The Zutara Capfic Cruise!!!

[mahatista]

Maha handed BB the plate of gingerbread cupcakes that had just been refilled. She couldn't bear to look at them as delicious as they had been.

"So how are we going to get to the Fire Nation in time for the fancy dinner?" She asked Bagpipe and received a shrug for a response.

"Maha," Jee approached. "If we run the engines at full throttle we should be able to make it in time. But we have to leave immediately."

"EVERYBODY OUT! TO THE SHIP!!" Maha stood on a table as other patrons gasped in horror.

The group made a riot run through Ba Sing Se leaving Jin and Mai to continue fighting it out in the street.

=====================

CHAPTER 6

=====================

Huffing and puffing they made their way onto the ship and collapsed in sun chairs on the deck.

They would make it. They had grabbed all the cupcakes they could carry from the Jasmine Dragon and wouldn't have to suffer that loss either.

Life was good.

So far.

[The Blue Chibi]

Back at the tea shop, Chibi had disentangled herself from BB's arm in a huff. "How unchivalrous!" she exclaimed. "Didn't your mother ever teach you not to make personal comments in public? Hmpf. For Agni's sake!" She turned on her heel and left, only just realizing the entire company had already departed. Out in the streets, she grabbed the nearest unoccupied ostrich-horse and leapt on, urging it at an ever-faster run to the dock. Would she make it in time? She tried to ignore the sinking feeling in her stomach and tried a mantra to calm herself.

"Ommm... hey, wait." Sensing something familiar about the animal, Chibi leaned forward and looked it in the face more closely. Hmmm. "Julius?" she exclaimed, disbelieving. Chibi swore she saw the hint of recognition in the animal's eye, and she made a mental note to turn the animal loose if she ever got to the docks on time, so that it could find its own way home to its gentle mistress and her fellow healer.

* * *

Barely making it up the gangplank in time, Chibi turned and waved at the beast, watching it canter off as the pink ribbon she'd tied in its mane fluttered in the breeze. With it was a hastily penned note: "Saw your father in EK clinic. Said he'll be home soon. Hugs, Chibi." Hurrying aboard, she went to find Zuko and tell him what she'd done, hoping he'd approve and willing him not to be nervous about his meeting with his mother later this afternoon.

[Blind Bandit]

darn women BB ran as fast as he could finding a single ostrich horse tied up to a poll. "well this will have to do" as he jumped on the animal and pushed it to run as fast as it could. Chbi better watch out I'm going to get her back for this he thought as he raced toward the docks.

[mahatista]

As they saw the Fire Nation rise out of the water in the distance the party on the deck erupted into cheers. They were exhausted from the whirlwind pace they'd been setting the past week. These past few days had been particularly tiring.

"How do I look?" Maha twirled around so her friends could assess her evening garments.

She war a purple beaded, silk gown with a low dip in the back. She had a shimmering matching veil draped over her elbows and across her back.

"Make sure you don't drip sauce on that." Sokka said with well-honed pragmatism.

"Uh... thanks?" Maha replied.

As the ship docked in the harbor the bells rang out and the party surged toward shore before they remembered they were supposed to be fancy tonight. When they remembered they each took an air of practiced unconcern. They were cool. No doubt about it.

[The Blue Chibi]

"And now, ladies and gentlemen," said Chibi, standing on a dais in the royal palace's grand ballroom and raising her hands for silence, "We have with us for the royal feast a very special guest, the Ava~verse's own bard, marvel26!"

Deafening applause drowned out the rest of her words. Waiting patiently for it to die down (and *did* it take a while), Chibi continued: "He'll be here all week; you can get your signed CDs and books at the door. Make sure to give him exaltations to the highest of Agni's heavens, and don't miss checking out his other works by way of the handy-dandy profile function., linked below." ;D


With that, the royal feast began:

marvel26 said:

Zuko: "He's late. As usual."

Iroh: "Perhaps he's simply lost. This is a big palace."

Ursa: "Yes. Remember the time you got lost and walked in on the female guards changing?"

Zuko: "Mom! Please!"

Ursa: "Momma, why don't girls have...?"

Zuko: "Mother! Please! We have guests!"

Katara: "Oh, don't stop on our account. Please do go on."

Ursa: "Well....it happened when he was six..."

Zuko: "WHY?! When will the hurting end?!"

Aang: "You were right Toph. This is waaaay better than riding the Komodo Rhinos."

Toph: "I know. Aren't mothers a hoot?"

Servant: "Presenting her royal highness Princess Azula and...Begging your eternal pardon and mercy your highness...but where is your escort?"

Azula: "Dead. If his scraggley behind doesn't magically appear this very instant."

Sokka: "I'm here! Now where's the chow?!"

Servant: "Princess Azula and...some...guy."

Sokka: "The name's Sokka, pal! Learn it!"

Azula: "Where the Koh were you?! You just made me look bad in front of my family and your stupid friends. Worst of all you made me look stupid in front of of ZUZU! And for Agni's sake! Where are your pants?!"

Sokka: "A wise man once said, Pants are an illusion."

Azula: "I am going to kill you. By inches."

Sokka: "Death is an illusion too."

Azula: "This is punishment for my sins, isn't it Agni?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sokka: "What's this? It's all watery and stuff. There's no meat for my knife to cut."

Azula: "That's soup. You use a spoon. The soup spoon to be exact. The one on the extreme left."

Sokka: "A spoon's a spoon. Heck, where I'm going, I don't need...spoons."

Zuko: "My, what a funny impression of a Spider-Pig drinking from a trough.

Aang: "Spider-Pig, Spider-pig. Does whatever a Spider...Oofff!"

Toph: "Shush! I'm trying to enjoy the show."

Katara: "Sokka! Stop that!"

Ursa: "My, how interesting."

Sokka: "It's more satisfying this way."

Ursa: "Really? Hmm..let me try..."

Zuko: "Mom!"

Azula: "Mother! No!"

Iroh: "We should embrace all cultures and traditions. Such expreiences make us whole."

Aang: "Well, when in the Fire Nation...."

Toph: "Down the hatch!"

Ursa: "Mmmm...that was..interesting. The flavor does seem to be enhanced."

Zuko: "...Mom?"

Azula: "I can't believe you just did that."

Zuko: "This is your fault Azula."

Azula: "How is that so?!"

Zuko: "He's your boyfriend."

Azula: "He's YOUR friend first!"

Zuko: "Well, you're the one sucking his face in half the time. I can't beat that. I don't WANT to beat that."

Ursa: "Children."

Fire Kids: "Sorry mother."

Iroh: "Ah good! Here comes the main course. Roast Ox-Duck. And for the Avatar...a nice healthy salad."

Aang: "Ox-Duck?"

Zuko: "It's like a regular duck. But with horns. And bigger. Much bigger."

Toph: "That thing is heavy. No wonder you were so big and squishy Uncle Iroh."

Iroh: "A man does need his sustanence."

Sokka: "Hear, hear!"

Ursa: "Care to carve the meat Sokka?"

Zuko: "But..I usually do that..."

Ursa: "Sokka can have a turn today."

Sokka: "Thanks Ma'am!"

Ursa: "Come now...call me...Mom. BOTH of you."

Katara: "....Errm...Yeah..."

Azula: "The carving knife's that one."

Sokka: "I've got my own carving knife. Ox-Duck! Say hello to my little friend! MA-CHE-TE!"

Zuko: "Thank Agni, I thought he was talking about his other little friend."

Aang: "Why are you thinking of Sokka's...?"

Toph: 'Hey! Watch where you're throwing that stuff!"

Iroh: "Flying Ox-Duck! Brilliant!"

Ursa: "At least it got to fly one last time."

Azula: "........"

Katara: "Augh! You got it in my hair Sokka!"

Zuko: "You slapped me with that sirloin on purpose!"

Sokka: "Hey! I gave you the biggest piece! You should be thanking me!"

Aang: "Err...I think some of it got into my salad..."

Zuko: "You dishonor the dead!"

Iroh: "It's just an Ox-Duck."

Sokka: "Done!"

Ursa: "Remarkable. Not one shred of meat left on the bones."

Azula: "Because all of it's on the walls and floor...."

Sokka: "Well? Aren't you guys gonna eat?"

Toph: "I would...if any of it got on my plate."

Aang: "Here Toph, you can have my salad. Sokka got meat in it."

Katara: "Aww. How sweet."

Ursa: "Ozai used to do that for me. Then he went all crazy. I miss those days."

Katara: "I apologise for bringing up bad memories."

Ursa: "Oh no. I meant he used to share food with me during dinner banquets, which was sweet, then he'd get drunk with Iroh and his friends. A drunken Ozai is a funny Ozai. Hmm...I think I'll go visit him later in the cells with a bottle of our finest."

Iroh: "Tell him I said Hi."

Azula: "Give daddy my love."

Zuko: "Whatever."

Sokka: "I see mouths moving but not meat chewing. Isn't anyone gonna eat?"

Toph: "I'll just pick out the meat, Twinkles. You can still eat the veggies."

Aang: "Not when they've got blood on them. Could someone pass me the peanuts?"

Azula: "Slave..I mean...Sokka."

Sokka: "What?"

Azula: "Use your chopsticks."

Sokka: "Toothpicks are for cleaning teeth. Not handling meat."

Azula: "No. They're CHOPSTICKS. You eat with them. Like this."

Sokka: "And I eat with my hands. Like this."

Azula: "It's like talking to a three year old. Mai's brother isn't this bad."

Katara: "You try being related to him."

Zuko: "Disgusting hog-monkey! Keep your food in your mouth!"

Azula: "Right back at you Water Witch."

Ursa: "Azula. What did we say about name calling?"

Azula: "Do it more often?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Ursa: "Who wants dessert? We've got fruit pies."

Toph and Aang: "Oooh! Us! Us! us!"

Azula: "Do you have some disguting method of eating pies?"

Sokka: "...Hmm...no. I don't think so."

Azula: "Good."

Sokka: "I'd rather throw them. Hey Aang! Think fast!"

Iroh: "Ah young people are so energetic."

Ursa: "Yes. Truly. I haven't had this much fun in years."

Azula: "...why? Why Agni? Why?!"

Zuko: "Why? Why Agni? Why?!"

~

[/b]

[Please note: with the exception of the intro, this entire post has been written by marvel26, as linked above. Seriously, visit his profile for his other great and wonderful (and hilarious!) works.]

[mahatista]

Zuko, horrified by the entire palace meal debacle, hustled the crowd to the balloon. He was ready for this cruise to be over. He wanted to get to know his new girlfriend better, in a less public and/or hostile setting and he was ready for some peace and quiet.

As everyone climbed onto the balloon they felt a sense of accomplishment. How had they done it in so few days? Disaster, sickness, girl-fights ... all unplanned. What fun!

As Zuko expertly piloted them over the ocean Hue told them a story. As with all Hue's stories they couldn't place a timeframe, not a logical one anyway, so they simply listened and let the power of the words flow over them.

It had been passed to Hue by a spirit named 'Marvel26'. They nodded at the name. They'd heard it before.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It has been many moons since I embarked on my journey.

My dream.

My quest.

And an enlightening experience it has been.

My ongoing research and study of these strange creatures has proven most fruitful. I have observed many a pack of wild animals yet this group, with all its individual minds and difference which logically threaten the very cohesiveness needed for them to survive, endures on and even flourishes.

Truly they are creatures of wonder.

Perhaps that is what drew me to them.

For I too wonder.

And marvel at their life accomplishments and tragedies.

Most prominently of my star subject of the group and what I perceive to be the new Alpha Male. In fact here they come now. Probably back from gathering the necessary resources for the survival of the pack.

I have deciphered some of their primitive language and have deduced that my star subject is named Avatar Aang.

“Outta the way! Really angry firebender coming through!”

Aang.

Avatardus airheadus.

“I DON’T CARE WHAT KATARA SAYS! I WILL END YOU!”

Zuko.

Royalus paininthebuttus.

A new addition to the pack and having already assumed the position of Alpha Male, to, what I surmise, the ire of the previous dominant male.

Initially a pack of three, two males and one dominant female, the pack soon grew to accommodate as many as eight individuals. However, due to unknown reasons, three of the new males were abandoned. I believe this to be in part due to the presence of the Royalus paininthebuttus. I have seen this behavior in many male animals, done so in order to keep the Alpha’s bloodline strong within the pack.

The packs structure is indeed curious. Though a dominant male is present, the pack hierarchy seems to be matriarchal with a dominant female presiding over all pack affairs. This pack’s matriarch goes by the name of Katara.

“Just what do you think you’re doing to Aang!?”

Katara.

Articus motherhenus.

The females of the group are rather contradictory in their behavior, showing both signs of territorial aggressiveness and nurturing qualities. Though the latter is less seen in the group’s only other female.

As always focus is given to the younger members of the pack which are the Airheadus and the other female.

“Could you numbskulls keep it down?! People are trying to sleep here!”

Toph Bei Fong

Greatus earthbenderus.

An adolescent female, she has not yet shown or developed the traits present in the Motherhenus. Though given time she just might do so and leave to form her own pack.

As described above, the females of the group are vastly more territorial than the males. Demanding their own grooming and nesting spaces while the males generally groom and nest together.

The Earthbenderus exhibits extremely graphic displays of violent territorial behavior. This may be due to the fact that she is blind and therefore has developed her other senses more acutely.

There seems to be a disagreement between the dominant pair today. Though this is hardly any thing news worthy. The Paininthebuttus may have assumed the role of Alpha Male but the Alpha Female still refuses to submit.

“What did I tell you about harming Aang!? What did I say!?”

“It wasn’t my fault!”

“Aang’s pants are on fire!”

“That’s because he set himself, my hair and half of the forest on fire!”

“Then why were you chasing him!? Again!”

“I like my hair!”

Such domestic disputes are common place ever since the Paininthebuttus was allowed into the pack. And now we can see the ferocity of the Motherhenus. It is the matriarch’s duty to maintain the wellbeing of the pack and its young individuals. Attempts to harm any of her young charges will be met with shocking force.

“Stop with the hail stones already! I’ll go apologize! Alright!?”

Even against her supposed mate.

As I have said, the Avatardus airheadus is my star subject and is the ‘baby’ of the pack so to speak. Though fully capable of fending for himself, the Motherhenus takes it upon herself to protect the Airheadus from danger.

Speaking of which, the Airheadus has moved towards the nesting habitat of the pack’s previous Alpha Male.

“Wha? Aang? Go away. It’s too early. Let me sleep.”

Sokka.

Articus boomerangus.

Unlike most other animals, where the previous dominant males are either killed or driven out of the pack, the Paininthebuttus seems to tolerate the Boomerangus’ continued presence.

This may be due to the sibling status between the Motherhenus and the Boomerangus.

A typical day for the pack involves frequent harassment of the Paininthebuttus by either the Earthbenderus or Airheadus and sometimes both, foraging for food and training the younger members of the pack.

In many animals, survival skills are taught by the elders of the pack. The Airheadus is frequently taken aside to be taught by the Motherhenus, Earthbenderus and Paininthebuttus. More recently, priority is given to the Paininthebuttus.

“I just know you’re going to do something to him during your so called ‘training’ sessions! Don’t deny it!”

Much to the displeasure of the Motherhenus.

“He needs to learn firebending! More importantly he needs to stop spontaneously combusting things whenever you’re around him!”

“What are you babbling about?! Aang wouldn’t do that!”

Fights between the dominant pair cause me worry. Worry of pack’s future. If no younglings come of their co-rule, it may weaken the pack as with all animals, a strong bloodline is necessary.

I have not encountered any other creatures as averse to mating as these two. It is only natural to seek out the strongest and most fertile of the species. Yet this does not seem to be the case here.

Perhaps they received poor tutelage during their younger years when such matters are crucial.

This does not seem the case with the Boomerangus for I have observed and recorded his couplings with at least three other females from outside the pack. I am currently debating the inclusion of a fourth female, Royalus evilwitchus, sibling to the Paininthebuttus. I do not have enough conclusive information as of this moment.

The younglings of the pack have started to exhibit signs of mating readiness. This is evidenced clearly in the Airheadus, who seems to have gained a strong attachment to the Motherhenus. The Earthbenderus is more subtle in her attentions towards the Boomerangus. This goes against all my other observations of other animals where the dethroned Alpha is shunned.

Of course being younglings, their approach is clumsy and unrefined. I have documentd numerous attempts by the Airheadus to win the favor of the dominant female.

“Hey Katara! Check this out!”

“Aang! Wait! Watch out for that tree!”

Most meet with dismal failure.

The Earthbenderus does not fair well either. With her approaches being totally ignored by the Boomerangus.

“Here, Snoozles. I made you this crystal dagger. In exchange for the neat meteor bracelet of course.”

“Huh? Oh thanks.”

“Well?”

“Huh? What? Sorry. Can’t talk now. Meat. Good.”

“Grrr….”

One would think the Boomerangus would have learned not to enrage the females of his pack. Apparently his inability to learn and adapt is part of his dethronement as Alpha male. This bodes some study.

Fortunately, the pair of younglings, despite not receiving any guidance in the matters of mating, have opted a more traditional method.

Play fighting.

As in almost all mammalian species, play fights develop the necessary skills needed for hunting, defense and mating.

I have observed the Airheadus and Earthbenderus wrestling each other. Each trying to pin the other down by attaining a dominant position over the other.

They have also been seen comforting each other when either is distressed or hurt. Often due to spurned attentions and failed attempts towards the Motherhenus and Boomerangus.

I find this most endearing, for though they are clearly too young to have packs of their own, their displays of pack bonding are what some would term, ‘Cute’. The Earthbenderus still shows hostile intentions towards the Airheadus every now and then but she displays such intentions daily with varying degrees of pain to those on the receiving end.

I would not be surprised if they did form their own pack as a dominant mating pair, though it is still early in their development.

Only time will tell.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have spent many winters documenting the pack.
The former Alpha Male, the Articus boomerangus left the pack shortly, of his own accord, after a crisis involving a super predator I have nomenclatured as Royalus megalomaniafirelordus. I have seen the presence of a familiar female the boomerangus was once coupled with.

I believe her name is Suki.

Metalfanus ironmaidenus.

I presume that he left to form a pack with her.

The original dominant pair of the Royalus paininthebuttus and Articus motherhenus have yet to produce any younglings despite the fact that their original pack has dispersed. Perhaps their stunted mating development has attributed to this. Though I have recorded occasions of the Paininthebuttus offering gifts to the Motherhenus in the forms of colorful strings tied to shiny stone discs etched with symbols I gather to represent fire and water.

I have made a note that these creatures are capable of basic craftsmanship.

As predicted the Airheadus and Earthbenderus have formed their own pack. Complete with a litter of three younglings of varying age.

Though half of the mating pair and clearly the stronger of the two, having been the one to put an end to the Royalus megalomaniafireloruds, the Airheadus is the submissive one with the Earthbenderus mirroring her old pack mate, the Motherhenus, albeit with a less overbearing approach in terms of youngling rearing.

I would dearly love the opportunity to document the development of the new generation but alas I am old and I have accomplished much in my time.

To any and all future seekers of knowledge,

Never cease to search and you will never cease to be amazed.

--------------------------------------------

(Five hundred years later)

“Professor Zei. Starting a new book are we?”

“Oh, greetings Great Spirit Wan Shi Tong. Yes, this is a new book. One of your fox assistants just brought it in.”

“Oh? A new addition and I wasn’t informed? What is it about anyway?”

“Walking with Avatardus.”

“What an odd title. Let me see the back cover….who is this Professor Momo?”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~

They sat up then, staring out at the lemur flying beside. He looked over at them and many could swear he winked.

Would the surprises never end?

As they neared the first landing point Zuko showed them that indeed surprises don't end when you expect them to.

"I don't know how to land this thing. You'll have to go down on ropes." He announced.

"What?" Asked Maha, terrified.

"I've done it before, you just go down on a rope. It's like rapelling, but in thin air. Here." He thrust a rope into her hands.

"B-but this isn't my drop off point." She stammered.

"I'll do it!" Chibi jumped at the challenge excitedly.

Waving at the rest of the group and blowing a big, smoochy kiss, she disappeared over the side, followed very quickly by Jeong Jeong.

As the party broke up and left the balloon, Maha summoned her small bit of courage and took the rope.

"I hope it works out for you." She told Zuko and Katara as she climbed over the side.

"Aw. That was sweet." Said Bagpipe.

When someone tried to pull the rope back in however, they found that Maha still clutched it and had attached herself to the side of the basket like a crab.

The rest of the party stomped around the space to shake her off. If they see her again they'll apologize, but they were ready to get home.

[bagpipe turtle]

Bagpipe and the others, dressed in their finest, had watched the dinnertime exchanges between Ursa, Zuko, Katara, Azula, Sokka, Toph, Aang, and Iroh with wide eyes. Every now and then they would turn to their neighbor to giggle or exchange a knowing look.

The food had been delicious and amazingly prepared, a blend of classic Fire Nation food (such as that roasted Ox-duck) and other dishes from around the world (the soup was a favorite of Azula's when she took over visited an Earth Kingdom villiage).
They'd sat digesting in the balloon, listened to Hue's fascinating tale before departing one by one.

Several people had already left, including Chibi and Maha, and now it was Bagpipe's turn.
"Goodbye, everyone! I hope to see you again soon!" She grabbed onto the rope, wished Zuko and Katara the best, and descended to her drop-off point with a grin.

[theweasleyboys]

"Yeah, great party, everyone!" TWB agreed, stuffing one of the cupcakes she'd gathered into her mouth as she took her leave. "Hope to come back shoon for another onesh!"

[Victim ~*of *~Circumstances]

That was truly an amazing feast. The food was amazing and Hue's story was rather entertaining. With a yawn (good food made her awfully drowsy) she brought a small box of the cakes with her proceeding to the others at the door.

It was real nice of Ursa to let me bring some dessert with me thought Voc with a smile

Nearing the massive doors she stopped to see Azula staring at herself in the mirror situated near an alcove.

"Would her royal highness like some cake?" she inquired holding the box up to her.

"No." she replied with a an air of exhaustion

"Well, alright. The party was great by the way. Goodnight."

Nice talking to myself....haha mused Voc turning pink.

"Hey! Voc! You seen Azula anywhere?"

It was Sokka who had apparently cleaned himself up in the washroom. Voc giggled as she remembered all the meat flying everwhere.

"She's over there. Looking at herself, she seemed kind of down. she wouldn't even eat some of the cake I offered!" exclaimed Voc

Sokka heaved a sigh and smacked himself with his palm.

"It was because of me wasn't it? I messed up again didn't I?"

"Well.....no.....but you were a bit over the top. I think she was just stunned you know. Water Tribe men do seem more "carefree" if you know what I mean. She probably didn't know how to react."

Luckily there was a vase of Lily-Roses nearby.

Hey, this could work.

Walking over to the ornate vase Voc took one and handed it to Sokka.

"Turn some of that Sokka charm on. Apologize, it's her palace afterall and I think she feels really.....embarassed."

With that Sokka walked over to her as Voc continued on her way stopping for a bit each time she met someone she knew. Suddenly there was a tirade of shouting and Voc turned towards the alcove. Sokka ran right passed her out the door with his pants on fire!

Not long after that Azula walked up to her holding the Lily-Rose.

"I'd like a cake please."

"Sure." replied Voc with a stunned expression on her face. Azula put the Lily-Rose in her hair and took a chocolate cupcake.

"You know, maybe I'm underestimating him." mused Azula to nobody in particular.

Voc shivered at the glint in her eye but once Azula was out of earshot she laughed with mirth. Finally reaching the door she bid her farewell to Zuko and Katara, giggling all the while.

[luthien]

Luthien waved goodbye to her friends as they rapelled off the side of the hot air balloon one by one. What an amazing journey they had! Had it really only been a week ago that they'd all boarded a Fire Nation ship together, unaware of the adventures they would find? Lu sighed deeply, then looked down at Pecan, her new pet, and patted his soft fur.

"You ready to do this, buddy?" she asked as she looked - with some trepidation - over the side of the hot air balloon. Pecan barked boldly, indicating no fear, and Lu's confidence was bolstered by her small companion. Hoisting him up in a sling she'd fashioned (to keep him snug during the rapelling), she walked over to the couple that had brought all these people together. Standing between Zuko and Katara, she put one arm around each teen's shoulder. "Hey you two," Lu started, "don't fight so much, ok? Be good to each other. And remember how much faith we all have in you - even sometimes when it seems it's impossible, we all believe in you. Put that faith in yourselves and each other, and there's nothing you can't do." Zuko and Katara blushed slightly, then nodded and gave their thanks.

"Well, I guess I'd better get going, then," said Lu, "wish me luck!" With a good luck wish from the couple, Lu and Pecan grabbed a rope and started rapelling down the side of the balloon to their destination. Before she was out of earshot, Lu yelled one last thing:

"Don't forget to send us an invitation to the wedding!"