Authors note: First of all I would like to offer my thanks to all those that read this story whether they have reviewed or not. Over 300 hits people! This is my story and I will tell you now that I'm not going to write my version of every episode. Occasionally I will skip a episode because I am lazy. Also I'm thinking of starting another story, this one will be focused on my new OC who will be Azula's twin brother. I'll set up a poll on my account. So if you want me to make that story vote for it if not then don't do anything but do enjoy this story. Now onto the disclaimer….
Disclaimer: I do not own ATLA if I did my OC would be a real character and I would be Rich. I do however own my OC Quan. If you wish to use him in a story of your own contact me first.
The gaang had followed the boy's escape path and were pleasantly surprised to find a small village. Sokka was being ,well, Sokka. He was scrutinizing everything he saw, searching for any potential threats. Aang was attempting to trade the nuts Sokka had collected, to an elderly man, for a straw hat and Quan was just appreciating the subtle beauty of the town, as well as grinning nervously at a group of girls that were all staring and smiling at him. Truth be told all the attention made him uneasy.
Katara however was looking for the boy they had seen earlier and she found him. He walked through the door of a modest shop and Katara followed and the gaang followed her.
"Haru, you're late. Get started with your chores." A woman, presumably she was the mother of the earth bending Haru, spoke hurriedly and slightly annoyed . The door was opened and in walked Katara, followed closely by Sokka, Aang and finally Quan, who had been glad to get away from all those girls staring at him.
"Hey you're that boy. Why'd you run off earlier?" Katara inquired. "You must have me confused with some other boy." The boy replied nervously. "No we don't. We saw you earth bending." Aang stated while readjusting his new straw hat. As the words earth bending left Aang's mouth Haru's and his mother's faces visibly paled and the house was sealed tightly.
"They saw you doing what?" Haru's mother choked out. "Their crazy mom. Just look at the way their dressed." Each member of the gaang instinctively looked at their choice of attire. "You know how dangerous that is. You know what would happen if they caught you earth bending!" Haru's mother spoke quietly, her voice filled with fear. Before anyone else could talk a knock was heard at the door along with a gruff voice that ordered that they "Open up!" The door was opened and when the fire bender entered he saw five people standing around in an obvious attempt to act 'natural'. Aang was resting on a barrel when the top slipped and he fell to the floor, water splashing him.
"What do you want? I've already paid you this week." Said Haru's mother. The fire bender turned to the woman with an evil grin, " The tax just doubled.." A ball of fire formed in his hands. "..and we wouldn't want a accident would we? Fire is sometimes so difficult to control." The soldier finished, extinguishing the flame. Haru's mother opened a wooden box and the soldier took all the coins inside. With another grin he said, "You can keep the copper ones." and dropped the copper coins to the floor.
After they fire bender had left Katara questioned why Haru had to hide his earth bending and was shocked and horrified by the answer. Had she known she would never had brought it up. Since then she, Haru and Quan had just been talking on a ridge. " I'm sorry for what I said earlier, I didn't know about your father." Katara said apologetically. " It's okay, the way you were talking, back at the shop…it reminded me of him." " Thanks." " My father was very courageous, when the fire nation invaded, he and the other earth benders were outnumbered ten to one. But they fought back anyway." "Trust the fire nation to attack in superior numbers." Quan spat in hatred. Katara and Haru both looked at Quan, " You've fought them before?" Haru questioned. "Yeah…" Was Quan's only reply.
The day went by in a blur. Katara had just finished telling the gaang how Haru had used earth bending to save an old man from being crushed. They fell asleep swiftly. A knock was heard and Haru answered the door, only to be dragged from his home.
I'm going to cut the chapter off there. If you want to know what happens next you'll have to be patient. Sorry I took so long. In my defence I have stated that I'm lazy J.