the soldiers.
“Attack formation!” The lieutenant commanded, waving his hand out towards the unit. They stepped forward quickly, taking their stances. As he drew closer, they unleashed their attack.
Diving off of Ryo, he skid along the ground towards them. Lashing his axe out once again he stood as a soldier howled out in pain, having no feet to support his weight. He stepped in quickly, the axe moving without pause against the throat of the soldier closest.
A third soldier stepped in, slamming his fist into the attacker’s jaw.
Shui hit the ground, drawing to his feet slowly. As he stood, his mind absorbed the massacre that lay before him.
He had visited this village only once, for what would amount to a fraction of his mortality. Yet he recognized parts of it.
A shop had been reduced to ashes; a section of ground where children played and old women gossiped had become stained with soot and blood.
His eyes strained as tears came to them.
“Why?” the inquiry was broken, stained with horror.
“Kill him,” the lieutenant ordered, eyes wide in confusion at the assailant’s intentions.
“Soldiers protect,” he growled. “They’re meant to protect, to take care of those who need help!”
“Soldiers follow orders. Whether it’s to conquer or kill. That is their purpose,” the lieutenant scoffed, having little respect for some upstart brat. “Kill him.”
The remaining three Fire Nation soldiers stepped forward, their form something that Shui had once hoped to mimic completely.
He lowered his head, dashing forward as that hope burned away. The axe stabbed forward into a soldier’s stomach, the firebender releasing it as he thrust his palm upward, an undisciplined burst of flame washing over the second soldier’s face.
Heat chewed at his back as he felt flames burn away the cloth. He turned quickly, smothering the flames with the soil beneath him as the lieutenant stood over him, the remaining soldier relieved.
“A firebender?!” there was disgust in his tone as he stared down, lifting his hand as a bead of fire began growing near his palm.
“I will put you out of your misery, disgusting little trai-“ the threat was broken as lightning tore through the lieutenant, launching him into a nearby wall.
The remaining soldier looked up, staring towards the source.
Bo approached slowly, his eyes glaring hatefully. In one fluid motion he began stepping forward, pushing both palms forward as a wave of flame engulfed the remaining soldier.
Shui brought himself to his feet, his back stinging as the night air scraped against it. He stared towards Bo with unspoken gratitude.
The old noble looked towards him, his attention broken as he surveyed the scene surrounding them.
The young firebender stepped forward, wincing as pain tore through his back. He stumbled slightly towards a familiar spot, recognizing what remained of the sign of the stand where he had purchased the water skin.
Bo watched, closing his eyes as he recognized the pain ringing through Shui’s body.
His fingers sifted deep into the ashen soil beneath him, his teeth clenched as his face burned, tears trailing his cheeks. He could feel the soot digging beneath his fingernails, the warmth of the gray ash. Gentle flakes of soot and burnt landscape rained softly around him.
Looking up slowly, he felt a great chasm open around him. Some small part of him fought against that which his senses confirmed.
Propped against a nearby wall, Hea lay silently, her tired eyes closed peacefully as blood seeped into her robes from a wound in her side.
He had met her only once, for what would amount to only a fraction of his mortality. Yet here and now, surrounded by ash and death, he recognized the importance of her tired eyes.
He could not hear his own screams as he held her, as he stared up towards the sky. In his rage he cursed the Fire Nation, cursed the war, and cursed the Avatar for letting it happen. He cursed himself, for failure.
Silence descended up on the village for what seemed a short eternity.
“Please,” he uttered to Bo, his face buried into the girl’s hair.
The old man opened his eyes, the embers still falling around them like gentle snow.
“I humbly ask,” his eyes were shut, his face stained with ash and tears. His back stung with each word. “I humbly ask that you take me as your pupil.”
Another quiet passed between them, Bo breaking it.
“Why?”
“So that this never happens again,” he whispered to the girl with the jade bracelet, promising. “So that I can help this to never happen again,” each word was choked out painfully.
Bo turned towards Kyo, approaching silently. “We must leave.”
There was no anger. No disappointment. There was no reaction within him as he set her gently against the wall.
He took the bracelet from her, coated with ash. Clutching it, he gave silent promise.
He made his way to Ryo, wincing as his back delivered another shot of pain.
The two rode off, the flames of the village dying out behind them.
The afternoon sun hung high above them, Shui riding atop Kyo at Li Mei’s insistence. She had applied salves and bandages to his back, the initial stings having died down to a painful discomfort.
There had been silence among them, Li Mei hesitant to initiate any form of conversation.
Yakone, uncomfortable with the atmosphere, had resigned himself to an indignant and quiet manner.
Shui stared forward intensely, a jade bracelet adorning his wrist as he gripped the ostrich horse’s reins.
“Here,” Bo instructed simply as they reached a deep trench between two hills.
The party stopped obediently, Yakone confused by their early pause. They had spent the last few days of their journey stopping late in the evening. The sun had not even begun to set.
Li Mei disembarked from Ryo, moving to quickly set up camp. Shui handed her a bag of feed to reward the beasts for a hard day’s work.
“Shui,” Bo stood at the center of the trench, facing towards him.
The young firebender approached silently, watching the old man.
“Follow carefully,” he stepped back into the most basic form of the firebending discipline.
His eyes grew wider as he pieced together the scene that lay before him.
Suddenly, he became very aware of the bracelet.
Shui’s eyes narrowed with determined concentration as he stepped to Bo’s side, copying his motions carefully.
Li Mei smiled as she watched the two, building the campfire.
Yakone smirked, folding his arms.
The two ostrich horses cawed loudly as the firebenders trained carefully in the distance.
Dedicated to my roommates, for putting up with me writin' while they wanted me t'chill with them.
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Post by Funk Oni on Sept 12, 2006 0:36:42 GMT -5
Here we are, chapter seventeen! I hate writing anything that I can construe as "filler," but I've got the opinion that this chapter is important to the story and continues the movement of the plot.
I also loved writing some of these scenes, but that's 'cause I really love to write things that are comedic.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy.
Chapter Seventeen: Impressions
The girl looked desperately over the valley, her vision blurred by a thin veil of tears as she continued her search. She called out for her mother again, her plea fading off into the distance.
She choked out the call once more, feeling a heat in her face as she yelled as loud as she could. Her lungs were young, her voice carrying only so far before being conquered by silence.
Sobbing loudly, she resigned herself to a tree at the edge of the forest, burying her face into the cloth of her robe. Her tiny frame shook as she pleaded for her mother to find her.
Her heart leapt, drawing her breath as she felt a heavy crash near her, as though something huge had fallen from the tree.
She looked up slowly, every inch of him inspiring fear in her, gripping her in silent terror.
The creature towered over her, a colossus in the eyes of the little girl.
Her voice carried farther than before as she let out a horrified screech, her eyes shutting as her hands covered them in feeble attempt to ward off the monster before her.
Silence.
She opened an eye slowly, curious as to why nothing had happened. Perhaps her screams had scared the dreadful monster away, drove him to seek refuge in the shadows of the forest.
Glancing up quickly, she found the presumption to be entirely false. The beast stood there, his gaze fixed upon her. She screeched again as she closed her eyes.
“…Are you lost?” Jung asked from behind the mask.
“Are you gonna eat me?!” she rushed the words as she cringed back against the tree, her eyes shut tight.
He sighed quietly, embarrassed by the reaction he had caused.
“No. I’m not going to eat you.” He attempted to bring softness to his tone, already regretting that he had caused her such fear.
“Promise?!” she shivered, still keeping close to the tree.
“Promise.” He continued towering over her, nervous that any movements would only cause her to continue screaming.
The little girl turned her head slowly, her face wrought with worry as to whether the monster’s promise was sincere or not. Her eyes opened in fearful gaze at him.
“Are you lost?” he repeated the question, hoping for a better reaction this time.
She nodded nervously, her back pressed to the tree.
“Are you from Bai-Jing?”
Silently, she nodded again.
“You shouldn’t be alone so far from the village,” he observed quietly, a feeling of guilt filling him at her fearful silence.
“I wasn’t alone,” she whispered quietly, looking at the ground. “I was picking flowers with mommy, and I got lost.”
“Flowers?”
“Mommy and I get flowers every morning,” the little girl looked up, her chin tilting back to the ground almost immediately. “We’ve got a shop that makes them fancy…”
“A flower arrangement shop.” He recalled one being somewhat close to the tea house.
“Yeah!” the girl looked up excitedly. “You know our shop?”
“Yes,” he nodded slowly, hoping the answer would ease her fears. “Would you like me to take you there?”
The girl leaned back against the tree again, her face losing its brief levity. “But what if mommy’s still looking for me…?”
“Then…” Jung trailed off, not sure of the proper answer.
Disappointed, she looked at the ground.
The Demon studied her quietly, his nature pushing him to combat the worry that weighed on her.
She looked up quickly, startled by his sudden movement as he bent his knees, his frightening mask drawing closer. She watched as he offered a hand.
“Then we’ll find her.”
The girl took his hand carefully as he lifted her to her feet, standing to his full height in front of her. His body swayed as he faced away, walking slowly.
Jung glanced back, watching as she hurried to catch up. She slowed her pace as she arrived beside him. Turning back towards the valley, he began searching for the girl’s mother.
“Why were you in a tree?” the girl looked up at him.
“I was getting something for a friend,” he answered quietly, still paying careful attention to the valley.
“They lost something?”
“No, they needed ingredients to make tea,” he lifted his right hand, revealing a full pouch.
“Tea?”
“Yes. Your mother makes flower arrangements, my friend makes tea.”
“Is your friend auntie Min?” there was a quick draw in breath as she began fostering an excited envy for old auntie Min, who was so tough she had a monster for a friend.
“Yes.” There was a gentle smile beneath the mask. “You know Min?”
“She’s funny!” the little girl giggled. “She yells a lot.”
He chuckled quietly, finding both observations to be entirely accurate.
“Did you get all the stuff you need? She’s gonna yell if you didn’t get all the stuff.”
“Will she?”
“Yeah! She once sent her granddaughter out-“
“Qiu,” Jung corrected her on the name.
“Right, Qiu! She sent her out to get stuff, but she forgot something. So Min yelled a lot”
“Sounds like Min.” He had already been reprimanded by her twice for failing to procure certain leaves.
“Did it hurt when you fell out of the tree?”
“I didn’t fall; I jumped.”
“Did it hurt?”
“No.”
“Oh,” she trailed off, blinking. “I thought you were gonna eat me.”
“I wasn’t.”
“I know, but I thought you were gonna. You don’t eat people?”
“No,” he sighed inwardly at the connotation that she still thought he was a genuine monster.
“What do you eat?”
The taste of Wen Lan’s tea became stronger in his memory, prompted by the question. “Plums.”
“Plums are yummy,” she nodded, looking forward.
“Yes.”
They continued on in silence, the girl unconsciously reaching out and grasping his finger for security as she stared ahead in search of her mother.
He glanced down, slightly surprised by the gesture. He looked back towards the valley, taking note of Bai-Jing in the distance.
“Are you really a monster?” she looked back up at him, studying his mask.
“No,” he admitted calmly.
“I didn’t think so,” she nodded confidently, looking back to Bai-Jing. “You’re nice, monsters aren’t nice.”
“Hmm,” a smile countered the compliment from beneath the mask.
“Jiao!” A woman called out desperately, rushing towards them from the village entrance.
“Mommy!” The girl let go of his hand, scrambling towards her mother at full speed.
He smiled as he watched the scene, making no change in his pace as he approached.
The woman lifted her daughter in her arms, hugging her tight as she closed her eyes. Soft tears of relief fell from her eyes as she pressed her cheek to the girl’s.
“Don’t ever wander off like that again!”
“I’m sorry, mommy.” The apology was sincere, her smile still wide at the relief of arriving home safely.
He walked by silently, holding the pouch of ingredients idly.
“Ah!”
Jung glanced back, stopping as the woman set Jiao down. She bowed towards him, folding her hands politely in front of her.
“Thank you so much for bringing her back to me! I’m very grateful; I came here hoping she would hurry back here after we got separated.”
“Thank you!” Jiao waved excitedly, smiling.
He nodded his head slowly, making his way back towards the tea house. He could hear their voices trail off in the background.
“Mommy, do you know him?” she asked wondrously, certain that her mother knew all.
“Of course I do, everybody knows him,” she lifted her daughter carefully, her voice holding a hushed air of sagacious levity.
“Is he famous?”
“Yes, very. He and general Seung are the heroes of the valley,” she explained carefully.
“I thought he was gonna eat me!”
Jung smiled gently at their words, hearing Jiao’s mother giggle at the notion in the background.
“I knew you all couldn’t be trusted to keep up in your trainin’!” Gang accused as he pointed towards one of Chin-Hwa’s guards, the motioning hand still holding another by the face. He dropped the guard carelessly, dusting off his hands.
“We did train!” one of the guards pleaded, drenched in sweat.
“Liar! If you were trainin’ so hard, why are you all fallin’ faster than ever?!”
“Maybe it’s because you’re having them warm up with the rhinoceros,” Seung hinted, glancing towards the beast as he continued his breathing exercises.
“His name is ‘Boots,’ and he’s just getting’ ‘em used to a new style of combat.”
Boots affirmed this by shaking another yelping guard from side to side before trying to chew off his footwear.
“Ah, they seem very lively today,” Wen Lan complimented as she approached the observing Chin-Hwa.
“Yes, it is encouraging,” the old noble smiled.
“You called for me, lord Chin-Hwa?” she bowed politely, smiling.
“Yes, and I apologize for distracting you from Min’s shop.”
“There is no need for apology my lord; auntie Min does not need my help to keep the shop vibrant.”
“No, I’m sure she has enough energy and spirit to share,” he smiled, turning to walk along the hall.
She walked beside him politely, attentive to his words. “Is something the matter, my lord?”
“Not a thing, dear Wen Lan. I called for you because I wish to discuss the upcoming festival.”
“Festival?”
“Forgive me, I have the tendency to forget that you and the others are new to some of the village customs. The village hosts two festivals throughout the course of each year, the first being the Festival of the Moon in winter. The second is the Festival of the Fireflies, held each summer.” He smiled as he explained, enjoying the opportunity to teach.
“How lovely,” she nodded, appreciating the lesson in the village’s culture.
“Yes, I’d like to think that every member of the village celebrates and enjoys the festival. You are a noble, and have spent your entire life as such. So I am certain you are well aware that nobles have the tendency to take any celebration as an opportunity to engage in senseless and stuffy formalities,” there was a slight sigh in this, the byproduct of being witness to the fact for so many years.
She lifted her hands to her mouth, stifling a laugh at the accuracy of the statement. “Lord Chin-Hwa,” she interjected. “What sort of formalities do you speak of?”
“The standard sort that do little besides waste the time of the festival patrons, when such news could be passed by word of mouth. Birth announcements, engagement announcements, marriage announcements. Announcements of announcements, announcements of intentions to announce, there are far too many.”
Wen Lan laughed warmly at the joke, appreciating the wit.
“However, I find myself conflicted.”
“My lord?”
“I have lived in this village for nearly all my life, Wen Lan. I have had moments of sorrow, moments of triumph. Yet I felt that any such occurrences were the business of those involved alone. That I should not spread my troubles or victories amongst others.”
“A noble notion.”
“Yet…For the first time, I find that I have something I would like to announce, something to share with them.”
“And that is?” she walked beside him calmly, trying to piece together his meaning.
“You, my dear.” He smiled gently at her, taking great pride and confidence in the young woman beside him.
“Lord Chin-Hwa?” Wen Lan was flattered, yet puzzled.
“Word has spread of my having finally chosen a successor, much to the disappointment of certain other nobles,” he coughed slightly, glancing aside. He was well aware of the underhanded nature of some of the wealthier inhabitants of Bai-Jing. “I would like to announce it officially, at the Festival of Fireflies.”
The young noble paused, taking the opportunity to bow to him courteously as she smiled.
“My lord, I thank you for your consideration and kindness. It would be my honor.”
“I am delighted to hear such, my dear.” He bowed in return, grateful to her for having improved his confidence in his decision to take her as a successor more with each passing day.
The two continued walking, smiling as he continued imparting on her aspects and practices of Bai-Jing’s culture.
“Festival of the what now?” Gang looked towards the Earth Kingdom soldier as he held one of the guards at arm’s length by the face.
“The Festival of the Fireflies, sir.”
“Seung! What’s this festival thing?” he yelled over his shoulder, stepping in to punch the guard in the stomach.
“It’s held each year in the village,” the general answered as calmly as possible, kneeling atop a stone pillar, his fists extended to either side with a large rock balanced atop each.
“Why would this stop you from trainin’?” Gang eyed the soldier suspiciously.
“Well…We can’t very well train and monitor the festival at the same time.”
The guards cursed the soldier’s luck at having the opportunity to miss a day of training.
“Seung!” the old bodyguard yelled out again.
He opened an eye, sighing inwardly at the inability to practice in peace.
“You give them off for the festival!?” His eyes went wide, unable to fathom the concept of a day without training.
“Half of them,” the general explained. “The other half are assigned to watch over the festival itself.” Dak-Ho had left him in charge of assigning guards to the festival each year prior, too busy endeavoring in the night’s indulgences to particularly care.
The guards of Chin-Hwa and Wen Lan further cursed the soldiers, taking Gang’s sudden focus on the matter at hand as an opportunity to rest.
“Bah! You miss a day of training, you’re gonna get sloppy. Simple fact,” he grumbled, tapping the soldier he had punched in the stomach with his foot to inspect for life signs. He kicked the soldier over, nodding approvingly as he foamed at the mouth. “Take a breather.”
Seung closed his eye, Kano’s malice and intentions still concerning him. He motioned his hands up, turning his palms to catch each rock. Taking to his feet, his forced the pillar back into the ground with a strong motion of the legs.
“That’s a good point,” he said calmly. “The Fire Nation could strike soon. It’s essential that we prepare.”
The soldiers agreed with the point amongst themselves, each taking solace in the fact that they would most likely be training with their general instead of the insane firebender.
“Half of you will attend the festival as security. The other half will be permitted to attend only if they defeat Gang.”
The old firebender grinned, enjoying the sound of it.
A sudden wave of dread swept through the ranks.
“Sir?” a soldier raised his hand up.
“Yes?” Seung turned his attention towards his comrade.
“Permission to be security?”
“I thought you hated security?” another whispered from beside him.
“Not anymore I don’t,” he grumbled.
“Hey!” Gang called out towards the guards of the estate. “I kinda like that! Anyone who beats me can go to the festival!”
The guards sat there, the festival serving as little incentive for the beating they would endure.
“What? Not good enough for you? What’s wrong?”
Seung grinned slightly, understanding the guard’s lack of motivation.
The soldiers and guards all glanced up as a group of Wen Lan’s servants passed by, some giggling and blushing as they did.
“Hmm,” Gang watched as they passed, glancing towards the guards.
Some smiled, a few blushing as they waved towards the girls.
The old man grinned, turning towards the girls.
“Hey!”
They froze, each having a slight fear of Gang after seeing how vicious he was with the guards’ training.
“You all get to have the night off when that Festival of Flying Flies-“
“Fireflies,” Seung corrected.
“Fireflies comes! Got it?!” He folded his arms, grinning.
There was a brief quiet before the girls started cheering and laughing, each completely unaware that Gang had such authority.
Gang had no such authority.
The girls hurried off, each excited about the upcoming celebration.
“Now,” he turned towards the guards, still grinning. “Those girls’re gonna need some escorts. Too bad you’ll all be busy trainin’.”
There was a quiet as the guards stared at him, followed by loud yelling as they jumped him in unison.
Boots, excited by all the sudden movement, jumped into the fray as well.
Seung sighed, practicing his breathing as people and chunks of earth and flame passed near him.
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Post by Funk Oni on Sept 12, 2006 0:39:03 GMT -5
“I had work to get done at the estate, and you called me here to make tea?!” Xiu scolded the old woman loudly, eyes narrowed.
“Tea’s the fastest way to a man’s heart!” Min glared right back at her, poking her in the stomach with a wooden spoon.
“The expression is ‘the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.’ It’s about food, mother.” Sun had two kettles in each hand and a thin coat of sweat covering her, but enjoyed any opportunity to one-up her mother.
“Tea’s better’n food, twice as effective!” she argued, still prodding Xiu with the spoon.
The young servant grabbed the spoon, leaning in as she glared harder at her. “What are you even talking about, you old pain?”
“You’re in love with general Seung!”
Xiu’s eyes went wide, blushing furiously as she glanced around at all the patrons that had just been witness to Min’s blurting out the statement.
“And I can help you charm him! Tea’s the way to a man’s heart, I promise!”
“What is wrong with you!?” Xiu screeched, eyes wide.
“So many things. So many, many things,” Sun muttered, pouring another cup for the blacksmith.
“Heard that,” Min grumbled, glancing towards her daughter.
“Why would you say that in front of all these people?!” Xiu demanded.
“Because it’s true,” she folded her arms.
“So!?”
“So,” she started, turning towards the kitchen. “Are you going to get back here and get to work or not?”
“No, I don’t want to make tea,” she yelled, storming towards the door.
“Is it that you don’t want to, or you don’t know how?” the old woman grinned, recognizing the effectiveness of her taunt as Xiu’s frame froze in the door.
The young servant turned her head slowly, eyes ferocious and glaring. “You want tea?” she practically spit the words, storming towards the kitchen as she rolled her sleeves up.
“Works every time.” She grinned, glancing towards the door as the Demon entered.
Initially, the patrons would greet the Demon with silence. His presence filled them with just as much fear as it did respect. More recently, they had come to understand his arrangement with Min, welcoming him with nods and thankful bows.
“You get everything, this time?” she walked towards him, taking the pouch.
“Yes.”
“This was the freshest ginger root you could find?”
“There’s a patch of it that still needs a few days.”
“Feh, fine.” She continued fishing through the bag, studying the contents carefully. “Good. Good. Good. Eh. Workable. Good. Eh. Hmm. Fine, you’re getting better at this. Better than Sun, at least,” she evaluated as she brought the pouch towards the kitchen.
Sun sighed, narrowing her eyes as she continued pouring someone’s tea.
“Here’s your tea,” Xiu shoved the cup into Min’s hand, folding her arms as she stood near her. She nodded quickly towards Jung. “Hey Demon.”
“Xiu,” he nodded slowly in greeting.
Min spit the tea out in a large mist, soaking Xiu.
“What’s in this?!” the old woman protested, wiping her mouth off on Xiu’s robes.
Xiu tugged it away, agitated. “Tea leaves.”
“What’d you do, put all the leaves in?” Min opened her eye wider, staring into the cup.
“I thought more leaves made it healthier,” her eyebrow rose slightly as she found herself second-guessing the theory.
“You need more help than I thought!” Min stared up at the girl, tugging her by the robe towards the kitchen.
“I told you, I don’t want to learn to make tea!”
“Look, do you want to win his heart or not?!” the old woman looked up defiantly.
“I…” Xiu blushed, glancing aside again.
“Tea is sipped by the heart, not the mouth. If you make the right brew, make it for someone, just for them, it’s a message straight from your heart to theirs!”
The young servant continued glancing aside, mulling the decision over.
“You’re better off saying yes, she’s gonna bug you every day if you don’t,” Qiu whispered as she passed by with a tray of cups.
“…Fine,” the defeated Xiu whispered, dusting her partially wet robe off. “Let’s go.”
“Knew you’d see it my way,” the old woman grinned. She dragged Xiu into the kitchen, instructing loudly and quickly about its contents.
Jung watched as the two made their way into the kitchen, Sun stepping beside him and sighing.
“I feel sorry for her,” she admit. “Thank you for the ingredients,” she bowed towards him, smiling.
He returned the expression of gratitude, bowing slightly. “Thank you for allowing me to stay here.”
“It’s our pleasure!” Sun smiled, having been proved wrong about the Demon’s presence. Where she had expected awkward quiet and fear, the tea house had been seen an increase in business and soft pipa music in the background as he practiced.
“Is there anything else you would like me to do?”
“No, but thank you for offering,” she smiled as she returned to refilling the cups.
The patrons and citizens of Bai-Jing had found themselves pleasantly surprised in regards to the Demon. Where they expected a bold and intimidating creature, they were met with polite bows and etiquette.
He stepped out of the tea house, making his way towards the back. He fell to the ground, diving immediately into his workout regime.
“What’re you doing?” a voice asked
He glanced up, not breaking the motions as he continued training. The lost little girl from the morning stood in front of him, watching with a slightly tilted head as she hid something behind her back.
“Training,” he answered simply.
“Why?”
“So that I can stay strong.”
“Oh. Is it fun?”
“Sometimes,” an amused smile appeared beneath the mask.
“Mommy let me have some flowers and said I should thank you, so I made you this!” She brought out a small flower arrangement from behind her back, placing it down in front of him.
Jung sat up, his attention on the flower arrangement. It looked as if it had been done hurriedly by careless hands, yet the placement of each flower had an obvious consideration.
The mask looked towards her, nodding slowly. “Thank you, it’s very nice.”
She giggled, scratching her head.
“Hello,” a voice called out softly from behind Jiao.
He recognized it instantly, her voice standing out from all others.
“Ah, you have company,” Wen Lan smiled as she approached him. “Hello, my name is Wen Lan. What’s yours?”
“I’m Jiao!” her volume indicated pride in the name. “Are you Demon’s friend?”
“Ha ha, yes,” she smiled softly as she took to her knees in front of the girl. “Are you his friend too?”
“Yup!” the girl nodded her head, pointing at the flower arrangement. “I made him this ‘cause he helped me when I got lost!”
“Ah, did you?” The young noble took the arrangement in her hands, smiling tenderly at Jung for his sweetness. A faint blush filled her cheeks.
Beneath the mask, his cheeks responded in like kind.
“It’s so beautiful,” she complimented.
“Thank you,” Jiao bowed politely, her face beaming at the assessment.
“Thank you again for it.” Jung nodded his head towards the girl.
“Hey!” Min called out from the corner of the tea house, her eyes narrowed.
The three turned towards her in unison.
“Wen Lan! Get in here and help me teach this Xiu girl how to make tea! She’s more hopeless than I thought!”
Behind the walls of the tea house, Xiu could be heard yelling and throwing a kettle.
“Yes, auntie Min,” Wen Lan stood obediently, smiling softly towards Jung before hurrying in.
“Don’t just sit there Demon, go out and get more tea leaves! And get me plums, that stuff keeps sellin’! Now!”
“Yes,” he rose, taking the pouch from her as he passed., placing the flower arrangement inside of it.
“Jiao!” The old woman folded her arms.
“Auntie Min!” the little girl stood defiantly.
“Tell your mom and the other vendors, same bet as always! Whoever takes the most profit, all the others owe ‘em a free meal!”
“Fine! We’re gonna win this year!” Jiao balled her fists, trying to show her determination.
“No way, I always win,” Min grinned, well aware of the spark she was inspiring.
“Nuh-uh, we’re gonna win, you just watch!” She hurried by, her short legs doing little to aid her speed.
Min watched as Jiao scampered away, smiling to herself as she entered the tea house again.
Chin-Hwa sat in silence, conveying the scene as Gang sat to his side with a saucer of sake. Seung remained on the opposite side of the old noble, watching quietly.
“You know Gang. Before you came to Bai-Jing, I had a garden,” he began slowly, breaking a long running silence.
“You still have a garden!” he protested, still sober enough to effectively argue.
“Where? Where do you see garden?”
Gang studied it carefully, observing the scorch marks, then the rises and falls where earthbenders had maneuvered, followed by the rhinoceros footprints. He glanced around the moaning bodies as they lie on the ground, then towards the now sleeping Boots.
“Ah, there!” He pointed, observing a flower.
“One flower doesn’t make a garden,” Seung noted.
“Sure it does. It’s a start, at least,” Gang shrugged.
“Is there anything else you’d like to tell me about?” the old noble continued studying the scene.
“I gave all the servants off for the night of the festival.” He took another sip, his answer having a very unconcerned air about it.
“Did you inform Xiu of this at all?”
“Why would I?”
“Xiu is in charge of the household servants.”
The old guard’s eyes widened slightly, now realizing that he had put himself in her warpath.
Chin-Hwa glanced at him, smirking. “I suppose there is some justice in that. On that note, gentlemen, I will retire for the night. I will see you both in the morning.”
“Good night, lord Chin-Hwa.” Seung stood, bowing.
“G’night old man,” Gang took another sip.
Chin-Hwa sighed as he continued walking.
Another moan let out from the former garden.
“Quit whinin’, you can all have off for the festival,” Gang yelled out at the pained noises.
There was the faint and pained sound of celebration as the soldiers and guards tried to recover their strength.
“The soldiers as well,” Seung added.
More barely legible cries of triumph.
“So,” Gang looked at the saucer.
“Hmm?” the general glanced towards him.
“You gonna ask Xiu to the festival?” he grinned.
Seung blushed, looking up towards the night sky as Gang laughed heartily a few feet beside him.
Dedicated to everyone who's read this but hasn't commented. Commenting's awesome, but I really do appreciate the readership.
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Post by Funk Oni on Sept 16, 2006 22:47:18 GMT -5
Hey again, everybody! This one took me a day or two to write, and is more focussed on character development. I'm hopin' you all enjoy it.
Ha ha, not much to say for this chapter. Anyway; enjoy!
Chapter Eighteen: Oncoming Storm:
Jung walked the streets calmly, the strap of the pouch of freshly collected ingredients held firmly within his grasp.
The passers-by had welcomed him to Bai-Jing with nervous stares and whispered rumors of his reputation. Yet where they had expected a gruesome beast, they had found a quiet and powerful warrior who spent his time training and playing the pipa.
Denizens of the village now smiled towards him, giving eager greeting as he passed. He returned each with a quiet nod, his spirit growing more adjusted to the environment he now found himself in.
He glanced towards the main street, admiring the nearly finished displays and attractions as the vendors and villagers continued toiling at them.
Stopping near a fruit vendor, he drew out a few coins.
“Lovely day Demon, isn’t it?” The jubilant merchant smiled as he set down a papaya.
“Yes,” Jung answered as he looked down towards the fruit.
“The perfect day for moon peaches!” He held up one of the peaches, looking especially ripe. He took great pride in this particular stock.
“Peaches are best for dryer days,” the statement was accurate, years of living in the mountainous wilds giving him experience in the matter.
“It is rather moist out, isn’t it?” The merchant’s smile grew, impressed by the Demon’s demonstration of knowledge in the subject. The air of Bai-Jing had a wet coldness to it, signaling an oncoming storm. “I hope it breaks before the fair begins!”
“As do I.”
“Tell me,” the merchant leaned in curiously, hoping to engage him in further conversation. “If peaches are best for dryer days than this, then what would your preference be for a day like today?”
Jung glanced over the selection carefully, his gaze stopping on one item in particular.
“Mango,” he answered as he lifted the fruit, the mask looking up towards the merchant.
“Yes!” he clapped his hands together. Quickly, he pointed a finger towards the Demon. “There’s an exception, however! On a day like today, you mustn’t have it cold! No, a warmed mango would be best for this weather,” he smiled as he folded his arms.
“I had no idea. Thank you for the information,” Jung bowed calmly, placing a few coins on the counter.
“It’s my pleasure!” the merchant scooped up the coins, bowing quickly. “Thank you for your business! Please enjoy the day!”
The Demon nodded once again, continuing toward the tea house. He stopped at the sight of the patrons grouped together outside, sitting and drinking tea as Sun and Qiu served them in the street.
“Ah, Demon!” Qiu smiled as she saw him, pouring tea for an elderly woman.
“What has happened?” he came to a halt as he neared the group, nodding towards the patrons as they greeted him.
“War,” Sun muttered as she accepted coins from one of the customers.
Jung glanced towards the doorway, a hanging cloth dividing the interior from the street. Wondering as to Min’s whereabouts, he stepped in cautiously.
A kettle crashed down in front of him, rolling to his feet. Glancing towards the kitchen, he could see Xiu standing on the other side yelling downward.
“Old hag!” the young servant glared angrily.
“Inept twit!” Min yelled back, storming out towards the empty serving area. Grasping the kettle, she ignored the Demon entirely as she made her way back to the kitchen. “Don’t take it out on the kettles!”
“Don’t tell me what to do!” she tossed a wooden spoon towards the old woman’s head, furious.
“How else’re you gonna learn!?” Her arm raised, deflecting the spoon before continuing towards the kitchen.
“I’ll learn from Sun!”
“I thought you wanted to learn to make good tea!” There was an emphasis on “good” that conveyed many things.
Each one of these things reached Sun’s ears as she sighed, glaring towards the tea house doorway.
“I’ll ask lady Wen Lan to teach me, then!”
“Wen Lan’s too busy getting ready for the festival with the old man, she doesn’t have the time!”
“So?! What, now there’s a deadline on making tea?”
“You’ve got to master it by the festival!”
“The festival’s in two days!” she shrieked angrily, confident in the old woman’s insanity.
“Which is why you should stop throwing your temper tantrum and get back to work!” Min shrieked back with equal fury.
“Why?! Why do I need to learn by the festival!?”
“What, you haven’t figured it out?” Min spit the words, each carrying insulting connotation.
“I’m not from here, remember?” Her eyes narrowed, nearly snarling the words.
“Well, let me explain how it works then! People get together and decide to have a festival! Everyone gets excited, throws their hands up in the air, ‘Yay, what a wonderful idea! Oh, it’ll be so much fun’!” she clasped her hands together, resting them under her chin as she batted her eyelashes mockingly.
“The men all get together and try to think of the best way to make their festival better than all the other festivals, it’s how men work! The women,” there was a slight grin as she pointed towards Xiu. “The women all start giggling and blushing and trying to look their prettiest so they can impress the men!”
The suggestive vulgarity was not nearly as devastating as the astounding accuracy of the statement. Both brought Xiu to blush, still glaring at the old woman.
“So?!” she countered.
“So!” Min exclaimed, “you’re going to get all dressed up and try to look pretty to try and impress the nice general! But you’re not just trying for his attention alone, oh no! You’re competing with all the girls of Bai-Jing!”
Her jaw dropped as her eyes went wide, staring towards the smirking old woman. She hadn’t thought this far ahead; all the girls at the festival would be dressing to be beautiful. What was to stop Seung from paying more attention to a prettier girl?
“That’s why you’ve got to get an edge!” Min pointed the spoon towards her, passion driving her frame.
Xiu blinked towards the old woman, still blushing as she listened for what came next.
“And your edge shall be…Tea!” She held the kettle and spoon up, her upper lip firming as she ended the presentation.
“…Teach me,” Xiu grunted in defeat after a long pause, her arms folding on the counter as she buried her chin into them.
“Good! Now get back to the kettles, no more slacking!”
The young servant grumbled in protest of the accusation, her back turning towards them.
“…I’ve brought the ingredients,” Jung held up the pouch, now understanding entirely why all the patrons had chosen to take their tea outside. He had been an unintentional witness to the entire argument.
“When’d you get here?” her eyebrow rose as she walked towards him, grabbing the pouch. She fished through it quickly, raising each ingredient to her eye as she studied. The intensity of her scrutiny increased drastically as the festival grew closer.
He watched as she hoisted the pouch over her shoulder, making her way towards the kitchen.
“This’ll do. Tomorrow I’m sending you out for the tough stuff, so don’t make any plans.” She continued into the kitchen, disappearing behind the hanging cloth.
Nodding his head, he took his pipa before making his way outside. Sitting near the entrance, he began playing softly.
The customers smiled as he played, enjoying the taste of the tea in the noonday sun.
“Settle down!” Yakone shouted as the ostrich horse stomped wildly in the shallow water.
“Ha ha, Ryo’s always hated baths,” Li Mei smiled as she continued scrubbing Kyo, who sat quietly through the procedure. “Once you get his feathers wet, he’ll calm down. Kyo loves the water though, don’t you?” Smiling warmly towards the creature, she stroked its neck.
“I don’t know why I even agreed to this,” the waterbender muttered as he gripped the cloth tightly.
“Lord Bo and Shui are busy training,” she explained as she lifted Kyo’s wing slightly, the ostrich horse folding it out obediently.
“Doesn’t answer my question,” he muttered, trying to sneak up on the beast from behind. He lashed out with the cloth, Ryo squawking and storming towards the river’s center.
“Ah,” Li Mei looked up as she felt a drop upon her shoulder. Lifting her hand, she felt the soft first few drops of rain, a calm storm rolling in.
“Oh, now you want to be in the water?” he sighed, folding his arms as he watched Ryo splash about playfully.
“Yakone, a storm’s coming in!” she called out to him. “I’m going to go tell lord Bo and Shui, you finish washing Kyo and Ryo!”
“Whatever,” he grumbled, glancing over his shoulder as she hurried up the hill. As she disappeared from sight, he turned back towards the mischievous creature. A grin spread over his face as he cracked his knuckles. “You want to play in the water? Let’s play.”
He lowered his palms to the water, his stance spreading as he motioned his arms to the right. Water rose up in front of him, squirming through the air. Maintaining a steady rhythm he brought more water into it, the whip extending as the beast tilted its head curiously.
His concentration broke as he felt something press against his back. The water fell into the river, mixing with the gentle rain as Kyo pressed his head against Yakone.
Slightly irritated at the interruption, he turned his attention towards the ostrich horse.
Kyo dipped the bottom of his beak into the water twice before lifting his head again.
“Just wait, I’ll get to you when I’m done with him,” he motioned his head back towards Ryo.
The beast stepped back, stomping his foot as he dipped his beak against the water again before pressing the side of his head against Yakone’s arm.
“Heh,” the waterbender smirked slightly, ruffling the feathers atop the beast’s head gently. “Fine,” he admit defeat as he took the cloth, resuming the bath. He glanced to the side as something caught his eye, Ryo inspecting the spot where the whip of water had fallen carefully.
He grinned as he placed the cloth over his shoulder, motioning with his hands again towards the spot.
The ostrich horse squawked loudly, backing away as the water rose up slightly, startling him. Stepping in towards it, he gave a quick peck with his beak before squawking again.
Entertained, he moved the water quickly away from the beast, watching as he chased it playfully.
Kyo rose up, eyeing the spectacle curiously before helping in the chase.
Yakone laughed, smiling as he played with the two.
Li Mei trudged up the hill, hurrying as she passed its peak. She passed the somber campfire quickly, calling out to her traveling companions as she made out their figures in the distance.
“Lord Bo, Shui, a storm is com…” she had wanted to tell them to pause, to not risk sickness for the sake of training. Her voice trailed off as she watched.
The two stood beside one another, their motions steady and powerful as they breathed deeply. Their eyes had an intense focus to them, the rain doing nothing to hinder the silent determination.
The young girl watched quietly, paying no mind to the rain as it fell against her cheeks. Within her spirit a mixed feeling of admiration and gratitude echoed, inspired by the determined strength of the firebenders.
She smiled softly as she watched, her hands folded politely in front of her. All that remained to separate them from the Kun valley was a few days travel.
The rain swept over them, washing away the doubts and tribulations the journey had tainted her optimism with. In its wake lay confident inspiration.
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Post by Funk Oni on Sept 16, 2006 22:49:39 GMT -5
“Faster now, put everything you’ve got into it!” Gang commanded as he sidestepped one of the guards. The storm had passed quickly, doing nothing to hinder the intensity of the training.
The guard panted as he continued his assault, flames launching from his fists as he tried to land an attack on the old guard.
Gang dodged back quickly before stepping in, motioning his hand into the guard’s stomach before swinging into an uppercut.
The attack took him off guard, leaving him no time to yell before he hit the ground.
“Next!” he barked as he pointed towards one of Seung’s earthbenders. He had been pushing the soldiers and guards to their limits over the course of the past few days, claiming it to be compensation for the “night off” they had been charitably provided.
“Ah, Gang. I should have known you would be here,” Chin-Hwa observed as he stepped into the former garden. His gaze fell quickly over the grounds, further scorched and scarred by Gang’s training sessions. He emitted a soft sigh.
“Yeah? What is it?” Gang glanced towards the old noble, turning his attention quickly back towards the earthbender. Kicking forward, he dodged a sharp spike of earth as it stabbed out from the ground.
“I assume you will be attending the festival?”
“Yeah,” he smirked slightly as he stepped in towards the earthbender, head butting him in the face. “Sounds like it might be fun. Next!”
“Then I assume you will need something to wear for the occasion?” He had already provided such aid to general Seung, who suffered the misfortune of having nothing appropriate for such a function.
“What? Why?” He took his stance, the wary guard attempting to maintain a solid distance between them. “What’s wrong with this?”
“Armor is hardly appropriate for a festival,” the noble explained. “Besides this, there is the fact that in all the time I have known you, you have never had that particular armor washed or treated.”
“So?” He crouched quickly, lashing his leg out as he spun. Fire peeled across the ground towards the guard, who spun over it quickly. Keeping the momentum, he rushed towards the old guard.
“So, it is filthy.” Chin-Hwa’s eyebrow rose as he took note of the flame burning even more of the former garden’s soil.
“Armor doesn’t get filthy, it gets experienced,” Gang grinned as he turned his body to the right, spinning and swinging his fist back into the guard’s jaw.
“Be that as it may,” Chin-Hwa sighed, “I ask that you at least wear something more formal for the sake of Wen Lan. She hopes to establish a pleasant first impression with the other nobles.”
“Fine, fine,” he grumbled as he walked towards a bucket of water. The guard he had struck fumbled along the ground, eventually falling over.
“My thanks,” Chin-Hwa bowed his head slightly, grateful that the old guard had not given him too much trouble on the matter. “Do you have any particular preference on any aspect of the clothing?”
“Yeah, I want it t’be black and red.” He dumped the water on the earthbender he had knocked unconscious earlier, awakening him.
“I do not believe those particular colors would be appropriate.”
“Right, right. Red and brown?”
“Is red necessary to the garment?”
“Favorite color,” he grinned as he tossed the empty bucket aside.
“Of course,” Chin-Hwa sighed, Gang standing as clear and absolute evidence of the “old habits die hard” adage.
“Boots’ll wear red and brown too,” the old guard nodded his head back towards the beast.
Boots had made the far corner his personal residence, the ground surrounding it littered with chewed footwear.
“I am not having clothing made for your komodo rhino,” he asserted, the line drawn.
“Feh, fine,” Gang grumbled as he waved another soldier to attack him.
“Ah, I forgot to ask; do you have any idea where general Seung has gone off to?”
He grinned as he awaited the soldier’s attack. “Takin' care of somethin’.”
“How are you so bad at this!?” the old woman questioned loudly.
“Shut up, I’m trying!” Xiu had no problem matching her pitch and volume, her aggravation pushing her to exceed it.
“This tastes terrible!” Min paid no mind to the novice’s words; still busy admiring the poor quality.
“Then don’t drink it!”
“Demon!” she poked her head out into the serving area, still vacant. “Get in here!”
After a pause Jung entered, a thin coat of sweat veiled over him from his training.
“Go out and get me all the ingredients you got this morning, twice as many! We’re gonna be here all night!”
He nodded, turning towards the entrance as Xiu continued mumbling threats towards the old pain.
“Did you ask Wen Lan to the festival yet?!” she called after him.
Freezing in his tracks, a warmth grew beneath the mask.
“What’re you waiting for!? Get out there and ask her!” Min commanded, waving him away.
The Demon stepped out of the tea house, his attention towards the patrons as they stared, each of them having heard every word.
Wen Lan stood there blushing, holding a kettle as she looked towards him.
He could feel tension strain at his body as the patrons continued glancing between the two.
“Wen Lan…” Jung managed her name before a pouch shot out from within the tea house, draping over his head.
“Don’t forget this!” Min yelled after him, hurrying back towards the kitchen.
The young noble lifted a hand to her mouth, stifling a giggle at the sight.
“…Wen Lan,” he began again as he lifted the pouch from his head. He could feel the break in the tension the old pain had inadvertently caused.
“Yes,” she answered shyly, blushing.
“…Would you allow me to accompany you to the Festival of the Fireflies?” Beneath the mask, he blushed nervously. Min’s bold question had removed the possibility of privacy between the two, something he had hoped to have when asking her.
“…I would like that,” she smiled softly as she glanced towards the ground, her cheeks red as she looked back towards him. “…Very much.”
“It’s so sweet,” Qiu blushed as she held a tray up to cover the lower half of her face.
“Don’t be like your grandmother,” Sun muttered as she motioned her daughter towards a patron’s nearly empty cup.
Jung nodded slowly, a wide smile growing beneath the mask.
Wen Lan’s could do nothing to conceal the smile she displayed, motioning her kettle quietly towards another patron’s cup.
The Demon turned towards the main street of the village, levity coursing through his body as he held the empty pouch.
“Stop putting in so many different things!” Min growled as she slapped the wooden spoon onto the back of Xiu’s hand.
“Ow! It’s healthier that way, you old hag,” she grumbled as she rubbed the back of her hand.
“You don’t want something healthy, healthy tea is for children! You want it to taste good!”
“What’s the point of making it taste good if it isn’t good for you!?”
“Idiot! All tea’s good for you!” Min crossed her arms defiantly.
“Fine! Then teach me how to make it taste good instead of just being annoying!”
“I’m trying, you’re just terrible at this!”
Xiu glared, Min returning the expression as they found themselves locked in a tense silence, broken only by the sound of footsteps in the serving area.
“What do you want?!” the two screamed towards the entrance, each freezing at the sight.
“I’m sorry to intrude,” Seung began. “I was wondering if you would permit me to have a moment of lady Xiu’s time? I apologize for the inconvenience; Gang informed me that she has been helping you with the tea house since business had seen such a sharp increase as of late.” He silently criticized himself for being so talkative. Such was a symptom of the general’s nervousness.
The two ladies stared in complete silence.
“Ah…Right! Right, yes! Business is so good, I needed as much help as I could possibly get!” Min folded her hands, laughing as she tilted her head to the side. “Thank the Avatar for young Xiu’s help; I doubt we’d be able to get by without her!”
Xiu’s eyebrow twitched as her gaze fell towards Min, the lie startling her.
“So helpful, so talented! And so beautiful too, all the young men in the village come just to see her and sample her tea!”
The young servant’s eyes went a little wider, blushing deeply at the lies.
“Ah, yes,” Seung blushed slightly, not surprised by the statement and completely unaware of its false nature.
“You can borrow her, but you have to promise to give her back soon!” Min laughed loudly, poking her head back into the kitchen.
There was a hushed yet heated exchange between the two as Xiu was pushed out from behind towards the general. Her hands remained at her sides, balled into nervous fists as she stared at him with flushed cheeks.
Min kept just behind the curtain separating the serving area from the kitchen. Grinning, she spied upon the two carefully.
“Lady Xiu,” he started, understanding that which he hoped to request. His cheeks grew red as he caught sight of her sweet features; the glimpse disrupting the flow of his thoughts entirely.
“Yes?” the words escaped barely, nearly a whisper.
“…Would you…Join me for a walk…?”
“S…Sure,” she nodded quickly, stopping as she felt she had nodded too much.
The two left the tea house quietly; both blushing and hoping the words would come to them.
Min grumbled slightly at the scene moving, hurrying out behind them to continue her surveillance.
“What are you doing?” Sun’s eyebrow rose as she watched her mother.
“Shush, I’m busy,” the old woman continued watching, squinting.
The two continued walking in awkward silence, neither having any idea what to say.
Xiu began building up an inner confidence, pushing herself to speak. Each time she felt ready to open her mouth, doubt sought to keep it closed. This birthed agitation, which further pushed her towards speech.
“General Seung!” she blurted out, blushing at the unexpected volume.
“Ah,” he looked towards her quickly, startled. “Yes…?”
“Do you…” she fished through her mind furiously for an ending to the inquiry, falling back upon the first thing to come into her mind. “Like…Tea…?”
He nodded, his cheeks still having a slight tint of red to them. A gentle smile came to him, feeling that conversation brought a welcome end to the uncertain quiet. “Yes, I find it very soothing.”
“I see,” she smiled nervously, her inner thoughts turning towards a triumphant image of Min, bragging loudly at being correct.
“Do you like tea…?” He felt himself an imbecile the moment the words left his mouth. It was easy to ascertain that Xiu most likely enjoyed tea, what with working in a tea house.
“Yes,” she nodded quickly, smiling at any question he would deliver. “I do.”
“Excellent,” he responded, feeling lost in regards to where the conversation should next turn.
The awkward quiet thundered, the two walking further down the village street.
Seung narrowed his eyes slightly as he turned to look towards the various stands, becoming determined to combat the silence.
She watched as he walked away, her pace slowing as he purchased something from one of the stands. There was a small cloth pouch in his hand as he returned to her. Taking it nervously, she glanced towards its contents, unable to understand the gesture.
“Gang tells me…” his face grew redder as he fumbled for the words, a slight worry that he was being too forward filling him. “That these are your favorite.”
Xiu smiled gently towards the leechy nuts, blushing.
“Lady Xiu…Would you…” he trailed off, struggling for the words as her eyes met with his.
Her face grew bright red, her grip on the pouch tightening unconsciously.
“Allow me to escort you to the festival?” The words had a slight hurry to them, driven by his nervousness.
“Ah,” she felt embarrassed, conscious of how red her face had grown. “Yes,” she nodded very quickly. “Yes, please.” The situation had robbed her of rhetoric, leaving her a shy and blushing girl.
“I see,” he beamed, relieved by her response. “Will you meet me by the village entrance, the evening of the festival?”
“Yes,” she nodded quickly and excitedly, her frame straightening with joy.
“Thank you,” he blushed again, bowing slightly. “I have to return to my soldiers now; I look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening.”
She watched as he walked in the direction of the estate, her face retaining its brightness as she admired him. After several moments had passed, she regained herself.
Her face took on a more serious expression, finding a new fire of determination within her chest. Hurrying back towards the tea house, she stormed into the kitchen.
“How did it go?” Min grinned knowingly, having watched the entire exchange from a distance.
Xiu stormed past her, opening a kettle carefully before sorting through some ingredients. There was a careful placement to her approach that she had not included earlier.
The old woman smiled, sitting quietly in the corner as she watched, correcting the mistakes calmly and constructively.
“How much longer?” Iwao growled, his frame bouncing slightly with excitement.
“Patience, Iwao. Patience,” the handsome firebending wore a sadistic grin as he looked out from the boat.
“I can’t be patient, not after what you said,” he grinned.
“Are you that excited to face him?”
“Oh yeah,” he nodded excitedly. “Absolutely, I want to crush his skull so badly.”
“Then you should execute patience. It will make his blood sweeter.”
“Nothin’ll be sweeter than killin’ ‘im,” his grin grew, gripping the side of the boat tightly.
“You should listen to Kazuki,” Hitoshi warned. He was an old man, his height average. Yet his cloak concealed a large body beneath it, his face contradicting the impression. His eyes were dark, his smug expression earned through years of combat.
“Ah, Hitoshi. I trust that you slept well?” the firebender grinned, glancing back towards him.
“Of course, of course. I thank you for your concern,” he bowed.
“My only concern is that my warriors be in the best shape possible,” the explanation was calm yet impersonal. “I’m afraid you’re all quite useless to me if you have any cause for failure.”
“Understood,” Hitoshi smiled as he looked out towards the riverbank.
“Heh,” Iwao folded his arms, body still twitching with excitement.
The valley grew closer.
Wen Lan sat beside her old friend, chatting happily as they overlooked what had once been Chin-Hwa’s garden.
“You nervous?” he asked as he took a sip from the saucer.
“Hmm?”
“This whole thing with you bein’ introduced to the whole village; you nervous?”
“Ah. No,” she smiled. “I am fortunate enough to have met many of the villagers in helping at the tea house. They are kind-hearted and hard working. I feel calm among them.”
“You’re not bein’ introduced t’people though. You’re bein’ introduced to nobles.”
“True,” she nodded softly. “I will be sure to leave a good first impression among them.”
“That’s easy,” he smirked. “Just show up.”
She laughed lightly, his flattery reaching her. Her focus turned towards someone making their way towards them from the hallway.
Gang turned towards her, grinning as she approached.
Xiu looked down towards him with calm eyes.
“How’d it go with Seung?” he teased.
She said nothing, lowering herself to her knees beside him. Quickly, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, embracing him. What few words Seung had shared with her gave evidence of the old guard’s kindness.
Closing his eyes, he chuckled softly. His hand patted her shoulder twice before she let go.
“Goodnight, my lady,” the young servant bowed deeply towards her best friend, making her way towards her room.
“Goodnight Xiu,” Wen Lan nodded her head, smiling in understanding of her friend’s expression.
Xiu continued along, her body feeling a warmth as she clutched the pouch of leechy nuts with an indomitable smile.
Dedicated to Animekitties, for an amazing image of Shui holding Hea.
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Post by Funk Oni on Sept 20, 2006 22:54:57 GMT -5
Hey again, everybody! A new chapter for all of you who're reading.
And thanks again to those who are, keeps me goin'. Glad you're still here.
Anyway, enjoy!
Chapter Nineteen: The Festival
As the sun retreated beyond the distant horizon, a vibrant energy began to course through Bai-Jing. Men called out to one another as they prepared the final arrangements of the festival, women laughing and helping one another to get ready as they gossiped lightly about what the night held in store for them. Children watched impatiently, excited and eager to take part in what they had been waiting months for.
Night descended upon the valley. The mountain cave that had once been Jung’s home had a clear view of Bai-Jing, the village illuminated by seemingly infinite grains of light.
The streets were lined with lanterns, the soft orange light bathing the stands and displays as the people passed. Merchants called out loudly, performers welcoming any they could entertain.
The Festival of the Fireflies had begun.
The nobility of Bai-Jing had long ago established the tradition of marking any announcements of the slightest importance during either of the two yearly festivals. This practice was originally implemented for the sake of displaying one’s wealth and status publicly, something Chin-Hwa had frowned upon since youth. Yet if any such trait were a factor in the announcements made during the festivals, the upper class of Bai-Jing would immediately claim otherwise.
Regardless of the potential nature of the announcements, citizens would still line the streets to witness that which was declared. Perhaps to have full knowledge of that which occurred within Bai-Jing, perhaps to judge those who felt themselves beyond evaluation. This particular night was no exception, people watching the street as that which they had already known through word of mouth was called out.
“Demon! Over here!” Xiu lifted a hand above the crowd, waving it slightly as she signaled towards him. Her bandana was gone, Min having combed her hair neatly and painfully. Her light robe was one to be admired, Wen Lan having lent it gladly to her.
Jung looked out over the crowd, approaching the hand. The Demon who had been seen in nothing beyond tattered war-torn pants now stood before them in a simple yet somewhat formal robe. It was evident that the mask had been washed, some level of dirt and soot stained into it beyond treatment.
“Almost thought you wouldn’t make it,” Xiu teased as she motioned out towards the nobles.
“He wouldn’t miss this for the world,” Min grinned as she stood beside the young servant. Min’s attire was no different from any other day, the only difference being a headband with “tea house” written illegibly over it. “You drop the ingredients off to Sun?”
He nodded slowly, slightly uncomfortable in the robes. He could not honestly recall the last time he had worn anything remotely similar to the garment.
“You should be waiting for Seung,” Min glanced up towards Xiu.
She blushed slightly, a look of slight agitation growing as she peered down towards the old woman. Her loyalty was to Wen Lan and the old man; she felt it proper to be present for her lady’s introduction to Bai-Jing.
“The general is reviewing procedures with the soldiers,” Jung took another step forward, looking out towards the nobles as he came to Xiu’s defense.
She smirked, glancing towards the Demon. They were both victims of Min’s overenthusiastic matchmaking. Though they were similar in this respect, neither would ever feel inclined to issue complaint over it.
“Where’s the hog monkey?” Min demonstrated her disadvantage in height as she hopped up and down slightly in attempt to look out over the others.
“With lady Wen Lan, making sure she’s safe. Same as always,” Xiu smiled softly as she folded her arms.
Jung’s focus turned quickly towards the distant nobles as Chin-Hwa stepped out towards the front of the crowd.
The green robes he typically wore had been replaced with elegant white, his flowing vest gold with a carefully knit trim. He stood with precise poise and grace, looking calm and satisfied as he stood before the crowd.
“Lord Chin-Hwa, of the Yang estate takes this opportunity to formally announce and make known his having chosen a successor,” the relegate informed calmly.
Xiu’s eyes took on a soft admiration, a warm smile coming to her as she watched her lady.
Jung’s eyes remained fixed upon her from behind the mask, smiling gently. He understood her beauty well, admiring it each time he gazed upon her. Her appearance now was of no surprise to him, furthering his admiration of her features only slightly. He had always understood her to be so beautiful.
“I present to you; lady Wen Lan.”
The young noble stood before them in carefully prepared white robes, her black hair trailing elegantly behind her and flowing carefully. She took her place beside the noble, bowing respectfully towards the people she had already come to admire.
The citizens of Bai-Jing smiled, most recognizing her from her activities in the tea house and market. Those who hadn’t had heard of her through gossip about the Demon. Any rumors of her being of the Fire Nation had been defeated by the grace and kindness demonstrated in her interactions with them.
The nobles studied carefully, examining her for any possible flaws.
She looked out over the crowd with soft smile, her attention stopping upon Jung. Taking notice of his clothing, her smile grew. Her mind could perceive the image of his face, smiling towards her from behind the mask. This brought her to blush slightly, her joy unwavering.
Chin-Hwa bowed alongside her, the two stepping politely aside as the announcer continued.
“Well, that’s the only one I really cared about,” Min called out loudly, stretching her arms up over her head.
Xiu glanced down towards the old woman, embarrassed by her rudeness.
“You! When’re you meeting with Seung?!” she was excited, folding her arms as she looked up curiously towards her recent apprentice.
The young servant blushed again, turning towards the crowd to see if anyone had heard her bold question. Leaning in quietly, she whispered coarsely. “I’m going to meet him after I walk with lady Wen Lan to the main street! Stop being so loud, old hag!”
“Alright, so you walk with her, then walk with Seung for a bit,” Min stroked her chin, ignoring the insult. “Then, try to swing by the stand for the tea house. I’ll have a kettle of your tea ready; you can serve it to him yourself!”
Blushing further, Xiu longed for a wooden spoon to throw at the old woman. “Fine fine, just stop talking about it so loudly!” She straightened her frame, adjusting a crease in her robe before hurrying off to meet with Wen Lan and the old man.
“Good, good!” Min brought her hands together, smiling gleefully. “You!” she pointed up towards the Demon.
He looked down at the old woman, her manner doing little to surprise him.
“Go check on Sun and make sure she hasn’t run the stand into the ground! I’ll be over in a bit!” She waved her hand in the direction of the festival’s main street, clasping her hands together under her chin. “Then you can meet with Wen Lan and have a romantic festival walk!”
Jung’s face grew warm beneath the mask, unsure as to how to respond. He turned towards the main street, walking calmly.
“Auntie Min!” a small voice rang out from behind her.
Min glanced over her shoulder, grinning as she recognized the voice’s owner. Turning, she folded her arms.
“We’re gonna win this year!” Jiao said defiantly from across the street. She wore a small headband with a crudely drawn flower.
“Not if you’re standing around talking to me you won’t,” the old woman brought her hands up, tightening her headband confidently.
Realizing the truth in the statement, Jiao hurried quickly towards her mothers stand.
Min laughed, walking calmly along the street.
“There have been no reports of theft or incidents of vandalism,” the soldier ended his report, bowing to the general.
“Thank you, please maintain careful watch” Seung bowed in return. He wore a green robe, lent to him by lord Chin-Hwa. Standing near the village entrance, he waited calmly for Xiu.
The soldier returned to his patrol, carefully observing his surroundings.
The general watched his surroundings, smiling as he observed the villagers enjoying themselves. He had always admired Bai-Jing, taking pride in the strength and resolve of its citizens.
“Such a lovely festival,” a young man noted as he stood beside him.
Seung was startled slightly, unaware that someone had stepped up beside him. “Yes,” he nodded politely.
“How happy these people are now, there’s something tragic about it.”
“How do you mean?” he glanced towards the stranger.
“They’re so happy now. Yet every one will be dead by sunrise,” Kazuki smiled pleasantly towards the general.
“Lovely, my dear,” Chin-Hwa smiled as he congratulated his successor.
“I thank you for your kindness, lord Chin-Hwa,” Wen Lan bowed politely, smiling.
The old noble nodded his head softly, the moment broken by a loud voice behind him.
“Hey, old man!” Gang walked towards them, Boots trailing behind merrily.
Chin-Hwa sighed, longing for the sensation of respect and veneration that had been shattered by the old guard.
“Is that it for the noble thing?” There was a look of discern about him, Gang uncomfortable in anything that was not armor. His robe was brown with red trim, as per his request.
Boots wore nothing beyond his harness.
“Yes, that is it for the ‘noble thing,’ as you put it,” he nodded sagely.
“Lady Wen Lan, you were excellent! Best part of the whole thing!” the old guard complimented loudly, understanding his lady to be the best part of any function.
“Thank you Gang,” she smiled and bowed politely, having always been grateful for his kind praise.
“So what now?” the old guard placed a hand on Boots’ neck, petting the beast as it stepped beside him.
“Ah,” a slight grin came over Chin-Hwa. He had been readying for this moment since the destruction of his garden. Stepping towards Gang, he began his smug explanation. “Since you saw fit to dismiss my guards and servants without consulting me, I charge you with the task of ensuring their safety and proper behavior, this evening.”
He glanced towards the slayer of his garden, confident that the care of so many individuals at once would be more punishment than assignment.
“Alright,” Gang shrugged, still petting boots.
“…Alright?”
“Yeah, sure. Gotta make sure they’re actin’ proper; should be fun,” he grinned.
Chin-Hwa stared as the old guard walked away, sighing at the failure of his plot.
Wen Lan felt no surprise at Gang’s reaction; he would enact any task assigned to him. Sensing her lord’s dismay at the fact, she patted his arm reassuringly.
“Lady Wen Lan!” Xiu called cheerfully, hurrying towards her lady.
“Xiu!” the young noble embraced her friend quickly in greeting.
“You were great, so beautiful!” she complimented.
“It is thanks to your hard work,” she bowed slightly, Xiu having been involved with all of the preparations.
“Hey old man,” the young servant greeted Chin-Hwa in her typical fashion, her hands rising to her hips.
He sighed once again as he remembered the ancient days of respectful servants and guards who would do nothing to ravage his garden.
“Shall we make our way towards the festival’s main grounds?” Wen Lan suggested.
“Excited to meet up with the Demon?” Xiu teased with a grin.
Blushing, the young noble countered quickly. “As excited as you are to meet with the general.”
Chin-Hwa chuckled as the young servant blushed, having no retort prepared.
“Let us be off then,” he smiled warmly, walking calmly in the direction of the main grounds.
The group continued down the street, the two girls discussing and admiring the various attractions as the old noble explained each happily.
“Who are you?” Seung stepped back, taking a stance quickly.
“Ah ah, none of that dear general,” Kazuki grinned, glancing towards the village entrance. “Earthbending will only hasten the death of everyone here.”
Seung narrowed his eyes, the statement inspiring slight confusion.
“Ha ha, such a cryptic statement, very unbecoming of me, I apologize,” Kazuki bowed. “Allow me to explain. I have been asked by my dear teacher Kano to slaughter everyone here.”
He clenched his teeth at the mention of the name, cursing himself for not having suspected as much.
“But my team is so small…Slaughtering an entire village on our own would take a full day, and is far too straightforward! So I chose to go with a more entertaining option,” he stepped forward, stopping beside Seung as he explained more in a hushed tone.
The general glared forward, unable to disrupt the opportunity to gain more information on the situation.
“Do you have any idea how rich the land between here and the Fire Nation is with mercenaries? Men willing to throw their lives away for money, nothing more,” he grinned at the simplicity.
“If I make any attempt to stop you, you signal the mercenaries to attack from hidden positions within the crowds,” the general clenched his teeth tightly at the powerlessness the situation imposed upon him.
“Ah, so close, I thought you had it!” Kazuki laughed, patting Seung’s shoulder. “If they attack from within the village, then the villagers can escape. I’ve lined them up on all sides of the valley to move in and decimate this quaint little village. Much more effective, I feel.”
Seung gave no response, glaring forward.
“This way, my team will be given ample time to eliminate key threats,” he smiled, taking a few steps forward to admire a juggler’s performance.
The general stood motionless, his mind racing to establish a plan.
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Post by Funk Oni on Sept 20, 2006 22:56:00 GMT -5
Jung walked along the street quietly, nodding towards villagers as they greeted him in passing. He had never been so close to the lights of the festival, having only ever seen them from a distance. There was a simple beauty to them, paled only by the enthusiasm and joy of the villagers as they enjoyed the festival.
Bai-Jing had intimidated him initially, finding it difficult to adjust to after having been alone among the mountains for so long. Surrounded by the lights of the festival, he shed the last sliver of uncertainty, admiring the beauty of the village and its denizens.
He watched as two children passed quickly, one pretending to be an earthbender as the other played the role of the firebender, laughing and running quickly. Turning his attention back towards the path ahead of him, he caught sight of a cloaked figure standing in a thin alley.
His eyes turned quickly back towards the alley, the figure large and grinning.
It turned, hurrying away.
His frame remain motionless as he pondered, resolving to investigate. He made silent promise to himself that no force would act to harm the people of Bai-Jing as they enjoyed the festival, hurrying down the alley.
Moments later he found himself standing amidst an opening within the residential area of the village, homes surrounding him on each side.
The figure stood at the center of the clearing, grinning wildly as his large frame twitched with excitement.
They stood directly across from one another, the joyful expression of the stranger greeted with the cold emotionless face of the mask. The lights of the festival could not penetrate the buildings surrounding them, the moonlight above providing soft illumination.
“I first heard about you three years ago,” he explained as he took a step forward, revealing himself fully as he escaped the shadow’s cover. He was as tall as the Demon, his features stern yet excited. His hair was mostly unkempt, tied back in unskilled fashion to resemble that of a Fire Nation citizen. A large hammer was equipped to his back, the cloak failing to conceal his Fire Nation armor.
Jung stood silently, the figure’s appearance holding no effect over him. He had fought many of the exact description and even those who had surpassed it. Each had been defeated.
“I got excited,” he laughed, shameful of such a childish reaction. “There was a real demon out there, a real one! A spirit of rage and malice! Of hatred!”
The statement was met with silence.
“Since then, I’ve wanted nothing more than to break you,” his face took on a sadistic ferocity.
Silence.
“To split your skull open, tear your arms off,” he chuckled.
Silence.
“To kill a demon. To prove that even something made of hatred cannot best me.”
Jung gave no verbal response. He lifted his hands to the shoulders of the robe, unfolding the upper part so as to let it hang idly over his cloth belt. His upper body was bare with the exception of the two Earth Kingdom shields strapped to his back. He equipped each quietly. He had brought them along for the sake of remaining prepared.
“Ha ha, you really are a demon!” the spectacle was confirmation to him. “Always ready to fight!”
He stood before the stranger silently, his scars speaking loudly enough.
The figure tossed off the cloak, revealing a bare upper body free of marks. He grabbed the hammer, swinging it in a full circle before grasping it with both hands, pointing the head towards the Demon.
“I am Iwao,” he grinned.
“Impressive!” Kazuki applauded along with the crowd as the juggler took his bow. He turned back towards the general, motioning towards the dispersing crowd. “General Seung, did you see that? The man juggled five swords! Swords! I must say, I’ve never seen such a spectacle before!”
Seung continued staring towards the village entrance.
“Hmm? Ah, please stop fretting, general. I assure you; you have no chance of victory here. Please just relax and allow my team to finish killing their targets. Then it will be a simple and painless matter of murdering you and the others.”
The general’s eyes glanced quickly to the side, catching view of a soldier making his patrol. Turning his attention back towards the entrance, he studied the ground.
“A puppet show? Delightful! I haven’t seen one since I was a child,” Kazuki explained, taking a step forward as the display caught his attention.
Seung’s eyes went wide as it finally came to him.
It had taken the guard days to work up the courage to ask one of Chin-Hwa’s servants to attend the festival with him.
With determination and encouragement, he had surpassed the nervous block holding him back. He had asked her, and much to his relief, she agreed.
She had spent the days leading up to the festival hoping that he would ask her; hoping that he would feel for her as she felt for him. Her body became a vessel of pure joy upon his request.
The two walked beside one another, exchanging occasional smiles and flushed cheeks.
He moved closer towards her as they walked, a hand suddenly shooting out from behind him and separating the two.
“Too close,” Gang muttered.
The servant and guard continued their walk, both thinking threats and curses towards Gang as he hovered over them to ensure their proper behavior.
“Gang…Perhaps it would be best to check on the others?” the guard suggested hopefully.
“I agree,” the servant said quickly, embarrassed by how fast the statement was issued.
“Got it covered,” Gang stared forward with determination.
Somewhere in the distance, another young couple found themselves dismayed as a rhinoceros horn poked forward, separating them before snorting.
“Good sir, would you be so kind as to lend me your attention for a moment?”
“Hmm?” Gang looked over his shoulder towards the figure.
The couple took the opportunity to walk quickly and quietly away, attempting to make as much distance between themselves and the old guard as possible.
“I require aid with a particular task; I have heard of your tenacity and strength, and would appreciate your help,” the old man answered calmly with smug expression.
“Right, let’s go,” Gang eyed him suspiciously. He watched as the old man led the way, impressed by how fat his body seemed to be underneath the cloak. Yet his face held no excess weight to it.
The two continued walking, stopping as they reached the entrance to Chin-Hwa’s estate.
“I feel this will be an appropriate place,” the old man looked up towards the estate.
“To fight?” Gang was already cracking his knuckles.
Startled by the old guard’s accuracy, the old man turned slowly towards him. “I am found out.”
“You brought me out of sight of the festival and out of earshot; you want a fight. Who’re you here for?” he glared.
“I am impressed, Gang. All information I have been provided on you has painted you as remarkably stupid.”
“I know fighting.”
“I know that much to be true.”
“Who sent you?”
“Come now,” there was a look of agitation in his face. “For as long as you have lived, have you ever known someone to give such information freely?”
Gang smirked.
“We are both men of experience, Gang. I suggest that we not engage as such trivial activities as conversation, and trust in the form of communication we both know well.”
The old guard took his stance.
“To the survivor goes the spoils,” Hitoshi grinned smugly.
Giving no opportunity for hesitation, Gang rushed forward. With powerful step and extension of the fist, he unleashed a stream of fire into the unmoving chest of his opponent.
“I have but one regret in this fight,” the old man admit as the cloak around him burned.
Gang maintained his stance, unimpressed.
“Experience robs us of the chance to be surprised,” the large frame stepped out of the fading flames.
Hitoshi was a man of average build. Yet the armor he had donned was unconventionally large. The chest section made his body out to be twice its genuine width, the battle skirt fanning out over an ever wider area. The only visible parts were the arms and head, the armor concealing his body behind a seemingly impenetrable surface.
“I am Turtle Duck Hitoshi, of the Fire Nation.”
“Don’t care,” Gang muttered, kicking forward quickly.
“Ah, I have never seen this particular attraction before,” Chin-Hwa stroked his beard as he watched the spectacle.
A woman stood at the center of the crowd draped in circus robes, a white porcelain mask covering her face. Her black hair fell flat as she danced about, each hand holding a curved blade.
She dove forward quickly, spinning on one foot as the blades cut through the air sharply.
A man stood confidently as the mango atop his head was cut into discs, falling freely to the ground.
“Wow, she’s good,” Xiu complimented as they stopped to admire the display.
“And now, fine ladies and gentlemen of Bai-Jing, Shizu the Blade will demonstrate her precision and excellence by performing the very same feat you saw here on a lucky volunteer!” The man stepped forward with a broad grin, his hands offered to the sky as citizens shot their hands up excitedly.
The young servant raised her hand up with a confident smirk. “Sounds like fun.”
Wen Lan smiled at her friend, impressed by her initiative.
“Ah, is that a lovely volunteer I spy?” the man grinned as he motioned a hand in the direction of the trio.
Xiu took a step forward as the man’s voice rang out again.
“Yes, you there, the lovely in white!” He pointed clearly towards Wen Lan.
Her eyebrows rose up, realizing he had meant her.
Xiu stepped back, embarrassed.
“Ah, I didn’t volunteer,” the young noble said with slight confusion.
“Please step forward; I assure you that Shizu is unparalleled in her craft!”
“Go for it, my lady. It looks like fun,” Xiu encouraged.
Chin-Hwa watched carefully, his eyes narrowing as he searched through his memories for recollection of anyone mentioning this particular display in the days leading up to the festival.
Wen Lan stepped to the center of the opening, the crowd cheering words of encouragement. As she approached the man he tied a cloth over her eyes, balancing a mango carefully atop her head.
She stood with a nervous smile, having never been involved in such an activity.
The old noble stroked his beard carefully, squinting as he studied the figures.
Shizu began twirling again, springing forward towards Wen Lan.
“So fast,” Xiu’s smile faded into a look of concern at the performer’s speed.
Wen Lan stood motionless, awaiting the end of the performance.
The performer closed in, both blades pointing towards the throat.
As she passed, Chin-Hwa’s eyes went wide at the sight of a small Fire Nation marking on the hilt.
“Wen Lan, Fire Nat-“ he screamed out towards her desperately, forcing his way forward from the crowd.
The expression beneath the blindfold altered quickly from wonder to ferocity, the young noble ducking and swinging her leg out as the performer dodged. She tore the blindfold off, eyes narrowed towards the attacker.
“Oops,” the man grinned.
Shizu landed on a foot, spinning to face Wen Lan. Crossing the blades over her chest, she leaned into a charging stance.
Wen Lan stood, readying herself for the attack.
The two rushed one another, the crowd lost in the confusion.
It happened quickly.
Seung thrust his foot into the ground, thrusting his palm forward as a pillar of stone stabbed up from the ground into Kazuki’s back, launching him forward.
The firebender landed on his feet, glaring at the cheap shot.
“Line the other soldiers up around the village and get these people to safety!” Seung yelled out to the patrolling soldier as he watched his opponent land.
The soldier hurried quickly without delay, disappearing down the street as he called out to the others.
The general took another step forward, lifting both palms skyward as a sheet of earth shot up from the village entrance. He dodged back quickly as a wave of flame tore towards him.
Kazuki took a wide stance, glaring as he offered his palm skyward. A long bolt of fire rushed up into the night sky, signaling the attack on Bai-Jing.
Mercenaries on the valley outskirts grinned at the sight, each tightening their grip upon their weapon as they made their way forward.
Seung stood with intense concentration as he studied his opponent, his stance firm and ready.
Kazuki grinned, folding himself out into his stance.
The general motioned his arms quickly, stepping forward strongly.
The assassin took a wide step, his hands moving gracefully forward.
Dedicated to Isaia, Babbs and Animekitties. Not many people comment or leave feedback, so it's typically these three who keep me confident and writing.
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Post by Funk Oni on Sept 25, 2006 22:05:42 GMT -5
Hey again, everybody! Sorry it took me a couple of days to get this chapter out, I headed home for the weekend to visit the family. Writing the fanfiction guide also took up some time.
Anyway, here's the new chapter! Enjoy, and I would appreciate any feedback possible! Take care!
Roses of the Valley
Chapter Twenty: Guardian’s Stand
Far in the distance, within the safety of the Fire Nation, Kano grinned with delight as he lifted his saucer of sake.
He could not help but imagine the terror gripping the populace, the screams of women and children as the nightmare’s intensity grew ever stronger.
The look of rage and disbelief in the general’s eyes at the chaos surrounding.
Chuckling, he sipped lightly.
Seung stepped forward as he stabbed the heel of his foot into the ground, his palm extending. The ground before him buckled slightly, moving rapidly towards his opponent.
Kazuki stepped out gracefully, his arms lifting slightly as he carelessly dodged the spike rising up before him. Lightly and quickly he made his way towards his target, stopping as another shot of flame tore from his hands.
A wall of earth rose up before the earthbender, the flame dispersing as it washed against its surface.
“I wonder how long it will take,” Kazuki called out, moving quickly towards the wall.
The citizens watched fearfully as the firebender continued to display his prowess, two soldiers ushering them hurriedly to the safety of their homes.
“How long before the mercenaries arrive to slaughter these people like chicken pigs,” he grinned sadistically as he leapt up, his hand swinging out to hoist him to the top of the wall. His eyebrow rose as he observed the opposing side to be vacant.
The earth opened up behind the assassin, the general leaping out of it. Crouching quickly, he thrust his foot against the base of the wall, bringing it to fall.
Feeling a sudden twitch in the stone beneath him, Kazuki flipped forward. He smirked as he landed gently, his attention darting back towards the earthbender.
The general stood before him with a look of focused intensity, his legs spread as his palms remained pointed towards the sky. Above him hovered the wall, dust and bits of earth trailing off of it.
“Clever,” the assassin admired as the slab of earth shot towards him. He dove forward, swinging both legs out as he balanced his weight upon his hands. A line of fire tore across the ground towards Seung, the stone brushing against his hair in passing.
Stomping his foot lightly, a short mound of earth rose up to disperse the attack. Stomping again, the mound grew taller.
Kazuki smirked as he rushed his target, already on his feet.
The general broke into a wide stance, his fist slamming against the upper part of the pillar as it slid forward.
The firebender jumped up, his foot pressing against the passing rock and delivering him into a graceful flip. Lashing his leg out, fire consumed his foot as he fell towards his opponent.
Seung stepped out carefully, readying himself.
“Three years,” Iwao was shaking with excitement, breaking the quiet pause that had passed between the two.
Jung made no effort to contribute to the conversation, standing calmly.
“For three years, I have dreamed of destroying you. Breaking every bone in your body, watching you writhe in pain.”
Silence.
“Today it becomes reality. Today I break you, parade your shattered frame through this village so they all know you were nothing before they die.”
Silence.
“You will howl, you will beg for my mercy, but it shall not come,” he warned.
Silence.
“Now Demon,” he took the hammer carefully, readying himself into a stance. “Show me the power of your fist against my hammer.”
Jung did nothing to obey the order, the mask staring forward coldly.
Iwao felt the pressure as the muscles in his feet pushed against the ground. He could feel the strain in his throat as he screamed out; feel his hands ache slightly as he gripped the hammer tightly. His body was pure energy, his eyes wide as he hurled himself at the enemy.
Jung stepped aside swiftly, bringing his arm up into the attacker’s throat as he passed. The Fire Nation warrior fell hard, the back of his head slamming firmly against the ground below.
The strike had rendered Iwao unconscious.
The Demon searched carefully for rope to bind the warrior’s wrists, studying the surroundings carefully. His attention turned quickly towards the distant sound of a plucking string.
He stepped back as pain shot through his body, an arrow piercing through his flesh near the shoulder.
Glaring in the direction of the shot, he heard the sound again. Diving quickly to the side, an arrow plunged into the ground near Iwao.
Regaining his footing he heard the sound once again, accompanied by two others. The Demon dove back, nearing one of the homes surrounding the clearing.
Hearing a pause in the sound, he took the opportunity to grasp the shaft of the arrow that had punctured his arm. He listened quietly as cautious footsteps tread the roof above.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a figure sneaking stealthily into position atop a nearby roof. Glaring towards the attacker, he readied himself. The Yu Yan archer returned the glare, raising his bow to strike.
Kazuki laughed wildly as he ducked the horizontal swing of the earth staff, stepping in quickly and gracefully for an attack.
Seung clenched his teeth, his eyes narrowing as he became increasingly aware of the futility of the weapon against this particular enemy. Kazuki’s movements were swift and fluid; he did not have enough combat experience with the earth staff to use it effectively in this situation.
The firebender leapt towards his opponent, spinning in midair as flames trailed his hands.
The general lifted the staff to block the attack, losing his footing as the assassin’s hand cut through its center.
Rushing forward, Kazuki grinned as he waved his arm out, flames shooting towards his target.
Seung’s eyes went wide, attempting to maintain focus as his hands gripped the fractured halves of the earth staff carefully.
The assassin’s grin melted into a look of frustration, glaring as he observed the scene.
The earthbender stood defiantly, the former staff now encasing his arms in smoldering stone. The gauntlets had allowed him to resist the assault. Springing forward, he lashed his arm out towards his tormentor’s head.
Kazuki stepped back quickly, his motions losing their calm as he narrowly escaped each blow. The general’s sudden switch to the offensive had taken him off guard. He bent backwards as Seung threw forward a powerful back fist. Launching forward from the position, he began throwing out a series of quick but weak strikes, each accompanied by flame.
The general permitted two steps of retreat before standing firm, the earth gauntlets allowing him to swat aside and deflect the attacks. Finding a sudden break in his opponent’s maneuvers he fell into a wide stance, waving his hands quickly over one another.
The firebender felt the ground beneath him twist, forcing him into a spiral. Maintaining the momentum, he lashed the heel of his foot out towards his target’s face.
Turning in his stance, Seung lifted his hand to receive the foot, the force of the attack causing the gauntlet to disperse.
Kazuki withdrew his foot quickly, turning his body as he resumed his assault.
The general sidestepped, pushing himself quickly to pass his attacker.
The assassin grinned, admiring the tenacity of his target. Kicking back, he forced his back to the earthbender’s as he motioned his hands backwards, unleashing two bursts of flame.
Seung kept his back to the firebender’s, understanding that any break in the position would provide his opponent a valuable opportunity to strike him down. Lifting the remaining gauntlet, the flames dispersed to either side of them. Motioning his arms quickly, he summoned the shattered remains of the alternate gauntlet, launching them towards Kazuki’s head.
He tilted his head swiftly, a few pieces of rock managing to make contact with him. Keeping his back pressed to the general’s, he maintained the frequency of his attacks.
The two continued this exchange, facing in opposite directions as the battle wore on.
Kazuki halted suddenly, remaining ready as he stared forward.
Sensing the pause, Seung brought himself to stop as he faced in the opposite direction.
The firebender had hoped for a quick and painless surrender, looking forward to the torture and murder more than anything else. Yet there was an unexpected satisfaction in this fight, a joy in being able to test his skill.
The earthbender stood carefully, the air tense as he awaited the next stage of the fight. The potential of the situation being a trap dismayed him from initiating the next move. As he faced forward, he became increasingly aware of the people being rushed to their homes, the soldiers hurrying to aid them. He wondered silently how much time they would be allowed before the mercenaries arrived.
Kazuki grinned wildly.
Seung narrowed his eyes.
The two turned quickly towards one another, each launching an attack.
Gang slammed his hand against the ground, skidding to a halt as he glared forward.
“I designed this armor to be impenetrable,” Hitoshi bragged as he stood unscathed.
“Don’t care,” the old guard grunted as he readied himself into a stance.
“The only disadvantage it suffers is its lack of mobility and speed,” he continued the explanation, ignoring his opponent’s protest. “But when one gets to be our age, we are more willing to take our time with our work rather than rush it.”
“Speak for yourself,” he protested the implication of old age as he launched forward again, stopping just before the armor. Shouting loudly, he slammed his fist against the metal as flames washed over it.
“As I said; impenetrable. And,” Hitoshi grinned as the armor turned slightly, his hand waving out towards Gang as fire burst forth.
The guard slid along the ground, his forearms motioned to disperse the flame as parts of his robes singed.
“I am still able to firebend,” the old assassin lifted his hand, fire resting in his palm.
Narrowing his eyes, Gang launched himself forward once again. He smirked as his opponent’s hand motioned towards him, sidestepping quickly as he attempted to grasp his arm.
The armor turned again, Hitoshi drawing his arms into its interior.
Cursing the treachery, the firebender grabbed the hole the arm had disappeared into. Hoisting himself up, he planted his foot firmly into the hole, using it for leverage as he leapt. Grinning downward, he readied his fist to strike into Hitoshi’s head. His grin faded into a puzzled expression as he noticed the smiling face of the old man.
Hitoshi sucked in some air, his cheeks swelling as he breathed out a ball of flame towards the face of the incoming Gang.
The old guard lifted his hands to try deflecting the attack, the fire consuming most of his robe. He hit the ground heavily, rolling quickly to smother whatever flame still clung to him.
“As I said,” Hitoshi’s arms emerged once again from the large armor. “Impenetrable. At all points.”
“Heh,” Gang rose up, the robe reduced to the bottom half and a few charred bits of the upper. He brushed some dust off of the cloth belt, grinning. “I’m startin’ t’like this robe.”
Unable to understand the comment, Hitoshi’s eyebrow rose up.
The old guard snorted slightly, spitting to the side as he took another stance.
“You do realize the futility of this, don’t you? That you will die here,” the old assassin inquired.
“Nah,” he grinned, dismissing the notion entirely as he hurled himself forward once again.
Kazuki darted towards a nearby building, running along the edge of its roof as another pillar shot out towards him from the ground.
Seung readied his stance, lifting both palms quickly as the earth beneath him rose up, bringing him to stand at the same height as the assassin.
The firebender leapt out towards him, spinning vertically as a wave of flame lashed out against the ground, trailing quickly towards the general’s position.
He stepped back off of the pillar’s top, focusing carefully as he slid down its side, his hand digging into it as he descended. He landed in a wide stance, his hands thrusting out in opposite directions as the pillar split in two.
The assassin’s eyes went wide as he drew closer to the center of the two halves.
The earthbender turned his hands carefully, bringing them together quickly as the two halves slammed together.
Kazuki pressed a hand to the surface of the first half, twisting his body as a foot pressed against the second. Launching himself into a back flip, he barely escaped the trap.
The general turned his attention towards the attacker; eyes narrow with disappointment at the failure of the tactic. Witnessing flames trailing his feet as he descended, he jumped back quickly. Planting his feet on the side of the pillar, he motioned his hand carefully, twisting his arm slightly before sliding back down along the stone column to the ground.
Noticing the complex movements, the flames engulfing Kazuki’s foot dispersed as he turned his attention towards the ground below him. Landing on his hands, he turned his body as a thin column of earth extended towards him from the ground. Maintaining the motion of the spin, he began unleashing horizontal waves of flame with his legs.
The earthbender stared with focus as he raised a sheet of rock before him, the flames bathing it harmlessly. Stepping into a forward stance he planted his fist firmly against it, the sheet sliding along the ground towards his opponent.
Smirking at the simplicity of the attack, the firebender leapt over the sheet. Planting his feet upon its top, he leapt forward towards his target.
Bringing both fists to his hips, Seung began crossing his feet one over the other, his heel stabbing into the ground as rock burst forth from the earth before him.
Twisting his body, Kazuki managed to dodge each. Landing gracefully he rushed towards the general, his hands behind him as he prepared them to attack.
Seung readied himself into a stance, his fists tight as he focused.
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Post by Funk Oni on Sept 25, 2006 22:06:33 GMT -5
Wen Lan stepped back quickly, her body twisting and bending as the blades sliced towards her.
Shizu maintained the rhythm of her barrage, her mask and silence intimidating the surrounding crowd.
They stared in wonder; unsure as to whether the display before them was part of some spectacle or a genuine conflict.
“Guess things’ll be messy after all,” the man who had introduced Shizu shrugged, stepping back into a firebending stance. He looked carelessly towards the fighting women.
His eyes widened as he viewed two planks of wood rushing towards him, falling unconscious as they splintered against his face.
Xiu and Chin-Hwa glared down upon the fallen firebender, the old noble dropping the plank to his side.
“Lady Wen Lan!” Xiu called out to her friend.
“Clear the area!” she called out as she ducked a horizontal slash.
The young servant stepped forward, readying the fractured plank as she felt the old man’s hand on her shoulder.
“We must ensure their safety first,” there was a determined yet nervous look in his eyes as he peered towards the crowd.
Furrowing her brow, she nodded in dissenting agreement. Hurrying towards the crowd, she began helping him to usher them away.
The two blades ran parallel as they sliced diagonally towards her chest.
Wen Lan turned quickly, dodging before stepping in towards her attacker. Her hand rose to follow the masked woman’s wrists, motioning to grasp them as the other hand darted to her throat to strike.
Shizu twisted her body, falling back to avoid both maneuvers as she balanced on a foot, spinning to a halt. Charging forward, she stabbed both blades towards her target’s gut.
The young noble hurried forward, jumping slightly as her feet tapped down against the two blades, giving her very slight momentum as she flipped over the charging assailant’s head. Landing behind her, she began striking out quickly and fiercely towards her throat, chest and wrists.
The blade dancer stepped back quickly, the frequency of the target’s attacks eliminating any opportunity for counter. Extending both arms, she broke the rhythm of the young noble’s flurry by twisting her body repeatedly, the blades spinning. Their tips tore against the ground as she began advancing forward.
Wen Lan’s eyes narrowed as she attempted to find weakness or pause in the storm of swords before her. The intensity of the motions forced her to maintain steady retreat.
Shizu approached slowly, her attacks swift and constant.
The young noble stepped in quickly, her focus intense as she lifted a palm to intercept the attacker’s wrist. Her other hand lifted quickly to strike, the attack interrupted as Shizu’s second blade stabbed toward her. Dodging back, she readied herself as the dancer took to the attack once again.
For every slash offered, the young noble dodged. For every strike given, the masked dancer evaded. The two maintained the exchange, the street around them clear as the lights above illuminated their conflict.
“Wen Lan,” Chin-Hwa worried as he hurried back towards what had become a battleground, staring as the two women continued their heated match.
“Lady Wen Lan!” Xiu turned the corner, the old noble a few paces ahead of her. She stepped forward, stopping as Chin-Hwa’s arm rose up in front of her. “What are you doing, old man!?”
“Neither of us possesses any formal training. If we were to enter into this battle, we would be nothing more than a risk to Wen Lan.” There was frustration in his voice, painfully aware of its accuracy.
Resigning to the validity of the statement, Xiu watched with worry. Narrowing her eyes, she threw a fist towards the sky.
“You can do it, lady Wen Lan! Take her down!” She encouraged loudly.
Shizu stepped back, the blades extending to either side of her before passing one another in a horizontal slash.
Wen Lan stepped back, her eyes going wide as opportunity presented itself.
The blade dancer rushed forward, a sword cutting through the air as she plunged it towards her target’s stomach.
The young noble turned her body slightly, leaving the long sleeve of her robe in the sword’s path. The blade cut through, grazing her arm as it passed. Twisting her forearm quickly, the cloth consumed the sharp metal, Wen Lan grasping the handle as it neared her hand.
In one fluid motion, the noble tore the blade from Shizu’s grasp, tossing it quickly towards the two spectators before turning back towards the fight.
Xiu stepped in to catch the blade by its handle, her eyes going wide and hands withdrawing as it drew closer.
Chin-Hwa picked the sword up carefully, glancing towards the young servant.
“What? It’s sharp,” she muttered, folding her arms.
The loss of her sword did nothing to slow Shizu’s pace, now lashing the remaining blade towards her target with equal fervor.
Wen Lan sidestepped each strike, ducking those that came near her head. As the blade cut towards her leg she stepped forward, bringing her foot quickly and gracefully behind Shizu’s, her hand positioned over her wrist to prevent attack. Turning her upper body, her alternate hand planted itself firmly on the assassin’s chest, launching her back.
The masked dancer fell to the ground, rolling quickly to a crouching position.
The young noble stood in careful stance, her focus unwavering as she awaited the next maneuver.
Realizing the scenario to have become unbalanced, Shizu motioned her free hand to her feet before rising.
Wen Lan thought carefully, nervous as she observed the change the attacker had initiated.
Shizu readied her sword, her stance widening as a blade protruded from each shoe, gleaming beneath the light of the candles above.
The two rushed quickly towards one another.
“Ah,” Kazuki stopped, crouching atop a stone pillar raised earlier in the fight.
Seung maintained his stance; his eyes narrow as he watched carefully for any sign of deception.
The firebender cupped a hand to his ear, grinning as he listened. “Can you hear it, general? Behind the sound of worrying peasants?”
He gave no answer as he listened carefully. The sound of barbaric yelling rang out in the distance.
“My mercenaries have arrived. It appears your soldiers were unable to organize in time to greet them,” he jumped from the pillar, landing calmly. “A shame. Do not fret, general. You have given me a very pleasurable fight,” he shrugged as he confessed.
Seung stood far across from the firebender, still staring intensely.
“After I force you to watch everyone you’ve protected die slowly, I’ll give you the honor of a death that is both quick and painless,” he smirked.
The general’s gaze lowered angrily, his hands lifting as he forcefully slammed a foot against the ground.
Kazuki was caught off guard as long stone walls rose to either side of him. Another shot up behind him, one behind the general in the distance.
Seung had encased the two in a hall of stone.
Smirking, the firebender stepped forward. “Defiant until the end?”
The earthbender gave no answer, readying his stance slowly as he breathed deep.
The assassin broke into a sudden rush, leaping up to run alongside one of the walls. Darting from wall to wall, he grinned wildly as he approached his target.
Seung’s gaze remained fixed upon him, his focus intense as he readied his attack.
The mercenaries rushed forward, descending upon the valley in murderous swarms. Each held within their bloodthirsty desires the promise for wealth and land upon the destruction of Bai-Jing.
The veterans of the occupation remain at the front, staring coldly as they drew closer. Their goal lay within their grasp, no resistance in sight.
One veteran slowed the pace of his ostrich horse, smirking as he barked out the order to halt. He had earned the respect and obedience of the others through skill and experience. Drawing out his sword, he pointed towards the nearby village, now within earshot.
He opened his mouth, drawing in a breath of air as he prepared to command the slaughter of innocents. His concentration was interrupted as mercenaries behind him began stirring, crying out in pain and anguish.
Turning to face the disruption, he witnessed the soldiers staring as something tore through their ranks, blood spilling over the valley soil. He turned the beast to face the threat as his eyes went wide.
The two beasts forced their way through the crowd, growling wildly as their riders commanded them forward.
The veteran mercenary lifted his sword as he felt a pike stab into his gut, a sword slicing against his neck as the two beasts passed.
The mercenaries had not lost many to the attackers, their ranks still overwhelming and spread across the valley. They glared angrily, some grinning at the development as they gripped their weapons.
“See? And you thought we’d miss the festival,” Enlai grinned as hoisted the pike up onto his shoulder, slowing the komodo rhino to a halt.
“We were fortunate,” Feng agreed, holding his sword readily as his rhino turned to face the mercenaries in the distance.
“Hey, we did pretty good,” the former bandit looked out over the mercenaries, admiring the number they had managed to defeat.
“We had the element of surprise to our advantage. We will have to approach this carefully.”
“Killjoy,” Enlai muttered. “You think we have a chance?”
“Perhaps.”
“Lower it,” a muffled voice ordered.
The Gouishi riders glanced back towards the stone wall as two earthbenders lowered it, several of the festival attendees stepping out.
“Sorry we’re late,” one greeted as he stepped between the two rhinos, looking out towards the mercenaries. “Raise it,” he ordered quietly as the earthbenders restored the defensive measure.
“This is going to become dangerous; I recommend you return to the safety of the village,” Feng warned, his gaze fixed on the enemies before them.
“It’s fine,” he grinned slightly, the other guards of the estate lining up to face the opposition. “Gang trained us for this sort of thing.”
“Who’s Gang?” Enlai glanced towards his partner.
“The old firebending guard.”
“Oh,” he grinned knowingly as he looked towards the mercenaries. “This’ll be no problem, then.”
“Kill them all!” an impatient mercenary screamed out, commanding those around him forward as he lifted a club.
The others charged, yelling wildly as they drew closer.
The guards stepped forward into ready positions, the Gouishi riders charging forward readily.
“Destroy everything but the wine, women and gold!” one of the mercenary captains called out, laughing as he waved his axe forward.
The wave of hired swords stormed the opposite side of the village, chanting and yelling wildly as the battle drew closer.
Lightning tore through the center of the invasion, the rider’s beasts frightened beyond control as their jubilance faded.
Yakone smirked as he watched the mercenaries fumble for control of their beasts. Shui stood near him; eyes narrow as he studied the forces before them.
Before them stood Bo, glaring as smoke trailed from his fingers.
Dedicated to Babbs, for being kind enough to sticky the fanfiction author's guide.
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Post by Funk Oni on Sept 30, 2006 2:41:49 GMT -5
Roses of the Valley
Chapter Twenty-One: The Guardians of Bai-Jing
“Hey, idiot,” Yakone smirked as he observed the advancing mercenaries.
Shui’s eyes narrowed as he attempted to ignore the waterbender, his focus remaining on what lay ahead.
“Bet I can take down more than you.”
The firebender snorted lightly in amused disbelief.
Yakone glanced towards his short tempered rival. “Whoever takes out more, wins. Loser owes dinner.”
Shui grinned slightly, the motion consenting to the terms as he tightened the grip on his axe.
The waterbender cracked his knuckles, stepping back into a stance.
The mercenaries grew closer, Bo hurling himself forward as he unleashed a stream of flame to greet them.
The Yu Yan archer’s hand darted back to his quiver as the Demon gripped the edge of the roof, launching himself skyward.
In one simple motion the arrow rose to the bow, the string plucking loudly as it sailed towards the target.
The roof buckled slightly as the Demon landed, lashing his arm out towards the oncoming shot. The arrow snapped harmlessly against his shield.
The archer began retreating, unleashing another arrow with each step as he narrowed his eyes with focus.
Jung’s advance continued, his shields poised to deflect as he drew closer. The eyes beneath the mask grew wide as he realized the presence of the other archers, threats he had neglected. Twisting his body quickly his shields rose to intercept two arrows, barely escaping their damage.
Taking quick advantage of the turn, the archer unleashed another shot towards the spine.
Turning again, the Demon could not evade the attack in time. The arrow grazed against his side, a deep cut left in its wake. Faltering slightly, his feet continued their thunderous pounding against the roof as he approached.
The Yu Yan began sweating, nearing the edge of the roof. Grasping four arrows, he readied them carefully.
Only a foot of space separated the two as the archer released his shot, Jung’s body turned slightly towards the left. The course of the arrows was disrupted, the shield swatting them aside as the Demon lashed his arm out. He kept it raised, taking another step before thrusting it towards the archer’s head.
Eyes wide, he kicked back quickly to dodge the motion. Fear gripped his heart as he felt the target’s hand wrap around his ankle.
In one powerful swing Jung whipped the archer over his head, slamming him face first into the roof. There was no opportunity for observation, an arrow piercing his left leg.
Stumbling back the Demon faced towards the source of the shot, glaring. Grasping the shaft of the arrow, he snapped it before rushing along the roof towards the suspected position of his attackers.
The snipers remained motionless, their eyes calm as their hands steadily brought up another arrow.
Leaping up, Jung slammed his feet down against the section of roof he had cracked upon landing. It broke beneath him, the warrior falling heavily towards the dark interior of the building.
The two Yu Yan remained motionless, one signaling to the other to target a corner of the structure. Taking the opposite corner, he squinted as he waited carefully for the Demon to emerge.
Time passed silently, the area still.
The older of the two archers quietly analyzed the situation, his attention still fixed upon the corner. Every report of their target identified him as forward and relentless, choosing to pursue and overwhelm the opponent. The present scenario contradicted this, the lack of activity at both corners serving as evidence that the Demon was still within the building he had disappeared into.
Calmly, he concluded that their target sought to eliminate the advantage of long range and open areas by forcing them to follow him into close quarter combat. Unwilling to be drawn into any sort of trap, the archer resigned to waiting for the Demon’s impatience.
The target would grow tired of waiting. He would rush out to face them. He would fall.
The string remained taught as the distant sound of mercenary cries forced further contemplation.
The raiders would storm through the village, disrupting the calm of the standoff. Amidst the confusion, the Demon would be given ample opportunity to escape or advance. He motioned his hand towards the younger archer to draw his attention.
With simple gestures he conveyed his intentions; to advance gradually upon the target while the second sniper remain in position.
Nodding, the Yu Yan turned his attention back towards the corner.
Stealthily, the veteran archer made his way down from the roof. His gaze remained fixed upon the corner of the building, his feet stepping carefully over one another as he progressed through the clearing. He gave no attention to the unconscious Iwao as he passed.
He turned quickly to face the younger sniper, the sound of his bowstring drawing his attention. His eyes grew wide as he witnessed the scene.
The Demon’s hand burst through the roof, startling the archer as he grabbed his ankle. The Yu Yan yelped as he was pulled through the roof into the darkness below.
The remaining sniper rushed forward, firing quickly towards the window nearest the room the target was sure to be in. He stopped as he neared the center of the clearing, not wanting to lose any advantage distance would provide.
Jung leapt out of the window, his shields raised as two shots neared him in rapid succession. They fell to the ground harmlessly, the shields maintaining their cover over his vitals.
The archer maintained constant attack, his shots growing more erratic as the target drew closer. The mask took on a ferocious and terrifying quality as it neared him, a feeble attempt to dodge back disrupted by the Demon’s fist.
Pushing himself up from the ground, he felt a powerful hand grip the back of his head.
“How?” the archer whispered quietly.
The Demon gave no answer, denying the Yu Yan the benefit of understanding. In running errands for Min, he had become well acquainted with Bai-Jing. He had been aware of the alley behind the building, something the two archers had failed to consider. He had used the back alleys to navigate behind them and secure a better position.
He brought the archer up, slamming him against the ground.
Iwao and the three Yu Yan lay defeated, the Demon proving to be as indomitable as reports indicated.
Jung rushed towards the main street of the festival, the distant cries of battle inspiring him to hurry to aid the others.
“Enlai!” Feng yelled out as he struck the blade across the chest of a determined mercenary.
“Got it,” he pulled at the reins, his rhino rearing back as he thrust the butt end of his pike into the head of an attacker. Pulling again, the beast lashed its tail out into the stunned warrior’s side.
“Break their line!” one of the guards yelled out, motioning towards an incoming wave.
Three of the earthbenders that made up Chin-Hwa’s guard hurried forward, leaping slightly as they each pulled their fists back. As they hit the ground they swung their arms forward, a wave of earth driving the attackers back. Those that managed to maintain their advance were met with flames, two firebending guards rushing forward to clean up the remains.
Feng continued forward, his blade never slowing as it struck down one opponent after another.
Enlai grit his teeth as he felt a knife pass his arm, leaving a light cut. Grasping the end of the pike, he slashed out over a wide radius.
The battle raged on, the former bandits and guards keeping the mercenaries at bay.
Gang bathed his opponent in flames, his muscles burning as he continued his violent assault.
Hitoshi laughed, entertained by the old guard’s persistence. His fists thrust forward, fire bursting forth against his foe’s chest.
He moved his arms quickly, sweating as the flames dispersed. The force of the technique had driven him back.
“It is futile, Gang,” he explained from the safety of his armor.
“Shut up,” he glared, taking his stance once again.
“You refuse to learn,” he sighed.
The old guard grinned as he observed something that had eluded him before. Stepping towards the opponent, he leaned forward and motioned his arms behind him to the right, cupping his hands. With speed and power he rushed forward, his arms swinging up as fire tore along the ground.
Hitoshi sighed with amusement, bending his knees as the armor dug into the ground. The flames trailed the earth along his armor harmlessly. Lifting it, he turned his body to grasp Gang’s face as he drew closer.
The old guard’s eyes grew wider at the ineffectiveness of the tactic, bending to evade the assassin’s hand. His teeth clenched as he felt the sting of his hair being pulled.
“Impenetrable,” Hitoshi reminded, smirking as he gripped the long pony tail.
Gang glared back towards the old firebender, his muscles tightening with frustration at the possible truth of the boast.
“Unlike you,” he pulled the pony tail back hard, entertained by his opponent’s anger. “Breakable, stubborn, stupid,” he recited the adjectives as he pulled back harder.
He growled slightly as his anger grew, his fists clenched as he awaited an opportunity to break free of the hold.
“Weak,” the final insult was accompanied by the smell of burning hair, Hitoshi’s hand cutting through the ponytail near its source.
Gang howled in pain as he fell to his knees, his hands clawing at the back of his head to smother the bits of flame still plaguing him.
Hitoshi cackled, his grin growing broader as he looked down to his victim. He tossed what remained of the ponytail onto the warrior’s back, hoping he would appreciate the souvenir.
He was motionless as he felt the hair his shoulder. Slowly, he brought a hand up to touch it. He examined it in disbelief, shaking slightly as he gripped it.
“You seem perturbed,” Hitoshi teased. His confidence in his defense had given him arrogance. The expression melted into one of intimidated worry as the old warrior turned his head.
Gang stood slowly, his frame tense with rage as his expression took on a quality that no other had witnessed in decades. Pure rage consumed his face, every muscle brimming with animosity. His spirit was aflame with anger, spurred by the loss of something precious and important.
Unable to find an inflammatory retort, Hitoshi merely waited nervously for the next move. He felt a sudden shiver of fear pass through him as the firebender launched towards him.
The old guard moved forward with intense ferocity, leaping off of the ground as he raised his hand skyward. He planted his feet firmly on the armor, his fist unleashing tremendous punishment upon its frame as he struck it.
In panic, the old assassin motioned his hands forward to release a quick and distracting burst of flame.
He kicked off of the armor, landing far from Hitoshi as his fist bled. His knuckles were torn, bits of skin grouped around the wounds. He glanced to the side, grasping something that Chin-Hwa had prepared for the festival’s end.
A nervous sweat broke out over his brow as he looked down at his armor, a smoldering dent marking the location of Gang’s assault. He looked up quickly as he caught sight of Gang hurling something into the air.
The old guard stepped forward, his foot stomping down against the ground as his hand pierced through the air. Fire tore from his bleeding knuckles towards the object.
He looked upward quickly, his eyes focusing as he tried desperately to identify that which his target had thrown. The approaching fire illuminated the object just before engulfing it completely, releasing an intense bright light.
Hitoshi cried out painfully as he closed his eyes, the firework having blinded him. He blinked quickly as he attempted to regain himself, the landscape stained with light. Terror gripped him as he felt his armor move slightly.
Gang grasped the armor by its base, the distraction preventing his opponent from digging it into the ground in time. His muscles burned as he growled, the weight doing well to combat his strength.
“No!” the assassin screamed out as he felt himself being tilted back.
The firebender grinned, his feet digging into the ground as he launched the armor back, growling out a breath of relief as he stared towards it.
Hitoshi’s head knocked against the ground, panicking as he glanced from side to side. Gang’s approaching voice gripped him with fear.
“Just like a turtle duck,” he growled as he continued his approach, his eyes still consumed by rage. “Worthless once you’re on your back.”
“Gang, no!” he pleaded as he scrambled to get free of the armor. The air around his feet took on an intense heat, his breath stopping as he realized his fate.
A pained shriek tore through the night air.
“Seven,” Yakone smirked as he turned, his hands waving out towards an incoming rider. His water whip sped up incredibly, piercing through the attacker’s chest as it launched into the air.
Abandoning his weapon to the night sky, he stepped back to avoid an incoming spear. He thrust his elbow firmly into the throat of the assailant, sending him reeling with a kick to the stomach. His hands rose carefully as his stance widened, manipulating the descending water as it neared the ground. It lashed out quickly into a mercenary’s face, whipping quickly into the neck of another.
“Eleven,” the waterbender boasted quietly.
Shui stepped quickly, his axe cutting cleanly through the handle of an incoming warrior’s hammer. Waving his arm out, the axe tore against the mercenary’s chest.
His eyes narrowed as two riders advanced upon him, their ostrich horses squawking loudly. He dropped the axe as he fell to his back, his hands gripping the ground. Two blades slashed out above him, missing by a hair’s length.
The firebender pushed himself up as he spun, a wave of fire erupting from each foot. He landed in a crouching position as he witnessed the riders fall to the technique, the fire tearing across their backs.
Hearing the sound of thunderous steps behind him, he clenched his fists. An intense heat grew beside his hands as two short daggers of fire formed. Leaping up he twisted his body, narrowing his eyes as he lashed one of the fire blades against the incoming mercenary’s chest.
Shui nearly lost his footing as he landed, regaining himself as he observed a number of advancing enemies.
“Nine,” he whispered his count.
Bo leaned to the side, his palm smashing into the jaw of an attacker who sought to strike from behind. Stepping to the left he unleashed a burst of fire into another’s torso, his hands crossing above his head to intercept the descending wrist of a third. Grasping the warrior by the wrist, he turned it quickly behind him to secure an advantage.
He planted his foot firmly upon his victim’s back, kicking him away as he ducked beneath another attack. Stepping forward, he intercepted the wrists of the attacker with his right hand, his left thrusting firmly against the attacker’s chest. The defeated mercenary reeled backwards, fire gripping his front as several others rushed to avenge him.
The old firebender took in a sharp breath, leaning forward slightly and crossing his hands before stepping in to meet the advance. A burst of fire tore from each of his palms to meet the first two raiders. He paid no notice to them, passing quickly as they fell to the ground. His right hand lashed upward, a wave of flame bringing another to fall before he turned his body, his left arm knocking against the elbow of another. His right hand shot out quickly, his palm smashing into the mercenary’s jaw.
Bo’s arms whipped out quickly without pause, crescents of flame striking each opponent as they neared.
The old firebender breathed out slowly, his eyes narrow as he studied the battleground. He leaned to the right as another warrior attacked, his left palm taking him by the back of the head. In one strong motion, he brought the attacker to the ground. He advanced towards another group of mercenaries, stepping over the body of his defeated assailant.
His thirty-eighth.
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Post by Funk Oni on Sept 30, 2006 2:42:58 GMT -5
Wen Lan stepped aside carefully, dodging the rapid advance of her opponent. The intensity of Shizu’s assault brought her to a steady retreat, moving quickly and cautiously to avoid being cut.
The masked assassin offered no opportunities for counter, the remaining blade moving without pause. For every slur in its movement the blades beneath each foot would rise to attack.
She had made several attempts to strike, each resulting in an immediate withdrawal. She could feel the scene of the conflict growing smaller, sensing that she was nearing some obstacle. The rhythm of Shizu’s advance made it impossible to confirm, any such action being an open invitation to lethal attack.
“Lady Wen Lan,” Xiu worried quietly, her fists tight as she fought the urge to enter into the fray.
“Faith,” Chin-Hwa stared forward, his eyes intense and nervous.
The young servant glanced up at him, unable to decipher his message.
“We must maintain faith that she will win,” he explained softly, investing all hope he could into the words.
“…Yes,” Xiu looked back out towards the fight, willing her strength towards her lady with all her might.
Shizu sprang forward, the blade cutting ferociously towards the target’s stomach.
Wen Lan acted quickly, this being the closest thing to opportunity since she had removed one of the attacker’s blades from the scenario. She twisted her body quickly, her stance widening as her right palm motioned towards her opponent’s throat.
The blade dancer evaded skillfully, her body lowering as she pressed her free hand to the ground. Her legs spread quickly as she began spinning, the three blades spiraling around her.
Her eyes widened, pulling her leg back to dodge the action. She winced as she felt the tip of the blade scratch near her knee.
Shizu pressed her hand against the ground again, leaping as she spun out to prevent any attack as she regained her footing. She took no time to regain herself, dashing forward as her sword regained its fury.
Wen Lan’s eyes widened, pushing back to avoid the attack as she felt her back knock into a hard surface. The wall behind her had taken her by surprise, leaving her vulnerable to the advancing assassin.
Xiu screamed out, her hands rising to her mouth.
The young noble clenched her teeth, Shizu’s blade cutting her arm and leaving a deep wound in her leg in one quick motion.
The masked dancer lifted the blade with ruthless speed, stabbing it forward.
Wen Lan glared as she sidestepped the motion, her palm thrusting hard against the assassin’s wrist. Pushing off of the wall, she took the attack. Her hands struck forward with grace and power, the enemy diving back to dodge each barely. Frustration grew within her as she realized the handicap Shizu’s attack had rendered upon her, the pain in her leg inhibiting her speed.
Gaining enough of a lead in her retreat, the blade dancer leapt forward again. Kicking her leg out, she began swinging the sword to resume her previous rhythm.
The noble gave no ground, the muscles in her arms burning as she forced them to compensate for the loss of strength in her leg. She glared forward as she deflected each attack. Sensing the presence of sudden opportunity, she motioned her palm towards her attacker’s chest.
Shizu dodged again, placing her palm against the ground as she spread her legs, entering into the storm of blades a second time.
Now aware of the distance between her and the wall, Wen Lan clenched her teeth as she took a step beyond its range. She was well aware of the situation; the attacker intended to force her against the wall a second time, striking to kill. Worriedly, she began contemplating a counter.
The assassin did nothing to slow the spin, her foot touching upon the ground as she sprang back up. Her advance was intense, the sword cutting through the air with determined precision.
The young noble stood her ground again, sweating as she hoped desperately for the success of her tactic. Blood soaked her arm as it stabbed forward, meeting the attacker’s wrist and legs each time.
The two stood against one another, neither giving ground for minutes on end.
The chance appeared, Wen Lan motioning her palm towards the opponent’s heart once again.
Nothing in the pattern changed, Shizu evading and entering into her lethal technique.
Pain tore through Wen Lan’s body as she stepped forward, one of the foot blades cutting deep against her arm. She thrust her palms forward, her fingers stabbing firmly against each of the masked assassin’s ankles. Her left leg pressed firmly against the ground near her opponent’s wrist, preventing her from lashing out with the blade.
She fell to her knee quickly, two fingers from her right hand cutting through the air as they struck hard against Shizu’s throat.
A choking noise sounded out from beneath the emotionless mask.
The young noble slid her foot back, her hands positioning carefully at her side.
Chin-Hwa’s spirit calmed, understanding the scenario before him.
With fierce speed and power, Wen Lan launched both palms firmly into the gut of the assassin.
Shizu reeled back, the sword slipping from her grip as she slid along the ground. Her consciousness faded as she stared up towards the festival lights lining the street.
She breathed out, taking to her knees as she cringed at the pain in her legs and arm. Her eyes went wide as arms wrapped over her throat.
“Lady Wen Lan!” tears of relief lined Xiu’s cheeks as she hugged her best friend’s head to her chest, fretting over the wounds she had sustained.
Chin-Hwa smiled, his eyes soft with gratitude as he approached the two.
Wen Lan placed her hand on Xiu’s arm, laughing gently. She rose to her feet carefully, wincing as pain rang through her leg.
“My lady,” Xiu started as she helped her to her feet, worrying as she witnessed the stains of blood in the elegant white robes.
The old noble took her other hand, looking carefully for something to treat the wounds with. His gaze stopped upon a figure standing in the distance.
The young servant looked towards him, following his gaze to view what it was he was focusing on. Her eyes went wide as she witnessed the presence before them.
Sensing the slowly approaching body, Wen Lan looked up to face it. Her mouth opened slightly in shock, recognizing the face instantly.
She approached slowly, the situation overwhelming her as she studied the scene.
The young noble smiled softly, her eyes growing warmer as tears lined them.
Her body quivered, her footstep nearly faltering as she drew closer. The wounded figure of Wen Lan brought pain and fear to her heart.
Xiu released her lady’s arm as she stared.
She stepped forward, the pain doing nothing to defeat her smile.
“…Bi…” Her eyes grew moist.
The tears lined Wen Lan’s cheeks as she lifted her hands gently.
“Big sister Wen!” Li Mei cried out, rushing forward to the arms of the one she had spent months searching for.
The young noble embraced her, falling to her knees as her smile remained. Since she had arrived in Bai-Jing, Li Mei and her family stood clearest in her memory as testimony of the presence of good natured people still living within the Fire Nation.
Admiral Kano and the soldiers of the Fire Lord had combated this notion, tested the ideal. Yet in her arms trembled a girl whose presence washed away their influence.
Li Mei sobbed as she gripped the cloth of her friend’s robe, relief overwhelming her. The journey had been long and dangerous, the various obstacles pushing her to abandon the hope that they would meet again.
Here now, in the familiar embrace of the one who had always played with and encouraged her, she felt the fears she had been plagued with since Wen Lan’s exile fade into the night.
Xiu smiled, silently complimenting Li Mei’s courage and determination. She was well aware of the hazards the land had been likely to provide.
Though never having met the girl, Chin-Hwa could appreciate the scene that lay before him. He looked worriedly towards the distant sound of battle, praying that things had not gone unfavorably elsewhere.
Enlai clenched his teeth, feeling another cut against his leg as he commanded the komodo rhino forward. He answered the pain with his pike, striking it into the assailant’s chest.
Feng rushed forward, his body tense as he attempted to ignore the pain inflicted upon him. His sword moved from one enemy to another without pause, refusing to falter for a moment.
The guards of Chin-Hwa and Wen Lan maintained their defense, the mercenaries having yet to set foot in the village. Their bodies were exhausted, each slowed by a few wounds.
The attackers continued their assault, the significant loss in numbers doing little to stop them. For those that remained, the battle had merely increased their hunger for conquest.
The two riders passed one another as they returned to the village entrance, panting as they took advantage of the pause in the assault.
“They just keep coming,” Enlai stared out towards the advancing mercenaries.
“What is your status?” Feng looked towards one of the guards.
“We’re keeping them at arm’s length, so we’re not that bad. Starting to get tired though,” one of the firebenders panted.
“Maintain the perimeter; we’ll focus on attacking their…” his voice trailed off as the ground behind them stirred.
The guards turned, each readying themselves as figures leapt up from the earth.
The earthbenders readied themselves as they landed, their fellow soldiers hurrying to meet them from behind. One of Seung’s lieutenants stepped out to meet the guards.
“We apologize for the delay, and thank you for fending off the raiders,” he bowed towards one of the guards before facing readily towards the attackers.
The guard returned the bow politely, turning his attention towards the approaching raiders.
“Everything is under control, here. You may return to the village and seek refuge,” the lieutenant instructed as he stepped into an earthbending stance.
“What,” Enlai grinned as he hoisted the pike over his shoulder. “And let you have all the fun?”
“You will return to the…”
“We will remain here,” Feng interrupted, his blade ready as his rhino growled towards the mercenaries.
The guards grinned, standing ready near the village entrance.
The lieutenant studied the riders for a moment, his expression shifting into a gmirk. “Alright,” he conceded. “Let’s give them everything we’ve got.”
The soldiers cheered readily, the guards grinning as the Gouishi riders launched forward.
Yakone twisted his hands quickly, glaring as a second wave of mercenaries swarmed towards them. Motioning his palms towards the ground, the sphere of water froze into slivers of ice, raining down upon a mob of attackers. He smirked as he continued his count, his attention turning towards a distant opponent.
Shui spun quickly, lashing his leg out as fire engulfed two attackers. His stance was strong, his fists moving with honed discipline as he entered a chain of movements to fend off an oncoming group. Turning towards an advancing warrior’s face, he breathed out a small ball of flame. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a distant opponent.
The two noticed one another, understanding almost immediately that they had targeted the same mercenary. They dashed forward at nearly the same time, each pushing to upstage the other.
They each slowed as they near the potential target, a boulder slamming into him before they could take any action. In unison they glanced towards the source of the technique.
Bo continued without pause, moving from one opponent to the next with powerful and precise movements. His right arm hooked the throat of an assailant, throwing him towards the ground as the back of his left fist knocked between the eyes of another. He glanced towards the border of the village, smiling slightly as he noticed the change in the battle.
The Earth Kingdom soldiers moved forward quickly, the tide of the battle turning to Bai-Jing’s favor.
Shui and Yakone sneered slightly, each hoping that the development would not interfere with their competition.
Kazuki dove back from wall to wall, landing gracefully on his feet as he stepped back into a firebending stance.
Seung’s eyes remained intense with focus, lifting his hands as he prepared his attack.
He stepped forward, a spiral of flame erupting from his palm.
The earthbender stepped forward at the same moment his opponent moved, his foot pressing against the ground as he stabbed his hand forward. He thrust forward with the alternate hand, his eyes shutting tightly as the fire washed over his chest.
The assassin grinned, dodging back carelessly as a pillar of earth stabbed towards him, just short of his range. His eyes went wide as a second tore out of the ground, landing squarely against his chest.
Seung stepped back, a hole burned through the front of his robe. He stared forward, the pain negligible.
Kazuki rose to his feet, grinning wildly.
It had been the first time that either had landed a successful attack on the other.
“Impressive general…It’s a shame you’re going to die.”
The earthbender gave no answer, readying his stance once again.
“Your allies have fallen, by now. Your village will be decimated in a matter of minutes. By sunrise, Bai-Jing will be left nothing more than a collection of ash. Echoes of those you failed to save will ring through the night,” his grin grew wider, taking on a more sadistic quality.
His eyebrows rose slightly as he heard something strange, muffled behind the stone walls surrounding him.
The sound of heavy footsteps hurrying towards them.
“You will watch it all, general Seung. You will witness…” his voice trailed off as he noticed the general step to the side quickly, as if avoiding something. His eyebrows rose in surprise as he noticed the cause.
The wall near the general crumbled as a large body tore through it, a powerful fist smashing through the stone. It stepped forward slowly, standing beside the earthbender.
The Demon of War stood tall, his cold mask glaring towards the firebender as bits of stone and earth fell from his body. The wounds had done little to slow him, nothing in comparison to that which he had sustained in his fight against Kano.
Seung smiled slightly, facing back towards the assassin.
“Is he their leader?”
“Yes,” he gave no hesitation in answering. “Kano dispatched him.”
“Interesting,” the firebender smirked. “You must be the Demon I’ve heard so much about.”
He gave no answer, treating Kazuki with the same distant silence he offered to any enemy.
“Two on one,” he paid no mind to the quiet. “It hardly seems fair.” Lifting his head slightly, he glanced to the other side of the wall.
A ferocious yelling had sounded out within the village, conveying a powerful rage.
“Over here!” Kazuki grinned as he called loudly. A moment later the wall behind him broke, a hammer smashing through it.
Iwao stood, his eyes filled with hatred at being deprived of his epic victory. Every muscle in his body burned with rage as he snarled towards the Demon.
The firebender laughed, looking back towards his targets. “There…I think that’s far fairer. Don’t you, Iwao?”
“Kill…” It was all the warrior could convey, the veins on his neck and head bulging as he readied his hammer.
The heroes of Bai-Jing stood without intimidation, Jung leaning forward as he prepared to rush. Seung entered into an earthbending stance, focusing carefully.
The firebender kicked forward, darting from wall to wall as he grinned sadistically.
Iwao roared as he advanced, his hammer swinging from side to side as he drew closer.
Jung launched forward, ready to defeat any threat to rise against Bai-Jing.
The earthbender stepped out to attack, unwilling to fail any citizen of the Earth Kingdom.
Dedicated to Kimchicrusader, for being awesome. And for doing a sketch for "Rise of the Sues."
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