Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar or any of its characters. I own Koima and Bane.

Warning: Um… Just… be careful what you are about to read. The Big Bad Thing has come… Rated: M for BAD SHIT!!!!

Chapter 24

I Know What You Are

"I can't keep track of him. Have you guys seen where he keeps going?"

"Yes. But he told us not to talk about it."

"Smellerbee please! I'm afraid he's going to do something to them if we don't stop him!"

"I'm sure he won't do anything stupid. We are trying to start over and he knows that. Once he sees that they aren't who he thinks they are then he'll give up."
"Don't lie to yourself. Has he ever let an innocent by? You know he'll keep trying!"

"…"

"What are you guys whispering about?"

"Jet!... Um… nothing… Hey, where are you going? It's dark out."

"That's none of your concern, Bane. I'll be back later."

: Koima:

"Koima dear, I need you for a moment!"

I set aside the broom and went to go find Uncle, "Coming! Where are you?"

"In the kitchen"

I soon find him and Zuko as well… there was a tea pot shattered on the wood floor.

"What happened?" Zuko looked upset, his arms crossed, glaring off away from the mess.

"Zuko broke one of the last tea pots-"
"I didn't touch it! It fell by itself!" I smothered a laugh knowing that Zuko was just embarrassed.

Uncle was counting out gold pieces in a bag and handed them to me, "I need you to go to the Potter's and pick up two new tea pots. Regular size please. This should be enough for them."

I went to the coat hooks by the door and grabbed my small jacket and put it on. Though it was hot during the day, once night fell so did the temperature.

"Save dinner for me please!" I called while I headed out the door.

It was dark out, probably about nine o'clock by my reckoning. A little late, but we need these pots for tomorrow or we would be far behind on orders…

I was scarcely twenty feet away from our shop when one of them stopped me.

"Miss! It's almost curfew. I'll have to ask you to return home."

It was one of the Dai-Li.

I stopped where I was and waited for the Dai-Li to come to me. There were many of these everywhere. Like soldiers. They all gave me a creepy feeling. When we had first seen them, a customer told us about these strange men. We learned that they are the Agent's of the Dai-Li, the cultural authority of Ba Sing Sae and the guardians of traditions. They just look like mean guys in robes to me. At night they are everywhere making sure everyone is inside, keeping the peace and order in the city.

I had forgotten about the curfew. This Dai-Li had a long braid that reached down far on his back and was clean shaven but did have an interesting long scar on his right cheek. He didn't look as mean as the others or as old. 25 or so.

"Yes sir, I'm sorry but my Uncle sent me on an errand."
"You're Uncle should know the rules about curfew."

"Please. We are new here. We own that tea shop and my brother broke one of our last tea pots and we need more for tomorrow. Please Sir." I pleaded, "It will only take ten minutes at the most."

The man seemed to think it over. He looked at me and I clasped my hands together pleadingly and hoped my act works. It did!

"Fine. But this is the first and last time. Hurry up."

I bowed, "Thank you sir, Thank you!" I dash off quickly before he could change his mind. I was able to sneak past two additional Dai-Li on the way and made it to the Potter's just as he was putting up his "Closed" sign.

"Hold on!" I waved.

He looked up through the window and indicated the sign, shaking his head. Crap! I was too late. I have to give it a try though.

"I'm from the tea shop! Hu-Lin's Tea! We need more tea pots! Or no more tea!" I held up the money bag and shook it till it jingled.

The store owner smiled and opened the door for me.

A short while later I left with two brand new tea pots and a lighter coin bag. At least it was done. Now to get home to dinner.

My stomach growled, wanting roast duck and noodles. I walked home as fast as I could without attracting any further Dai-Li.

I passed by an alley, nothing special about it. It was like any other alley I've seen before. But when I passed this one, a pair of hands darted out, grabbing me and pulling me in!

The two tea pots which I had been carrying fell to the cobblestones and shattered loudly! My pots! I bit the hand covering my mouth. The person released me and I whirled around to face him.

JET?! "Hey! I just bought those! Why the hell did you do that?!" I hissed, glaring at him. He stood there, looking at me with a strange expression. What the hell was he up to! He just cost me 10 gold pieces!

"Well aren't you going to apologize?" I said, fuming.

"Shut up."

"What?" That brought me up short. I realized who I was talking to. I had been too angry to understand the situation I was in, "Jet. I told you to stay away from us."

"I said Shut UP!"

He Hit Me.

With that first hit, my head collided with the brick wall behind me. I saw stars.

"I know what you are." Jet growled coming for me again. Oh no…, "I've been watching you all. Everyday. Waiting. And I'm sick of it! I Know You're Fire Nation!"

"We're not-!" He covered my mouth and pulled me to him to where my back was to him, pinning me against his chest his mouth at my ear, "Make another sound… and I'll kill you." He whispered. I was immediately silent. He was watching the entrance of the alley.

One of the Dai-Li walked by, a lantern in his hand.

Look here! Look to your right! Look! Please Agni! LOOK! HELP ME! I begged in my mind. But he didn't look. He kept walking.

Jet was silent, waiting for the last little bit of light was out of sight before he spoke again.

"I can't believe you Koima…" He said quietly, "I know you are not related to Li. I've known since we got on the Ferry… Both Fire benders… I saw your Uncle with the tea when you left me. Liars."

"Jet." I pleaded against his hand.

"Shut up." He said, pulling his hand away from my mouth and moving it to my throat grabbing it but still allowing me to breathe.

"You scream. I squeeze." He said as warning, "I thought you were smart Koima. Now do you see how stupid you are refusing me? You got yourself in deeper trouble by staying with him when you could have me. But that doesn't matter anymore now does it?" He smirked, "You disgust me. I'm disgusted in myself for even liking you. Fire Nation Bitch."
Oh Agni! I tried to pull away the hand that held my throat, "Jet." I breathed, "We're not Fire benders! Gah!" He squeezed. I was getting dizzy and more frightened by the second.

"-et me GOH!" I pushed his face away and tried to kick him, "ELP!"

It had no effect other than making him mad, and he hit me across the face, pain exploding from my cheek, rocking my senses. My legs gave out from underneath me, his hand on my throat the only thing keeping me from falling to the ground.

"You are going to come with me and admit everything to the Dai-Li here. There's no use lying now."

"Your –ong!" I kept trying to swallow, "We're –rth ation! –chk- I c-n prove it!" I coughed. At that point it felt like I was under water and my face felt like I was going to explode! AIR!

Jet wasn't going to listen to anything I say, "I'm not falling for that. As soon as I allow you to, you will turn around and burn me to a crisp and you and your so-called family will continue to spy on us and sell the information to the Fire Nation. How stupid do you think I am?"

So stupid. But not in the way he was thinking. I needed air. And badly. We were found out… What are we going to do? Jet will tell everyone and we will be ruined. Killed. Or turned over to Azula. If only he would let me bend! I could prove that I'm not a Fire Bender!

"-yur crazy!" I started thrashing in his arms, anything to get him to let me go so I can breathe! I scored a kick in his knee, it buckled and he fell along with me, "BITCH!"

OW! The rush of blood and oxygen made me nauseous almost pass out. I felt like I was going to throw up. I'm going to die…

:Jet:

BITCH BITCH BITCH! His knee sang with pain, with an extra bolt going through at as it hit the ground.

Koima was coughing and gagging, wheezing as she breathed and tried to crawl away.

"Oh no you don't!" Jet launched himself at her, grabbing her about the waist. She twisted like an eel and her hand flashed at his face, her nails gouging three bloody scratches in his cheek.

"YAGH!" He grabbed his cheek in pain, "You'll pay for that!"

It seemed that she didn't hear. She scrambled out from under him, kicking to get him off of her, trying everything to get away from him. Stupid girl. No one will get away from him. Especially some Fire Nation Bitch! Jet swung his fist, catching her in the back. She cried out, the pain slowing her down.

Perfect. He turned her over, avoiding a hit from a balled fist, "Please! Stop!" She was crying.

"The Fire Nation gets what they deserve." He hit her, again and again. She still fought back, but each time her punch grew weaker and weaker. Jet grabbed both of her hands, twisting them until they were under her, his and her own weight holding them down while he covered her mouth to prevent her from crying.

Tears ran on either side of Koima's face as she stared at him through enemy eyes. He smiled at her.

Little Koima…

A spy for the Fire Nation.

The very people who killed his family.

"I can't believe I liked you, I even wanted you." He gritted out from between clenched teeth, "Heh, the Fire nation killed your parents too, huh? What a lie."

Koima shook her head from side to side to dislodge his hand, "I'm Not Fire nation!" She managed to get out when his hand slipped. "Let me go! Ah!" Her lip now bled and bruises were starting to show up on her cheeks and her right eye. Jet smiled, loving the feel of being in control. Oh how he had missed it. Make her feel the humiliation and helplessness! Hurt her for what she's done!

What Li and his Uncle spoke when he overheard on the Ferry came to his mind and he put his hand between them. Get to the goods before he does. Ruin her. Hurt Li as well.

He leaned forward to whisper in Koima's ear, "On the Ferry… I overheard your uncle and Li talking… about someone named Zhao-" That got a reaction out of her! She started to thrash, her eyes wide open in terror, "-I guess he had hurt you in the past… well that's the least of your worries now…" He pulled down the waist band of her long skirt.

She started screaming against his hand.

Jet laughed softly, bending his head down to kiss the tears on her cheek, "Now Now. It'll be alright. How about this: You tell me that you are Fire Nation and I'll turn you all over to the Dai-Li, or…" He enjoyed the pure fear on her face as his hand went down to where the skirt and undergarments wasn't covering anymore, "Well, you get the hint. What will it be Koima?" He pressed his hand down, receiving a sob against his hand.

Her eyes were shut tightly and tears leaked through them, she did not say a word other than her muffled sobs. She would not give up her family. Stupid Bitch. He would still find a way to prove that her family is Fire Nation even if it kills him! But now for some enjoyable punishment. The lack of oxygen was making her weak, but he didn't want her to pass out just yet. He was going to enjoy this.

"Too bad for your boyfriend, huh? I get to the goods before he does. I wonder how pissed he will be. If they even find you alive after I'm done." He pulled her skirt down farther, and undid his pants as she screamed and screamed.

"No on is going to hear you." He chuckled and looked into her eyes as he thrust.

:Koima:

(I'm not going to put it in "I" format. Too fucking wrong)

She cried out in pain, pain that she hadn't felt since Master claimed her as his own. Why was Jet doing this? Because she wouldn't tell?! ZUKO! ZUKO! She needed Zuko! She had to get out of there alive! Jet was going to kill her! There is no way he was going to let her live to tell that he knows about Zuko and Uncle Iroh.

Jet grabbed her hair, pulling her head back so he could look into her eyes as he did it and groaned. It felt like she was being torn up! It wasn't as bad as Zhao, he wasn't burning her, but the time it had taken to heal physically and mentally was now all for nothing and made it that much more painful. Jet was rubbing salt in old wounds.

Zuko had promised this would never happen to her again! But it was not in his power to make this promise!

"You like that huh?" Jet panted, "Poor Li." Koima cried even harder. She felt sick by what was happening. STOP! STOP!

"Stop thrashing!" He hit her in the jaw, busting her lip and stunned her long enough for him to grab her hip and pull her leg up.

I should've listened to Zuko! She cried out silently I'm so stupid! I should've told him! AAAAGGGHHH!

"Uhn! Uhh! Yeah." He jerked, groaning as he finished. His hand slipped off her mouth a fraction. Koima jerked her head up and bit down hard on his hand, the delicate part between his thumb and index.

Jet yelled, "Bitch!" yanking his hand out of her mouth, whip lashing her neck, and hit her across the face. Her head bounced off the filthy ground, white flashes exploding behind her eyes. Was this what dying felt like? This didn't feel like before… She hadn't felt pain like this in a long time.

Jet pulled out of her, and covered himself up, standing above her, looking down and pulling his leg back. She closed her eyes as it came towards her. The kicks connected with her stomach, her ribs, her hip, her arm, her chest.

"You get what you deserve you cunt." He punctuated each word with a swift kick, "Fire Nation scum."

I couldn't see straight anymore… everything was a fuzzy glow framed in black… My whole body felt swollen and heavy. I was curled up against his assault but that didn't seem to help. I was falling… falling into the ground…

:Jet:

She wasn't moving anymore.

She wasn't crying.

Her eyes were closed and unmoving…

Jet straightened his clothes and wiped the blood from his hand on his pants, noticing that it was shaking a little. He balled it when he saw it, and hissed when the movement made the bite hurt more. She deserved everything, he assured himself, We trusted them and they are the enemy. He looked at the entrance of the alley. If anyone looked in they would see her. He grabbed the limp girl's arm and dragged her to a pile of garbage he saw lining the wall of the alley and dumped her body there. There, Now she looks like trash or an old mannequin. There was some blood on her blouse and jacket. If it was hers or his or both, he couldn't tell.

You killed her.

Jet touched the scratches on his face. Too bad she couldn't heal them for him.He almost smiled.

Fire Nation Bitch.

He went to the mouth of the alley and looked out. No Dai-Li. He was safe. Jet didn't even look back as he left the half-dead girl in the trash.

:Zuko:

"Uncle, she's been gone for far too long! It doesn't take this long to buy a couple tea pots!"
Uncle Iroh put the leftover stew in the pot on the stove, waiting for the remaining member of the family to come home, "Zuko. She's fine. Koima probably took a little side trip on the way. There's no reason for you to worry about her."

"Why would she need to take a side trip! There's a curfew and it's past that already! Whatever! I'm going to go look for her."

"Be safe."

Zuko barely made it out of the door when he was stopped by the Dai-Li.

"Sir, Back Inside. No civilians out past curfew!" The man with a long braid came forward, "Back inside your home now until morning."

Zuko was not about to have this, "But my sister is still out-"

"I will not ask again Sir."

Zuko was about to lose his temper when he paused and took a deep breath. Uncle had said that more often than not, if you are calm and not so quick to back talk, people will listen. He was worried about Koima and losing his temper would not make the situation better. He gave it a try.

"Yes Sir. But I'm worried about my little sister. She was sent out on an errand for my Uncle and has not returned. She's about 17 and this high with long black hair."

The Dai-Li's face softened, "Was she out to get some sort of pot?"

Zuko's eyes widened, "Yes. Tea Pots! Have you seen her? Where is she?"

The Dai-Li shook his head, "I only saw her when she was leaving your shop. I haven't seen her on the return trip. It's been a few hours."

Worry ate at him, "Please! Can I go look for her?!"

Again, the Dai-Li shook his head, "I can't allow you to do that. Is there someone she could have possible stayed with?"

"We just moved here. She doesn't know anyone. Why can't I go look for her?!"

"Sir, please calm down. It's past curfew and I can't allow you to get arrested for looking for your little sister. During my shift I'll keep an eye out for her and if I see her I will personally escort her home."

It was the best that was going to come out of the situation. Zuko took a deep breath and bowed, "Thank you Sir."

"Now head on in. Oh, what's her name?"

"Koima, Sir."

Zuko was made to go back inside. Uncle had heard what went on.

"Go to sleep Zuko." He said, handing him a cup of green tea, "I'll have her wake you up when she gets home."

Zuko didn't say anything and didn't take the cup. He went to the back of the store and climbed up the stairs to their rooms and lay down on Koima's bed. Her doll, Mona, sagged against him when he laid down. He picked her up and looked at the small hand painted mouth, eyes and nose and hugged her to him.

Dammit Koima… He sighs, You worry me to death.

:Mohto of the Dai-Li:

How hard could it be to find a small girl during the night when the streets are deserted? Pretty hard, Mohto came to realize. He scratched at his scar and yawned, "Guh, Dammit." He muttered.

He shouldn't have offered to do this. He would be out all night it seems. But he could not feel angry or regretful. He had seen the look on the young man's face, scared for his little sister. Mohto had a little sister as well and felt he would be the same way if his little sister went missing. Koima Koima Koima, he chided softly, too late to be out at night alone.

The stores should all be closed by now since all the people are ordered to stay indoors since it minimized the crime rate because most crimes happen at night. The girl should've left the store ages ago and be home.

Mohto held up his lantern and peered around, eyes sharp and ears alert for any sound of small footsteps. Maybe one of his colleagues had already found her? He would've been alerted if that happened no he banished the idea.

I hate this city, How often he had said it during his many rounds of the huge city. It's dirty and filled with secrets.

Mohto looked at the moon, trying to determine how much longer he had by judging where the moon hung in the sky. It wasn't as close as he wanted. He had four more hours. Shit… Where was this girl. It was easy to get lost in this city especially at night but she couldn't have gotten far.

His lantern went out.

He cursed softly as he dug out another candle from his side bag and relit it. As he did, the glow from the lantern reflected on something near the mouth of one of the alleys to his right. It wasn't glass… Mohto stood up from his kneel over the lantern and went over to investigate.

There was a big pile of shattered pottery it looked like. Mohto frowned and bent to pick a piece of the pottery up. It was large enough to see that it was a spout… of a tea pot. He looked at the two shattered pots lying forgotten on the ground. Then it clicked.

The girl was out to get teapots.

What are they doing here? Broken.
Mohto dropped the spout and stood up, looking into the alley. It was dark, he held up his lantern and even by it's light he couldn't see very much.

"Hello? Koima? Are you in there?" he calls into the narrow passage. There was no answer. Might as well check it over. He didn't have a good feeling about this. It seemed to eerie. He steps into the alley and gazes around its walls, "Koima. Are you there?" he says again, a little softer. He wanted to get out of here but he has to give it a try. Her pots were there. But where was she?

The lantern's glow made something shine on the ground. They were drops of blood not yet dried in the chilly night. Mohto swallowed, It was probably just some cats getting into a fight.

Something moved.

Mohto jumped and was immediately alert, "Who's there?!" he said, all fear gone and his training kicking into place, "Come out now." He commanded the unseen presence. There was no answer once again. No noise either.

He did not lower his pose and stepped forward, ready to attack if need be.

That's when he saw her.

He lowered his pose and went to her, "Dear Kyoshi…" It was the little girl he had seen hours before, the one who's brother was looking for her. She lay in a pile of garbage, unmoving. Was she dead? Mohto went over to her and felt for a pulse. The crime that had been committed was plain to see…

He could feel a pulse, not very strong but still there. She was alive. Thank Kyoshi. Poor girl. Mohto thought of her brother and dreaded telling his family of what happened. He hated this city even more. Any man that would attack a girl should be punished by death or worse.

"I'll take you home Koima." He spoke even if she couldn't hear him. He set down his lantern and went to cover the girl up modestly. When he pulled up her skirt back into its place, the girl woke up slightly. Her eyes fluttered open, her hand trying to push his away from her, "N-No..oh.." She whimpered, and passed out again.

"It's okay. I'm here to help you." She was beat up, but he couldn't see any excessively bleeding wounds that required any immediate attention so he set down his lantern and put an arm under her legs and back and hoisted her up. The movement made her moan in pain but he knew he needed to get her home. He left the lantern where it was and headed off in the direction of her Uncle's tea shop.

:Zuko:

Zuko was pulled out of sleep by someone banging on the door. In his doze he turned around to go back asleep, "Ugh, Make it stop." He waited for Uncle to answer the door so he could go back to sleep.

"Koima!" He heard Uncle cry. He was instantly awake, jumping out of bed in a flash and racing downstairs. Koima was back! But something was wrong.

He stopped on the stair above the floor, and looked at the door where Uncle… and the Dai-Li he'd met from earlier. Koima was in his arms, limp as a rag doll.

Uncle was dumbstruck, his hands on Koima's face, lightly tapping her cheeks, "Wake up Koima… Wake up." Zuko noticed that Uncle's voice was shaking… That never happened.

Zuko stepped down, coming to them. He couldn't take his eyes off of Koima's face. The bruises… the blood…

"Kh-Koi?" Zuko breathed, grabbing onto his Uncle's shoulder for support. Oh Dear Agni…

"What happened!" Zuko found his voice, not able to look away from her battered face.

The Dai-Li stepped inside, "I think it better if we get her more comfortable."

"Of course of course! Upstairs please! That's where her room is-"

"What is going on in here?!"

It was the store manager; Hu-Lin, standing in the doorway connecting his own home in his pajamas, "Who is this? What is going on?" He looked terribly irritated. He looked at the Dai-Li and paled when he saw what was in his arms, "Oh Dear! Is she dead?"

"Sir," The Dai-Li said dominantly, "I think it best that you return to your bed." Hu-Lin nodded and scurried off to his chambers. No one argued with a Dai-Li and goes unpunished.

When the man was gone, they went upstairs to their own quarters. Zuko watched him closely as he carried Koima. He noticed that Koima's waistband to her skirt seemed looser… Neither Iroh nor Zuko could get any information out of the man until Koima was lying in her own bed. She looked asleep but in the mist of a terrible dream. Zuko sat beside her on the bed; almost afraid to touch her in case he hurt her more. There was blood on her tunic and her jacket that she had bought a few days ago was torn and looked dirty; like she had been lying on the ground and gotten mud on it. Could all that blood be hers?

Uncle, distraught and worried, would not stop asking the man what happened. The Dai-Li turned to Zuko, "It will be best if her brother is not here…"

Zuko was about to protest when Uncle cut him off, "Li, go down stairs and make our guest some tea."

"What?!" Zuko was stunned, "Uncle no I-"

"LI!"

Zuko shut his mouth.

"Down Stairs Now!" He had never seen Uncle like this…

Zuko stood up, glaring at both of them as he went downstairs. It was no fair! He loves Koima and they make him leave?! He wanted to go back up there so bad. He needed to hear what happened. He's a man! Yet they keep it from him like he is a child. Zuko clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white, "Dammit!" He hit the countertop, leaving a dent in its wood. Koima is hurt and he has no idea what happened! Why does everything happen to her! Why is she always the one that gets hurt! Hasn't enough happened to her already?!

Zuko wanted to kill somebody…

After he calmed down a little, he did what his Uncle had said and made up some fresh tea for the Dai-Li. It wasn't long after that Zuko heard someone walking down the stairs. It was him. He looked exhausted and drained. Zuko poured him a cup and waited.

The Dai-Li took the cup and mumbled a thanks before drinking it in two gulps, not caring that it was still hot.

Zuko waited until he was done and finally was able to ask the question.

"What happened? Is she going to be alright?"

Mohto set the cup down and shook his head, "You're Uncle should tell you boy. But I will tell you this: She will live but it's not going to be easy. Keep a closer eye on her. I'm sorry."

Once he left, Zuko ran upstairs to his family's room. Uncle was sitting in his favorite chair, his face in his hands. Zuko stopped in the doorway, wary of coming in.

"Uncle?"

Uncle Iroh didn't even lift his face from his hands but Zuko heard him clearly enough, "Go back downstairs Zuko."

Zuko snapped, "No Uncle! I will not be kept from this like a child! I have every right to know! Tell me now!" He took Uncle's hands, bringing them down from his tear-stained face. Uncle looked at him, knowing that Zuko would not be quieted until he was told. But Uncle was afraid how he would then act to the news.

"Zuko… Sh-She was… attacked… she was raped Zuko."

Wow guys… Sorry it took me so long but yeah, my mom accidentally threw that whole scene away. I should've typed it up a long time ago but I was too lazy.

My shoulder is doing better. Every once in a while it will act up and my people at work are saying it was dumb of me not to file the car accident… I feel stupid now!

Merry Christmas yall! I'm getting my license this week. I was supposed to get it in September but I ran away and by parents withheld it.

I'm engaged guys! How awesome is that!!! The ring is beautiful! It happened last night and I am so excited! Not going to get married till after college. We have been together for 1 year and 7 months!

Anyways for Christmas I got two tickets to go see FooFighters in concert with fiancée. I also got a shirt that says "Careful, or you'll end up in my novel." That is so me! Got a Karma necklace, Naruto DVD, Faery blanket, Money, Body butter, 3 books, Two pairs of shoes, two outfits and a sweater, and some decorations for my car! Oh! And a new cell phone. That's pretty cool.

Let me know what you think of the chapter. I had been planning this for a long time. Love you all!