Master Piandao
(Two weeks into training with Piandao/Sokka)
A claw whistles through the air and almost takes Kuzo's head. The Avatar is barely able to bring his sword up in time to deflect it. He closes his eyes against the sparks that fly.
A beak darts towards his neck like lightning but that too is barely deflected. The force sends Kuzo reeling back a few paces.
"Accursed fowl! Today shall be the day I skewer you on a stick and cook you!" the Avatar yells fiercely.
He stares daggers at his opponent, which is a Raptockrel. It had a body six feet tall, ink black feathered wings, scaly dinosaur feet, which possessed vicious curved claws. The head of the creature was that of a bird, with the skin and tongue of a reptile, wielding an ominously long black beak.
Kuzo slowly stepped sideways, probing his enemy from different angles. The cockeraptor eyed him closely, and decided to make the first move.
Another flurry of pecks and feet slashes were aimed the Avatar's way. Kuzo invested all his concentration into parrying the strikes. It was barely enough, and after defending against the five hit assault, he found an opening. He thrust the sword towards his opponent's neck.
*Fwish!*
And the target was gone, leapt back about fifteen feet away. When in danger, the rooster relied on its wings and powerful legs to bid swift retreat. It was an animal that specialized in hit and run tactics.
This is ridiculous. I could defeat it if I used any of my bending!
"Kuzo, stop trying to beat it head on. If you're trying to match it in pure sword skill, you'll never win."(Piandao)
Kuzo groans loudly in frustration, and then attempts to calm his nerves.
As the Raptockrel comes again for another strike, the young Avatar stabs his sword into the ground and angles sun light into the bird reptile's eyes. Momentarily blinded, the beast leaps back and tries to shake the spots from its vision. It quickly veers to attack its opponent from a different angle. Once clear of the sunlight, the Raptockrel looks towards the source of the flare and only finds the sword stuck in the earth.
The bird picks up on its enemy's presence a step too late. Kuzo dashes from a blind spot and violently jabs the animal's Qi Points. The reptile hybrid falls over with a limp body.
"Finally!" Kuzo breathes out in exasperation.
*TUK!*
"Hm?" the Avatar mutters while seeing his vision tilt.
Then it slants further and bright blurs cloud his sight.
…..
He had no idea how long he had been out, but it had been enough. Kuzo stirs and sees Piandao standing over him with a boomerang being flipped up and down.
"Be more aware of your surroundings, Kuzo. If you don't play fair, why expect your opponent to?" the Master says with an impish smile.
"*Groan* Duly noted, Master…"(Kuzo)
Kuzo rubs the back of his head and knows a lump is forming. He goes to grab a bottle of water, pours it into his hand, and freezes it. He then begins rubbing it on the sore spot.
Ty Lee leaps behind Piandao and jabs him. He sways ridiculously before collapsing onto his Raptockrel with a big *poof*.
"Ty Lee!"(Piandao)
"Wasn't it yourself that said to be more aware and not playing fair?"(Ty Lee)
"A little overprotective of him, aren't you?"(Piandao)
"It is my duty. And you shouldn't get so complacent either. Things are going to get a lot more dangerous from now on."(Ty Lee)
Ty Lee walks over to Kuzo and examines the back of his head.
"Should be nothing more than a bruise."(Ty Lee)
"I know!" Kuzo says as he bats her hand away.
"… I know, Sifu. Please do not baby me."(Kuzo)
He looks towards Piandao.
"Please, let us continue, Master."(Kuzo)
"Umm… do you think I can continue like this?" he says as he lies paralyzed on his giant rooster.
Kuzo quickly walks over to him and jabs his Qi points. Piandao violently jerks and then stands back up.
"Guu~ I'll never get used to that…"(Piandao)
Kuzo stares at him awaitingly.
"*Ahem* Your training is finished for today. As far as your sword skills are concerned, this was actually your final test."(Piandao)
"I still haven't defeated you."(Kuzo)
"… Is that how you decide if your training is over?!"(Piandao)
Kuzo nods without hesitation.
"Pretty cutthroat… Wait! You said your training with Ty Lee was completed before. Does that mean…"(Piandao)
Piandao looks at Ty Lee who shrugs casually.
"He's beaten me a few times."(Ty Lee)
"Are you serious?! Fine! Tomorrow we'll duel! Don't expect me to pull any punches, Avatar!"(Piandao)
"Of course. If sword training is finished for today, I'll be going to practice my bending."(Kuzo)
Kuzo walks off to another part of the complex. Ty Lee looks up to the sky.
"It's still early in the day. You could've dueled him now."(Ty Lee)
"Yeah, but now I get to set up traps and obstacles before the fight."(Piandao)
"You really don't like to fight fair…"(Ty Lee)
"It's called 'Strategic Maneuvering'. Besides, I can't hold anything back against him."(Piandao)
"After that boomerang to the head, I'm sure he won't either. Expect some bending coming your way."(Ty Lee)
"Guh!... Maybe I should poison his food and drink…"(Piandao)
"Sokka!"(Ty Lee)