The Mysterious Traveler
Some of you have been asking if I'm abandoning this story and I just want to clarify that "No, I am not". I plan on finishing this story and also the others in my 'Severus Snape series'. Just be warned that I may not update as much as I would want to, for certain reasons. Whether if I'm working through the plot and future chapters, work, or anything else that can be very important.
And because I already know how this story is going to go, I got ahead start on this chapter. Please know that this is where things will diverge from the original source material. As I've stated in the last chapter, 'Jet' is one of my least favorite episodes of the entire Avatar series, as well as one of my least liked characters. Part of the reason I hadn't updated was because I was trying to figure out how to do this chapter and still remain faithful to the tv show.
I really hope you guys like this one and are okay with the changes I've made.
Enjoy Chapter 16!
Chapter Sixteen:
The Freedom Fighters
As the sun began to set in the distance, creating a beautiful orange color in the sky above the ocean, a Fire Nation warship sailed for an heavily damaged prison rig, docking at its port. A Fire Nation commander stepped off first, being followed by his soldiers. Heading towards the prisoner holding sector, he began to inspect the damage, noting everything down to his secretary.
Noticing someone approach him from behind he turned to find the Warden of the prison rig bowing.
"Commander Zhao! I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow."
Zhao smiled, "Which is why I choose to come today. I was about to send one of my lieutenants to handle this. But once I heard that the Avatar was involved, I knew that I needed to come and make sure that the reports were true."
The Warden nodded, "They are, sir. I saw the Avatar himself. But he wasn't alone."
Zhao raised an eyebrow, "Is that so? I've heard that he has a bison and also two Water Tribe civilians, one of which happens to be a waterbender."
"All of which I can confirm is true. Some of us have been led to believe that they are the children of Hakoda, the chief of the Southern Water Tribe."
"Oh yes, Hakoda! Capturing his children would grant us leverage, but he's not the threat that some say he is. He is nothing more than a commander of a small force. If we attacked them with the force of the Fire Navy, they wouldn't stand a chance. But I don't see how they are any of concern."
The Warden swallowed, feeling a chill rush down his spine as he remembered that day, "Sir, I wasn't just speaking of the two Water Tribe kids. I was also referring to the other one who was with them."
Zhao's interest peaked, "Go on."
Hesitating, the Warden continued, "Somehow the Water Tribe girl managed to make us confuse her for an earthbender, allowing for an advantage to help the prisoners escape. But she wasn't the only one to be brought in. Another was with her, a teenage boy from the looks like. At first, he didn't seem much of a threat, but on the day the Avatar helped the prisoners turn against us, he... did things."
"What kind of things?" Zhao demanded.
"I... I don't know how to describe it... Commander. It was... it was nothing like I've ever seen before. He had this... stick, of some sorts... I don't know what it was, but whenever he pointed it at us and shout these mysterious words... light would come out of them."
"Light? What kind of light?"
The Warden shook his head, "I can't remember the details. But whenever the light appeared, my men would fall. As if they were put under a deep sleep. I, myself, was hit by it. When I woke up, the entire facility was ruined and the prisoners were gone, including him."
Zhao's eyes widened as he began rubbing his chin, deep in thought. A realization hit him as he remembered something he had once read about long ago. The details of what he was hearing were matching up with the information he had once discovered in his youth.
Could it be true?
Turning his attention back to the Warden, he nodded, "Thank you for your time and information, Warren. However, I must regretfully inform you that you are no longer in charge of this facility."
"What?!" the Warden was dumbstruck, unable to think clearly. "But... sir... I've served faithfully-"
"And you will continue to do so... back in the Fire Nation. There's a security post in the Capital's security, one I've hand-picked for you. You will gather all of things and leave immediately. And don't worry about the facility, I've already made plans to rebuild and place a new Warren in charge. The Fire Nation thanks you for your service."
The former Warden was left shocked, his jaw hanging open as he stared down towards the floor. Regaining himself, he nodded, "Yes, Commander Zhao. At once, sir."
He turned to leave, struggling to hold his head up high.
Zhao faced his secretary, "Anything else that I should know about that Warden hasn't told me?"
The Secretary sorted through his papers and nodded, "The men have learned from the prison guards that Fire Prince Zuko was here, not long after the escape happened. Apparently, he had paid off the Warren to not mention his presence."
Zhao chuckled, "So foolish. Thinking he could keep his activities under the radar. Sadly, this is nothing more a dead end. Ever since their breach of the Blockade, they've been getting further North."
"Then why did you come here, if you don't mind me asking, Commander?"
"I didn't come here to confirm the sighting of the Avatar. I came to learn if the stories about this... Mysterious Traveler, are true."
"Why, sir?"
Zhao sighed, "Because ever since the what happened here, reports of earthbender rebellions gone up. Settlements have been taken over by a certain group being led by an earthbender named Tyro. And even worse, they tell stories of their liberation by the Avatar and also one they're all calling the Mysterious Traveler."
The Secretary swallowed, "Do you really think the reports are true, sir?"
Zhao looked over towards the ocean, staring into the distance with a look of determination, "Yes, I do."
Fire Prince Zuko stood at the helm of his ship as it sailed just off the cost of the Fire Nation colonies of what used to be the Earth Kingdom lands. As the sun started to settle in the distance, he lost himself to his thoughts.
Ever since what had happened with the pirates, he wasn't quite sure how to feel about the situation. On one hand, he was frustrated and upset at himself for losing the Avatar, not to mention having been forced to walk all the way back to his ship with his defeated soldiers. He was now short a boat and no leads to follow the Avatar, aside from the fact that he was heading further North. But he was also somewhat relieved that Alexander Blackwater was still with him though. His fears of the mysterious teen having split from them now put to rest.
"Prince Zuko," he heard his uncle from behind. "Your dinner is waiting for you back in your room. Best to enjoy it while it is still warm."
Zuko sighed and turned to face him, "Uncle, what am I going to do? Every time I get close to capturing them, they always manage to get away."
Iroh looked at the boy with sympathy, placing his hand on his nephew's shoulder.
"Zuko, I know that you want to reclaim your honor, but have you ever stopped to think that maybe you should see this as a second chance? A chance to leave the world you once knew behind and go make a new one? There is no shame in making your own destiny."
"But what about my responsibilities, uncle? What about my honor?"
"How can you be responsible for something that isn't yours to be responsible for? Maybe there was a time when you had responsibility, but he are no longer bond to it now. As for your honor, you've never lost it in my eyes. You stood up for what was right, in the face of those who disagreed with you. You may have been unwise to do so in a situation where you couldn't win, but you showed courage and restraint when it was needed most."
Taking his words to heart, Zuko's face hardened as he removed his uncle's hand and walked passed him.
Iroh stared at him from behind with sorrow, sighing as he followed him inside.
Severus had some admiration for Sokka, but there were days when he really wanted to smack him for some his stupid ideas. Especially when it came to how they were supposed to travel after waking up that morning.
"What do you mean we shouldn't be flying?" Katara asked.
"Yeah, why can't we?" Aang echoed her.
Sokka sighed, "Think about it, somehow Prince Zuko and the Fire Nation keep finding us. It's because they spot Appa, he's just too noticeable."
"What?!" Katara gasped. "Appa is not too noticeable!"
"He's a gigantic, fluffy monster with an arrow on his head! It's kinda hard to miss him!"
Appa began to grunt and growl at him.
Severus chuckled, Right there with ya!
Aang patted the bison's head, "Sokka's just jealous because he doesn't have an arrow."
"I know you all want to fly, but my instincts tell me we should play it safe this time and walk."
"Who made you the boss?" Katara demanded.
"I'm not the boss, I'm the leader."
The waterbender scoffed, "You're the leader? But your voice still cracks!"
"I'm the oldest and I'm a warrior, so I'm the leader!" Sokka cried out, his voice cracking at certain times, which earned a laugh from Aang and Katara.
Even Severus couldn't help but grin.
"If anyone's the leader, it's Aang. I mean, he is the Avatar."
Severus rolled his eyes, Um, no!
"Are you kidding?" Sokka exclaimed. "He's just a goofy kid."
Everyone turned towards the airbender, who was hanging off of Appa's horn, upside down.
"He's right," he said without any form of protest or hurt.
I give the kid credit, he's honest.
"Why do boys always think someone has to be the leader?" Katara demanded, arms folded. " I bet you wouldn't be so bossy if you've kissed a girl."
Severus shook his head, Not this! Anything but this!
Taking action, he stepped forward, "Getting off track here, guys. Sokka, I get what you're saying and I agree. Appa is noticeable, which is why our enemies have been able to locate us. But we have one advantage that they don't."
"Which is?" Sokka asked.
"Flying! Even if they see us, we can gain speed and distance from them. Has it ever occurred to you that they can still find us on foot? We'd be more vulnerable against them if they found us on the ground."
"Look, just trust me on this. My instincts tell me we should do this."
"Instincts? I thought you were more of a science and logic guy."
"Says the dude who can do magical things and survive falls from hundreds of feet."
"Not exactly a good argument."
Sokka sighed, "We saw the traps that the Fire Nation made back there, which means they are nearby. If we take off, we put ourselves in danger of being seen."
"Why don't we just make Alex the leader?" Katara suggested. "He's smarter and more organized."
Severus shook his head, "Not really looking to lead."
"Which makes me the leader and I'm saying we should try walking for a change," Sokka moved his head back and forth in Katara's face, as if he was shoving it into her face.
Though not in agreement, Severus decided to let this play out and see where it goes, hoping to see this plan blowup in the boy's face.
"Okay, we'll try it your way, oh-wise-leader," she smirked.
Aang rushed up next to them, already having packed up in a large bag that was on his back and Momo on top of it, "And who knows, walking might be fun!"
Not ten minutes after they had everything packed up and managed to get going did Severus found himself trying not to smile at the boy's first impression of walking.
"Walking stinks!" the airbender complained. "How do people go anywhere without a flying bison?"
"I don't know Aang. Why don't you ask Sokka's instincts-" Katara started to speak in a sarcastic matter.
Decided to drop back, Severus walked alongside the bison, enjoying his company as both the airbender and the waterbender began teasing Sokka. However, his enjoyment of peace was ruined the moment they had walked passed some bushes. In front of them was a large group of Fire Nation soldiers, a fire and some tents, making them all realize that they had stumbled across a Fire Nation campsite.
Just as Sokka cried out for them to run, the soldiers were already rushing towards them, one of which fired a fireball, hitting the bush. Jumping backwards, Severus managed to avoid the flames and slid across the ground next to Appa, but was now separated from the others, who were trapped by the fire and the hostiles.
"Alex!" he heard Katara cry out.
Appa began to grunt and growl, ready for battle.
Taking out his wand from his robes, he circled around, hoping to flank the firebenders from behind. Rushing out from the trees, he took in his surroundings and pointed his wand at his enemies, ready to strike. But then he saw the man front of them fall over, making him wonder where the strike came from. He could hear the confusion going around, even Aang mistaking Sokka having done it. But he knew he didn't have the means to make a man pass out from what he had, aside from a boomerang.
Refocusing on the task at hand, he casted a few Stupefy spells, taking down a few unexpected hostiles at once.
As they all began to turn around, Severus saw a figure come flying from the trees on his right, landing on two soldiers with his feet. The figure ran forward, using his twin tiger hood swords to catch two more soldiers by their heels and flipping them on top of the first guy who fell.
"Down you go!" the boy smiled, with a leaf of some sorts in his mouth.
Noting him down as no threat to him, Severus focused his attention back on taking down the Fire Nation soldiers.
"They're in the trees!" he heard someone cry out, realizing that more figures came flying down from above, attacking the soldiers. He also saw arrows disarming the hostiles from above. And soon enough, even Aang, Katara and Sokka had joined the fight as well.
Keeping focus, he dodged swords and spear, performing the Stupefy on a number of enemies. Slowly, he found that his senses were on super speed mode, managing to keep focus heightened and be more aware of his surroundings.
"Wow, I've never seen any form of bending like that," came a voice, making him turn to find the boy with the hooked swords right next to him.
Dodging another attack, he took out the hostile, "It isn't bending."
"You going to tell me or do I need to work at making you spill the beans?"
Severus started to become irritated with him for trying to have a conversation during a battle.
"Believe it or not, it's magic."
The boy's eyes widened, "Yeah, you're right. I am having trouble believing that. I thought magic was just a myth."
"Works in my favor when people believe it is."
"Name's Jet. What's yours?"
Severus struggled to control his anger at the boy, being thankful that there happened to be others to take his anger out on at the moment as he punched a reviving soldier on the ground.
"Alexander Blackwater."
"Odd name."
Severus rolled his eyes, Of course!
Turning around, he saw the boy known as Jet take down the last soldiers by jumping onto his head and leaping off, colliding the man's head into the ground as he flew into the air and ran right up to Katara.
"Hey."
Katara blushed, "Hi."
Severus rolled his eyes as he checked his surroundings again, making sure no more threats remained. When turned back to where the others were, he saw that Sokka and Aang joined with Katara and Jet.
"You just took out a whole army almost single-handed," Aang stared at the scene in awe.
"Army?" Sokka scoffed, making Severus sneer at his jealousy. "There were only like twenty guys."
Jet walked forward and turned around to face them, with the others who were with him standing right by him, "My name is Jet, and these are my Freedom Fighters. That's Sneers, Longshot, Smellerbee, the Duke and Pipsqueak."
Aang chuckled as he walked up to the shortest one of the group, "Ha, Pipsqueak. That's a funny name."
Suddenly, the taller, more muscular one right next to the small kid leaned down, as if he was offended, "You think my name is funny?"
Aang stared up at him, almost as if he was afraid, until he smiled, "It's hilarious!"
Severus couldn't tell if he was the most stupid or the most bravest kid he's ever seen.
The large one known as Pipsqueak started to laugh, making Aang and the Duke laugh as well. He patted Aang's back, making him fall to the ground. Raising his head, he resumed laughing again.
After introducing themselves to the group known as the Freedom Fighters, they quickly got to tying up the soldiers inside one of the tents and then went straight to looting whatever they could fine.
Katara went to thank Jet for helping them against the Fire Nation soldiers, while Aang went to check on Appa, reassuring the animal that they were alright. Severus took the chance to try on new shoes, since his old ones weren't exactly doing him justice. After a few tries, he managed to a find a pair that matched his size and were in great condition.
The rest of the Freedom Fighters began loading up their loot onto a wagon.
"Jet, the barrels aren't here. We must have gotten the shipment wrong," Smellerbee cried out from afar.
Jet nodded, frowning at the news as he laid up against the trunk of a tree, "Then we'll just have to take our chances with the next shipment then. See what you can find anymore information about the next one."
Smellerbee nodded as he began to look around.
"So, what did we manage to get? I can use some good news."
"Well, these boxes are filled with jelly candy," said Pipsqueak, licking his lips at looking at the box in his arms.
"At least we got some sweets," Jet smirked. "The others will surely be happy."
"Alright guys, let get this stuff back to the hideout!" the Duke ordered, receiving a slap on the head from Smellerbee.
"It's my job to give the orders, little man!"
Aang's face lit up, "You guys have a hideout?"
"You guys want to see it?"
"Yes, we want to see it!" Katara's eyes widened with excitement, folding her hands together.
Sokka rolled his sees and sighed, feeling frustrated. While Severus didn't mind, as they were already in need a place to sleep for the night.
After a long while of traveling and getting the cargo through the woods, they finally came to the spot that Jet and his gang led them to.
"We're here," Jet announced.
"Where?" Sokka demanded. "There's nothing here."
Severus started to become annoyed with the Water Tribe boy for his growing jealousy.
"Hold this," Jet handed him a rope.
"Why? What's this do?" he asked, taking it in his hand. After a second, the rope tightened around his hand and pulled him on up, disappearing into the trees above.
Taking a rope for himself, he watched as Aang used his airbending to leap his way on up on his own, just as he found himself being lifted up on into the trees by the robe. Once reaching the top, he found himself on a wooden platform, with treehouses all around. Including rope bridges, ladders and zip lines, along with an upper and lower canopy. It was a sight that impressed Severus very much.
He looked over and saw both Jet and Katara arriving as well, as the two came up together. Seeing the blush on her face made Severus sneer and also worry for Aang, hoping it wouldn't turn him into a jealous boy like Sokka. Though thankfully, he hadn't seemed to notice.
Walking with them across a rope bridge, he listened to Jet explain how they've been attacking Fire Nation supplies since they had occupied a nearby Earth Kingdom village. Despite some remarks from Sokka, he found himself interested in the conversation and also the group. Hearing the backstories of the members of the Freedom Fighters made him feel some form of sympathy.
As the others walked on, Katara, Jet and Severus came to a stop on the rope bridge, after Katara had asked him about his parents.
"Fire Nation killed my parents," he lost himself to the memory of when the Rough Rhinos burnt the village he lived in to the ground, hearing the screams of his parents burning alive, trapped in the very house he once called home. "I was only eight when it happened. It's... a day I will never forget. Nor forgive."
Katara held back the tears in her eyes as she nodded, "I know what you mean. Sokka and I lost our mother to a Fire Nation attack on our tribe as well."
Jet looked at her with sorrow, "Guess we all were hurt by the Fire Nation. But I promise you this, Katara. One day, this war will end and my Freedom Fighters will do anything they can to make it happen."
Katara offered a small smile.
Continuing on, they settled into one of the huts for the night and joined the Freedom Fighters for dinner.
Looking around, Severus couldn't believe how many kids there were. The large table was full of them, and there were others sitting on tree branches and wooden platforms above. There was so much food that he wondered if they would have to restrain Sokka from trying to eat it all.
He watched and listened as Jet got up before everything and gave a speech, with a cup in his hand.
"Today, we struck another blow against the Fire Nation swine!"
Everyone started cheering, except for Severus and Sokka.
"I especially got a special joy from the look on one soldiers face, when the Duke dropped down on his helmet and rode him like a wild hog-monkey."
The little boy known as the Duke got up and did a walked in a circle, raising his fists into the air, while the others cheered once more.
"Now, the Fire Nation thinks they don't have to worry about a couple of kids, hiding the trees," he shrugged, taking a drink of his cup. "Maybe they're right."
Everyone started booing.
"Or maybe," Jet smiled. "They're dead wrong."
As everyone cheered once more, Severus couldn't help but sneer at how cheesy the motivational speech was. Though he couldn't help but feel somewhat happy that someone was watching out for his kids and giving them a home in such a time of crisis.
Jet sat down in between Sokka and Katara, getting into a deep conversation with them. But whatever they started talking about, he didn't know. Instead, he found himself admiring the scene before him. Kids eating and talking with one another, making jokes and getting into playful fights. The orange and yellow colors of the leaves seemed to lighten up the mood as well, creating a peaceful and fun atmosphere around them.
Once upon a time, such a thing would have annoyed him. But after witnessing what these people had gone through in his time on this world, it was a sight that made him happy to know that these dark times had their little moments like this.
But as he found himself enjoying the sight before him, he also felt a sense of sadness as well. Never once in his life had he ever experienced such a thing, except for when it came to Lily. And the thought of her brought him more sadness and grief. The world around him seemed to go silent, despite the obvious noise. He thought the colors of the leaves seemed to reflect off of him, but this time with a more darker color to its orange and yellow.
Memories of how he treated others and Lily came flowing back to him. He immediately felt like an outcast. Someone unworthy of the perfect, beautiful moment that was happening around him. He felt guilt and shame building up within him.
No longer feeling hungry, he got up and began to walk away, which didn't go unseen by Katara, who looked at him with worry and sadness.
Reaching the hut, he got under the covers of his sleeping bag and stared up at the ceiling for a while, before finally falling asleep.
Despite how much Katara wanted to go after him, she choose to let him be. Hoping that maybe some alone time with himself would help with whatever was going on with him.
Her attention was brought back to Jet, who was sharing a drink with Aang.
"Can't believe I'm having a drink with the Avatar," Jet smiled. "Good to know you're back to help us fight the Fire Nation. Where have you been all of this time?"
Aang smiled, sheepishly, "Oh, um, I stuck in an iceberg for the last one hundred years, only to be saved by these two." He pointed towards Sokka and Katara. "Oh, and Alex fell out of the sky at the same time."
Jet just stared, hesitating in taking another drink of his cup as his mind tried to process what he had jut heard.
"I'm not sure which one is more insane. The fact that you've been stuck in an iceberg and managed to survive for a hundred years, or that your friend just fell out of the sky. In fact, where does he come from? And how can he do those things that he just did today?"
Katara smiled sheepishly as well, rubbing the back of her head as she tried to find a good reply, "To be perfectly honest, we don't know. He won't tell us anything. The only explanation we do have is that he somehow traveled from one location to another in a matter of seconds. And as for his... abilities, he claims its magic."
"Said the same thing to me too," Jet drank the rest of his drink in one gulp. "Anyway, doesn't matter how you and your friend came to us. What matters now is that you two are here. In fact, I was hoping you could hang around for a while-."
"No!" Sokka declared, standing up. "Look, we appreciate you letting us stay here and rest, but we need to get going in the morning. We need to get to the North Pole as fast as possible."
"Sokka!" Katara glared at him. "The North Pole can wait. We should stay for a little while."
"And weren't you the instincts guy who wanted to walk all the way to the North Pole?" Aang smiled, mischievously.
Sokka glared at him and got up to leave, "No, we're leaving first thing in the morning!"
Jet smiled, "Oh, that's too bad, Sokka. Because I was really hoping that you guys would help me with a very important mission."
Sokka stopped and turned around, "What mission?"
"Take a seat and I'll tell you."
Sokka sighed as he sat back down.
"Alright, remember how I talked about we were going to free the village of Gaipan that's near here?"
Aang, Katara and Sokka nodded.
"Well, Smellerbee found something at the campsite that has information of a shipment that is coming in, and I plan to use it to free the valley from the Fire Nation. And with your help, I bet our victory is more than assured."
Looking at each other, they all nodded in agreement.
"Alright, Jet," said Sokka. "We're in."
Out in the woods, at the campfire that had been attacked that day, a group of Fire Nation soldiers approached the area and began to investigate, freeing the tied up soldiers in the tents. They tried searching the area for the ones who did this, but were left with no success or results.
Not long after, another group showed, being led by a high ranking commander.
Getting off his ostrich horse, the commander approached the lower ranking officials, who were inside one of the still standing tents.
Stepping on through, he stood in front of the men who were too busy talking around a table.
"Who's in charge here?" he demanded.
The men didn't even bother turning to address him, as one of them called out, "And who is asking?"
"Commander Rin-Shaw!"
All of the heads of the lower officials shot up and turned towards him, immediately bowing.
"Forgive us, Command Rin-Shaw!" one of them beg. "We didn't know it was you. Or that you would be coming."
"As you were," he took off his Fire Nation coat and placed it down on a wooden chair, walking up to the table they were all at. "Report."
One of the men swallowed, "The soldiers who were attacked say that it was a group calling themselves the Freedom Fighters, led by someone who calls himself Jet. All reports say it was just children and teenagers."
Commander Rin-Shaw raised an eyebrow at them all, "So, all of your trouble has been because of a few kids? Be thankful I'm not Commander Zhao or Fire Lord Ozai who is hearing this. What about the men?"
"They're all getting treated for their wounds, sir."
"Good. Make sure they're feed and taken care of. And I want everyone else on the search for these kids. Since reports suggest their attacks are near the village of Gaipan, they must have a base of operations around here. Did the men say anything about possible leads to the whereabouts of Lieutenant Coral?"
"No, sir."
Though they didn't hear it, Rin-Shaw sighed in frustration.
"Is the shipment going according to schedule?"
"Yes, sir. Last report estimated that they will be arriving by morning of the second day from now to change shifts."
Rin-Shaw nodded, "Good, keep me posted on its status. That shipment needs to get across the river and to the mining villages down south. I don't want any complications."
"Yes, sir," the official paused, afraid to continue. "But... sir... there's more."
"Then report it! That's why we're having this meeting."
The man swallowed, "It's been reported that the Avatar was involved, including another who reports are calling... the Mysterious Traveler."
Rin-Shaw paused and looked up, "You're certain?"
"All of the men who witnessed the attack are all saying the same thing, even confirming the rumors of what this individual can do has been confirmed by them as well."
Letting the words sink in, Rin-Shaw nodded, "Alright, send word to everyone in the Earth Kingdom. Tell them that the Avatar is here, including the Mysterious Traveler. We have one chance to end this threat while we still can."
"Yes sir!" they all cried out at once, dispersing to deliver their orders.
Staring at the map below him, his eyes searched the forest surrounding Giapan, as if he was hoping to find something. Or someone.
So? What did you think? Yeah, it's pretty much very similar to the original episode. Or at least for this half of the episode (had to cut it short, because it was turning into a very big chapter).
But what about the addition of new-coming character, Fire Nation Commander Rin-Shaw? I hope it's a decent start and adds some new freshness.
Appreciate the reviews, guys (as always). Keep 'em coming!
See you in Chapter 17!