nightelf37: Remember, only the plot, the Shisnos, and a few other characters belong to me.
Idano: Better cautious than nauseous.
nightelf37: Hey!
Chapter 10: Jet
Somewhere in a vast deciduous forest…
Momo was chasing a yellow beetle (and the metal spider Idano tried to dispatch back at Omashu). As the three crossed the woods' undergrowth, Momo suddenly noticed a pile of slightly lumpy red nuts sits in the foreground. As the yellow beetle got away, Momo decided to grab the fruits.
Just as he pounced on them, copper-colored slats snapped up from the leaves and surrounded him in a globe. The snare's slats ran longitudinally; the "poles" were parallel to the ground. As Momo realized that he was imprisoned, he also saw half a dozen similar snares nearby, where six large brown baboon-like animals were facing the same predicament and were barking noisily, as they held onto the slats-like prison bars and pulled on them.
Meanwhile, the "metal spider" saw all this and made its way back to Idano, who was camping in another part of the forest along with Aang and the rest.
"Where's Momo?" Aang wondered.
Just then, the "metal spider" (which Idano calls Aranea) finally arrived and reached Idano. Once it made its report to him, Idano said, "I got some interesting news from Aranea, my pet spider."
"What?", Sokka asked.
"While Aranea was scouting around, Momo found it and chased it. Amidst the chase, Momo turned his attention to a pile of fruits which led to a trap. Right now, he's in a cage suspended in the trees."
"Oh no!", Aang gasped.
"Let's hurry then.", Aixata said, then she turned to the 'spider'. "Lead the way, Aranea!"
S—K—I—A—A—S—S—K—I—A—A—S
A few minutes later…
With its mini-jets activated, Aranea wasted no time leading the Gaang to where Momo was trapped.
"So that's where he is.", remarked Idano as they arrived.
"Hang on, Momo!", Aang called as he airbent to leap, climbing to Momo's height by rebounding up off close-by tree trunks. He reached a tree branch which had a winch attached to it. The rope that held Momo's cage led to an eyeloop bolt attached to the underside of the branch, and then to the winch. Aang reached the branch, sat on it, then flipped over and dangled beneath it like an acrobat on a trapeze. He grabbed the rope, released the latch on the winch, and carefully fed the line.
This brought down the cage and the Shisnos eased it down to the ground between them and together, they pull the squeaky slats apart enough to make an exit. Momo immediately hopped out and ran a distance to finish a handful of the nuts, his peril forgotten. Sokka groaned and did a face palm, disgusted at the lack of gratitude. Aang jumped down from above and looked up. Everyone else did so too to see the rest of the hog monkeys moaning pleadingly.
"All right you too.", Aang sighed.
As he leaped up to release the hog-monkeys as well, Sokka sighed.
"This is gonna take forever.", he said as he tossed his boomerang and cut the line of two of the cages. Shyu proceeded with two small fire blasts to cut the ropes of two more snares. Aixata aimed her fingers in the 'gun' gesture and 'fired' balls of light with her Lightbending and they set free the last two hog monkeys.
As the cages fell, they opened and the hog monkeys ran off. Aang, who was just about to do what Sokka, Shyu, and Aixata have already done, said, "That works…"
As he skid down the trunk and root of one of the trees. Sokka examined the snares.
"These are Fire Nation traps. You can tell from the metalwork.", he said. "We'd better pack up camp, and get moving."
S—K—I—A—A—S—S—K—I—A—A—S
Idano was just pulling taut the bindings on a roll of gear. He handed it to Katara, who handed it to Aang, who was sitting on Appa's head. Sokka saw this and said, "Uh-uh. No flying this time."
"What?", Aixata said.
"Why wouldn't we fly?", Aang asked as he handed the roll to roll to Sokka, who put it on the ground.
"Think about it.", Sokka replied. "Somehow Prince Zuko and the Fire Nation keep finding us. It's because they spot Appa. He's just too noticeable."
"What! Appa's not too noticeable!", his sister retorted.
"He's a gigantic fluffy monster with an arrow on his head. It's kinda hard to miss him!"
Appa turned his head and groaned at Sokka.
"Sokka's just jealous 'cause he doesn't have an arrow.", Aang consoled his friend.
"I'm afraid I have to agree with Sokka.", said Shyu. "With Appa being the last sky bison, and his…'lack' of camouflage, we're sitting turtle ducks."
Sokka, Katara, and Aang stared at him, not getting it.
"Sorry. It's how Idano says it. What I mean to say is, we're easily spotted and can be targeted with little problems."
"I know you all want to fly, but my instincts tell me we should play it safe this time and walk.", Sokka added.
"Who made you the boss?", Katara said.
"I'm not the boss. I'm the leader."
Aixata replied incredulously, "You're the leader? But your voice still cracks!"
"I'm the oldest and I'm a warrior, so I'm the leader!"
"If anyone's the leader, it's Aang.", Katara replied. "I mean, he is the Avatar."
"Are you kidding? He's just a goofy kid!"
"He's right.", Aang agreed, who was dangling from Appa's horn upside-down by his hands with his legs sticking out into space.
"Excuse me?", Aixata replied in disgust. "Shyu's the oldest around here. About 60."
"Aang's 112.", Idano reminded his sister.
"But he's got the mind of a 12 year old because of being in a state of suspended animation inside an iceberg for a century."
"I think I'll pass.", Shyu told Aixata and Idano. "I know the difficulties of being a leader back when I was a Fire Sage and I know I don't have what it takes."
"Why do boys always think someone has to be the leader?", Katara argued with Sokka. "I bet you wouldn't be so bossy if you kissed a girl."
"I-I've kissed a girl.", he replied. "You just haven't met her."
"Who? Gran Gran? I've met Gran Gran."
Idano knew who Sokka was talking about; Suki (Leune).
"No! Besides Gran Gran. Look, my instincts tell me we have a better chance of slipping through on foot and a leader has to trust his instincts."
"Okay, we'll try it your way. "Oh Wise Leader"."
Aang stepped over, now wearing a backpack and Momo was sitting on the top.
"Who knows? Walking might be fun.", Aang said with a tone of optimism.
S—K—I—A—A—S—S—K—I—A—A—S
Hours later…
"Walking stinks!", Aang said with a tone of anguish as the Gaang trudged along the woods. "How do people go anywhere without a flying bison?"
"I don't know Aang.", Katara said. "Why don't you ask Sokka's instincts. They seem to know everything."
"Ha ha. Very funny."
"I'm tired of carrying this pack.", Aang complained.
"Why don't you just chuck it at Appa's saddle?", Aixata suggested.
"You know who you should ask to carry it for a while?", Katara suggested. "Sokka's Instincts!"
"That's a great idea!", Aang agreed to Katara's idea. "Hey, Sokka's Instincts, would you mind—"
"Okay, okay I get it.", Sokka said as he pushed the branches from two rust red-leafed bushes and held them, focusing his attention on his friends. "Look guys, I'm tired too. But the important thing is that we're safe from the—"
"Fire Nation!", Shyu gasped as Sokka turned around. Sure enough, it seems to be that the Gaang have just walked into a clearing with a Fire Nation encampment in it. On the opposite end of the clearing were three Pavilion tents, which had the Fire Nation emblem on their doorflaps, and an active fire pit with logs as benches on two sides. The camp was occupied. The soldiers seated on the logs with bowls in their hands widened their eyes in surprise. One of these soldiers had a patch over his left eye.
"Fate likes to screw things up, doesn't she?", Idano muttered, and then shouted. "Run!"
As the six dropped their packs, the soldiers leaped up from the logs, swords out. The one-eyed soldier then took a bender's stance and launched a fistful of fire at them. The fire missed them mostly but it set the bushes behind them alight.
"We're cut off!", Sokka said. Meanwhile, the left sleeve of his tunic is on fire.
"Can you part the fire, Shyu?", Aixata asked.
"I'm afraid I can't. All those years as a Fire Sage and I have forgotten all other abilities except for the fire stream and a few others."
"What?"
"Sokka, your shirt!", Aang noted.
Sokka looked and yelled in panic. Katara uncorked her water skin and began to bend the contents water into a flowing ribbon. The ribbon splashed against Sokka's tunic, putting out the fire. After Katara redirected the ribbon back into the waterskin and replaced the cap, she and the rest put their backs together and faced the soldiers closing in on them, ready to fight if necessary.
"If you let us pass, we promise not to hurt you.", Sokka bluffed.
"That bluff isn't gonna work.", Idano warned.
The one-eyed Captain snickered from this and said, "You? Promise not to hurt us?"
Just then, where was a quiet "zip" and "thud". The Captain looked surprised for a moment, then groaned and collapsed face first on the ground.
As his men lower their weapons a little, Aang asked, "Nice work, Sokka! How'd ya do that?"
"It wasn't him.", replied Shyu. "There's help from above."
Shyu pointed to somewhere above. From where he was pointing stood a figure on the massive branch of a nearby tree. The person dropped something and drew two shuang gou (hook swords) from the middle of his back. He stepped off the back of the branch, his weapons held high. Instead of falling straight down, his swords seemed to catch on the branch, allowing him to sling himself in the direction of the camp. The stranger kicked over two of the soldiers farthest from the Gaang and landed with a foot on each of their backs.
They saw that, save for a red vest, he was dressed from neck to toe in dark green clothing. What little armor he had (shoulder caps and hip/upper thigh covers) were mismatched. He had a shaggy mane of brown hair, and a twig held in his teeth. He also seemed to be just as old as Sokka was.
The stranger rushed forward, his shuang gou in each hand. He hooked a leg each on another pair of soldiers and sent them head over heels. With a polished body flip, he launched them through the air and they ended up in a heap on top of their prone captain. The stranger landed on his feet, ready for more.
"Down you go.", he said.
The Gaang looked up from the little pile-up at him and they've gone from surprise to varying degrees of pleasure (Katara and Aixata) awe (Aang and Shyu), incredulity (Sokka), and curiosity (Idano).
A soldier rushed up from behind the young man, sword raised, who hooked his opponent's sword hand as he spun. The stranger finished where he started, ready to face a new opponent while his opponent was sent flying past a quartet of swordsmen. The closest then looked up.
"They're in the trees!", he said.
Sure enough, a small boy dropped from above and landed on his shoulders, then spun his helmet around, blinding him. The soldier staggered off, his small attacker still on his shoulders and laughing all the while. Before the remaining three swordsmen can react, arrows zipped from above, disarming each man without hurting him.
The archer who shot them was sitting on a branch. He reached for a quiver on his back and fit two arrows to the string of his bow. He then swung backward, until he is hanging beneath the branch by his knees. He lets his arrows fly, knocking of the swords of two more soldiers.
Another one of these fighters (this one had a somewhat rotund figure) leapt from a low branch to the ground. As the two disarmed soldiers ran off, a third swordsman charged the newcomer. This freedom fighter ducked, lets the swordsman run into (and across) his back, and tossed his opponent up onto the branch with a shrug. The other swordsman nearby was more cautious, but with speed and strength, the rebel grabbed him, spun him around and threw him. The barehanded rebel turned and headed for new targets before his old one hit the ground. Meanwhile, a kid with a knife and red facepaint dropped in the fray and ran off to fight.
Meanwhile, Katara was using her water to take on a foe and beside her, Aang was bending the air, dragging two soldiers in a dusty circle around the pair. Between them, Aixata sent out blasts of light all around, which struck the soldiers with scalding radiation.
Idano had his 'arnis' stick drawn and was about to whack a soldier in the head when the boy with the hook swords used his weapons to pole vault himself into the chest of Idano's opponent.
"Don't you know when someone is already taking care of his opponent?"
"*tsk* *tsk* Gotta be quicker next time.", the boy replied as he ran off to fight more soldiers. Shyu emerged from behind a tree after he was advised by Idano to hide.
"Shyu, you should hide.", Idano hissed as he saw that the former Sage was not hiding. "I got feeling these people really hate the Fire Nation."
"But—"
"They won't even care even if you've already defected. Judging by their looks, I'd say they would attack any soldier in red uniform and any Firebender, so do not Firebend, at least."
Meanwhile, two swordsmen were backing towards the forest when a massive rebel dropped to the ground. As they turned to face him, their faces registered shock as he came out of his drop crouch and towered above them. Quickly however, they recovered and took a battle stance. The grinning giant simply reached over his shoulder and pulled out a log thicker than a man's leg. He raised it two-handed over his head, and with a growl, lowers the boom and bent their swords beyond use.
The boy with the hook swords turned from his current opponent to watch the two swordsman fleeing. He grinned and turned to face a determined spearman. The man jabbed for his throat, but the boy caught the spearshaft with the hooks of his swords. They struggled for a moment, before the boy spun and sidestepped the spear. With one sword free, he hooked the man, who went flying. The soldier's spear was also sent flying and its butt-end struck the head of a nearby swordsman attacking Sokka who was about to attack with his club.
As the man was knocked out, Sokka complained, "Man!"
Another spearman attempted to strike at the young rebel from behind, but he caught the spearpoint in the space between the grip and the crescent-shaped guard of his sword and redirected it away from his head. The soldier quickly followed the spear, pushing it free and facing the young man again with a flourish. The rebel also also quickly recovered his stance, and caught the speartip with his hooks this time and angled the spear into the ground. He ran up it, leaped, kicked off the back of the soldier's helmet and stumbled a few steps forward before stopping in front of Aixata as if he'd meant to do all of it.
"Hey.", the rebel greeted nonchalantly.
"Hi."
Together, they turned to take in the camp, now deserted by all but the newcomers.
Aang remarked in awe, "You just took out a whole army almost single-handed!"
"Army?", Sokka replied. "Pfft. There were only, like, twenty guys!"
"My name is Jet (Otrub), and these are my Freedom Fighters."
He indicated each of his allies.
"Sneers." The weaponless rebel, who was eating from one of the soldier's bowls.
"Longshot." The archer, who raised his paddy-hat covered head.
"Smellerbee." The rebel with the facepaint and knife bransdished two swords left at the Fire Nation Camp.
"The Duke and Pipsqueak." The littlest of the rebels held a quarterstaff, and the giant put his log away.
Aang walked up to the two and chuckled to the Duke and said, "Pipsqueak? That's a funny name."
"Uhh…", Idano cut in. "I think Pipsqueak is the name of the giant next to the one you're talking to."
Pipsueak nodded in agreement.
"What?"
"I've exprerienced this case before, Aang, so I'm not surprised you confused the two.", Idano explained. "I remember a group called The Merry Men. One of their members, who had a tussle with the team's leader Robin Hood, before joining them, was named Little John. And he was anything but little."
"You know, I've heard a rumor of that group, too.", Jet cut in. "From what I heard, they're fighting the Fire Nation, just like us."
"I didn't know that (there was such a group in this world, too)."
"And what's with the mask?"
"You really want to find out?"
"…Nope."
"Good."
S—K—I—A—A—S—J—D—L—S—S—P ( {the Gaang}, Jet, the Duke, Longshot, Sneers, Smellerbee, Pipsueak)
Later…
The central fire in the camp was out, and members of Jet's freedom fighters were near it, checking weapons (Longshot) or investigating supply crates (Sneers). Sokka watched as Smellerbee passes him with an armful of staves.
Jet was reclining against the trunk of a tree on the perimeter of the camp. Aixata and Katara approached.
"Um, thanks for saving us Jet.", said the waterbender. "We were lucky you were there."
"I should be thanking you. We were waiting to ambush those soldiers all morning we just needed the right distraction. And then you guys stumbled in."
"We were relying on instincts.", Katara said, turning to Sokka, who was close enough to hear.
"You'll get yourself killed doing that."
Meanwhile, Pipsqueak and the Duke were investigating the inside of a barrel next to one of the pavilion tents. The Duke reached in and pulled away a finger coated with green goo. He sniffs it experimentally and said, "Hey, Jet. These barrels are filled with blasting jelly."
"That's a great score."
Pipsqueak held up a large crate and said, "And these boxes are filled with jelly candy!"
"Also good. Let's not get those mixed up.", Jet replied as the two and Sneers loaded up a four-wheeled wagon.
"We'll take the stuff back to the hideout.", called Sneers.
"You guys have a hideout?", Aang asked.
"You wanna see it?"
Aixata literally slid up to him from, hands clasped together, practically begging.
"Yes, we wanna see it!"
Jet's brow softened, but his self-assured smile never wavered.
Meanwhile, Idano was next to another tent.
"Aren't you getting a little ridiculous with this?", Shyu asked from around the tent.
"Maybe I am."
S—K—I—A—A—S—J—D—L—S—S—P
Later…
Everybody was walking along the forest floor, with Pipsqueak pulling the laden wagon next to Appa. The trunks around were massive enough to make even the bison small. Suddenly, Jet stopped.
"We're here."
"Where? there's nothing here!"
"Hold this.", Jet said as he handed Sokka a rope with a loop on the end. The other end was somewhere above them.
"Why? What's this do?", Sokka asked as he took it. Without warning, he was pulled up by his arm into a nearby tree canopy. As a final insult, Sokka got momentarily stuck in the leafy branches before he disappeared. "Woah!"
Jet offered a similar rope to Aang and Momo.
"Aang?"
"I'll get up on my own.", said the airbender as the two leaped into the air.
"I got my own wings.", said Idano as he used his wings to take off from Appa, taking Shyu with him and keeping him from Jet's sight.
Jet then held a rope and offered his free hand to Aixata.
"Grab hold of me, Aixata."
She took his hand and he pulled her into a spin that ended with her against his chest. She blushed noticeably as the rope slowly pulls them into the air, the embrace being Aixata's only means of support. She smiled nervously then looks around and up at Jet who He focused on their ascent.
"Such a handsome heroic rogue.", remarked Katara as she ascended with a nearby rope and bypassed them.
Finally, at a plank-covered platform high in the canopy, where Katara ws waiting, Jet and Aixata landed on it with a jump once Jet had let go of the still ascending rope. Wooden stairs spiraled up the trunk and suspension bridge linked their platform to elsewhere. All workmanship was of "treehouse" quality.
"Nice place you got!", Aang remarked as he and Momo slide across the scene on a rope.
As Jet and the girls walked towards the bridge, they saw that several nearby trees have the same platforms, stairs and bridges. Several platforms had tent-like huts.
"It's beautiful up here!", Katara remarked. (1)
"It's beautiful.", Jet agreed. "And more importantly, the Fire Nation can't find us."
From behind, Smellerbee emerged via rope.
"They would 'love' to find you.", Smellerbee said. "Wouldn't they, Jet?"
"It's not gonna happen, Smellerbee.", Jet answered`as a couple of sentries watched from above as Momo and Aang ziplined by again.
Soon, Jet's 'squadron' and the Gaang (save for Momo and Aang, and Idano, who was doiing everything he could to keep Shyu out of sight, at least from Jet) were walking along a bridge.
"Why would the Fire Nation want to find you?", Aixata asked. "I know they got better things to do than focus on just a small team of rebels."
"I guess you could say I've been causing them a little trouble. See, they took over the nearby Earth Kingdom town of Gaipan a few years back."
"We've been ambushin' their troops, cutting off their supply lines, and doing anything we can to mess with em.", Pipsqueak explained.
Meanwhile, Sokka was doing his best to see over Pipsqueak. He kept hopping to get a peek over the giant's shoulders.
"One day, we'll drive the Fire Nation out of here for good and free that town.", finished Jet.
"That's so brave.", Aixata said as Sokka finally made it past Pipsqueak and came up from behind.
"Yeah, nothing's braver than a guy in a treehouse.", he remarked sarcastically.
"Don't pay any attention to my brother.", countered Katara.
"No problem.", replied Jet. "He probably had a rough day."
"So, you all live here?"
"That's right.", answered the Freedom Fighter as Sokka sunk back, ignored. "Longshot over there? His town got burned down by the Fire Nation. And we found the Duke trying to steal our food. I don't think he ever really had a home."
"What about you?", Aixata asked.
Jet stopped and so did the girls while the rest moved on.
"Fire Nation killed my parents. I was only eight years old. That day changed me forever."
"Sokka and I lost our mother to the Fire Nation.", Katara replied.
"I'm so sorry, Katara."
On a suspension bridge withing hearing distance above, Shyu and Idano saw the whole thing.
"You see why I'm trying to hide you?", Idano asked.
"I finally get it.", replied Shyu. "These Freedom Fighters lost their homes/families to the Fire Nation. I've regretted being one of them ever since they started the war."
S—K—I—A—A—S—J—D—L—S—S—P
Later that night…
As Appa nested in the canopy, disturbing a cloud of birds.
The Gaang were eating and drinking at the dining area, which was lit with glowing lanterns hanging on ropes tied between branches. With them were the rest of the Freedom Fighters, with sentries watching on platforms above. Just then, Jet stood and climbed onto the table.
"Today, we struck another blow against the Fire Nation swine.", Jet declared and his followers at the table and on the upper platforms cheered. The girls and Aang watched with smiles, while Sokka looked grumpy. Shyu winced in horror and Idano just slowly shook his head.
"I got a special joy from the look on one soldier's face, when the Duke dropped down on his helmet and rode him like a wild hog monkey.", Jet continued as the helmet-less Duke joined Jet on the table and amid cheers took a victory walk around a fish platter.
"Now, the Fire Nation thinks they don't have to worry about a couple of kids hiding in the trees.", Jet continued as he prepared to take a drink from his wooden cup. "Maybe they're right." Boos. "Or maybe they are dead wrong." Cheers.
"Hey Jet, nice speech.", Aixata remarked as he sat next to them.
"Thanks. By the way, I was really impressed with you, Katara, and Aang. That was some great bending I saw out there today."
"Well, I'm still working out a few kinks.", Aixata answered.
"I could use some more training.", Katara repied with a blush. "And Aang's the Avatar."
"Avatar, huh? Very nice."
"Thanks, Jet.", Aang replied.
"So, I might know a way that you two and Aang can help in our struggle."
"Unfortunately we have to leave tonight.", Idano replied as he and Sokka stood and walked away.
"Idano, you're kidding me! I needed you on an important mission tomorrow."
They stopped and turned.
"What mission?" Sokka asked.
S—K—I—A—A—S—J—D—L—S—S—P
The next day…
Jet, Sokka, and Idano were perched in branches on the same tree. Jet cupped his hands and made a birdcall. Several trees down, Pipsqueak and Smellerbee stepped into view from their branches. There was a reply call.
As Sokka rammed his jawbone knife into the trunk of the tree, Jet asked, "What are you doing?"
"Shh… it amplifies vibrations."
Jet was impressed. "Good trick."
"Yeah.", Idano replied.
Sokka cupped his hands around the pommel 'bone' and put his ear to it.
"Nothing yet. Wait! Yes, someone's approaching."
"How many?", Idano asked.
"I think there's just one."
Jet whistled again, then said, "Good work, Sokka. Ready your weapon."
Sokka pulled his knife out of the tree and waited. His eyes went wide when the "someone" came into view; a stooped old man with a cane, wearing a simple red robe.
"Wait! False alarm.", Idano said as he saw him too. "He's just an senior citizen."
However, Jet stood and extended his hook swords anyway, then leapt to the ground in front of the traveler. Sokka and Idano watched with horror.
"What are you doing in our woods, you leech?", Jet asked with anger.
"Please sir, I'm just a traveler."
Jet took a step, and with one swipe of his sword sent the man's can flying from his hand. The old man backed away, and stumbled into Pipsqueak. The force of the impact knocked him to the ground and he was then pinned by the giant.
"Do you like destroying towns?", Jet interrogated as Smellerbee came over. "Do you like destroying families? Do you?"
"Oh, please. Let me go! Have mercy—"
"Does the Fire Nation let people go? Does the Fire Nation have mercy?"
Jet wound up a kick, but his foot was snagged by Sokka's club before it can be delivered. As Sokka released him, he said, "Jet, he's just an old man! A civilian!"
"He's Fire Nation!", Jet countered and ordered. "Search him!"
Pipsqueak held the prisoner and Smellerbee stepped up.
"But he's not hurting anyone!", Idano replied. "It's the Fire Nation military you should exert your anger on. They are the 'bloodthirsty' fighters."
"Have you forgotten that the Fire Nation killed your mother, Sokka?", Jet countered. "Remember why you fight!"
"We've got his stuff, Jet.", said Smellerbee as a shoulder satchel was taken from the old man.
"This isn't right.", Sokka said. "A civilian of the enemy nation shouldn't be treated the same way as its soldiers."
"It's what has to be done.", Jet said. "Now let's get outta here."
Jet pushed past Sokka and Idano. Pipsqueak and Smellerbee followed. Idano and Sokka looked at the old man still on his hands and knees, then they left.
S—I—J—S—P—S—I—J—S—P (Sokka, Idano, Jet, Smellerbee, Pipsueak)
At the hideout, Aang and Momo were playing with the ziplines again. He then leapt to a platform where Sokka, Shyu, and Idano were sitting.
"Guys!", he called. "Look what the Duke gave me!"
Aang was wearing a satchel (not the old man's) and pulled a small pellet from it. With a sly grin, he tossed it at the platform next to Momo, where it exploded with a pop. Momo puffed up like a startled cat, growled, then lunged for the satchel. Momo then sat on Aang's shoulder and tossed pellets at his feet.
As Aang danced about wildly, he yelled, "Ow! Quit it!"
Idano stood up and took the satchel, "These could be useful, y'know? Let's keep them."
While Shyu took in what Idano told him bout the old Fire Nation man, Sokka just sat with his back to the trunk and staring at the platform before him, frowning. Just then, Aixata and Katara walked up.
"Hey, Sokka. Hey, Idano.", Katara greeted. "Is Jet back?"
"Yeah he's back. But we're leaving."
"What?", Aang gasped.
"But I made him this hat.", Aixata replied as she pulls from behind her back a cap made out of stitched leaves with a flower on top. The workmanship was unimpressive.
"Your boyfriend Jet's a thug.", Sokka said.
"What? No, he's not."
"He's messed up, Aixata."
"He's not messed up, he's just got a different way of life. A really fun way of life.", Aang replied.
"He beat and robbed a harmless old man!"
"I wanna hear Jet's side of the story.", Katara said.
S—K—I—A—A—S—S—K—I—A—A—S
"Sokka, you told them what happened, but you didn't mention that the guy was Fire Nation?", Jet asked.
Jet and the Gaang were in a lantern-lit hut, at least one wall is made of wood. Jet was sitting on a hammock-bed, the others stood. Sokka and Idano stood grumpily as far away as they can get. Aang was wearing the hat Katara made, and he looked like an acorn. Shyu was beside Idano.
"No, he conveniently left that part out.", Aixata replied.
"Fine!", Sokka admitted. "But even if he was Fire Nation, he was a harmless civilian."
"He was an assassin, Sokka.", explained Jet as he pulled out a knife and thrust it into a nearby block of wood. It was a sinister looking curved blade. There ware four spikes evenly spaced along the grip, with enough space for fingers to go between them. There was also a ring on the butt of the knife.
"See? There's a compartment for poison in the knife.", Jet continued as he pulled on the ring and removed a small glass tube filled with red liquid. "He was sent to eliminate me. You helped save my life, Sokka."
"I knew there was an explanation!", Katara exclaimed.
"I didn't see any knife!"
"That's because he was concealing it.", Jet explained.
"See Sokka? I'm sure you just didn't notice the knife."
"There was no knife!", Idano said for Sokka. "I've got keener eyes than you, Jet. We're going back to the hut and packing our things." Idano then used his Thoughtbending to relay to Aixata what he has seen as he, Sokka and Shyu left.
"Tell me you guys aren't leaving yet.", Jet pleaded to Aang and the girls. "I really need your help."
"What can we do?", Aang asked.
"The Fire Nation is planning on burning down our forest. If you both use water bending to fill the reservoir, we could fight the fires. But if you leave now, they'll destroy the whole valley."
S—K—I—A—A—S—J
Late that night, Aang and the girls were entering their hut. They saw Sokka and Idano tying up a roll on the floor.
"We can't leave now with the Fire Nation about to burn down a forest!", Katara pleaded to her brother.
"I'm sorry, Katara. Jet's very smooth, but we can't trust him."
"You know what I think? You're jealous that he's a better warrior and a better leader!"
"Katara, I'm not jealous of Jet. It's just that my instinct—"
"Well my instincts tell me we need to stay here a little longer and help Jet. Come on Aang."
"Sorry, Sokka.", Aang apologized as he and the girls left the hut.
But Idano stopped Aixata and asked, "Are you sure won't be logical here? I know you have a crush on Jet, but would you ignore what I relayed you? You know for certain that I'm incapable of lying since my accident that led to my part-metal body."
Aixata didn't say anything and left.
S—K—I—A—A—S
Early morning (like 2 AM or so)…
While Appa slept on the canopy snoring up a storm, the Gaang were sleeping in ther hut.
Just then, Shyu, who was a light sleeper, woke up upon hearing a voice. He pulls the door flap aside enough to see some of Jet's followers descending on the rope lines. He shook Sokka and Idano awake and told him what he saw. Quickly, Sokka took a rope line down to a lower branch and Idano followed, while Shyu reentered the hut and told Aixata about this. On the ground below the two boys, Jet's Freedom Fighters were quietly pushing the loaded wagon as Jet led them out of the camp. The two stealthily followed.
In the dark valley, the walled town sat on the far side of a river that cut through the forest. Upstream, and up toward the wall of the valley there was an old waterfall, and beyond that was a man-made dam. A bare cliff off to the reservoir's left provided the view.
Jet and his boys emerged form the forest. Jet himself went to the edge and looked down on the dam below. The reservoir behind it was low. He turned back to the wagon and said.
"Now listen. You are not to blow the dam until I give the signal. If the reservoir isn't full, the Fire Nation troops could survive."
The Duke jumped off the wagon and asked, "But what about the people in the town? Won't they get wiped out too?"
Jet places a hand on the Duke's shoulder and replied, "Look Duke, that's the price of ridding this area of the Fire Nation." He then turned to Longshot and ordered, "Now don't blow the dam until I give the signal. Got it?"
As Longshot nodded, Idano and Sokka watched incredulously from the bushes. Just then, they were found out by Pipsqueak and Smellerbee.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Quickly, the two were captured, hands bound to their backs, (luickily, Idano left his bag behind) and dragged out by Pipsqueak, catching Jet's attention.
"Sokka. Idano. I'm glad you decided to join us."
Their captors sent Sokka and Idano to their knees.
"I heard your plan to destroy the Earth Kingdom town.", Sokka said.
"Our plan is to rid the valley of the Fire Nation."
"There are people living there Jet! Mothers and fathers and children."
"We can't win without making some sacrifices."
"You'd sacrifice dozens of Earth Kingdom citizens for… just a handful of Fire Nation soldiers?", Idano countered.
"You lied to them about the forest fire!", Sokka accused.
"Because they don't understand the demands of war. Not like you and I do."
"I do understand. I understand that there's nothing you won't do to get what you want."
"You're no hero.", said Idano. "You're merely a racist against the Fire Nation!"
"I was hoping you two would have an open mind, but I can see you've made your choice.", Jet said, then ordered the ones behind Sokka and Idano. "Take them for a walk—a long walk."
S—I—J—D—L—S—S—P
Midday…
Jet led Aixata, Katara, and Aang across the west bank of the riverside that was upriver from the dam. The collected water behind it was much less than the larger cavity of the reservoir. The river leading to down to it was a thread compared to its "rainy season" gully.
"Jet, I'm sorry about how Sokka's been acting.", Katara said.
"No worries. He already apologized."
"Really?", Asked Aang as the three stopped and looked at one another. Sokka apologized?"
"Yeah I was surprised too. I got the sense that maybe you talked to him or something."
"Yeah, I did.", Katara admitted.
"I guess something you said got through to him. Anyhow, he and Idano went out on a scouting mission with Pipsqueak and Smellerbee."
"I'm glad he cooled off. He's so stubborn sometimes."
They were now walking in the gully, beside the "river". Just then, Aang paused after noticing something strange, then was launched into the air by a blast from the geyser he was standing on.
"All right, we're here.", Jet said. "Underground water's trying to escape through these vents. I need you guys to help it along."
"I've never used bending on water I can't see.", Katara said. "I don't know."
"What are you saying?", Aixata replied. "Back at Kyoshi Island, you bent the water out of Aang's lungs, even though you had my help. "
Jet stood behind Katara and placed her hands on her shoulders.
"Katara. You can do this."
"What about me?", Aang asked as he descended to the ground.
"I know the Avatar can do this."
"What about me?", Aixata asked. "I'm not an airbender or waterbender."
"Your brother told me about your telekinesis.", Jet explained.
"Ah."
The three now stood on either side of one of the many smoking holes in the gully. While Jet looked on, they performed bending gestures, they looked like they are encouraging something up, now that Aixata thought about it. After a few minutes, a blobby stream of water emerged from the hole. They pulled it to their height, and then sent it toward the river where it continues to flow like a giant garden hose (as Aixata called it). As the water quickly joined the river, Jet made a remark.
"Yes! Good job! This river empties into the reservoir—a few more geysers and it'll be full."
"Look, there's another steam vent.", Aixata called as the three walked off in its direction.
"Okay. You two keep it up I'll go check on things at the reservoir.", jet said as he turned and walked away.
"When we're done we'll meet you over there.", Aixata suggested.
"Actually, it'd probably be better if you meet me back at the hideout when you're done.", Jet countered as he resumed walking away.
The three then bent the next geyser into another fountain. And a few minutes later, they were finished.
"I bet that's enough and I'm not just saying that to be lazy.", Aang said as a half dozen fountains flowed into the river.
"Let's catch up with Jet at the reservoir.", Katara suggested.
"I thought we agreed to meet Jet back at the hideout.", Aang said.
"Well, we finished early—I'm sure he'll be happy to see us."
K—A—A—J—K—A—A—J (Katara, Aang, Aixata, Jet)
Somewhere in the forest…
Pipsqueak and Smellerbee were escorting Idano and Sokka, who had their hands tied behind their backs. Idano's back was also wrapped to prevent him from opening his Jet Wings. Smellerbee gave them a shove, but they remained on their feet.
"Come on, move along!", said Smellerbee.
"How can you stand by and do nothing while Jet wipes out a whole town?", Sokka asked.
"Hey listen, Sokka. Jet's a great leader.", Pipsqueak answered. "We follow what he says, and things always turn out okay."
Just then Idano noticed a couple of snare leaf-piles nearby. They were identical to the one that enticed Momo, right down to the pile of nuts.
"If that's how Jet leads, then he's got a lot to learn.", Idano said as he opened his wings, breaking out of the ropes and he ran off. At the same moment, Sokka followed and evaded a grab from Smellerbee.
"Hey!", said Pipsqueak as they gave chase. Sokka leaped over the leaf piles and Idano flew over them. Pipsqueak and Smellerbee didn't see the traps, and ended up snared and hanging many feet up in the air the second they stepped on them.
"While you two are up there you might want to practice your knot-work.", Sokka said as he held up his now-worthless bindings, then turned and walked away.
"And the way you hang there, Smellerbee?", Idano added as he followed Sokka. "I could see that you're a girl."
"Hey Smellerbee, you gonna eat your leechi nuts?", Pipsqueak asked. Smellerbee just tossed him one and he ate it up.
"How did he know that I was a girl?", Smellerbee asked herself as she and Pipsqueak hung there, waiting to be rescued.
S—I—S—P—S—I—S—P (Sokka, Idano, Smellerbee, Pipsqueak)
Finaly, the girls and Aang reached the edge of the cliff, where they were supposed to meet Jet. At the base of the dam, they saw four of Jet's people unloading barrels from the wagon and arranging them. (Sneers was not one of them.)
"What are they doing?", Katara wondered.
"Hey, those are the red barrels he got from the Fire Nation.", Aixata gasped.
"Why would they need blasting jelly?"
"Because Jet's gonna blow up the dam.", Aang realized.
"What? No—that would destroy the town. Jet wouldn't do that."
Aang snapped his glider wings open.
"I've gotta stop him.", he said as he ran for the edge.
Before he could reach it, Jet crossed his path from behind and snatched the glider. Aang was left wobbling precariously on the edge, but he used an airbending move to get himself back on stable footing.
"Yes I would.", Jet replied.
"Jet, why?"
"Katara, you would too if you just stopped to think. Think about what the Fire Nation did to your mother. We can't let them do that to anyone else, ever again."
"This isn't the answer!", Aixata replied. "You'd wipe out dozens of families for a handful of troops?"
"I want you to understand me. I thought your brothers would understand, but—"
"Where's Sokka?", Katara asked as she started to cry. Jet tried to console her, but Aixata wouldn't allow it and sent him back with a surge of 'light'.
"I need to get to the dam.", Aang aid as he went for his glider. Befre Jet could snatch it, Aixata knocked it off with another blast of 'light'.
"What are you doing?", Jet shouted as Aang took off.
"Your battle's with me!", Aixata replied. "For betraying us, and for betraying your group with this immoral act!"
"If that's how you want it…" Jet readied his shuang gou. "I won't go easy on you. Even if you're a girl."
"I'd be disappointed if you did." Aixata then sheathed a pair of blades out of light.
Jet started by charging at Aixata, who backflipped to a nearby tree. When Jet followed and pursued her through the forest, they clashed blades. To Jet's surprise, her 'light' blades were as 'hard' as his own.
"You really thought my blades were illusions?", Aixata taunted as she did a spinning slash through Jet's body and then kicked him away. The slash didn't cut his body, though he did experience a searing sensation in his body.
"Katara and Sokka wouldn't do what you did.", she continued. "You wanna know why? It's because they didn't let their anger consume them, unlike you."
"How was it possible?", Jet asked as he charged.
"One, they were busy trying to survive to think of chasing the Fire Nation." Aixata parried every blow, and then punched Jet in the face.
"Two, they didn't have the means to go after them, even if they wanted to." A kick to the stomach.
"And three, they knew where to exert their rage on." Another kick, this time, to the side, nearly knocking him off the branch.
"And it doesn't count innocent civilians who's only potential of being a threat is to alert the soldiers."
Aixata was gonna snag Jet's wrists to relieve him of his swords, but the Freedom Fighter managed to flip forward and landed onto Aixata's shoulders. He then caught a branch with his hook swords and kicked the lightbender to the face, sending her down to the ground. Luckily, her fall was broken by numerous branches, but she was now too weakened to fight.
Jet landed safely beside her, but before he could attack, Katara took over and began to strike Jet repeatedly, not giving Jet a chance to counterattack. Once she pinned him to a tree, she froze the water, leaving him frozen from toe to neck.
"Why, Jet? I can't believe I trusted you.", Katara screamed at him. "You lied to me! You're sick, and I trusted you!"
Just then, a signal call was heard. Katara and was startled an he looked to the valley beyond where it's coming from.
After Jet gave an answer call, he said, "You're too late."
"Sokka and Idano are still out there. They're our only chance.", Katara thought. "Come on, Sokka. I'm sorry I ever doubted you. Please."
K—A—A—J—K—A—A—J
Erstwhile, before and during the duel between Jet and Aixata…
Aang soared to the dam to try and attempt to remove the blasting jelly. Just as he got there, he was pounced on by two guys in brown cloaks with a circular object pinned to their clothes that had a closed, red, and thick paperback book. (2) As the three fell, Aang managed to get the two off him and he landed on the dry riverbed. The two figures landed safely behind him, and then pulled out spears, but wielded them like staffs.
"Who are you guys?", Aang asked.
"It's none of your concern.", said one of them as he twirled his lance and thrusted at Aang, who smoothly evaded it and countered with a gale. The other figure dodged that and countered with a gale of his own. THis surprised Aang as he dispersed it.
"Are you…are you an airbender?", he asked.
"Technically, I'm an aerokinetic, but you could call me that. However, I'm not an Air Nomad."
"Huh?"
"Any more than that orange-haired friend of yours is the Avatar, despite being able to 'bend' all four elements (and more)."
"How'd you know about Aixata?"
"That's none of your concern!", said the first figure as he sung his spear at Aang, who deflected it with his own and knocked away the other figure.
"You keep saying that it's not my concern! Well, it is my concern because she's my friend! I won't let you do anything to her!"
"You better be more concerned about yourself.", replied the second figure as he pointed behind Aang. The airbender looked to see a fire rrow arc down into the dam. As the blasting jelly exploded, the figures said, "Ta." and mysteriously disappeared. Aang didn't even bother to find out more of them as he opened his glider and took off back to where Katara and Aixata were, the water narrowly touching him.
A—A—A—A—A—A—A—A
The girls saw the river break though the dam and flood the entire village.
"They didn't make it in time.", Katara muttered as Aang got back.
Aixata then turned to Jet and yelled, "Jet, you mother****ing mass murderer! Look at the s*** you've done! All those innocent poeple, along with those Fire Nation s***, have now kissed their ***es goodbye because of your blind hatred! Are you satisfied now, you b****?" (3)
"This was a victory, Aixata.", Jet replied cooly, (seemingly) devoid of all morals, thinking what he did was noble. "Remember that."
"Victory, my ***!" Aixata then slapped his face with a wave of light. Katara was shocked from the lightbender's profane mouth.
"The Fire Nation is gone and this valley will be safe.", Jet continued.
"It will be safe without you.", Idano said as he, (Momo,) and Sokka rose from below the level of the cliff upon Appa.
"Sokka! Idano!", Katara said.
"We warned the villagers of your plan, just in time.", Sokka explained.
"What!", Jet gasped.
"At first they didn't believe us.", Idano continued. "The Fire Nation soldiers assumed we were spies. But one man vouched for us; the old man you attacked. He urged them to trust us, and we got everyone out in time."
"You fools! We could've liberated this valley!"
"Who would be liberated? No one would be alive to appreciate it."
"You traitors!"
"No, Jet.", Sokka answered. "You became the traitor when you stopped protecting innocent people."
"Katara.", Jet pleaded one last time. "Please help me."
"Goodbye, Jet.", was all the waterbender said before she, Aixata, and Aang boarded Appa and they took off, leaving Jet behind on the ground, still frozen to the tree.
S—K—I—A—A—J—S—K—I—A—A—J
"We thought you were going to the dam.", Aixata said. "How come you went to the town instead?"
"Lemme guess.", Katara said. "Your instincts told you."
"Hey, sometimes they're right.", Sokka, who was on the reins, replied.
"Um, Sokka? You know we're going the wrong way, right?
"And sometimes they're wrong.", he finished as he turned around.
"Aren't we forgetting somebody?", Idano asked.
"Shyu!", Sokka gasped as they steered Appa back to the Freedom Fighters' hideout.
SCS (Story Crew Special): The Freedom Fighters
When the Gaang returned to the treetop hideout, it was quiet. Too quiet.
"Shyu?", Idano called through thoughtbending. "This is Idano. Wave both of your hands so we can find you."
Seconds later, they passed by the main gathering place, where the Freedom Fighters once gathered for dinner. Many of them were now there, sitting in rows and facing a peron in similar attire as the rebels.
"What are they doing?", Aang asked.
"I think that guy's relaying what he witnessed concerning Jet's immoral act.", Idano guessed. "I think they're choosing whether to disband, or to renew their purpose."
"Hey! I see Shyu!", Aixata said as she pointed somewhere.
"Good one, sis."
S—K—I—A—A—S—K—I—A—A
The member who was talking to the Freedom Fighters wasn't a Freedom Fighter at all, but a member of the Story Crew.
"…and that's about it. You can choose to continue your life here, or you can join the Story Crew, and maintain universal order."
Some of them stood up, others just sat down.
"Good. For those who stood up, meet me at the bottom of the hideout later to prepare for transport."
S—K—I—A—A—S—K—I—A—A
"Thanks for finding me.", Shyu explained as they rested. "Somehow, informtion leaked to them that I was a Firebender. Naturally, the Freedom Fighters chased me all over the hideout. After a hide-and-seek of sorts, another Freedom Fighter came, not one I am familiar with, and told his comrades of Jet's deed. They stopped chasing me, and assembled at the dining area."
"Earlier, as Aixata fought against Jet, I was stalled by two men in brown cloaks with a coin-like object pinned to their clothes. It had a closed, red, and thick book."
Aixata and Idano gasped quietly from this.
"You know them?", Katara asked Idano.
"Yeah. They are a group of assassins who are targeting my sister and I. Hey! Who's that over there?"
Idano was pointing somewhere in the hideout. They looked and saw Sneers.
"Sneers?", Sokka asked as they approached. "What is it?"
"I've knew about what Jet did. At first, I thought his plan was a good one, but now that I've thought of it, I realized that he no longer cared about protecting innocent people. I wish to accompany you on your jouney.
"Why would you want to come with us?", Aang asked.
"In hopes of finding my purpose in life. Before, I dedicated my life to Jet and his dream, but now…I am lost."
The six members of the Gaang loked at one another and discussed.
"Do you think we could afford one more member?", Sokka asked.
"I have my doubts.", replied Idano. "I plan to send him to our cabbage merchant uncle when we meet him again."
"Are you that 'cruel' to ditch someone when you get the chance?", Katara retorted.
"He's just being tactical.", Aixata countered. "Our supplies don't really last that long."
"I just hope he isn't a big eater.", Shyu said.
After a few more seconds, they turned to Sneers and Aang said, "Okay, you can come with us."
"Thank you very much.", replied Sneers. "I hope I won't be a burden."
"We'll see.", Aixata answered with a smile.
Δ Jet Otrub
Leader of the Freedom Fighters, a ragtag rebellion. While he is charming and all, he harbors a pathological hatred of the Fire Nation, hating its soldiers and citizens alike.
He's so confident in his groups efforts that he became paranoid and thought the Fire Nation was after him. Were it not for his anger, I (Aixata) would have asked him and the Freedom Fighters to join our cause, but sadly, it ws not to be.
X "The Duke"
A Freedom Fighter. As a kid, he lost his home to the Fire Nation. Jet found and recruited him to his group when the kid was found stealing from their supplies.
X "Longshot"
A brave and wise warrior of the Freedom Fighters. He is second to none in his group when it comes to archery. While he doesn't speak, I (Idano) can't tell if it's from mutenesss or a "vow of silence".
X "Sneers"
A scout of the of the Freedom Fighters. I (Aixata) didn't get much intel on his abilities other than despite his figure, he's a stong and talented martial artist.
He has recently joined our team, but time will tell if he'll be staying for long.
X "Smellerbee"
A Freedom FIghter wwho is extremely loyal to Jet. I (Idano) didn't see it at first but it turns out this fighter is a female, not that there's anything wrong with that. She also happens to be very skilled in swords and other bladed weapons.
X "Pipsqueak"
A Freedom Fighter. Despite his name, he is actually really large. While he isn't exactly bright, he is strong and agile. Until now, I (Aixata) ask myself why and how was he earned his name. Then again, this world also has "The Merry Men" in it.
(1) I seem to be putting up too many 'remarked's.
(2) Of course I can't have the Stoy Crew alone to change things, right? This is the Book Troop countering the Story Crew's efforts on making 'things' better.
(3) Sometimes, you -just- have to say a swear word out loud. But worry not; they have been censored to keep the rating down.