AN: This chapter has the characters from the first chapter, but it's while Kaila is traveling with Goju. This is when they're about 15 years old, when Goju rescued Kaila from the bandits.

This girl has been following Goju for some time now, and he's rather annoyed with it.

"Why won't you leave me alone?" He asks.

"Because," Kaila says. "You're my guardian. I can't just leave you, something might happen to me!"

"I could care less what happens to you!" Goju snaps. "I'm not your guardian, I didn't agree to have you follow me around!"

"Listen," Kaila says. 'I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. When I was held hostage by those savages, I heard them talking one night. They said I was merely a ransom, and that if my uncle didn't pay, they would swarm the town he lives in, burn it to the ground and kill everyone there. And since you whooped their rears and saved me, that's probably what they did. They could still be at home, waiting for me to return."

Goju sighs. "I guess I'm stuck with you then."

Kaila puts her hands on her hips. "I'm soooooo flattered right now, Prince Charming."

"I never once said I was your Prince Charming. I'm just a mercenary looking to make money."

"Well you're correct; we're stuck with each other."

"If we're going to be around each other so much, we should learn some stuff about each other." Goju says. "Not really much to say about myself- I'm an earthbending mercenary who'll take on any job that doesn't violate my code."

"Your code?" Kaila says.

"Every mercenary has one. It says what they're willing to do and not do, what their limits are."

"So what is your code?" Kaila asks.

"I won't steal from or hurt innocents, especially mothers, children or elderly. In fact, I don't steal unless necessary. I refuse to kill except as a very last resort. I always try and help people wherever I can with corrupt leaders."

"How chivalrous of you." Kaila says.

"I was also a mercenary during the war. I rarely actually served in battle, I mainly stole from the Fire Nation and performed sabotages."

"Anything you want to add?" Kaila asks.

"Not right now," Goju says. "Maybe I'll open up more later."

"I have one last question for you." Kaila adds.

Goju frowns. "Make it quick."

"How old are you?"

"15. Bout the same age as you."

"So why did the Earth Kingdom hire you at such a young age?"

Goju turns away. "When your country has been losing a war for a century, it gets desperate. I was willing to help, so they accepted me. Anyways, I heard that the Fire Nation's original crown Prince fought his first battle when he was eight years old."

"Oh." Kaila says.

"So, what about you?" Goju asks. "Anything you want to tell me?"

"I'm the niece of a wealthy noble who could be dead," Kaila answers. "That's all you need to know."

"Anything you want to add?" Goju asks.

"Not right now," Kaila says. "Maybe I'll open up more later."

"Hmh." Goju says. 'If you're looking to hide from bandits, we could be together for a long time. My great uncle was hunted by one bandit for over thirty years. The only reason the bandit stopped was because the bandit was executed by the Fire Nation."

"Oh my." Kaila says. "I hope I don't have to hide with you that long."

"Me too." Goju says. "Because we might fall in love and settle down. I could never do that. My- giving up mercenary work?" Goju bursts out laughing.

Kaila laughs with him then says, "I know! Us getting married?! Having a kid?! Never in a million years!" The two start laughing hysterically like hyena hawks and fall onto the earthy ground, rolling around and cackling with glee.