Tera253
Gran Gran
In Soviet Russia, post writes you
Posts: 588
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Post by Tera253 on Apr 22, 2009 10:59:40 GMT -5
CHAPTER 61: YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ME It was not long before the armies of The Order and The Avatar Guard were facing each other in opposite sides of the battlefield. Both sides were observing the opposite side to see who exactly was there.
“Mercy above,” Maric exclaimed, accidentally tightening his grip on his nervous sister’s hand, “it’s her.”
He pointed to a distant figure in The Order’s ranks. It was Ayumi, and with her was Orzon.
“Hmm,” said Tenoko, who was standing on a boulder next to Zakura, and they were looking out over the armies to see The Order’s ranks.
“Looks like I’ll be meeting some old friends again; and Zak, you might not want to look now, but that looks like your family if I’ve ever seen them.”
“You’ve seen my family before,” Zakura exclaimed,
“No,” said Tenoko, “but they look just like you—sort of.”
Zakura gasped. “It is them,” she exclaimed, “this could become ugly.”
The Order seemed just as prepared as The Avatar Guard. Also in their ranks were Ju Long, Zhin, Tu-Sung, an airbender that was most likely Yang, Orzon, Ayumi, Zhang, Zao Lin, Michiko, Fukuda, and several others that various members of The Avatar Guard recognized. In fact, the only prominent figure that no one saw there was Xin Shing.
“Shinon,” Alzar snapped, grabbing his arm and pointing off in the distance,
“it’s them—the ones who poisoned us—Jing Tao; Ya Zhu!”
Shinon looked where Alzar was pointing (Alzar’s sense was how she singled them out in the first place) and just like she said, it was the couple responsible for poisoning Alzar and Shinon before their trip to the North Pole.
Naturally, Alzar was fuming, and Shinon wasn’t looking very much happier. The burning desire for revenge from various members of both groups meeting old rivals and enemies only heated things up, and moments later, the battle started and both sides collided in an epic sense of warfare.
Many of the warriors were benders, and so water, earth, and fire were everywhere. There were also several airbenders as well, including some that were part of The Order. However, for the most part, the airbenders had stayed out of this entire war. The battle raged; elements and weapons colliding, blood being spilt and everything. The only thing that would be stopping this war would be the elimination of enough people on one side—or so they thought.
A sudden, huge burst of red lightning struck right in front of a spot where Yang, Orzon and Ayumi were about to collide with Royota, Tenoko and Zakura. Everyone turned to see who had shot the bolt of lightning. To the surprise of some, [others had expected this] it was The Warrior of the Black Hand. The battle did not just stop, it ceased. No one knew who her next target would be.
Yang seemed to be leading The Order, while Zakura was leading The Avatar Guard of course. As a result, the Dark Warrior was walking towards them. They brought their guards up, but The Dark Warrior did not look like she was going to attack. She stepped up to them and put her hands out.
“If any of you value your lives you will cease this fighting immediately.” She said, “Otherwise, you might be next.”
Her fingers crackled when she said this, and she awaited their reactions. Zakura, Royota, and Tenoko did not need to say anything, for Yang took over. She seemed to have a sinister demeanor just like that of her husband Xin Shing. She did have a hairstyle similar to Mulan’s warrior hairdo, and her clothing was similar as well. Her eyes and face though, were much more malicious than Mulan’s.
“So,” she said, “The Warrior of the Black Hand thinks she can just waltz in and put an end to this war with a few bolts of lightning? Don’t make me laugh, girl; you never had a chance against the likes of us, or even against the likes of that woman.”
She pointed at Zakura, but Zakura felt like this was a slander to her, so she spoke up;
“really now, woman,” said Zakura, “that’s the first truthful statement that you’ve said all day. After all: no one stands a chance against the avatar herself.”
Zakura’s identity was out. Incidentally, her family was close by, and they watched as she proved her identity.
“Zakura,” said Zao Lin in a seductive tone, “it was you the whole time then; to think that this whole war is simply against my rebellious child?”
“You have no right to call me mother,” Zakura said sternly, “not after your only goal in life has been to kill me.”
“You only aid The Order’s fears,” said Zhang, “you are the arrogant type who WOULD abuse your power; my own daughter; the avatar...”
“Like I said to your wife,” said Zakura harshly, “you have no right to call me father. As for abusing my powers; who’s to say that I won’t? That’s why I actually have people here that know how I operate. You two, failed the most miserably at it. Luckily, I serve a higher authority.”
“You do,” Yang exclaimed, but she wasn’t the only one; Royota and Tenoko had both said the exact same thing.
“That business is my own.”
“Hmm,” the Dark Warrior remarked, putting her fingers on her helmet where her chin would be if she took it off, “you too then?”
“Aye,” Zakura replied, “and in all honesty, I want this war over just as much as you do.”
Yang, however, was through with the small talk. However, The Dark Warrior opposed this.
“Keep your trap shut, woman,” she snapped, “I’m not finished.”
“Ha,” Yang laughed, “you really think I would listen to you—the woman who is too scared to show her face, and so instead she hides behind the face of a once great figure? Ha; you are too much of a coward to do anything else but abuse your powers.”
“Don’t,” said The Dark Warrior, pulling off her helmet, “you call me a coward ever again, woman.”
The revelation of The Dark Warrior’s identity came as a huge shock to everyone. Some people in fact were horrified when they saw her face. Katara I and Sokka were among them.
The Dark Warrior was none other than Katara Altina II. Her scraggly dark brown hair, distinct, golden eyes and stony face were unmistakable.
“Now tell me,” she said, still retaining the firmness in her low voice that she had had under her helmet, “can any of you imagine what it would be like to have more power than you could believe? Or perhaps what it would be like to have to consistently train and gain control to always get better, knowing that a failure to do so would result in said power consuming you alive in a slow and painful death? Now imagine that the person who you loved and cared for the most; the person who could best help you with that problem; getting ripped from you at a young age, and that it happened suddenly and without reason.”
“That’s amusing,” Yang shrugged, “what’s your point?”
“My point is,” said Katara “is that this war is futile. Fighting will get you all as people nowhere.”
“And do you really think that any of us are going to listen to a little girl like you?”
Katara laughed. “Woman,” she said, “you have just stumbled right into my trap. Why else do you think I donned the armor of The Dark Warrior? I wanted to be feared. Most people wouldn’t fear a 15-year-old girl. However, a notorious figure like The Warrior of the Black Hand would be feared, especially since I could imitate him very well.
I did some research in the Fire Nation Palace about him; learned who he was, what he did, and how he moved and acted. I’ll give credit to Orzon and Ayumi for letting me stay with them for that.” Ayumi actually looked furious. It was likely that she felt insulted that she had been outdone like that by a 15-year-old girl. Nonetheless, Katara continued.
“With that all said, just remember: I serve neither The Avatar Guard nor The Order of the Avatar Slayer. I will also warn that whichever side is not fighting for a good cause will eventually lose everything. In the meantime, I’m going to sit this fight out. I’ll always be one step ahead of you all, for I am The Warrior of the Black Hand. Farewell.”
“Who said we were through here,” Yang asked her,
“I did,” Katara replied, “so I suggest you can it before I shoot some lightning oat you. The only one I’m not going to kill is Orzon. Now with that said, I’m gone. Farewell.”
Katara went about 300 yards away from the battle onto a hill and sat down to “watch” the battle. A few moments after she had left, they all started fighting again.
“What’s wrong, Ayumi,” Tenoko leered, as these two fought, “are you mad that you just got done in by a 15-year-old girl?”
Ayumi was mad, but she wasn’t letting Tenoko’s taunts throw her fighting style off. She was swift and powerful. She kept Tenoko on her feet, but seemed to be aiming for Tenoko’s bare feet in hope of burning them. Nonetheless, even at 43, Tenoko was still very fast.
Katara continued to watch the fight, and she actually began smirking. She really was always one step ahead of everyone else, and once all was said and done, she would come back and explain how. Her mission though, was clear. Like Zakura, she too served a higher authority, and the fact that no one knew very much about her would work to her advantage. She laughed.
“Times have changed,” she muttered, likely referring to herself gaining control over her power, “and You Know Nothing About Me.”
~Azula~
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Tera253
Gran Gran
In Soviet Russia, post writes you
Posts: 588
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Post by Tera253 on Apr 22, 2009 11:00:05 GMT -5
CHAPTER 62: AYUMI AND TENOKO The battle raged on, neither said gaining the upper hand, and common soldiers getting cut down on both sides. The more prominent figures were still locked in fierce combat. Ayumi and the barefoot Tenoko were among one of the focal points of the battle, the fierce firebender waging an all-out barrage of attacks on the calm [and possibly slightly drunken] waterbender.
Even clad in her billowing Fire Lady’s robes, Ayumi was still mercilessly swift, her long, black hair and billowing robes making her look slightly more imposing, especially when she jumped—something she did quite often.
Tenoko has some unorthodox waterbending styles similar to Maric and Malak, her Dragmire Flips serving her well.
Ayumi was fiercely shooting fire of all colors at Tenoko who spiraled, flipped, dodged, blocked or countered them to avoid taking damage.
“Are we through practicing,” Tenoko asked off-handedly, “I mean: you’ve been trying to hit me for quite some time now?”
“Perhaps you should try fighting me,” said Ayumi, and she actually ceased her attacks and stood there. An unfortunate Avatar Guard soldier or two thought that she would be easy picking because of this, and learned the hard way that she wasn’t.
“Look at yourself,” said Ayumi, noting Tenoko’s awkward gangling stance, “it’s no wonder we were able to drive you out. Though your children seem to be able to hold their grounds as well as you do.”
“What are you talking about, woman,” Tenoko exclaimed, starting to fight back, “I might be drunk, but I’m not stupid.”
Ayumi laughed a genuine laugh. Her sinister demeanor made it sound ominous. “You of all people don’t even know? Think of it, you idiot: why do you think those kids have the same last name as you?”
“Maric and Malak,” Tenoko exclaimed, “what are you leading to?”
“come, come, foolish child,” said Ayumi, ceasing her fighting, blocking Tenoko’s last few moves and then taking her hand, leading her away from the fray, “surely you of all people would know the story of your own children? I guess I was wrong.”
Once they were far away enough from the battle to know that there wouldn’t be random people trying to attack them, Ayumi sat down beside Tenoko, her soft, pale hand still clasped over Tenoko’s darker hand, which was covered by the fingerless gloves she wore. Tenoko curled her toes in the grass and seemed to be relaxing.
“Good, good,” said Ayumi, “calm down; don’t let the heat of this battle get to you in the head. You never know who might be plotting against you. Anyways, those kids... Maric and Malak are their names apparently, are yours. Maybe it comes from being the leader of a Nation—something you failed miserably at.
Anyways, I knew the name of the family that found your babies in the Water Tribe Palace. They’ve been done in by Michiko’s men, but obviously the kids survived. They’ve got your eyes, Tenoko—and your moves.
Perhaps if you spent more time looking up current events when they’re, um, current—and stopped being a blithering drunkard, you’d be aware that your own children have been right under your very nose for over 14 years. Tenoko, I even know what you originally named them.”
“So what’s your point,” Tenoko asked, unfazed by Ayumi’s insults,
“My point is,” said Ayumi “is that you are an idiot. If you were smarter you’d probably realize that this is a trap.”
“No it isn’t,” said Tenoko, looking right into Ayumi’s eyes, “and do you know how I know that: because instead of spending my time in the affairs of others, I actually went into the world and made a name for myself. I left fate in charge of my children if they were alive, and it seems that it’s done well in raising them.”
“Hmph” Ayumi shrugged, “I thought a mother was supposed to at least recognize her own children. I guess you proved me wrong again, Tenoko Dragmire. You were always full of surprises.”
“You never fail to impress me, Lady Ayumi Zhaoka,” said Tenoko, “it’s amazing how respected you are. Tell me, is it fear or extortion that is the drive of your followers?”
Ayumi smirked, “that would be my little secret, wouldn’t it?”
“Aye,” Tenoko replied, “similar to that time when Katara burned your clothes off down to your underthings the first time you fought?” Ayumi went red, both from anger and embarrassment, and looked ready to strike suddenly at Tenoko, who just chuckled.
“Nothing’s changed, my good friend,” Tenoko replied, getting her hand out of Ayumi’s and patting her back, “we’re still the same rivals we were since childhood. I’m glad to see you still don’t ever deny things that you know to be true. I admire that, Fire Lady.”
“So I get showed up by a 15-year-old girl and you go 14 years without knowing your children were under your nose,” said Ayumi, chuckling, “I guess an old score gets settled then.”
“I suppose so,” Tenoko chuckled, “things are always interesting with you around, Lady Ayumi. It’s a pity you were always against the avatar.”
“I suppose it’s a flaw,” said Ayumi, shrugging and attempting to stand up, but Tenoko pulled her back down.
“Come, sit,” she said, “why must you leave so soon? You got me interested. My little Kemet and Komae are named Maric and Malak. What else do you know about my little babies?”
Ayumi’s smile widened. “I see your tactic, Chief Tenoko Dragmire,” she said, “You are turning my trap against me. Very well; if you wish to capture me, then so be it. Perhaps though we should continue fighting before I feign defeat though—it would look more believable.”
Tenoko laughed. “You never fail to amuse me, Ayumi,” she said, “even when I was 18 and you were 24; you were still my strong rival, always just a little more powerful than I was.”
There was in fact a 6-year age difference between these two; therefore, if Tenoko was 43, Ayumi was 49.
“Are you going to let me stand now,” Ayumi asked, “or am I going to have to suffer the humiliation of you pulling my robe off first?”
Tenoko laughed, and Ayumi did as well.
“I suppose if you wanted it off I could arrange that,” Tenoko laughed, “after all, you seem to like it loose; but no. I had no intention of pulling it off. You can get up whenever you want. You’re the Fire Lady. I’m no one but an old Water Tribe chief that’s too drunk to even know my own children when they walk up to me.”
“Then as a leader I command you to continue fighting me, especially if you ever do plan on capturing me. After all, I’m not going to go down without a fight.”
“Ayumi, please,” said Tenoko, laughing, “you’ve always ousted me power-wise. Why should this be any different? If anything I’ll be at your mercy.”
“I guess we shall see,” said Ayumi, getting into position and then striking,
“Indeed,” said Tenoko, blocking her attack and lashing towards Ayumi’s ankles with her water whips. She jumped made a fireball on her fist that she sent crashing down at the ground towards Tenoko’s feet. It sent a wave of fire towards her that crept over the ground, but Tenoko jumped over it, swinging her whip to extinguish the flames.
She then turned them into huge projectiles, which she launched at Ayumi. Ayumi flipped over one, but lost her footing on the other, falling backwards, cursing at her mistake. Tenoko immediately was over her, her hands covered in ice spikes.
“You went easy, on me,” said Tenoko, smirking, pointing one of her ice-spiked hands at Ayumi’s face; the other at her heart;
“You don’t know that,” Ayumi replied, “after all, how could I have feigned that fall? That hurt. You know me, Tenoko. If I didn’t even deny that humiliating moment with Katara, why would I try to deny this?”
“Hmm,” Tenoko said, thinking, not letting Ayumi get a chance to pull a fast one; “you bring a good point up. I guess you leave me no choice...”
Tenoko suddenly dropped her ice spikes, letting them melt into water over Ayumi’s face and chest, soaking her. That was a brief distraction, and it gave Tenoko enough time to slip her hands around Ayumi’s neck, passing her out.
“Dethroning the Fire Lady should not have been this easy,” he thought to herself, hoisting Ayumi’s unconscious form over her shoulders. Tenoko was a stealthy woman, and was able to slip even past Orzon, who Tenoko noticed was looking around for his wife. Tenoko took Ayumi back to the Avatar Guard’s base camp and chained her down at her neck, so that thrashing would cut into her throat. She then left and returned to the battlefield.
Unfortunately for Tenoko, Iresu had seen her and Ayumi talking, and so she stopped Tenoko as well, though she was earthbending against her enemies, and was very skilled.
“That would be my business now, wouldn’t it,” Tenoko replied after Ayumi asked what she had been doing, “don’t you worry about it. Let’s finish this fight.”
“Where is Ayumi?” Iresu asked,
“Around,” Tenoko replied, blasting ice spikes at an unfortunate Order soldier, “what, am I her keeper?”
“never mind,” said Iresu, still blasting rocks and slabs of earth outwards, her stance constantly changing, “just fight...”
“Of course,” Tenoko replied, and she joined the fight again, which seemed to be slowing down.
Tenoko had known Ayumi for many years, and naturally, Ayumi had known Tenoko for many years. These two were rivals in a way, but ironically, were also friends to a degree. Tenoko did not know how Ayumi knew about her children, and Ayumi did not know how Tenoko knew about her rift with Katara. Nonetheless, these mysteries were all part of the games played by Ayumi and Tenoko.
~Azula~
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Tera253
Gran Gran
In Soviet Russia, post writes you
Posts: 588
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Post by Tera253 on Apr 22, 2009 11:00:32 GMT -5
CHAPTER 63: WE'VE GOT A BATTLE TO WIN Granted, there was still plenty of action during the time Tenoko and Ayumi had gone off. Reyson found himself in a hard situation surrounded by rouge Order earthbenders. He may not have had very much actual combat experience, but he had had plenty of training.
“What’s this,” one of them exclaimed, “looks like we found ourselves the little prince Lord Xin Shing spoke of.”
Zeruda had done well in keeping Reyson’s existence a secret from The Order, but after recent events and Zakura’s new policy regarding younger benders, she decided to let him use his own judgment.
One thing was certain: Reyson was no coward. He may have had a sheltered life, but he had his own policies and life lessons.
“When the time comes, just act,” he thought to himself, and then he thought of Malak and Maric, who he saw not very far away, locked in fierce combat against other enemies.
“You have me surrounded,” said Reyson, “but prince Reyson is not about to step down and accept defeat. You’ll have to take me down kicking and screaming, for I am the rightful heir to the Fire Nation throne.”
“We’ll see about that, pretty boy” said one of the earthbenders: a gruff looking female who reminded Reyson slightly of Zakura, though Zakura’s face was friendlier looking.
“Pretty boy, huh,” said Reyson, shrugging and taking a step backwards, “if I recall, pretty boys don’t do this,”
His reaction was a huge blast of lightning that knocked two of the earthbenders off their feet and left them unconscious. Reyson used this gap to make a break for it, but one of them made a rock jut out of the ground to trip him on the way. They thought he was down, but he wasn’t. Reyson, right as he fell, put his hands out, landed on them, and using the momentum from his fall, he pushed himself into a handstand.
“Gotcha,” he laughed, doing the splits in the air for a second [just to show off] before flipping back onto his feet.
The earthbenders however, were joined by several firebenders, and so Reyson was outnumbered about 13 to 1. They were determined to take him down, since they knew that he was the rightful heir to the throne and wanted that possibility of him acquiring it when he was older removed.
Reyson was a swift boy, and was very nimble like his mother. Zeruda, being a Zuroc Sensei, had taught Reyson many of her moves, and therefore he was quick, nimble, and light on his feet. He had also adopted some of the moves used in the Dragmire Flips, and was using them to his advantage, spiraling through the air and actually making his enemies take a step or two backwards.
The only reason these warriors were being intimidated by a 16-year-old boy was because they knew that he was a prodigy, and in this day and age a prodigious bender was always marked as highly dangerous. However, they were not about to let him overtake them; they were just more wary around him. After all, there were very few people fighting who were under the age of 18 (more like under the age of 21) and so they figured that if there was a bender in his or her teen years on the battlefield, that they were prodigies.
Repeated blasts of earth and fire came flying at Reyson, but he was able to nimbly avoid many of them, sometimes reflecting the fireballs, other times using the walls of earth as platform to jump onto and then off of as they passed.
However, all it would take would be one misstep and they would hit him, what with all the attacks they were throwing at him, and sure enough, that time came. He was painfully hit in the middle of his chest on his left side, causing him to stagger. He fell onto one of his knees, trying to recover his breath.
Immediately, his enemies closed in around him, but they didn’t know that they had closed in on two people, not one. A little red blur had shot into the fray right as the earthbenders and firebender surrounded Reyson. He looked up to see that it was Sanaki, and she had taken a fighting stance, planting her bare feet firmly on the ground.
“You’re not going to hurt him,” she said, and her cute, tiny voice made them laugh at her.
“Awww,” said one of the men, “does the little girl want to play with her boyfriend?”
Ironically, Sanaki was a year older than Reyson, but her small size made her look younger sometimes. Nonetheless, it was clear that she was well-developed despite her size. She was just short and thin.
“I’m 17, thank you,” she said, “and he’s not my boyfriend; just a good friend I’ve made in the past. Now get out of our way. Otherwise you’re going to have to go home knowing you just got beaten by a blind girl.”
“Luckily,” said a seductive voice in the crowd, which happened to belong to a single waterbender, “I know how you blind folk work.”
Immediately he shot icy blasts at Sanaki’s hands and feet, not only rooting her to the ground but also hindering her “sight”. Reyson was still too short on breath to attack [for firebending was based on breathing] and so they seemed helpless.
However, this was Sanaki. She always had another trick up her sleeve. She acknowledged this as well.
“Think,” said Sanaki, “with clothes as baggy as mien, you’d think that I’d have a trick up my sleeve. Well, I do. I was once called a Blind Dragon. Here is why.”
Sanaki spewed fire from her mouth at her enemies, and then at her hands and feet, freeing them from the icy grip which they had been locked in moments before. With her hands and feet free, she took a deep breath again and pointed two of her fingers at the waterbender.
“Prepare to either die or get out of my way,” she said, hoping that her move would work like she had trained so hard for,
Reyson stood up and watched Sanaki. She was blasted backwards a few feet, (and wasn’t hurt, but was massaging her rear on which she had landed) but not before she had shot a bolt of red lightning at her opponents, taking them down.
Sanaki Foxx was also a prodigy, and she, like Alzar, Reyson, Zeruda, Ayumi, Orzon, and Katara, was able to wield red lightning. It was only naturally learned by literal descendants of the legendary Sanaki Li Chan, and since Sanaki Foxx was the only one in her family who had ever been able to use it, she understood at once why she had been named Sanaki after she had first discovered she could wield it.
“I am a literal descendant of the great Sanaki Li Chan,” said Sanaki proudly, “and you failed to heed my warning.”
She turned to Reyson and helped him up.
“Let’s get out of here,” she said, and took off to a safer place on the battlefield [where they wouldn’t get surrounded].
In the meantime, Maric and Malak were showing their enemies just what they were able to do when teamed up. They were fighting Michiko and Fukuda, and, like Ayumi, they knew of the twins’ relationship to Tenoko.
“You know that blithering drunken Water Chief,” Michiko asked, seductively, as she and Fukuda walked around the twins who were both back-to-back, “well, she’s your real mother.”
“What,” Malak gasped, “Tenoko?”
“I spoke clearly,” said Michiko gently, does this fact bother you?”
“Tenoko...” Maric exclaimed, “She’s the one who gave birth to us?”
“Think,” said Fukuda, “if she was any dumber she wouldn’t even remember her own name. She obviously didn’t love you two enough, for she didn’t even recognize her own children.”
“She’s not our mom,” Malak shouted back, her eyes watering; she was clearly not able to accept the sad truth about Tenoko not recognizing them, “we don’t even know her.”
“You don’t have to know her for her to be the one to bear you,” said Michiko, “why else do you all have the same eyes—the same moves; the same waterbending talent, even the same NAME?”
Neither Maric nor Malak said anything, but Malak looked ready to cry.
“Face it,” said Michiko, “she could care less about you. I doubt she even knows what I just told you. She doesn’t know or care who you are.”
“That’s not true!” Malak bellowed, tears flowing down her face, “you lie, you treacherous monster!”
However, by this time, Tenoko had returned to the battlefield, and contrary to what Michiko had said, she did know this, and she was not about to let this slide.
“Don’t you dare lay a finger on my children,” she bellowed, smashing through any obstacle that got between her and the 4 waterbenders.
“Ah,” said Fukuda, smirking, “the drunken idiot herself arrives.”
“You can call me whatever you want,” said Tenoko stiffly, “but DO NOT EVER say or think for one moment that I did not love or did not care about my children.”
Since Fukuda and Michiko could not effectively surround Maric and Malak [since two people can’t surround anyone], Tenoko was able to joint them with no difficulty.
“Your mom’s here for you,” said Tenoko, embracing the two of them, “and she’s not going anywhere without you.”
However, though sometimes it was hard to tell, Tenoko had her guard up, for she expected an attack from the Order’s Water Tribe Chief and/or his wife.
Malak was still sniffling when Tenoko stood the two of them up. “On your feet, Kemet, Komae,” she said,
“What did you call us?” the twins exclaimed,
“My bad,” Tenoko replied, “those were the names I gave you before The Order ripped you two away from me 14 years ago. I suppose those can be your middle names now. I’ll leave that up to you two. Right now though, let’s fight. We’ve got a Battle to Win.”
~Azula~
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Tera253
Gran Gran
In Soviet Russia, post writes you
Posts: 588
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Post by Tera253 on Apr 22, 2009 11:00:57 GMT -5
CHAPTER 64: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED Tenoko gave the twins their needed boost of confidence, and they were able to get back up and fight again. Meanwhile though, there was another family having issues. Zakura was facing her parents and her two younger sisters in a 4-on-1. Her sisters may not have been benders, but they were swift and powerful warriors just like Zakura’s elder brother had been before he had lost his life to the hands of The Avatar Guard. Because of this, Zakura’s sympathy for him was limited.
“Kyomi, Kaoru,” said Zakura, chuckling, “you two have grown a bit since I last saw you. Yasuda would be proud.”
The four children of the Ishiko family, from eldest to youngest were Yasuda, Zakura, Kyomi, and Kaoru. Yasuda, the eldest child and the only son, was deceased; Zakura was 23, Kyomi was 21, and Kaoru was 19.
“What in blazes happened to you,” Kaoru asked, looking at Zakura with a sense of haughty disgust. Zakura had not been as muscular as she was now when she had left home, and her choice of clothing was far from the high-class appearance that her parents and siblings had.
“I became awesome,” Zakura replied, her arrogance kicking in. she had no respect for her family, since they were, after all, trying to kill her; I had to. I’m the avatar.”
“I never thought that my sister would be the cause of a whole war,” Kyomi remarked, “but then again, you were always an unpredictable one. Yasuda was right about you.”
“Duh,” Zakura replied, “that’s why I was scared. Wouldn’t you be scared if you found out that you were the person that your family was trying to kill when you were only 7 years old?”
“If you knew,” said Kaoru, “how then did you keep it hidden so well? You were never one to keep a secret unless it was important. Surely you didn’t know of it at that age.”
“I did not,” said Zakura, still warding off the huge earthen walls and boulders her parents were launching at her, and blocking the attacks from her sisters, “I didn’t learn it for sure until I was 16. There was no way for me to prove it, since I didn’t even get anyone to teach me earthbending until The Four Benders came along.”
“The Four Benders, huh” Zhang remarked, launching another rock which Zakura smashed with her fist again, “admirable people; pity they had to waste their lives away for the likes of the avatar—the fools.”
“Hey,” Zakura snapped, using some swift bending skills to get right up to her father’s face. She grabbed him by the throat, and the others paused as well, not wanting to give Zakura a reason to attack.
“You can insult me all you want,” she snapped, “but do not insult the honor of the four greatest benders to ever live.”
Zakura let him go and the moment she did, she was surrounded by a barrage of attacks, even from Zhang, who had wasted no time in snapping back and continuing to attack.
Zhang and Zao Lin were amazing earthbenders, which might have explained why they were mad at Zakura. She was their least favorite child for personal reasons, and to know that she was the only bender out of their children likely angered them. Nonetheless, they had no good reason for disliking Zakura other than that she was the avatar, but at this point, Zakura didn’t care either.
“you do realize that I am not trying to kill you,” said Zakura after merciless barrages of rocks and knives and swipes of the blades of her sisters, “for if I was, I would not only be lowering myself to your pitiful level, but I also would have invoked the avatar state don’t you think?”
“Use your excuses,” Kyomi leered, “kill us if you want to,”
“that’s the thing,” said Zakura, locking Kyomi’s feet to the ground with ice, so that Zhang and Zao Lin could not undo her work ,”I don’t want to kill you.”
Kyomi was met with a swift kick to the face that [naturally] shattered the ice around her feet and sent her flying several feet away where she landed unconscious. Zakura knew that her sister wasn’t going to die from it, and so she had no sympathy.
This process was soon about to repeat itself on an angered Kaoru. She was angry that Zakura had just taken down Kyomi, and she tried to retaliate. However, Kaoru, a non-bender, was no match for Zakura, a fully-realized avatar. Even if bending was not an issue, the Ishiko family stood no change against Zakura, who was also stronger than most men, despite her short size.
Once Kaoru and Kyomi were down and out, Zhang and Zao Lin decided to make sure they were alright.
“We’ll finish this later,” Zao Lin warned, “prepare your self.”
And with that they vanished with Zakura’s sisters into the fray. In the meantime, Vigo was side-by-side with Mulan, and the two of them were dueling against Ju Long and Yang. Mulan soon learned about Vigo’s inability to speak, and thus she tried her best to communicate with him. Her airbending skills had increased several-fold since she had last seen her ex-husband, and she figured that if he was going to challenge her that she would accept the challenge.
He actually engaged Vigo in combat, and Mulan took that as her cue to not only help Vigo but also keep Ju Long and Yang at bay. Ju Long noticed Mulan rather quickly as a result.
“So,” he said, “here we are, meeting on the field of battle”
“Aye,” Mulan replied, “imagine the look on our baby girl’s face if she saw her mother and father fighting to the death on this forsaken battlefield”
Ju Long said nothing.
“I suppose by turning against me and threatening not only my life, but the life of our unborn child, that I must fight you,” Mulan continued, “and if that is what it shall take, then that is what we shall do.”
“Ha,” Yang scoffed, “save the small talk. This kid knows how to fight.”
She pointed at Vigo, but did so at just the right time to get a slab of earth jammed at her face. She was knocked back, but quickly recovered her stance. She took to the skies but Vigo wasn’t blind. He shot rocks up towards the heavens at her, some making their mark.
Her retaliation was fierce, tearing winds that were almost like ice cold knives slicing through Vigo’s body. Nonetheless, Vigo was a master earthbender, and it would take a lot more than cutting winds to move the stubborn boy. Vigo was a defensive fighter, and so instead of waiting his energy attacking, he was hoping to wear out his opponent by blocking her moves instead of counterattacking. Some moves though he did counter to his advantage, but this was rare.
In the meantime, Katara’s face has spread into a grin as she watched the fighters on both side reduce in numbers and in energy.
“You are all playing right into my hands,” she said, smirking, “just like I predicted. I don’t even need The Dark Warrior to make things go my way. Like I warned you all—I’m always one step ahead of you.”
Of course, no one was there to hear her, but she didn’t mind. Things were playing out exactly as she had hoped. However, she had left out one crucial part of her operation—her family; and as the battle started to die down, The Order pulling a premature retreat for seemingly no reason, they finally noticed her. She had since discarded her black armor, and was just clad in her everyday Fire Nation attire.
Katara soon found herself being swept off her feet by her brother, her mother right behind them. The Avatar Guard seemed to be celebrating a victory. The Order must have had something else in mind for abandoning their base this quickly, but at the moment they were going to worry about thing such as casualties and leave the planning to the strategists.
Katara’s mother was in tears.
“That...” she exclaimed, “That was you the whole time; all that destruction... Why, Katara... why;”
“I hate this war,” Katara cried, “Do you realize what it’s done to me—what it’s made me become?”
“Katara,” said Sokka, who had always been Katara’s ‘voice of reason’ before they were separated, “just calm down. We’re here for you again. This was a heavy blow on The Order; losing one of their bases like this. This war won’t last much longer.”
Katara said nothing. She knew that she was going to get pestered with questions if she went with The Avatar Guard. She sighed.
“I don’t want to talk about what I did,” she said, “I just want to be alone.”
“Well,” said Sokka, “we have a whole big Order base that’s probably big enough for you to fine a place to be by yourself. Just relax, Katara. It’s over for now.”
But it was far from over. The Avatar Guard was surprised to find that The Order’s Base had been stripped of anything other than things used by the public, so in essence, instead of finding The Order’s plans or such, all they had was a semi-clone of their base in Ba Sing Se. additionally, there was the issue of a certain Fire Lady who was chained down at the camp. She was conscious again, but had not moved since Tenoko had captured her and chained her down.
“You,” Zakura exclaimed upon seeing her,
“Aye,” Ayumi replied, “me. What’s your point?”
“What are you doing here?”
“You think I chained myself down? I was captured, you idiot.”
“Surely you’re not that pathetic; or are you?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know, Little Miss Avatar,” Ayumi leered, “I thought your gang would have taught you by now—Expect The Unexpected.”
~Azula~
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Tera253
Gran Gran
In Soviet Russia, post writes you
Posts: 588
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Post by Tera253 on Apr 22, 2009 11:01:38 GMT -5
CHAPTER 65: THE TWO MASTERMINDS Naturally Ayumi was chained down and heavily watched over. However, she made no resistance during any of this, and was laughing. Either she had been driven insane, or was playing a nasty game with The Avatar Guard. Whatever she was doing, they learned that The Order did not know what it was, for they sent word to Fire Lord Orzon and the rest of The Order telling of Ayumi’s capture, and they actually offered ransom for her release. Whatever Ayumi was doing, she was in it by herself. No one was able to figure her out.
“What in blazes does she think she’s doing,” Zhin exclaimed, as once she had caught word of it, even her tactical genius could not deduct what Ayumi was up to,
“Wouldn’t we all like to know,” said Orzon, who clearly seemed the most, bothered by this, as it was his wife that was taken.
Naturally, Ayumi refused to tell The Avatar Guard anything.
“What,” she said, laughing, “are you going to kill me; torture me? Perhaps kill or torture someone I love? I have no soul, remember?”
“You pull some amusing shenanigans, Ayumi,” said Tenoko, laughing, “But I have no idea what you’re planning with this one,”
“Which just proves that I’m one step ahead of all of you,” she said, laughing, “do what you want with me. You’ll never get the secret out.”
Most members of The Avatar Guard knew better than to try and challenge Ayumi, and so most of them just stayed away. However, there were two people who were willing to take the challenge. First was Ryuka. Ayumi was chained down onto some sort of large table so she was lying on her back looking up. She was completely calm, and seemed very relaxed, as if she could fall asleep if she wanted.
“Ah,” said Ayumi, smiling, “Ryuka is it?”
“Aye,” Ryuka replied, “you are quite the annoyance; you know that?”
“Aye,” Ayumi replied, “of course, this is coming from the man who does not even have a nationality.”
“What are you talking about,” Ryuka exclaimed,
“I spoke clearly,” Ayumi replied, “neither of your parents were benders; one was from the Earth Kingdom, the other from the Fire Nation. You were born on the seas, and since you’re not a bender, you technically have no nationality either.”
Ryuka said nothing at first. “What’s your point?” he asked,
“My point is,” said Ayumi “is that you’re inferior. Do you not see it clearly? Non-benders are always inferior.”
A series of strange events followed this moment, and summed up, Ayumi’s theory was proved, as she did a series of things that made him feel dizzy.
Nonetheless, she sealed her victory. She slid next to him and gently slid her shoes off, and removed the headpiece from her hair. She set them in Ryuka’s hands and grinned.
“Tokens of your defeat,” she said, smirking; she went towards a bed that was in a corner and laid down there, her back to Ryuka.
The bed was nowhere near as nice as the ones she was used to, but apparently Ayumi was tougher than she looked. Nonetheless, Ryuka was through here. He placed Ayumi’s shoes on the floor next to her bed and put her headpiece on the nearby nightstand. He felt dizzy, and he too wanted to lie down.
“Dang, that woman’s a freak,” he muttered to himself, “for all I can see, she’s here just to drive us crazy.”
For the most part, he was right. This seemed to be Ayumi’s intention. They were not going to let her go, for if they did that she would become a dangerous opponent on the battlefield, but when they kept her cooped up, she drove them all crazy through various means, never causing any true harm. There was only one person left for the job—Katara Altina II—the young woman who was always a step ahead of everyone else.
“So what,” said Katara, stepping in to see Ayumi; she was still lying on the bed, her back to Katara; “are you just here to annoy us?”
“Aye, that about sums it up,” Ayumi replied, “it should have been obvious. I mean: did any of you honestly expect that I was going to bend to your wills once I was captured?”
“Of course not,” Katara replied, “and so naturally, either we can keep you here and let you try to annoy us, or we can set you free, make The Order happy, and meet you back on the battlefield.”
“So now do you see the double standard,” said Ayumi, still curled up comfortably, and she still had not looked at Katara,
“Aye,” Katara replied, sitting down, kicking her boots off and putting her bare feet on the table; she began fiddling with her fingerless gloves and the gold-colored braces she wore “you’re also trying to find information about The Avatar Guard while you’re here.”
“Hmm,” Ayumi remarked, rolling over and throwing her long, black hair behind her again, “you really are smarter than you look,”
“Of course, it’s not up to me to decide,” Katara shrugged, “I am neither against The Order nor for them. I serve a higher authority.”
“You would not join your family,” Ayumi asked, “after all of that searching you would abandon that quest for a higher cause?”
“Aye,” Katara replied, “my higher cause involved me finding my family as well. After all, even with all my grand schemes and always being one step ahead of the rest of the world, I’m still just a 15-year-old girl, and with emotions as unstable as mine, I had to satisfy my desire to see my family again, and so I did. I thought of everything, including an unstable teenage girl’s emotions.”
“And did you ever think of your fame,” Ayumi asked her, sitting up, “and where it came from? People knew you not only for your power, but also for the mystery surrounding you. Your name has a distinct reputation, Katara Altina II, as does mine. The reasons are the only difference.”
“You’re a cunning woman, Ayumi,” said Katara; her bangs covered her eyes, and she was not looking at what Ayumi was doing. Incidentally, all she was doing was getting her shoes back on, straightening her robe, and doing up her hair again.
“Where are you going,” Katara asked,
“Nowhere,” Ayumi replied, “I have nowhere to go. None of you will even let me out of this room for some fresh air, so I’m stuck here.”
“Alright then,” Katara shrugged, “whatever floats your boat.”
Eventually Ayumi was able to get out of the room, but no one let her near any of the exits of the base. They were harsh when dealing with her, but she made no resistance, and when they moved her, she just went with the flow. She seemed to bide her time just idly wandering around the place. It was ironic that the Fire Lady was the only one who was restricted in the area; nonetheless, Ayumi was not bothered at all by her captivity. In fact, she seemed accustomed to it.
Ayumi was bothersome to The Avatar Guard, but only because they could not figure out what she was doing, or why she found wandering around to be so entertaining. She never actually caused any harm. She only spoke when spoken to, and when she did, it was usually just the truthful answer to a suspicious question. The only one who did not seem bothered by her was Katara II, and she and Tenoko were not afraid to converse with Ayumi as if they were acquaintances instead of rivals.
“What is she doing,” Zakura asked Tenoko, “she’s clearly not innocent.”
“I never said she was, and believe it to be false as much as you do,” Tenoko replied, “she is likely just lonely and bored. She seems to like having someone to talk to.”
“So why do you and Katara give her what she wants,” she asked,
“Because Ayumi is an interesting woman to converse with,” Tenoko replied, “so trust me, Zak; do you really think that I would talk with her just to humor her? I’m on your side still. I only talk to her because it gives me something to do while we wait for The Order to complete their plans of trying to retake this base and likely liberate Ayumi.”
Ayumi was wandering by during this time, and she had stopped when she heard her name.
“Beat it,” said Zakura, “this is none of your business.”
“On the contrary,” Ayumi replied, “anything involving my name is my business. Also, being the Fire Lady also brings most Fire Nation affairs under the category of “my business”; am I right?”
“Normally you would be,” Zakura replied, “but here, you’re just another ordinary person. You have no authority here.”
“Alright then,” said Ayumi, looking upwards, “I can live with that.” And with that, she simply walked off, still retaining her royal stride.
“She’s up to something, Tenoko,” Zakura warned, “surely you have noticed it by now—it’s undeniable.”
“Of course,” Tenoko replied, “but like you, I don’t know what it is. Ayumi Zhaoka is acting more normal than I thought was possible for her.”
“We need to find out what she’s up to,” said Zakura, “and I say this to you because you’re one of the two people she’ll talk to, and Katara Altina II is on her own side.”
“I understand,” Tenoko replied, “and I’ll do my best. What we really need though is a way to convince Katara to go up against her in a battle of wits. She’s a very smart kid.”
“Aye,” said Zakura, smirking, “that would be an interesting performance: a battle of The Two Masterminds.”
~Azula~
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Tera253
Gran Gran
In Soviet Russia, post writes you
Posts: 588
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Post by Tera253 on Apr 22, 2009 11:02:35 GMT -5
CHAPTER 66:A FATAL MISTAKE The Avatar Guard remained at what was formerly The Order’s Kyoshi Warrior base, figuring that a huge place like this would be one that they would want to try and reclaim. However, after a week of nothing, not even any more offers in exchange for Ayumi’s freedom, they figured that The Order had something else in mind.
Ayumi knew this part of their strategy, but the only time she ever opened her mouth was when she wanted to talk to someone, or when she wanted to be released. During that week she had started complaining. Apparently she thought that she would be rescued.
As a result, and probably to torment her, they let Katara II be the one to watch over her. She was able to because of her power. Katara I and Sokka were uneasy about this, but Katara II accepted the job, seeing it as a good way to get revenge for their earlier meetings.
Unlike Ayumi had been with Katara though, Katara was not determined to kill Ayumi. She was just there to shut her up when she complained.
Eventually The Avatar Guard figured that if The Order was not going to come to them that they would have to go to The Order. After all, for all The Avatar Guard knew, they could be in Ba Sing Se scouring the area for the Avatar Guard’s main base.
“They know of our location obviously,” said Ryuka to the others; they were preparing to move out. They had chained Ayumi’s hands behind her back, blindfolded her and had put another chain around her head that went into her mouth, so that she was biting down on it and couldn’t talk. She stood there grumbling and seemed to be trying vainly to escape.
“Do you realize that with Fire Nation Soldiers and Kyoshi Warriors, the two generally most powerful military units that they could very well have taken over the walls?”
“Surely they could not take over Ba Sing Se with that few people though,” said Zakura, “it just couldn’t be done, let alone this soon.”
“Who said they had to take over,” Ryuka asked, “all they would have to do is claim the walls and be able to hold them. But aye, they certainly haven’t taken it over yet, but they certainly could have taken parts of the walls to bar the likes of us out.”
“So do you want to know what we do,” said a raspy voice; they turned to see Katara, donned in her black armor, her helmet in her hand; “we send former members of The Order in, and they’ll be the ones to let us in.”
“What are you talking about,” Cheng and Taki both asked, for they figured Katara was talking about them, and she was. During the time between the battle and now, she had obtained as much information about The Avatar Guard as possible.
Though she was not on The Avatar Guard’s side necessarily, she figured that they were “The side with the good cause” and so she was going to for the time being help them try to end the war. Additionally, her family was on this site, and although she had not quite re-bonded with them yet, she was not going to turn against them.
Katara looked at Chang and Taki and smirked.
“You two,” she said, “you two are traitors to The Order. Moreover, the fact that you happen to be a Fire Soldier and a Kyoshi Warrior makes the plan perfect. All you need to do is slap these Order crests on your chests and they’d let you in.”
“How do you know this,” Zakura asked,
“She’s been in The Order obviously,” said Maric, “and I can second her statement. I’ve been there too. I know what they do.”
“But do you have any of these crests,” Royota asked her, and Katara smirked. She turned to where Ayumi was bound and walked over to her. Reaching into Ayumi’s pocket, she whipped out a handful of Order Emblems. These were used to distinguish friend from foe during battles so when things got hectic that allies would not kill each other, since soldiers and warriors from all nations were on both sides.
Ayumi glared at Katara as she did this. She growled.
“Who do you think you are,” she snapped, though it was sort of hard to tell what she had said because of the chain in her mouth,
“I’m Katara Altina II:” Katara replied, “and I will always be one step ahead of everyone else.”
“Really now,” Ayumi asked, and even some of the Avatar Guard members looked at her oddly.
“Of course,” Katara replied, “when you have more power than you’re able to handle, you HAVE to stay one step ahead of everyone else.”
She paused and looked around. She then handed an Order Emblem to Taki, and one to Cheng.
“With these and your uniforms,” she said, “you’ll be invincible.”
Cheng and Taki smirked. Of course, Taki’s makeup and headgear made her look like just another Kyoshi Warrior, and of course Cheng’s helmet would cover his face, so they were set.
“So,” said Katara, turning to Ryuka, “does this plan sit well with you all, or do I need to shut up and sit down?”
“If they’re fine with it,” said Ryuka, “then all systems go,”
“Aye,” Zakura added, “their opinion matters the most right now.”
“Well,” said Taki, giggling, “we had a fun time ripping them apart and totally humiliating them last time, didn’t we, Cheng-Cheng?” Cheng laughed and nodded.
“Aye,” he replied, “aye we did.”
“In that case,” said Katara, putting her helmet back on, “we must be on our way immediately.”
Cheng and Taki did not bother to ask questions. The fact that they would not have to be separated might have helped this.
The rest of The Avatar Guard left the next day, most of the armies moving out with them. There were a few that remained at the base to hold it incase of a decent-sized invasion, and they figured that with Cheng, who specialized against Fire Nation soldiers and Taki, who specialized against Kyoshi Warriors, [and The Dark Warrior, The Avatar, and The Four Benders] that they’d do alright.
Ayumi did not seem to enjoy being held captive by Ryuka, who had remained at the base to watch over her. They would have had Katara be the one to do it, but she was playing her part as The Dark Warrior. Other than her, Ryuka was the only one who could handle her without her driving them insane and wanting to kill her.
“Try and kiss me again and I’ll slice your mouth off,” Ryuka warned, brandishing a knife like he usually just did for show anyways. Ayumi just sighed through her chains and sat down on the bed again. This surprised Ryuka, as once again, she seemed to have changed.
This was just part of Ayumi’s sympathy game though, and eventually, after some wistful sighing, Ryuka’s sympathetic side gave in, and he unchained her hands and mouth.
“Come on,” Ryuka shrugged, looking at Ayumi’s longing face, “you’re not being treated badly.”
“I never said I was,” Ayumi replied, “I just want to go home; home to the Fire Nation; home into the welcoming arms of my husband.” Ryuka scoffed, “that’s not the message you gave to me the last time we met,” he said, “surely you could care less.”
“Honestly,” said Ayumi, sounding insulted, “you do now know a game of the mind when it is slapped into your face.”
“Perhaps you gave me the wrong impression,” said Ryuka, “either way; it is not something that I will be forgetting.”
Ayumi sighed. Being surrounded by an entire mass of people who all hated her was not doing too well on her by this time stressed emotional status, and she really did want to go home. Having nothing else to wear, she simply removed her headpiece and her shoes and then crawled into the bed in the corner, curling up, her face away from Ryuka, who was sitting where Katara II usually did, his feet on the table.
Ayumi lay there thinking about her friends, though evil they were. She was also thinking about her husband, Orzon, and how, although they were both cruel and merciless to most other people, they were kind and loving almost exclusively to each other.
“I miss him,” Ayumi whispered, and Ryuka heard her, “I miss his touch. I long again to feel the warmth of him putting his arm around me; the warmth of his lips pressing against mine; feeling his heartbeat when we embrace each other; the warmth of his body around mine when I sleep... I miss the warm voice of my Orzon.”
“Who are you” Ryuka asked off-handedly, “you’re... different.”
“I am Fire Lady Ayumi,” Ayumi whispered again, “the wife of Fire Lord Orzon. Regardless of how we treated the rest of the world, we always loved each other—truly; always and forever.”
“Eh,” Ryuka shrugged, his sympathy for this woman limited for obvious reasons, “whatever.”
Ayumi did not respond, but she was thankful that Ryuka did not turn around. Though tears had been running down her face when she was talking about how much she missed Orzon [it had been sincere], she had thought of her answer on how to escape. Now she was grinning.
“I am the 4th greatest firebender in the world,” she thought to herself, placing herself beneath Alzar and Katara II, two world-known masters, and also beneath Orzon, but above Zeruda; “no mere Avatar Guard minions, not even their strategist, will be able to keep me now. Zakura, by leaving me with the people you did, you just made A Fatal Mistake.”
~Azula~
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Tera253
Gran Gran
In Soviet Russia, post writes you
Posts: 588
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Post by Tera253 on Apr 22, 2009 11:03:11 GMT -5
CHAPTER 67: AN AGONIZING DEFEAT Because of their appearances, Cheng and Taki were able to get back into Ba Sing Se past The Order’s forces, which had in fact taken over the western area around where The Avatar Guard’s base was located. They did not know the exact location (for all of the main bases of either group were well-hidden), but they seemed to be scouring the area.
Cheng and Taki were assigned an area to scour, and incidentally, it was the area where it was. As a result, while the other Order members of their group were searching around there, they chose the area where it was, and naturally just claimed to have found nothing.
“What’s Katara doing,” Taki whispered to Cheng, “why isn’t she appearing; what’s taking her so long?”
“I don’t know,” Cheng replied truthfully, “but think—she probably knows what she was doing. I mean, she’s gotten us this far.”
Unfortunately, they were heard by some of the others, including the Commander who was in charge of their group.
“Who are you talking about,” he snapped at them, “speak now.”
Luckily Cheng thought fast, as Taki was rooted to the spot. She was scared that they were going to hurt Cheng, and was therefore nervously messing with her katana, a weapon that she individually did not use nearly as often as her trademark razor-sharp Kyoshi fans; [“They’re so sharp you can cut yourself by thinking of them” she boasted]
“We were talking about Fire Lady Ayumi,” he replied quickly, “surely she knows what she is doing wherever she is now.”
“The Avatar Guard has her, you idiot,” the commander replied, “but whatever. Get back to searching.”
However, the time of ‘scouring’ only lasted half a day. Late that evening, The Order got an unexpected visitor: Katara II—The Dark Warrior.
“Did ya miss me?” she laughed, and her raspy voice, combined with her method of disguise that she used to make her voice sound even lower, made it actually sound rather funny.
“What do you want,” said one the guards on the walls. They said it forcefully, but Katara could tell that they were worried.
“The Avatar Guard is coming,” she warned, “so I suggest that you prepare yourselves. You’ve got enemies all around you.”
“Really now,” one of the soldiers chuckled; he looked like a high-ranking officer; “Sir Warrior, I think it is you that has your facts mixed up. You have enemies all around you.”
The Dark Warrior chuckled. “Surely,” she said, “you’ve heard the news by now; but I guess not?”
“What are you playing,” he asked, “is this some sort of mind game?”
“Not at all,” The Dark Warrior replied, “I just thought that surely your Order would have informed everyone that The Warrior of the Black Hand is just a 15-year-old girl.”
She removed her helmet for a moment and smirked.
“As for enemies being all around you,” she said, putting her helmet back on, “that is what it is about to seem like. Cheng, Taki, that’s your cue.”
Cheng and Taki pocketed their Order Emblems and made it so their faces were recognized again.
“Let the games begin,” they said in unison.
“And if we die here,” said Cheng to Taki, “we’ll die together. Death will not separate us.”
“No,” said Taki, “no it won’t. But we’re not going to die; not here at least.”
Cheng smirked, and the two of them took off. According to Katara’s timing, the rest of The Avatar Guard would be there within an hour or so, and so they figured if they could avoid their enemies for that long they would. As a result, Cheng and Taki were avoiding fighting unless they actually had to, and were lingering generally around The Dark Warrior, who was clearly able to ensure that no one died that she didn’t want dead.
The remainder of the Avatar Guard showed up and began wreaking havoc. Using large amounts of water, the waterbenders were able to get themselves over the wall. The airbenders glided over, the firebenders blasted themselves across and the earthbenders just lifted the ground around them to get across.
The Elite members of The Avatar Guard all did well at staying alive, but because of the wall advantage that The Order had, many of The Avatar Guard’s soldiers began falling. Incidentally, almost none of the major Order members seemed to be there, for none was in sight except for Yang and Orzon. Naturally, Orzon was looking for Tenoko, for it had been her that had captured his wife.
Like Ayumi, Orzon knew about Maric and Malak being Tenoko’s children. He figured that she would try to watch over them unlike before [though they were decent at defending themselves considering how young they were], and he was right. Although she wasn’t right next to them, Tenoko was not moving very far from the twins, so he fought his way over.
“Crikey,” Tenoko exclaimed as Orzon confronted her and the two started fighting, Orzon fighting just as fiercely as Ayumi had, “why is it that I’m always the one who gets pulled into a big fight?”
Unlike Ayumi, Orzon did not have some sort of friendly rivalry with Tenoko, and so he was not going easy on her like Ayumi had been. [Just like Tenoko had gone easy on Ayumi] he was swift, powerful, fierce, and relentless. It seemed that the anger of him knowing he was fighting the woman who captured his wife was fueling his energy.
“You,” he said, launching a powerful attack at her, “you were the one who took my wife from me,”
“Indeed I was,” said Tenoko, sidestepping the attack and throwing some of her own; she was actually attacking this time instead of only countering and defending, “all is fair in the game of war. I actually would almost be inclined to say that she let me capture her. I never understood the way she operated, but she usually outsmarted me with tactics; I guess my side was just a little drunken luck.”
“Perhaps it was,” said Orzon, “or perhaps you have some considerable skill.” He glanced out in the direction which the Avatar Guard had come from, and saw a small glint on the horizon that was not the sun; “Nevertheless,” he continued, “you are my enemy.”
“I should assume so,” Tenoko shrugged, “so I guess we fight, as is customary in the art of war.”
The battle between the Fire Lord and the former Water Chief was truly awe-inspiring, even more so than the one against Ayumi. Huge, dazzling bursts of fire combated amazingly enormous water formations as the two masters fought their way to victory against the other.
Like his wife, Orzon was very nimble. However, Tenoko won that award easily, as she was almost never on her feet—she was usually flipping or spiraling through the air preventing an attack or throwing one of her own. Orzon was a little more stable; standing his ground and attacking from one spot as opposed to flipping and jumping all over the place like Tenoko was. Both of them had swift reflexes, and with the exception of Orzon searing Tenoko’s arm, it seemed that neither one could land a powerful hit on the other.
Meanwhile, the rest of the battle seemed to be going in favor of The Avatar Guard, despite their disadvantages. However, this was unfortunately about to change.
The glint on the horizon was growing closer, and was now easily visible as a fiery object cutting a burning path across the plains towards the walls of the city. Friend and foe alike stopped to see what it was, as it was rather small, but fast and the flames were huge.
“Spirits have mercy,” Sokka exclaimed, as he was known for his keen eyes; “it’s Ayumi. She’s coming!”
It was hard to tell, but Ayumi was moving fast enough towards them, cutting a blazing trail towards the city, that she was soon recognizable as the Fire Lady.
“There’s only one way that that could have happened,” said Royota grimly to Zakura, “she must have killed Ryuka.”
“I want to know how she got past all the soldiers,” Zakura exclaimed, as they watched Ayumi meet up with The Avatar Guard troops who were still outside the walls, “I left a lot back there for a reason.”
Ayumi single-handedly annihilated most of the Avatar Guard soldiers who were outside the walls, leaving the rest to the Order members, and blasting herself over the walls.
“Did you miss me,” she asked, beaming, “or should we halt this war and go our separate ways?”
“They have the advantage,” Royota whispered, “if I were you Zakura, I would run. They want you, and they want to destroy the avatar cycle. We are here to die for you, and if that is what it will take, then that is what we’ll do.”
“No,” said Zakura, “I am not going to run like a coward.”
“Capture them all,” said Orzon, “take them to Lake Laogai; take the others that we spoke of to the Fire Nation.”
Even the Dark Warrior was captured during this chaos. Somehow, she had lost control of her power. All of the firebenders had actually seemed more powerful, but after The Dark Warrior lost control, they realized that a crucial figure had been lost, and she too was captured.
“Xin Shing is in the Fire Nation,” Zeruda whispered as she passed Zakura, “they’re taking you to Lake Laogai with the others. Don’t worry.”
Zakura even admitted defeat. It hurt her to watch all of her friends get captured, and she hoped that some of the younger ones would be alright. She had noticed that Meili had gotten Zuki out of the fray, and that was a relief to her, but Zakura accepted her fate—Ayumi’s return; Ryuka’s [assumed] death, and the loss at the walls—An Agonizing Defeat.
~Azula~
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Tera253
Gran Gran
In Soviet Russia, post writes you
Posts: 588
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Post by Tera253 on Apr 22, 2009 11:03:47 GMT -5
CHAPTER 68: EXTREME DETERMINATION The defeated Avatar Guard members had their chi blocked by some of the Kyoshi Warriors so they wouldn’t be able to escape, and surprisingly, this worked rather effectively. It was much harder to block chi during a battle, as a sword has a much longer reach than an arm, and benders could easily use distance to their advantage.
Nonetheless, The Order took Iresu, Zeruda, Tenoko, Maric, Malak, Katara II, Koara, Royota, and The Four Benders to the Fire Nation, while the rest of them went to the Earth Kingdom to Lake Laogai. Why they had decided to split them up like this was unknown, and they all especially wondered why Zakura was being taken to Lake Laogai instead of the Fire Nation, for they all know that Xin Shing’s headquarters was in the Fire Nation, and therefore they did not know why The Order had done what they did.
Zakura was mostly wondering about the younger figured, like Maric, Malak, Reyson, Sanaki, and Vigo. She saw Meili escape with Zuki, so she wasn’t worried about her. She also noted that they did not seem to know that Reyson was Zeruda’s son, and this also relieved her.
Zakura was unsure about the rest of her friends, but from what she understood of the Lake Laogai base they were taken to, there were two people in each cell. She herself got one with Sanaki. Ironically, it seemed that none of the prominent Order figures had gone to Lake Laogai—or so she had thought.
“Looks like we might be seeing how well Zhin and Tu-Sung fight,” said Zakura to Sanaki, since she was the only one with her after they were locked up. Neither one could bend at the moment because their chi had been blocked [that or they pulled the stunt well enough and made it look like their limbs hurt enough].
“Oh,” Sanaki exclaimed, “well, maybe you all will. I’m blind, remember?”
“Right,” Zakura chuckled, for Sanaki had giggled as well, “you’re your spirits are still up. But aye, they’re here.”
Zakura had obviously mentioned them because they were the ones who were guarding the prison underneath Lake Laogai that The Avatar Guard was kept at. Granted, there were others, but those two were the prominent Order figures present.
“So why didn’t Orzon want the avatar in the Fire Nation?” Zhin asked Tu-Sung, for once again, the logic of the Zhaoka family had baffled her. They were clearly out of The Avatar Guard’s earshot when they talked about the subject though;
“I am unsure,” Tu-Sung replied, “but surely they will inform us of it at one time or another. What we should be worrying about is if they figure out the lay of this place and try to escape. After all, with the avatar and prominent figures like that, surely they would be able to overwhelm us just like Ayumi did with Ryuka and The Avatar Guard’s soldiers at the Kyoshi Warrior base to the west.”
“Aye,” Zhin remarked, “I personally think that we should just release them. They are not doing us any good, for we know that they will all die rather than betray the avatar, and killing Princess Zakura when she’s not in the avatar state defeats the purpose of our mission.”
“Indeed,” said Tu-Sung, “perhaps Orzon and Ayumi were hoping that we would be able to figure that out. Fire Lady Ayumi was always one step ahead of everyone else.”
“If The Dark Warrior were here, she would laugh at that remark,” said Zhin, “and yet even she faltered. I wonder why.”
“Because she is a 15-year-old girl, Zhin,” said Tu-Sung, “she was clearly going far over her head with what she did.”
“But she got away with it for so long,” said Zhin, “surely there is much more to that young girl than meets the eye. Why would Orzon and Ayumi target her the way they did if she was normal?”
“Then she was a prodigious 15-year-old girl who went over her head,” said Tu-Sung, “but then again, I did notice a surge of power among the firebenders. We had more of them then the Avatar Guard too. It seemed like they were all more powerful.”
“Perhaps there is an upcoming comet,” said Zhin, “surely Fire Nation records in the Royal Palace would tell of it, and since the Royal Palace is in our hands, we would be the ones to know.”
“Perhaps that was Ayumi’s gambit,” Tu-Sung remarked, “and perhaps it is why the young girl lost control.”
“She has more power than she can control,” said Zhin, “that was what Orzon said. If she was able to control it up until this point, then she must have had a power surge. Being a firebender myself, I know that when a firebender has a power surge that means there is a comet approaching. This is either going to make or break Katara Altina II.”
“Oh,” Zhin exclaimed, “how so,”
“I don’t have to be a firebender to know the old legends, Zhin,” Tu-Sung chuckled; he was an earthbender; “if she does not gain control over her power, it will consume her.”
“Then I also suppose that you know how that power can be harnessed?” Zhin remarked, “there was a man almost 1300 years ago, hired by a Fire Nation Prince to kill the avatar, who was able to concentrate his energy and make distant explosions. It was actually a faulty attack that sent him to his grave at the Western Air Temple.”
“She clearly has that sort of thing against her,” Tu-Sung remarked, “It was a faltering attack from her that enabled us to capture her.”
“Exactly; but it is this approaching comet that is taking her into the danger zone. If she does not die from this, she could become a threat worse than the avatar.”
“She’s a determined young woman. Regardless of what side she is on, I will admit that she did well with that Dark Warrior guise.”
“My point exactly, Tu-Sung; if she was just some ordinary 15-year-old girl I would just shrug this off and assume that her intensified power from the comet would consume her. This is Katara Altina II though. She’s been determinedly hunting for her family for the past year almost. She was determined to master her power, and she did before she became The Dark Warrior.”
“But she is not on The Avatar Guard’s side, Zhin; she said that she is on neither side. She is simply going to attempt to fight both sides and end the war. We all know what will end it though—the deaths of Princess Zakura or Lord Xin Shing. Even then there are other conditions that need to be met on both of these sides.”
“Tu-Sung, her family is part of The Avatar Guard. if The Avatar Guard figures this out, all they will have to do is make sure that Sokka Altina and Katara Altina I are at every battle they fight, and Katara Altina II will not fight against them. It is a bond that would lead to our downfall. That girl is altogether dangerous.”
“That what do you propose, Zhin? Surely we cannot take on a girl with that much power on our own.”
“We do not want them coming for our group here. We need to release the others tomorrow.”
“Do we release Sokka and Katara I?”
“Aye, with the avatar, she’ll probably try to break them out.”
“Good point. What did we plan on doing with them anyways?”
“I’m just as clueless as you in that regard. We make the verdict tomorrow. If they discover the things we do here we’ll be done in.”
“So be it,” said Tu-Sung, “perhaps sending out a few Zuroc Sensei to convey the message to the Fire Nation before The Avatar Guard gets there would be a smart idea.”
“Exactly,” said Zhin, “knowing them, they are going to try and release their other friends; and so Orzon and Ayumi should be informed of it.”
The Avatar Guard was all surprised to be released the next day. Needless to say, they did not ask questions, but instead retreated back to their base, for the area was now for the most part deserted.
Upon their return, they were glad to see that Meili, Zuki, their family, and the Foxx family were safe and well.
Naturally, they were all a bit confused as to why The Order had suddenly released them;
“this sucks,” said Zakura, since all the Senior Members of The Avatar Guard had been the ones taken, “I... I don’t feel like I should do this. I feel like I lack the authority or something.”
“Zakura,” said Katara I, “remember, we fight for you. We take your command, regardless of what it is. Knowing the other members of The Avatar Guard, they’ll be alright.”
“I know,” said Zakura, “but... I don’t know; it’s just... well, you just lost your daughter again; Ryuka is gone; and now our whole group is in two different places.”
“Believe me, Zakura,” said Katara I, I’ve been through worse. I didn’t even get to properly talk to my daughter, and so my determination is going to drag me all the way to the Fire Nation even if I have to swim there.”
Zakura smiled, “in that case,” she said firmly, “then we’re going to the Fire Nation to get our friends back. Who here is with me?”
Naturally, everyone who had been captured with them [and also Meili and Zuki] was in. with Royota and Katara gone, and Ryuka now dead, Katara I seemed to be Zakura’s new ray of hope. For a woman who had been separated from her family, she took life rather well.
“Don’t worry, Zakura,” she said as they boarded a ship to the Fire Nation, “we’re still here for you, and we are going to get our friends out of their grasp. All we need is Extreme Determination.
~Azula~
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Tera253
Gran Gran
In Soviet Russia, post writes you
Posts: 588
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Post by Tera253 on Apr 22, 2009 11:04:20 GMT -5
CHAPTER 69: GO WITH THE FLOW It was a few days before Zeruda, Tenoko, Iresu and the others reached the Fire Nation. They were kept securely in a place where they would not be able to escape. The exception was Katara, who was taken again to the palace. She still had her black armor, and was not about to let it get taken from her.
Maric and Malak were separated from Tenoko, and were actually taken to an arena with Orzon and Ayumi. Apparently they recognized Maric as a traitor to The Order. However, they had a different tactic instead of killing him. They were not going to kill Malak either.
“Maric Dragmire,” said Ayumi, since neither of the twins had any power at this point owing to The Order’s forces preventing them [namely through chi blockage], “the boy who betrayed The Order. Tell me; what madness drove you to that point?”
“My sister’s madness,” Maric replied firmly, “or rather, her sanity—her reasoning; I know what side is going to win this war—it’s the side that is fighting for a good cause—for self-defense.”
“Reasoning,” said Ayumi, “the only reasoning you need is some that will convince me not to punish you—by tormenting your sister.”
Both Maric and Malak gasped. Malak was scared, and Maric angry.
“No,” said Maric, “I am the one who betrayed you, and so if you feel justice must be served, then punish me. Do not harm my sister.”
Ayumi smirked, “Do you know of Sanaki Li Chan,” she said, “THE legendary Sanaki Li Chan?”
“She was the greatest Fire Lady to ever live,” Malak replied angrily, “the opposite of YOU.”
“On the contrary,” said Ayumi seductively, “I am her descendant—or rather, one of many. The long black hair, the soft skin, the vivid eyes—the seductive good looks...”
“You’re a monster,” Malak snapped. Reyson had actually told Malak that she looked pretty in her warrior’s clothes; “beauty is not a term for you, no matter how much you wish it.”
“Seductive beauty has run in the Li Chan Family’s blood for generations,” Ayumi replied deviously, “just because not all of their members used it did not mean it went unused.”
“What’s your point,” Maric asked,
“Do you know why you are here, Dragmire children,” she asked, “You, Maric, are here to see your sister locked away. You, Malak, are about to meet your new best friend.”
A Zuroc Sensei appeared from nowhere and gripped Malak’s upper arms between where her fingerless gloves ended and her short sleeves started. It did not seem very strong, and Malak actually jerked, thinking she could break free. When she tried that, two swift jabs to her ankles told her that the Zuroc Sensei were merciless.
“My name is Azula Caroso,” she said a low voice, “consider your life in my hands, little waterbender—for you will never see the light of day where you are going.”
Azula turned out to be a fierce and smooth-talking firebender of great power. She said she was named after a Fire Princess with similar qualities, and, like her, was a powerful prodigy with cutting words. Surprisingly, her clothing did not seem like Maric and Malak had thought it would. It was simply a sleeveless shirt and knee length pants. However, her shins from the knee to the foot and her forearms from the elbow to the fingertips were bound. Her feet were also bare, and she had a large ponytail.
When all was said and done, Malak was locked away, and Maric was kicked from the prison. He didn’t know where to go, but he was determined to get back in there and get his sister out. He went in the direction of the area where he knew the Secret Service Base was and was not terribly surprised when he saw the rest of his group there, except Katara Altina II. It took him effort to find the place, and the only reason he found it was because he had been there with Prince Reyson and his sister Malak previously.
Eventually he got everything explained, and wondered how they had gotten out. They said that after a few questions had been answered, they were simply let go.
“Definitely one of Ayumi’s gambits,” said Tenoko, “I’ve been in many of them myself. I personally wish I could watch Sanaki Li Chan pack a wallop on her—Fire Lady and Fire Lady;”
“About that,” Maric remarked, and then told her about Ayumi’s ancestry.
“She’s WHAT,” Tenoko gawked, deliberately spewing her drink in Alzar’s face, who also looked shocked.
“Tenoko, pull yourself together woman,” Alzar snapped, “It means she’s somehow related to ME, not you.”
“No, no,” said Tenoko, “I got that. You said something about her holding Malak in that ramble of yours, son. I ain’t going to sit for that. That’s my daughter. Ayumi’s got no rights to take her.”
“You think that’d sway her,” Maric exclaimed, “I tried that same thing. I’m the one to blame, not her.”
“Well what are we waiting for then,” said Tenoko, standing up and grabbing Maric’s hand, “lead the way. We’re going in.”
“Are you nuts,” Zeruda exclaimed, “going straight in without a plan or anything of that matter?”
“Aye, of course I am,” Tenoko replied, “and as such, Maric and I are going to skedaddle on over there. We’re winging this thing happy go-lucky style. I want my daughter back, and nothing’s standing in my way.”
Maric didn’t seem too keen on this, but he did want to rescue his sister, so naturally, he went with Tenoko.
“Blimey, that woman’s going to get herself killed,” Koara remarked, “what’s she thinking going straight in there like that?”
“She’s thinking that she wants her child back,” said Iresu, “and the stubbornness of a probably drunken Water Chief might also be in there somewhere; who’d be surprised?”
“Well,” said Zeruda, “she’s going to get herself and her son killed. We should follow her in case we’re needed.”
“Or perhaps,” said Zinjamyn, “she’s not going to just burst in, but rather sneak in and then make herself known.”
“Who’s to predict the tactics of Tenoko Dragmire?” Shinon chuckled, “I mean: I for one never would have thought that she had known Ayumi that long; who knows what else she’s hiding inside that head of hers...”
“A drunken mind, and a genius one at that,” Royota laughed, “I suppose this time we should just let fate run its course. Tenoko was much like you, Koara—never cared if she was killed.”
“Aye, isn’t she?” Koara chuckled, “well, if she’s got luck like mine, she’ll definitely be coming back, Malak in her arms.”
Tenoko certainly seemed to have luck on her side. Maric was able to lead him from the place he and Malak had been.
“Tenoko,” Maric asked, still used to addressing her this way as opposed to as his mother, “do you know of a woman named Azula Caroso?”
“Azula Caroso,” Tenoko exclaimed, “No, no I haven’t. Who is she?”
“She’s apparently a Zuroc Sensei hired by The Order,” Maric replied, “and she’s the one that Ayumi put over Malak.”
“Azula, eh,” Tenoko asked, “named after that legendary Fire Princess who lived over 1000 years ago?”
“That’s what she said,” Maric replied, “and she’s powerful. I don’t think she’s necessarily an avid Order supporter, but rather, she seems to work for the highest bidder—or that was what I got from seeing her.”
“I see,” Tenoko replied, “well that’s just dandy, mate. Then perhaps I can nip a gold piece or two from Zak-Zak to talk her into getting my daughter out of the grasp of that b...”
“She’s strong;” Maric warned, “all she did; was grip Malak’s elbows with her fingers and she was able to render her unable to escape.”
“Then we’re in for some competition,” Tenoko replied, “that’s not about to stop me. Are you still with me?”
“Aye, err... mom;” Maric replied, glancing at her; she literally had just left, for although she had her warrior’s clothes still on [as always], “but I think we could have planned this out a little better; I mean; you literally just walked out. You’re still barefoot.”
Tenoko looked down at her bare feet, “so I am, son,” she remarked, chuckling, “you’ve got a good eye.”
“Mom,” said Maric flatly, “you’re eccentric.”
“It’s a gift, my boy, it’s a gift.” Tenoko replied proudly “but let’s worry about that later. First we’ve got to get your sister out of there.”
“So what’s the plan exactly?” Maric asked,
“We make it up as we go,” Tenoko replied, “we first need to find out where Malak is, ‘coz bursting into the wrong place would be rather embarrassing; don’t ya think?”
“Not to mention get us killed anyways,” Maric muttered under his breath,
“Didn’t hear that,” Tenoko chuckled, “I assume you said aye.”
Maric just decided to shrug and go with the flow. Tenoko continued up until they were just outside the area where Malak was. However, they wanted to know a more exact location for her, so they began scouting around outside the walls, as not to get caught inside them.
“I’m glad you came with me, Maric,” she said, as the two of them took shelter for the night, “you were right about me not properly thinking this through, but spirits above, THAT’S MY DAUGHTER!!!”
“And that’s why I came,” Maric replied proudly, “because she’s also my sister, and I want her back just as much as you do.”
Mother and son curled up and went to sleep, hoping that they would soon be able to find and rescue Malak. Regardless, they had put themselves into a position where they just decided to Go With The Flow.
~Azula~
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Tera253
Gran Gran
In Soviet Russia, post writes you
Posts: 588
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Post by Tera253 on Apr 22, 2009 11:04:48 GMT -5
CHAPTER 70: THE BLAZING PHOENIX Despite Maric and Tenoko having brought next to nothing with them, they were comfortable. Malak on the other hand, suffered a different fate. She turned out to be the only waterbender in the place she was kept, and so she was not even able to see any of the other prisoners, let alone talk to any of them and she knew there were quite a few.
Her environment was traditional for a waterbender prisoner: dry, hands chained to prevent any way of bending, and hostile temperatures. It made poor Malak feel lightheaded, and she was quickly unconscious. She was still dressed in her warrior’s clothes, and this proved to be a lucky shot for Malak as the chains were digging into her wrists after she went down and out. The fingerless gloves she wore kept the chains from cutting through her skin, and so she didn’t bleed.
The chains she was in allowed some maneuverability, but of course, any time they brought her water, they would immediately be jerked and tightened, usually yanking Malak’s body hard enough to slam her against the back wall. Malak may have claimed that she was not a delicate sculpture, but as a 14-year-old girl, she was not able to shrug off being slammed against a wall like Zakura would. She tumbled to her knees in pain most of the time, and was barely able to stand up.
The temperature around Malak’s cell was cold, for if it were hot, Malak would be able to sweat, and could possibly use that to her advantage. She was tired and weak, and very thirsty. During this time she observed her surroundings. There were pipes above her leading to the vents that shot out air to make the area dry, but other than that there was nothing else really that she could utilize. However, what she didn’t know was that she had a mother and brother who would become her greatest resources for her escape.
“You see, son,” said Tenoko, “Koara Lombardi taught me an interesting technique when scaling walls is concerned. Basically, it’s a waterbender’s form of raising a platform. Just keep your balance.” Tenoko formed ice beneath their feet and raised them both up, landing on the roof. There was nothing out of the ordinary except for a decent-sized area with vents that led inward.
“This is our answer,” said Tenoko, “in my years of experience, I’ve learned that these vents are connected to the pipes that keep a waterbender’s cell dry. In other words, if we send water down those pipes, we might be able to free some of the waterbenders in the area. I assume they know who Malak is, and that she’ll be here.”
“So,” said Maric, “you’ve got water?”
“We’re dumping it all, son,” Tenoko replied, “but first we have to get to that area without being seen. Think you’re in for it?”
“So a game of hide-and-seek is our strategy then?” Maric exclaimed;
“Aye,” Tenoko replied bluntly. “Let us go; and hope that luck remains with us as we do, lest we err, die, eh?”
“Um, aye,” Maric replied, almost rolling his eyes, “we wouldn’t want that.”
“Anyhoot,” said Tenoko, as they dodged their way over to their destination, “let’s wing it now.”
They eventually reached the area where they figured the waterbenders would be, and Tenoko paused.
“Here goes,” she said, bending water through one of the vents, “now we just hope Malak in conscious enough to catch on.”
Malak had been resting as much as possible, and since she had not been in there for a very long time, she was not yet as tired as she would have been if she was a regular, but her energy was diminishing.
Malak was asleep when Maric and Tenoko had pulled their stunt. Her arms were at awkward angles behind her, for she was lying on the ground on her side, trying to get comfortable. She was awakened by the cold water hitting the side of her face. She jolted awake and noticed what it was—water. However, her hands were chained, and so their movement was obviously impaired. Luckily for her though, her eccentric tactics that she and Maric used were finally able to make a big enough difference between her and a normal waterbender.
Malak’s feet were not chained, and so using some fancy footwork, she quickly broke the chains on her wrists, disconnecting them from the walls. She would get them off her wrists later. she would need more of that ‘fancy footwork’ if she wanted any chance of escape, for her arm joints ached because of the awkward way she slept, mainly her left arm.
“So assuming she does wake up,” said Maric, “what do WE do?”
“We wing it,” said Tenoko, pulling out more water, “we’re going to smash through this roof and hope we don’t land on some death trap.”
“Oh, are you,” said a voice; Tenoko and Maric turned to see Azula fling herself onto the rooftop, her bare feet making no noise upon her landing; “come, sit; I would like to tell you a little story.”
“That’s Azula Caroso,” Maric whispered, “the one I was talking about.”
“Alright then, Azula Caroso” Tenoko replied, “but remember; I’m not as think as you drunk I am”
Azula paused, choking on a laugh at Tenoko’s statement. Maric looked uneasily at her—sometime between the times she had woken up and now she had obviously gotten a drink.
“RIIIIIGHT...” she said, dragging out the ‘I’, “but anyways, I promised a story, and so I will give it.”
Azula’s intent was to stall them out so that the guards could surround them. However, but summoning them, she was also virtually giving Malak a free ticket to escaping.
“This is a story of where The Order of the Avatar Slayer took off. It is also part of Avatar Zuroc’s lore. Initially, The Order of the Avatar slayer was a group trying to promote peace—contrary to popular belief, Avatar Zuroc was actually responsible for a lot of chaos. The Zuroc Sensei were her minions—elite warriors whose uniforms indicated that they “had what it took” to be part of her elite force; to prove that they’re not afraid of being rough-and-tough; to show that even with the bright colors, they were able to remain unseen—and they proved effective. The Zuroc Sensei began spreading Zuroc’s influence.
It was a Water Tribe woman by the name of Kai Serenes XXI that finally stopped her. she was a waterbending master with skill enough to match up to her legendary avatar namesake, Kai Serenes II, and her mother, Kai Serenes I. it was this incarnation of Kai Serenes that single-handedly stopped the Zuroc Sensei from razing the Serenes village.
After that more and more people stood up to Zuroc’s warriors, and eventually they and a few others who supported Zuroc’s ways became known as The Avatar Guard. The ones who wanted peace and order back in the world were the ones who wanted to end Zuroc’s life, for she was the one responsible for it, so The Order of the Avatar Slayer got its proper name. So by that logic, the groups we know today were opposites in times past. Oh, and by the way, I’ve got you surrounded.”
Tenoko and Maric glanced around, Azula was right. There were several Zuroc Sensei all around them.
“Move and they’ll let loose,” Azula smirked, back-flipping over them and away, “perhaps on your sister, boy...”
“Really now,” said another voice, this one of a younger woman—it was Malak. She looked a little roughed up, but otherwise ready for action. The chains were still around her wrists.
The area was seemingly all firebenders, so when Malak threw the water she collected [also as an attack to break through the wall of Fire soldiers] they, being all firebenders, were unable to use it. This was enough to get Maric and Tenoko back into action.
“What’s the plan now?” Maric asked, “
“run like mad,” Tenoko yelled, waterbending her way through the warriors, her children, finally reunited, on either side of her.
“Crikey, Malak, what did you do; run into a bruiser?”
Malak did not answer. The Zuroc Sensei continued chasing them as they looked for a way off the roof. However, Azula suddenly stopped the chase, calling the warriors off. This enabled the Dragmire family to create an easy escape off the roof without being intercepted and landing painfully down and breaking something.
Azula stopped and picked up something. It was an emblem of some sort. She also noticed another one a few feet away. They were gold coins, marked as if they belonged to pirates.
“Captain Dragmire,” she exclaimed; “boys, do you know what this is?”
The Zuroc sensei [though not all male] gathered around.
“What is it,” one of them asked,
“Do you know who that woman was?” said Azula, smirking, “That was our captain, leaving us a sign. The chase is over. We set sail.”
“But what about our jobs in The Order;” a woman asked;
“Who needs order when you can plunder for gain,” Azula replied, smirking, “it’s about time Captain Dragmire returned from retirement.”
“So what,” said another man, “are we just going to fly the coop?
“Aye,” Azula replied, smirking, “Ayumi told me not to tell you this, but she wanted us away from this place for some reason; put that in and we’ve got us an excuse. We return to The Blazing Phoenix, mates!”
There was cheering among the Zuroc Sensei, all of whom were truly pirates. Azula had actually been Tenoko’s first mate, which meant by that logic, that Chief Tenoko was also Captain Tenoko of The Blazing Phoenix. Tenoko was a pirate as well, and obviously, the name of her ship was The Blazing Phoenix.
~Azula~
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Tera253
Gran Gran
In Soviet Russia, post writes you
Posts: 588
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Post by Tera253 on Apr 22, 2009 11:07:53 GMT -5
CHAPTER 71: THE TROUBLES OF AYUMI Katara was back in the Fire Nation Palace again. Orzon, glad that his wife was okay, left Katara for Ayumi to talk with. Incidentally, Ayumi was nowhere near as harsh to her as she was when they first met. When Ayumi was imprisoned, her favorite person to talk to had been Katara, and so although Katara was chained down with her arms and legs spread out [her legs not quite as much], the two of them were talking like they were friends.
“So what exactly do you want with me,” Katara asked, “I mean; I’m done fighting in this war. There is nothing you can do to convince me otherwise. Kill me; try to take my family; there’s nothing.”
“If it was me, I’d go for your family, girl,” Ayumi smirked, “and we both know that. However, I assume that the group they travel with would see them as bait for you, and so they would likely be protected well; not something I’m keen on trying at the moment.”
“Smart tactic,” Katara replied, “you do seem to have Sanaki Li Chan’s brilliant mind. I’d admire that if I were your friend.”
“Friend,” Ayumi replied, “and what says we’re not? We certainly got acquainted at The Order’s old central base.”
“But how does that constitute us being friends, especially after you tore me apart again from my family, who I still haven’t properly talked to?” Katara refuted, “It’s who I live for. You were the only other person besides my brother and a young man I once met who actually understood that. It’s the reason why I did not make an effort to kill you when I saw you returning to the walls.”
“Or was it because your power faltered,” Ayumi asked “tell me; tell me everything; this could be interesting.”
Katara seemed deep in thought.
“Perhaps it is the upcoming comet,” she remarked, “the same one that was foretold to be my death/ no wonder I feel so uncomfortable. Is it hot in here or is it just me?”
“It’s just you,” Ayumi replied truthfully, “look at what I’m wearing. Trust me; these robes get really stuffy when it’s hot. It’s you, girl.”
“Guuhh,” Katara groaned, “and so I presume you exploited that,”
“Aye, of course,” Ayumi replied, “but I don’t blame you for it; you’re just a 15-year-old girl. Though I must admit—the whole stunt with The Warrior of the Black Hand was absolutely incredible. I want to know how you did it—how you’ve even faced your family without shaking at all; how you were able to control your power so well.”
“It’s called life dedication, Lady Ayumi,” Katara replied, shifting so she could see her; the only part of her body she could move was her head. “I want this war to be over. All my life I get people stalking me because of my power, which I don’t even want. They want me for the war.”
“Who wouldn’t want you for the war,” Ayumi exclaimed, “you are the single most powerful bender in the world. You oust even the Avatar, and easily oust many of us even DURING a comet.”
“But raw power alone does not constitute skill,” Katara replied, “surely you know that though, correct?”
“Aye,” Ayumi replied, “which was why we trained you the way we did. It was fiercely disciplined for that very reason.”
“Aye,” Katara hissed, “I noticed that. Thanks for reminding me of how you kept trying to KILL ME, woman.”
“Ha,” Ayumi laughed, “me, try to kill you;”
“Aye,” Katara replied again, still looking angry, “surely a 15-year-old girl is no match for the Fire Lady.”
“That was what I thought,” said Ayumi, “but you aren’t an everyday 15-year-old girl. Your power is obscene.”
“I agree,” Katara said, “if the story about an avatar removing someone’s bending is true, I’m going to have a word with Avatar Zakura before anything happens to her. I want her to remove my power.”
“Ah, the old legend,” Ayumi said, smiling, “do you realize how much energy it took to remove that Fire Lord’s power?”
“Aye,” Katara remarked, “but that avatar was just a kid. Zakura is actually a fully-realized avatar.
“Do you realize that you have at least 4 times as much bending energy as that man, even when he was enhanced by that power?”
“F-four t-t-times;” Katara gawked, her eyes popping open; her breathing suddenly became sharp and she looked worried, “and that was WITH the enhanced powers?”
Ayumi nodded. She seemed somber about it.
“You’re lying!” she roared angrily, but Ayumi was unfazed.
“Come, come,” said Ayumi, standing up and unchaining Katara. She helped her onto her feet and led her into another room. Katara was still hot and sweaty, but that was only from her energy building up.
“Katara,” said Ayumi, “there have been various experiences in my life as of recent that have changed my opinions about you. Do you know why I had Orzon bring you here?”
Katara shook her head.
“Well, it was not to brainwash you,” Ayumi replied, “his goal by doing that was to ensure that you would not want to kill him.”
“Then it worked,” Katara shrugged, “I just don’t see a reason to kill him.”
“You were brought here on my request,” Ayumi replied, “I want you to be able to live. My reasons are my own, but that also means that I want your family to live. I know enough about you, Katara Altina II.”
“You want me to try and use me,” Katara said, “everyone is like that. They only want me because of my power. It just gives me another reason to want to get rid of it.”
“Like I said,” Said Ayumi, “I am not going to give my reasons, for you would not believe me even if I did. What I am going to do is get you all away from here. We don’t need you all meddling in our affairs any longer. Before you go though, I would like to ask you one thing.”
“Shoot,” said Katara bluntly,
“How DID you pull off that Dark Warrior scheme,” she asked,
“I already said,” Katara replied straightforwardly, “determination. If I didn’t have all these people on my back trying to recruit me for the war, I’d probably care a little more about controlling my power. Right now though, I just want my family to know that I’m safe, that I’m going to die when the comet passes, and that then all will be well.”
“Would I have really gone through all this trouble just to let y—” Ayumi started to say, but then immediately stopped.
“Eh,” Katara smirked, knowing what Ayumi was going to say next;
“Nothing,” she snapped, just like Katara predicted, “you may leave now.”
“No, no,” said Katara, her grin widening, “I’ve got a few minutes before I need to let my energy loose. Tell me what you were going to say.”
“I said too much,” Ayumi replied flatly. You will not get another word out of me, regardless of what you do.”
“Not even if I decide to set your robes on fire again?” Katara laughed, and, like it did with Tenoko, Ayumi turned red, looking flustered.
“I have others,” Ayumi replied stiffly, “just leave; now.”
“Alright then,” Katara chuckled, and she eventually left the palace. Apparently the Royal Guards had been instructed not to harm her, as they let her out without any difficulty whatsoever.
Back inside, Ayumi looked worried. Orzon noticed.
“Is everything alright, Ayumi?”
“Aye,” Ayumi lied, “I... I just need to lie down.”
“Is there anything I can do?” he asked her, taking her hand,
“I... can you lie down next to me;” Ayumi asked, “Just until I fall asleep. I just have a lot on my mind right now.”
“Gladly,” Orzon replied, squeezing Ayumi’s soft hand in his own; they went up to their room, where Ayumi just threw herself onto her bed, fully dressed. She didn’t move after that. Orzon lay down behind her and gently ran his fingers through her long, silky black hair. When Ayumi stood, it went down to her knees, which meant that it was about 4 feet in length.
Ayumi closed her eyes, trying to clear her troubled mind. She could not and would not say what the matter was, but assumed that she would be able to shake it off with sleep. Was the comet affecting her as well?
She didn’t think so, as she did not feel energy surging through her like Katara had [though she wouldn’t recognize it even if she did], nor was her body temperature any higher than normal.
Eventually however, Ayumi fell asleep, but even sleeping her face looked troubled. This upset Orzon, who did not like seeing his wife unhappy. Nonetheless, she was asleep, and he had things that he had to attend to, [and she said she wanted to sleep] so he left her there, though she was on his mind as he went about his business [mostly just Order-related things and such—nothing out of the ordinary].
He returned a few hours later to find Ayumi still asleep, but she was tossing and turning uncomfortably. Sometime between the time he had left and returned, Ayumi had covered herself, but she was still fully dressed; headpiece, shoes and all. Right now though, the only thing Orzon was concerned about was the well-being of Ayumi, and the look on her face indicated that she was dealing with a lot of stress.
He didn’t want to wake her up, but did plan to get the information he wanted out of her, for it was also weighing down on his mind. It was natural for Orzon, her husband, to be concerned about her problems—The Troubles of Ayumi.
~Azula~
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Tera253
Gran Gran
In Soviet Russia, post writes you
Posts: 588
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Post by Tera253 on Apr 22, 2009 11:08:56 GMT -5
CHAPTER 72: ONE SIMPLE REUNION Maric, Malak, and Tenoko all returned safely back to the base where the others were at. There they recounted their tale.
“So how did you get the Zuroc Sensei all off of you,” Iresu asked,
“With these,” Tenoko replied, pulling out a handful of the pirate coins she had dropped that had Azula stop the warriors.
“Captain Dragmire at your service,” she said, bowing; “it turns out that I recognized that Azula Caroso after all under the alias of ‘Lucy’. She was part of my crew back in the day.”
“You were a pirate,” Maric and Malak both exclaimed simultaneously,
“Aye,” Tenoko replied, and judging from the reactions of most of the others, they were just as surprised as the twins were; “and Lucy was part of my crew; I didn’t know her real name until I saw her face. It was then that I dropped the coins that she recognized, hoping that tactic would work. Luckily, it did, and so here we are.”
“Aye,” Malak added, “and this waterbender needs some sleep.”
Eventually, Tenoko got the whole story explained. She was in fact, a pirate, and “The Blazing Phoenix” was her ship. She was its captain. Azula, AKA “Lucy” was one of her most loyal crew members. Most of her crew was Zuroc Sensei, male and female, and “The Blazing Phoenix” had been the scourge of the seas for a while.
A day or so later, the remainder of The Avatar Guard arrived, and each side was glad that the others were safe. They were all sad about Ryuka’s death, but knew that it was not in vain. Naturally, all of them noticed the absence of Katara Altina II. Surprisingly, this did not last long, as later that evening, she appeared.
“Don’t ask me any questions about what happened,” she said bluntly, “I’m not only not in the mood to talk, but also not in the mood to answer anyone right now. I want to be alone.”
Naturally, no one bothered to follow her except for her mother, who was probably the one person Katara II wanted to see the most, for she had seen Sokka more recently than her mother.
“Katara,” she said, gently opening her door,
“I said I wanted to be alone,” she replied tersely,
“Katara,” said Katara I, “it’s me—your mother.”
Katara II sat up and looked her mother in the eye, “you don’t sound the same,” she said, “you’ve changed so much.”
“So have you,” she remarked, “you’ve grown so big. The last time I got to see you properly you were still just a little girl—now you’re a young woman. You’ve grown up so much—it’s been so long.”
Katara I held out her arms, tears running down her face. Katara II was sobbing when she embraced her mother.
“I’ve needed you for so long,” Katara II wailed, “you... you and Sokka... meant everything to me—knowing that I would see you two again...”
“But why Katara,” said Katara I, “what was the idea behind the whole Dark Warrior scheme?” Sokka had come in by this time.
“I hate this war,” Katara II cried, “I hate how much power I have. Everyone is trying to recruit me it seems. I don’t want to take part in this madness. I want to be left alone. I want someone to get rid of my powers for me. I hate them, I don’t want them, and I especially don’t want to be used just because of them.
“I failed as a parent,” Katara I said apologetically, “I was too busy worrying about my own problems to take care of you the way I should have. I didn’t even comprehend that my own daughter had far worse, life-threatening problems than mine. I am not worthy to be called your mother, Katara. I am sorry.”
“Then who is,” Katara II wailed, “don’t say that, mommy. Losing daddy was hard enough on me. I don’t want to lose you again; I don’t wanna; I don’t wanna, I DON’T WANNA!”
“Katara I’m sorry,” her mother said sadly, “it’s just that you—you’ve been through so much; so much more than even your mother is able to comprehend, and you’re only 15. It makes me feel so terrible knowing what you’ve had to suffer because of me. Please; please forgive me.”
“Just don’t say that I have to leave you,” Katara II cried, “I couldn’t accept that—I wouldn’t.”
“I’m not going anywhere this time, Katara,” her mother said, squeezing young Katara tighter, “I promise.”
All it took after this was Sokka to come in, and Katara’s family needed no further words.
After hearing of Malak’s return, Reyson was the 3rd person to be at her side [the 1st and 2nd being Maric and Tenoko]. Right now though, she was just resting alone. She was awake, lying in her bed, just gazing upwards when Reyson had walked in.
“Hey,” he stammered, “you’re, um—you’re awake?”
“Aye,” Malak replied, grabbing a bottle and chugging its contents. It looked like a bottle that once held something Tenoko would drink, but with the rate Malak was consuming it, Reyson assumed it had been filled with water; “I just feel really tired.”
“Is there anything I can do” he asked,
“Well,” said Malak, “It’s one of those ‘I’m tired but can’t sleep’ situations, so I guess if you want to just sit here and talk with me, I’d like that.”
“I didn’t know you liked to talk with people,” Reyson remarked, “you’ve always liked being your own woman when you were around me.”
“well,” Malak stammered, her face going from its normal brown of her skin color, to pink, and then to red, almost matching Reyson’s clothes; “it’s just... err... with you, it’s um... different.”
Reyson chuckled slightly. Malak looked slightly annoyed.
“What’s so funny,” she said, still red,
“your face is as red as my clothes,” Reyson chuckled, “Malak, either Maric was right about our crush, or you feel really, really awkward around me. If you do, just tell me. I’ll leave you alone.”
“It’s kind of both,” Malak stammered, “I... I really like you, but—I just feel awkward around you; like if I do something wrong you’ll laugh at me or something; like I need to behave better or...”
“I...” Reyson exclaimed, “You look up to me like that?”
“I...” Malak stammered, “I... I do. You just seem like you’re so... so flawless. And then there’s... never mind.”
“Me,” Reyson faltered, “perfect? I don’t think so, Malak. I’ve been living under cover all my life. I’m probably just as nervous as you are right now. I’ve just been taught how to hide it from showing up on my face like it is with yours. I’m terrible around people. You can ask the 6 people I know and they’d chuckle and say the same about me.”
“How is that,” Malak replied, “if I’ve been able to cling to your every word and believe you in every respect?”
“It’s called love,” said a voice, and both Reyson and Malak turned around to see Zakura grinning in the doorway. Malak bolted upright, though this time she was wearing loose pants and a jacket similar to Sanaki’s, only blue.
“Ha-ha,” Zakura laughed, “you two hold that pose. I need to get Katara to draw this. Your expressions right now are priceless.”
Zakura, who was the master at making lovers feel awkward, had struck again. She knew that Katara wanted rest though, so when she left, she closed the door. That was Zakura’s method of saying she wasn’t going to come back for a little while.
“Do you think...?” Malak stammered, “is... is this what it is?”
“I...” said Reyson, “I guess so. I mean; are you alright with that?” Malak was silent for a while. Reyson plucked up the courage to actually look her in the eyes, a feat which neither of them seemed capable of actually doing. At first Malak’s eyes darted left, right, up, and down periodically, but then she too looked straight back at him.
“You alright?” he asked, and she shook her head, coming back to her senses. Apparently, her mind had wandered slightly.
“Um,” she stuttered, “aye, I’m alright. It’s just... I was thinking; putting everything together, and well... it just seems to fit, Reyson; it just seems to all fit. If that’s what it is, then... then I...”
“You what,” Reyson asked gently; by this point he could have easily predicted what she was trying to say, and knew that it was probably taking just as much courage from her to not turn away and falter as it was for him to wait for her verdict.
“I...” she stuttered again, “then I... then...”
Reyson looked at her, and calculated her reactions. She was hiding her expression well, but Reyson, whose hand had clasped Malak’s sometime between the time he had sat down next to her and now, could feel her blood surging frantically through her body.
“Relax, Malak,” he said gently squeezing her hand, “I’m not going to do anything you wouldn’t like. I love you, Malak. And as such, I could never do anything you were uncomfortable with.”
Although Malak was unable to successfully convey the phrase “I love you” like she had been trying to, she was able to say one thing after she threw her arms around Reyson.
“I love you too,” she said, looking him in the eyes.
“Then I want to give you something to remember it by,” he said, “just close your eyes and relax.”
Malak did as she was told. Reyson gently put his hands on either side of his face, and brought her lips to his. Once they had connected his arms slide gently around her, his gentle touch reminiscent of his caring personality. All of this had come from the impact of One Simple Reunion.
~Azula~
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Tera253
Gran Gran
In Soviet Russia, post writes you
Posts: 588
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Post by Tera253 on Apr 22, 2009 11:09:19 GMT -5
CHAPTER 73: THERE WAS NO TURNING BACK A day or two passed and Ayumi’s condition remained the same. This was bothering Orzon to a vast extreme. Ayumi seemed very hesitant to talk about it as well, as it worried her.
The other prominent Order members [with Michiko and Fukuda as exceptions; they jus seemed indifferent] were also bothered about this, but not for the same reason Orzon was—they were only concerned about having Ayumi present for her intellectual expertise. This bothered Orzon even more.
“My wife is not a machine,” he said stiffly, “and if she says she’s ill, and is willing to pull this all, I’m for believing it’s not an act. My priorities lie with her welfare before The Order. It is a huge organization that has been around for centuries, Xin Shing. The absence of one member, no matter how prominent, will not be its downfall.”
Ayumi was up and walking, but she seemed to be limping, and her royal upright posture was long gone. Her face looked tired, and she looked like she might fall over at any given moment. Naturally, Orzon decided to summon a physician to find out what was wrong with her. His conclusion was a relief to him, but meant that he was going to have to have a long talk with Ayumi after this.
“Physically, she’s perfectly healthy,” he concluded, “she just seems to be stressing about something. I would recommend to her to try and ease up, as too much more mental stress on your mind will cause permanent damage, and possibly even death.”
Needless to say, Orzon took Ayumi into their room to talk about this.
“Ayumi,” he said, looking her in the eye. He looked completely concerned, maybe even a bit worried as well, “tell me what the matter is. I don’t want to lose you, and your stress is killing you. You heard what the physician said. Tell me what’s wrong, Ayumi. I want to help you.”
“You’re going to hate me after this,” she said, tears running down her face, “I can’t tell you what it is; it’s ripping me in half.”
“Tell me,” said Orzon, a little more forceful, “I can’t lose you over this, Ayumi. How bad is this?”
“Really bad,” Ayumi replied, trembling, “I was taken to the spirit world a few evenings ago. I... I met Sanaki Li Chan.”
“THE Sanaki Li Chan;” Orzon exclaimed, and then paused.
“Ayumi,” he said, “you’re shivering. Are you alright?”
“No,” she said truthfully, “no, not at all. I’m scared; torn, and no one in the world is able to help me.”
“What are you talking about, Ayumi,” Orzon exclaimed,
“The things Sanaki told me...” she shuddered, “they destroyed me. I... I don’t deserve to keep this a secret from you any longer. This is my tale, from 3 nights ago, when I first fell ill.” * * * * Ayumi found herself face to face with Sanaki Li Chan, the woman who perhaps is still known today as the greatest ruler in history.
“You one time said that you wanted to meet me,” said Sanaki, “and so here I am, Lady Ayumi. I am Sanaki Li Chan, whose heritage you proudly have claimed—and yet, you bring the name to shame with your actions.”
Ayumi stopped. “WHAT!?!” she bellowed, “me?”
“My greatest friend was the mother of an avatar,” Sanaki replied, “to see one of my most gifted descendants trying now to kill a later incarnation of her breaks my little heart. I might have grown older, Ayumi, but deep down, I am the same little child I always have been. You were not much different, Lady Ayumi. I remember you over 35 years ago, when you were a little 14-year-old girl. You were not much different than I am now. In fact, you probably resemble me the most at this point in time. I was proud of you—and then you started to change; The Order got to you, and it broke my heart.
“What business is it of yours what I do with my life,” Ayumi snapped,
“None at all,” Sanaki replied with her same gentle voice, “and if you have not noticed, I have never interfered with your life until your 49th year, which is why we are here now. I believe that you wanted to see me, and so I came. Here we are.”
“You...” said Ayumi, pausing, “you are ashamed of me?”
“Aye,” said Sanaki sadly, “intellect like yours could be used to end the madness that is this war. The Li Chan family had always been a peaceful family, Ayumi. I am sorry you went astray.”
“What do you expect me to do,” Ayumi snapped, “how do I redeem myself?”
“I don’t expect anything,” said Sanaki, “I am simply telling things the way they are. There is no need to redeem you. I am merely a spirit and a memory. No one worries about what I think. I’ve been deceased for over 1200 years, Ayumi.”
“But knowing that my ancestor looks down shamefully upon me,” said Ayumi, “I’d never be able to live that down.”
“then perhaps look at the girl that will most likely wind up looking like you when she is older,” said Sanaki, showing Ayumi a little 17-year-old girl clad in red, who was giggling and playing with her long black hair, “take after the example of Sanaki Foxx; become innocent again; submissive; humble; caring; loving; kind—become someone to lean on—someone that wants to make the world a better place.”
“Forsake everything,” Ayumi exclaimed, “leave home just like that?”
“Avatar Zakura did just that,” said Sanaki, “she left everything behind and went out into a world where everyone was her enemy. She had to work to be accepted.”
“And I...” said Ayumi, “I’m supposed to do that?”
“Not if you don’t want to,” said Sanaki, “I am just saying what the results would be. You can be whatever you want at this point. It is not for me, a spirit, to decide the life of anyone, even my descendants.”
“Everything,” said Ayumi, “everything I’ve lived for then is a lie; everything I’ve worked towards achieving; everything I cherished, everyone I had befriended, EVERYTHING!!!”
“The decision is yours, Ayumi Zhaoka,” said Sanaki gently, and the next thing Ayumi knew, she had let out a bloodcurdling scream and was wide awake. This was when it had all started. * * * * “So let me get this straight,” said Orzon, “she told you to leave everything; to... to switch sides!?!”
Ayumi was shaking violently at this point. She nodded, and then braced herself for a blow of some sort. However, Orzon’s love for Ayumi trumped his concern for The Order.
“Like Sanaki Li Chan said,” said Orzon, “the choice is yours. I am not going to influence you either way, as Sanaki seems to have done it for you. Trying to join them after the things you have done would be difficult, and leaving us would result in almost everyone being your enemy. However, whatever choice you make, I will respect it. Choose what you feel is right. It was how I chose you as my bride many years ago.
Even if we do meet each other as enemies on the battlefield, I will never bring you any harm. I will always love you.”
“What do you feel is the right choice,” Ayumi asked, still shivering, “what would you do if you were placed in my situation and I in yours?”
“I would choose whichever choice made me feel right inside, even if it was not the seemingly better one.”
“And then Katara,” said Ayumi, sobbing at this point, “During Sanaki’s speech to me, I was reminded of something she said. She said: ‘this war is madness. All I will say about the matter is that the side that is not fighting for the right cause will eventually be left with nothing.’ Then I had that realization; I can’t be like this. I was dwelling on that when I was with The Avatar Guard. I met Zakura on a more personal level. When I defeated their tactician, it hurt me even further. There was no fight when I killed Ryuka. It was all part of a higher plan.
“So you feel that you are on the wrong side,” said Ryuka,
“I...” Ayumi stammered, “I do. I regret the things that I’ve done; the more I’ve’ been around you all, the more I’ve realized who the real “good people” were. The hostility was expected considering who I was; but now... I can’t do this much longer, Ryuka. Help me; please.”
“There is only one thing that can be done that would not make the Avatar Guard suspicious then,” said Ryuka, his tactical genius coming into play one last time; “you have to kill me. Then, use as much of your energy as possible to get the hell out of here as fast as you can’ don’t give the soldiers any time to react, as they will attack if they can catch you. Do you understand me?”
“Aye,” said Ayumi, trembling, “I... I understand.”
“Then carry it out,” said Ryuka, my purpose in this life has been accomplished. It has fizzled into nothing. Finish me, Ayumi.”
“And that was what happened,” said Ayumi, finishing her tale, “he went down, I made a break for it, and here I am. If anyone had word on what I was trying to do, they would have killed me.”
“So you are going to do this then?” said Orzon,
“I have no choice,” said Ayumi, “me staying here is what it stressing me out. What will you do?”
“I will keep it a secret as long as possible,” said Orzon, kissing Ayumi on the lips, “I will also take a stance like Michiko and Fukuda—I’m going to go for the ride. If word gets out that we both have dropped out, it’s over for us both. You go; I promise we will see each other again.”
Ayumi embraced him, sobbing frantically. If she really did continue with this operation, she knew that There Was No Turning Back.
~Azula~
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Tera253
Gran Gran
In Soviet Russia, post writes you
Posts: 588
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Post by Tera253 on Apr 22, 2009 11:09:48 GMT -5
CHAPTER 74: ORZON AND AYUMI A day passed, as Ayumi prepared to leave for good. The hardest part about this for her was her knowing that she would be apart from Orzon for a long period of time. Orzon became aware of this, and he did not like it, for he could tell that Ayumi was stressing again.
“Ayumi,” said Orzon, “if you carry this on the effect is still going to be the same. What’s wrong this time?”
“It’s you,” she said, “I don’t want to leave you. I hated being apart from you even during my week with The Avatar Guard. I decided to annoy them to get my mind off of you. I don’t want to leave your side.”
“Do you realize,” said Orzon, “that if I come with you, that The Order will be after us both and will skin us alive if we are caught?”
“I...” Ayumi sniffled, “I understand that you can’t.”
“On the contrary,” said Orzon, “if you desire me to be with you, then with you I shall be. I have always said that my love for you would come before anything else. I am not making an exception, even at a crucial time like this where we are going to lose everything. If you don’t think you’d be able to handle this task alone, it is why I am here.”
“I don’t want you leaving my side,” Ayumi declared,
“Then it is official,” said Orzon, putting his arm around Ayumi, “I’m going with you. I love you, Ayumi. I never want you to be in any danger.”
Ayumi had no need to answer. A simple movement of her lips to his was all that she needed.
It was several minutes before they pulled back, and when they did, Orzon was on top of Ayumi on their sofa [though they were both still dressed].
“You look tired, Ayumi” said Orzon, “perhaps that stress might be a part of it though.”
“Aye,” Ayumi replied, “I’m ready for sleep either way; especially if this is our last night here.”
“Then we shall retire early, and depart early,” Orzon replied, “the fewer people that know about it, the better off we will be.”
“Indeed,” Ayumi replied, heading up to her bedroom, and then she suddenly paused, turning around to face Orzon.
“I know where we can go,” she said,
“Really now,” Orzon exclaimed, “and where would that be?”
“The Blazing Phoenix,” Ayumi replied, “it was the ship that I picked up Azula’s crew on. I hired them after learning who they were. She knows Tenoko Dragmire. If there is any member of The Avatar Guard that will wide with me, it’s her.”
“I heard she was on good terms with Fukuda and Michiko as well,” Orzon remarked, “perhaps that is our answer.”
“I hired them for that reason,” Ayumi replied, “because I knew them.”
“I’m glad you’re happy again, Ayumi,” said Orzon, “seeing you happy makes me happy. I love you, and I always will.”
“I love you too,” Ayumi replied, kissing his lips again, “never forget it.”
“That would be a crime against the most beautiful woman on the face of this world,” Orzon replied, “I could never, and would never.”
Ayumi threw herself into Orzon’s arms, and he gently lifted her up, cradling her almost like a child. he smiled down at Ayumi, who had closed her eyes and was smiling more peacefully than Orzon had seen her smile in a long time, and for the first time in a very long time, it was not an evil smile—this was a happy smile; a true smile.
She fell asleep in Orzon’s arms. He sat down in a rocking chair, still cradling Ayumi liker she was the most delicate treasure in the world. To Orzon though, she really was.
Early the next morning, there was activity in The Avatar Guard’s base. It was Tenoko this time though, and it seemed that her “warrior” outfit was also what she wore at sea. She was going to sneak out to reunite with her ship, for she had received a message from Azula in an unusual way that told her they had the ship ready. Tenoko was just about to slip out when she heard a voice.
“Where are you going,” it asked; it was low and raspy;
“Katara,” Tenoko exclaimed, “what are you doing awake at this hour?”
“Blame it on my bending energy,” Katara replied, “bloody thing wakes me up all the time. After that I just decided to sit down. What now, may I ask, are YOU doing awake at this hour?”
“I have business to attend to,” said Tenoko,
“This early in the morning;” Katara exclaimed, “Do tell,”
“Telling you would mean I would have to knock you out and take you with me,” Tenoko warned,
“Ha,” Katara chuckled, “I’d like to see you try that right now,”
“Alright,” said Tenoko, grabbing Katara around her throat and cupping her other hand across her mouth. Katara began struggling, but was short on energy because she had just gotten back from unleashing copious amounts of it. Tenoko lifted her off the ground and she began kicking and struggling for air. She was a strong young woman, and if it weren’t for the exact tactic used, she might have stood a chance at pulling Tenoko’s hand off of her nose and mouth, but because of the technique, and her weak state at the moment, she continued struggling.
“Give up yet,” she asked, and Katara violently shook her head and seemed to be getting angry. She obviously could not speak, but Tenoko did not mind. She also wouldn’t mind taking Katara with her because of who she was. Unfortunately, that was what Katara hated. However, Tenoko had warned her that she would do that, and Katara had challenged it, and so Tenoko was simply proving her point.
Katara continued struggling to get proper amounts of air into her exhausted body, but her kicking and thrashing were doing nothing against Tenoko. Tenoko again asked her if she had had enough, but Katara’s pride was kicking in, and she refused to bend, despite her knowing she was not going to be able to escape. She screamed into Tenoko’s hand, but it was muffled enough to not be loud. She continued thrashing and screaming madly, very similar to the way she had before she had calmed down. She began to turn purple, and eventually blue, and eventually went unconscious, where Tenoko let her go.
Without a word, she hoisted Katara over her shoulder and left to get to her ship. She had left a note to Iresu and Zeruda about her location and what she was doing. Her intent was actually to go meet a few old friends from the Northern Water Tribe. Ultimately, Tenoko wanted to turn The Order against itself, and the influence of “Lucy” [Azula] and Captain Dragmire might be able to do just that.
However, Tenoko was in for a huge surprise when she met Azula at the Northern Bay where her ship was. With her and her crew were none other than Orzon and Ayumi.
“Spirits have mercy,” she exclaimed, and she actually dropped Katara; “h-how did you two get here; take my ship; get Azula to join you?”
“It was their idea,” said Azula, “come aboard, they’ll tell you everything.”
“Are you nuts, Lucy,” Tenoko exclaimed, “They’ll roast me alive!”
“Aye, of course I’m nuts, Captain Dragmire,” she replied, “Just get over here; oh, and don’t forget that girl that you dropped.”
Tenoko hoisted the still-unconscious Katara over her shoulder and came aboard. Ayumi glanced at Orzon and then Orzon spoke.
“Hand me Katara,” he said, and Tenoko, still uneasy about disobeying, not knowing the alignment of their crew, did so.
“Tenoko,” said Ayumi, “get over here.”
Tenoko did so again without question. Ayumi’s response was immediately launching her fist into Tenoko’s face, making her stagger backwards.
“Do you really think that if we were all against you that we would be this easy-going about it?” she said, laughing and blowing on her fist, “to make a long story short, we switched sides. We’re here to fight for you now, which were why we came here.”
“We will be glad to explain it to you later, Tenoko Dragmire,” said Orzon politely, “but right now we need to be leaving if you want us as your allies. The moment word gets out of our betrayal everyone’s going to be after us.”
“Trust me, Captain Dragmire,” said Azula, “they...”
“Call me Tenoko,” Tenoko shrugged, chuckling.
“Alright, Tenoko,” said Azula again, “trust me on this. I’ll tell the whole story later, but they’re right. We need to launch the ship or else they’ll know we’ve been here and that we plundered a nearby Order village”.
“Brilliant,” said Tenoko, chuckling. She took Katara from Orzon and grinned at them both.
“My Lord, My Lady,” she said to them both, bowing slightly, “welcome to The Blazing Phoenix. What’s mine is yours; make your selves at home.”
“Thank you,” they said simultaneously, bowing Fire Nation style; and then they left to their rooms. Despite being pirates, Tenoko’s ship was very nice; it was like a metal Fire Nation Warship, only it was more of a Water Tribe ship if anything, as if they had adopted the Fire Nation’s technology. Tenoko nonetheless went to her Captain’s quarters, where shrugging, she dropped Katara onto the floor, and she began snoring loudly. It turned out she had come back around and fallen asleep sometime between the time Tenoko knocked her out and now.
Tenoko herself went to sleep, deep in thought. She trusted Azula, and hopefully would be able to trust Orzon And Ayumi.
~Azula~
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Tera253
Gran Gran
In Soviet Russia, post writes you
Posts: 588
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Post by Tera253 on Apr 22, 2009 11:10:26 GMT -5
CHAPTER 75: XIN SHING'S TOWER GUARD Katara came around in the room of a ship, which was obviously Tenoko’s. She groggily looked around and tried to remember what happened. Then she remembered. Tenoko had turned against her; but why?
She decided to find out. She recognized the ship at once, for she had been shanghaied onto it before, by a pirate named Lucy. As a result, she knew where to find the captain’s quarters, and so she stormed into Tenoko’s quarters. She was asleep on a hammock, which when Katara kicked the door open, made enough noise to startle her and have her hit the ground with a loud thump.
“Crikey,” she exclaimed, massaging her head, “what was that for?”
“Why did you bring me back here,” Katara demanded, “what did I do to deserve this fate?”
“Chill, kid,” Tenoko shrugged, “remember; you were the one who challenged me. You wanted to try your luck, and so I had to bring you with me. It’s part of a scheme to trick The Order. Ayumi and Orzon’s presence here only makes it all the better.”
“Orzon and Ayumi are here,” Katara exclaimed, “what side are you on?”
“I did not switch sides, Toph,” Tenoko remarked, using the nickname her and her crew had given Katara; Katara was nicknamed “Toph” because of a young girl over 1000 years ago who had borne that name. She was very strong, a very powerful bender, and never lost a fight. Katara was the same way, which was why the pirates had taken her in the first place.
“Really then,” said Katara, “then why did you just desert the rest of The Avatar Guard, come join a ship full of pirates, and recruit Fire Lord Orzon and Fire Lady Ayumi?”
“You really are a smart child, Toph” Tenoko remarked, “You ask questions that I asked myself before leaving. I alerted my fellow Secret Service members Iresu and Zeruda where I was going. The Order knows that I am associated with a notorious bounty hunter and Zuroc Sensei named Azula Caroso. You might remember her as Lucy.”
“LUCY,” Katara roared, “she was the woman who kidnapped me the first time; I was only 13 years old... get me out of here.”
She stormed out of Tenoko’s quarters, but unfortunately, they were already deep at sea, and Katara couldn’t swim at all. She should see them getting more distant from the Fire Nation mainland, which meant they were still in the large bay area inside the gates of Azulon.
“We have a reason for everything, Katara Altina II,” said a low voice, belonging to Azula, who put her hand on Katara’s shoulder;
“Get away from me,” Katara growled, “I don’t want anything to do with you; you were the one who kidnapped me the first time.”
“I can see why Lynn told Captain Dragmire to call you Toph,” said Azula, chuckling, “you’re as stubborn as the earthbending legend herself. Look, Toph; we had a reason for taking you;”
“That’s what everyone says,” Katara snapped, “everyone claims to have a reason to try to draft me into their forces and help them with their schemes. I don’t want any part of it. I just want to be left alone; I want to live my own life—away from this war. I’m only 15.”
“Now you’re speaking our language,” said Tenoko, who had stepped out next to Azula and Katara. “There’s some younglings on this ship, you know, but that’s not the point, so don’t snap at me for that.”
“I’ll do what I want,” Katara growled, her arms crossed on the railing of the ship, her face buried in them, her eyes looking out to sea;
“Katara, chill,” said Tenoko, “hear me out or spirits help me I’ll throw you overboard. That’s another reason you worked well with the name Toph. You can’t swim either.”
Katara just grumbled.
“Toph,” said another voice, this one belonging to a boy of about 16; this was ‘Lynn’ as they called him, “hear them out. I was thinking the same thing when they took you. I thought “why would they want to shanghai a young teenaged girl?”
“How would I know that,” said Katara, “I—”
“But then I met you,” Lynn continued, “I understood why they tried to keep you hidden; Toph, everyone I knew from The Order is after you; and yet—” he paused to take a deep breath,
“I’ve been keeping this from you too long, Katara,” he said,
“When did you start using my real name,” she exclaimed,”
“Since I learned it,” Lynn replied, “that boy you met 3 years ago that disappeared into the war—was me, Katara; Rafai Lynn—that novice earthbender who wanted to join the Zuroc Sensei.”
Katara stopped. “So you...” she exclaimed, “You didn’t die...”
“Nope,” he said, smirking, “I’m still alive. And while you were down and out some of the guys and I had a word with those firebenders. They wanted to talk to you about some things. Oh, and I loved that dress you used to wear. You’ll have to wear it again sometime...”
Katara smiled. The fact that this was the boy whom Katara had loved a year or two ago before he had mysteriously vanished was the only thing that motivated Katara to go talk to Orzon and Ayumi at this time. She still figured that they had something to do with this, and that they had not entirely converted over from The Order.
“What do you want,” she snapped upon entering,
“Sit down,” Ayumi said calmly, “we just want to talk.”
Katara sighed. “What do you want from me,” she asked.
“Your allegiance,” Ayumi replied, “think—Tenoko is as stubborn as an Earth Kingdom soldier. She didn’t switch sides—we did. We gave up everything—even our titles as Fire Lord and Lady. After doing that, we had a brief glimpse of what Zakura felt—except she had no friends. We had to give ours all up.”
“You are not the only one who has no one now, Katara,” said Orzon, “but like you, we want this war to be over.”
“I’m not doing any more fighting,” Katara said resolutely,
“We did not ask you to,” said Orzon, “we merely asked if you would accept us that we’re no longer your enemies.”
“I...” Katara started, “this quickly? I... I think I need a little bit more time to mull this over. I’m still mad at Tenoko for taking me again—this time away from my family too. No one knows I left.”
“You miss your family again, don’t you,” said Orzon gently, bringing Katara closer to him. She paused for a moment and then suddenly broke down in Orzon’s arms.
“I do,” she whimpered, “I felt so much happier when I was with them”
“I was aware of that,” said Ayumi, “and you had a lot of impact on my decision, young Katara. And think: helping us will end up helping you. Help us end this war. We have everything on the line for it to end. If our scheme against Xin Shing fails, then we will all be killed. This is a life and death situation, Katara. We need you.”
“But are the others going to accept you two,” she said, “particularly you, Ayumi. Do you think that they’re going to automatically let everything go and accept you into their group?”
“Not at all,” Ayumi replied, “but getting through to their leader is all we need to do. The story I can share relates to Avatar Zakura’s. She lost everything, and so did we. The world was against her; the world is against us now. I believe I could probably convince her. Tenoko has already sided with me, and although she follows the lead of Iresu and Zeruda, they listen to her when she talks.”
“What about Azula’s gang,” Katara asked,
“They work for the highest bidder,” Ayumi replied, “but certain people they will not hunt down; they refused to hunt down the avatar or anyone related to or friends with Iresu, Zeruda, or Tenoko. They’re quick-witted, Katara. You fit right in.”
“And you supposed that you two don’t,” said a voice; Tenoko and Azula had come in.
“There was a reason I was quick to accept you, Ayumi” said Tenoko, “because I know when you’re playing a game; I didn’t see it that time. Besides, with you on our side, we can end this war much sooner than expected. You two are prominent figures.”
“I know,” Orzon replied, “and after Ayumi’s remarks to me about her feelings on all of this, we realized that we were in fact on the wrong side. We owe The Avatar guard an apology of two.”
“Then it is decided,” said Azula, “We are going to end this war or die trying. We are almost to the mouth of the river, Tenoko. From there we will be able to approach Xin Shing’s lair—The Tower of Order.” Katara suddenly looked up.
“I met Xin Shing once,” she said, “he gave me the usual spiel about power, but I suddenly figured how I could use it against him. He works with treachery and betrayal. All it would take would be a rehash of the Dark Warrior scheme again, and I could fit right in to his Tower Guard.”
“Tower Guard,” Azula, Ayumi, Orzon, and Tenoko all exclaimed, and Katara looked at them all with a confused expression on her face. “He never told any of you,” she exclaimed, “not even you Orzon; Ayumi?”
They all shook their heads.
“This could be harder than I thought then,” said Katara, looking slightly nervous, “before we can reach him and end this war, we need to meet with The Avatar Guard. We need to plan how to get past Xin Shin’s Tower Guard.”
~Azula~
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