Elements Joined

Chapter 11

By: DP, FK, and Z77- the whole crew

DP: Wow- This fic is the largest one I've written!

FK: This fic is the only one I've written.

DP: That's your fault. Okay people, flashbacks over. Enjoy the party.

OoOoO

Kaji slowly opened his eyes. He ached all over, and his muscles refused to move. He lay there, half awake and half dreaming. Then, the memories from his last waking moments crashed upon him. Shino.

With a large effort on his part, Kaji cracked open his eyes. He quickly shut them. 'Stupid sun!' Kaji thought angrily, scrunching up his face weekly.

"Ahhh, you're awake! Good, this makes things much easier." A female voice chirped from above him, far too cheerful for Kaji's taste. The voice was unfamiliar- who was she? Again, Kaji opened his eyes to slits. The sun wasn't as bad this time, as his eyes were more prepared.

In front of him sat a blonde girl, full Water Tribe gear covering her. She gazed at him with stern eyes, mentally daring him to move. But Kaji wasn't going to- he had not the strength. He began to ask her who she was, and why she was here- no matter how rude that sounded. "Who…" His voice just would not cooperate.

The girl laughed, navy blue eyes dancing. "Who am I? I am-"

She was cut off by Kaze, who stuck his head into the tent with startling agility. 'I'm in a tent?' he noticed suddenly. "She's Ame, and she's a healer." He told him, nodding his dirty-blonde hair in mock astuteness.

"Don't try to sound smart- it goes against who you are." Kidate commented from outside his vision. But the words sounded hollow, automatic almost. Kaji was worried, to his surprise. 'When did I start caring about these people?' he wondered.

"Shut up, Kidate." Kaze said sharply, not even looking at the Earthbender. "So how ya feelin', Kaj?" He asked. "You took a nasty hit, there."

Kaji didn't answer, but his glare was enough. "Mad 'cause you lost, huh?" The glare intensified. Kaji tried to sit up, but pain jumped through his body.

"I wouldn't move, if I were you." Ame said in a gentle voice. "You'll open up the wound- I was only able to heal the skin while you were unconscious."

"Why's that?" Kidate asked. "You are a waterbender, right?"

"Yes, but healers have to use some of the other person's energy." She explained. "He was so weak, if I had used any of his energy, it would have put him in a coma, if not killed him." Kidate nodded in understanding.

"It was that bad, huh?" Kaji muttered voice low and scratchy from under use. "How…" He cleared his throat. "How long was I out?"

"Three days." Kaze said happily, bouncing in his crouched position. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go get some grub." The Airbender zipped out the flaps.

"Stupid, hyper little…" Kidate grumbled, rubbing her temples.

Kaji growled softly. "Would you two quit it? I just woke up; I don't want to hear this!" He turned to Ame. "So, how did you get here?"

"Well, I met those guys after healing some wounded Earth soldiers, that Kaze guy running around, trying to find someone to help. Kidate was going through Kaze's pack, looking for bandages. I went over, and helped heal you a bit. I wasn't able to do much more with me getting tired from healing all the villagers, and you unconscious. The rest healed itself over time." Kaji nodded. "But I have some bad news."

Kaji perked up, unaware of what she might say. "I tried my best, but that blast left you a scar running along your entire back, I'm sorry.

"Don't be," Kaji muttered, "I've been through a lot worse in my life. So, what brings you to Earth Country, anyway? You seem to be far away from home."

"Yes, I'm a traveling medicine peddler. But, don't get me wrong, I can fight." She added quickly.

Kaji smirked, but nodded anyway. "Alright." He sat up farther- though not without a wince. As pain coursed through him, Kaji thought back to the fight. He had lost, and his pride wouldn't let him pass it off. Curse Shino.

"You okay?" Ame asked, curiosity coloring her voice. Kaji just grumbled.

"IDIOT!" Kidate's voice rang clear from outside the tent, as the sound of pans knocking over filled the air. Kaji groaned and rolled over, pulling the pillow over his head.

"Are they always like that?" Ame asked.

Kaji just nodded, and pulled the pillow up higher.

OoOoO

As the night closed in around him, Kaji's brooding came back to him. Kaze's snores echoed loudly in the open field, and Kidate and Ame were fast asleep. Yet sleep did not come for him. The memory of the battle haunted his mind.

How could I lose to such a low man? How could I lose my honor so easily? He wondered, thoughts becoming darker by the minute. His father was not avenged- he had been shamed!

Kaji lay down onto the ground, wondering on the subject of getting stronger. If he was stronger…he could avenge his father, and take down Shino. That's what he needed- to become more powerful!

Kaji stood on shaky feet. Although Ame was a great healer, he had been unable to stand for long. Knowing he had only a short time, he unsheathed Kasai, ready for training. He made a slashing movement with the sword, only to find pain once again making him fail.

No, he couldn't train now. It was impossible with this back. So, he would concentrate on healing. And when he was well…When he was well he would battle without restraint.

Without restraint…if he was to become stronger, he would need to fire bend! How else could he defeat Shino, who was a master at the art? 'But…' He paused. 'What of my vow?' No…the vow didn't talk of this. He would need to fire bend more, no matter whom he let down.

Kaji lay back down, and closed his eyes. Yes, he would heal now. He would sleep.

But once he was healthy- he would become the most powerful of all!

OoOoO

DP: Kaji is heading down a road that is best not traveled.

FK: What?

DP: Dunno. Sounds cool though.

FK: Whatever. See you all next time. And review! What do we have to do to get you guys to leave a simple 'good job, update soon'?

DP: Hey, I might give a free sample of the next chapter to those who review- and leave they're email addresses (if you don't have an account, that is.)

Both: Toodles