After Ai escaped Zuko with Risky's help, and of course payed her using a forbidden jutsu, she was able to track the group down. They cover a lot of ground fast in the 5 hours Ai was gone, and even set a new camp. Appa was sprawled out on his back resting soundly after his marathon run, signifying that they'd camp here for the night.
Once Ai got some food in her belly, she informed them how she escaped, getting them to laugh.
"I can only imagine the look on his face when Risky agreed to my contract" said Ai "Because he payed her a lot of money to capture me"
"Then she turns around and helps you" said Sokka "Yeah, If that happened to me… i would be livid"
The grouped nodded in agreement, unaware of the figure high in the tree's watching them.
"So… anything happen while i was gone?" asked Ai
"Like what? You were only going for a few hours" said Sokka
"You'd be surprise what can happen in only a few hours" said Ai
Sokka wanted to ask Ai what she meant by that… but decided not to, as he may regret what gruesome story may follow.
"BRRRRRRRRAAAAAAHHHHHH" cried Momo of in the distance
Ai looked around, slowly standing up in search of her pet… the figure jumped away from its branch. Ai looked up into the tree, but dismissed it. After hearing Momo's cry again she ran in the direction in search of him. The gang followed close behind Ai, they ran into a clearing not far from there camp.
"It came from here" said Ai
"Brrrraaaah, brrraahhh" called Momo
Ai looked up and saw Momo, and a two Hog-Monkey's in metal snares. Her eyes followed the rope which held them above the forest floor, finding it at the base of three different trees. Quickly Ai threw shuriken at the ropes, freeing her pet… and the Hog-Monkeys.
The cages slammed in the ground, breaking open and truly letting the creatures free. As the Hog-Monkey flead back into the forest from which they came… Momo started to collect nuts, stuffing his mouthful. Upon finding a ripe juice apple, his eyes widened and rushed over, taking it without hesitation tripping another trap, and trapping himself again.
"BRAAAAAAAH" cried Momo
"You greedy little bastard" said Ai, cutting Momo down again
Once more Momo was free, apple in hand he was content with himself and flew over to Ai, landing on her shoulder… then handing the apple to her.
"Oh… for me?" said Ai, taking it and biting, she scratched his chin "You wanted to thank me… you're such a good boy"
"Brah?" chirped Momo, then began grooming Ai's hair
"ARRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOO" ripped a howl thought out the forest
The gang froze for a moment, neither of them have ever hear such a loud or deep howl before.
"What the hell was that?" asked Katara
"I don't know, and i sure as hell don't want to find out" said Suki
"Let's get back to the camp… Appa should be able to deter anything in these woods" said Sokka
"But Appa's a pacifist" said Aang
"Never said he'd have to fight anything" said Sokka "His size, his loud bellow… nothing will think twice about messing with him"
The gang made their way back to the camp… and froze at the three beast they saw raiding it. The beast was massive in size, while not bigger than Appa it was still the biggest animal they've seen.
It was the Silver Back Gorilla-Wolf.
It had the arms, legs and body of a gorilla, with the head of a wolf. Its paws were bulky with elongated fingers, hiding its massive claws. The Gorilla-Wolf was hunched over and moved like a typical Gorilla, but was capable of walking on its hind legs.
Being the first time Ai had ever one of these beast, her mind went to the first thing she could think of, and that was it looked like a mother fucking werewolf.
A larger, fatter Gorilla-Wolf had dumped the contents of their nap sacks… inspecting them, not seeming to care about the scattered food, unlike his smaller, obviously younger pack member who was cramming his mouth full.
The middle sized one of the group had gotten his claws on Aang staff, using it to bust open nuts… getting Aang to flinch with every loud CRACK. Then again as it killed a Rabbit-Squirrel with it, eating it.
One thing that stood out from among the pack of wild beast… was a young human, sporting only some cloth to cover her. She was down on all fours just like Gorilla-Wolfs, inspecting Suki's panties… as if questioning their purpose.
Moments passed, and the Gorilla-Wolfs, and the girl have yet to tire of their little raid… that is until Appa woke up.
The moment Appa woke up and saw the intruders he let out a loud growl. The Gorilla-Wolfs and girl, scattered in fear… running towards the trees and scaling them quickly, then jumped from branch to branch.
"Ok… uh, Ai… i know it takes a lot out of you, but" started Sokka
"Yeah… oh yeah" said Ai, slamming her hands down
The ground shook slightly as a small hut grew from the ground. Ai wiped the sweat from her forehead, still a little weak from her fight with Risky. After picking up all their belongings, the ground went into there home for the night.
"So, i have a question" said Sokka, thinking out loud "How is it that girl was among them, and everything just seem ok"
"Well… she could have been raised by those creatures" said Ai
"Is that… possible?" asked Suki
"If the circumstances are right." said Ai "She'd have to have been found when she was still a baby… and the one that found her was mothering its own"
"So… she was adopted?" asked Katara
Ai nodded, turning to her.
"Thats correct, and being raised by them… she'll most likely act like them, and understand them. While most likely losing her ability to communicate with us humans" said Ai
Ai then let out a yawn, getting Katara to smile and pull her into a hug. She kissed her softly on the forehead, getting Ai to turn away abit.
"Hmmm" grunted Ai, rubbing her eyes
"Come on, let's get you in bed" said Katara "Don't what you being grumpy tomorrow"
Ai yawned again as Katara lead her to one of the beds, she crawled in with Ai… snuggling her close. Katara showered Ai with kisses, getting her smile and snuggle closer.
The other where slower about getting to bed… as they were still a little frighten by the Gorilla-Wolfs. Sokka peeked out the small windows, the remaining amount of light in the sky still lite the area.
Off in the distance he could see more of them very slowly coming back towards the clearing. One sniffed the ground close, it stood on its hind legs and let out a howl at it beat its chest.
"AROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" howled the Gorilla-Wolf
That started off a chain reaction, getting other off in the distance to start howling. Followed by the human figure with them, mimic it.
"AHHHHHHHHH, AROOOOOOOO OOO OOO OOO" howled the human
There howling went on for hours, it was somewhat soothing. The gang had little to no trouble falling asleep as the Gorilla-Wolf's howled and played near there cottage… while keeping a safe distance from Appa.
The forest was as quiet as could be, barely a sound to be heard… Smellerbee creeped up on the cottage, and after fumbling with the complex mechanics of the door for the better part of 2 hours, entered.
Smellerbee sniffed the floor as she enter… glancing around. She saw the sack from before on the floor… it being nothing new, she payed in no mind.
Smellerbee journeyed to the left of the cabin, entering the boys rooms… still sniffing. She peeked up over the bed to see Sokka sleeping. A massive puddle of drool came from his mouth, as did an ungodly sound.
PFFFT
Smellerbee looked down at the source of the sound, it being under Sokka's sheets… soon a small mount moved around frantically, darting all around, Momo poking his head out gasping.
"Gah… bastard did it again" cried Momo, holding his nose with both paws
Momo glanced over at Smellerbee during his rant, his tail straightened up in fear.
"W-W-Who are you?" yelled Momo, quickly scrambling to Sokka, jumping on his face "Hey, hey wake up"
Sokka rolled over, swatting at Momo
"Momo, knock it off" said Sokka
"BUT THERES AN INTURDER" yelled Momo
"I'll play with you tomorrow" said Sokka
Momo let out a sigh as he ears and tail drooped.
"Why do i keep forgetting you can't understand me" said Momo, sulking
"Wait… he can't?" asked Smellerbee "Does that mean the other cant understand you"
"Yeah… they can't, every once in awhile they do… but it might just be coincidence" said Momo, sighing again… then looked over "Wait… you understand me? How?"
Smellerbee shrugged
"What do you mean you don't know… that doesn't make any, oh who cares… I'm too tired for this" said Momo, jumping over to Aang bed "Seeing that you're not trying to kill us, you're free to do what you want, within reason"
Smellerbee moved between the beds, sniffing them close… she moved up to Sokka and sniffed him, shaking her head at the overpowering smell of meat… too much meat, way too much meat.
Smellerbee moved over to Aang and got a sniff… and smelled the weakness of an udder failure at life. Not a single bone in his body was that of a leader… how this pitiful thing could sleep so peacefully and with such content was a mystery.
"Beta male?" asked Smellerbee
"Beta male" said Momo
Smellerbee glanced around for a bit… looking back at Momo.
"There are one with the enlarged things?" asked Smellerbee
"Enlarge what's?" asked Momo, looking over, getting annoyed from the lack of sleep
"The one with… the things?" asked Smellerbee, gesturing
Momo just started at Smellerbee, not sure what to even make of her… of this… of her wearing the panties on her head.
"The 'Girls' are in the other room" said Momo
"Why?" asked Smellerbee
Momo groaned
"I don't know… something about, morals and… some other human junk" said Momo, turning his back "Now go away, i'm trying to sleep"
Smellerbee turned and left the tiered lemur alone to his sleep, she slipped into the girl's room. She moved over and stood on her legs, the stance rarely used by her. She studied Katara and Ai, watching as they snuggled each other close.
Smellerbee tilted her head slightly, she looked over at Suki… then back, wonder to herself why don't they all pile together like that, much warmer that way. Smellerbee sniffed the air near Katara and Ai… getting the feel that Katara wasn't a Beta like the truly hairless one… but she wasn't an Alpha.
Now the like one… she, she was an Alpha, no doubt. She'd probably be able to scare her father with just a glance… and he was a mean ass Gorilla-Wolf. Like… rip a Saber Tooth Moose-Lion in half mean.
Smellerbee slipped away and went over to Suki, after getting a sniff from her… she realized that the 'thing' she took, was hers… now if she just knew what it was. Smellerbee yawned softly, rubbing her own eye… she looked out the window, see it being pitch dark out, too dark to travel alone.
She looked back down at Suki, over to Ai and Katara… then back again.
The sun was peeking out over the horizon on yet another beautiful day, everyone was still sleeping peacefully.
Suki stirred slightly in bed, turning over to her other side… coming nose to nose with an individual in her bed. Suki remained asleep for a few moments… then remembered she slept in bed alone. Did Ai accidentally crawl into bed with her?
The sheets on Katara and Ai's bed where halfway on the floor, as Ai had sprawled herself out, on her stomach on the bed… on Katara. Drool fell from Ai's mouth onto the floor… a small puddle signify she had been drooling for awhile. Ai let out a small yawn, soon following Katara yawned.
Hearing both Ai, and Katara yawn, Suki realized that Ai wasn't the one in bed with her. Suki's eyes opened to see which one of the boys she be hanging by his own interests… only to see, curled up beside her, a young… girl?
Said girl had a messy brown hair, and what seemed to be two large, rectangular scars on her cheeks. Barely any cloth on her to protect her from the elements… dawned on her head… like a headband, were a pair of Suki's panties.
'Is that… wasnt she the girl we saw?' thought Suki, with awe and wonder at the girl 'How did she get in my bed without alerting me… and why are my panties on her head?'
Smellerbee's stirred, she opened her eyes to see Suki awake, panicked she jumped out and away. Suki moved and sat on the edge of the bed… Smellerbee stared at her, then moved closer.
"Hi" said Suki, getting Smellerbee to jump back again "Sorry"
Smellerbee waited a few moments, then moved forward again.
"Sowry" said Smellerbee, mimicking Suki's tone
"No no, i'm the one whose… did you talk?" asked Suki "Ai said you'd probably have lost all communication skills with human. But you just spoke"
Smellerbee tilted her head, she moved forward once more
"Smellerbee" said Smellerbee, touching her chest
"Hmm?" said Suki
Smellerbee let out a grunt
"Smellerbee" said Smellerbee, touching her chest
"Smellerbee?" said Suki
Smellerbee grunted and leaned forward, smiling.
Suki nodded in understanding, she touched her chest
"Suki" said Suki
"Sue kai" said Smellerbee
"No.. Suuuuu Kiiii" said Suki
"Sushi" said Smellerbee
"Close enough" said Suki
"Waaaaaaaah, Damn it Momo you little shit, I'm tired of your butthole being the first thing i see when i wake up" came a scream from the other room.
"Sokka" groaned Suki, palming her face
"Waaaaaaaah" mimicked Smellerbee
Suki looked at Smellerbee thought her fingers, letting out a smile.
"Seems like you've made a friend" came a voice
Suki looked up to see Ai sitting over the edge of the bed… Katara still sleeping.
"Good morning Ai" said Suki
Smellerbee turned around, slowly she moved up and started to sniff. Ai, having been friends with Inuzuka's wasn't fazed by it. Once Smellerbee got closer, and sniffed again, she flinched and backed up.
She kept her posture low, trying to look as small and weak as possible.
"Huh, hmmm huh" grunted Smellerbee
"W-What is she doing" asked Suki
"Acknowledging me as her Alpha" said Ai "She knows i'm much stronger than her, and might attack if she does the wrong thing"
Ai moved off the bed and towards Smellerbee, who stayed low… Ai got down low, moving her head behind Smellerbee's, then pinched her neck. The pinch wasn't hard, it was just enough to let her know what happened… or what she think happened.
To Smellerbee, Ai had given her a small nip… a warning if you will. The nip said 'I am the Alpha here, and you are a Beta'. Smellerbee, being the adopted daughter of Kerchak, knows full well what an Alpha could do to a beta.
Ai pulled back, getting Smellerbee to back up a bit too… towards Suki.
"What did you do to her?" asked Suki
"I 'Nipped' her neck" said Ai "Showing her that she is the beta, the nip was gentle… but it did show that i'm not above hurting her if i need to protect my pack."
"Your… pack?" asked Suki
"You guys… were like a pack, a tribe" said Ai "So… she knows how to talk?"
"I don't think so… i think she's learning word from us, and just repeating them… like a child would" said Suki
"Child would" said Smellerbee
Ai blinked a few times… staring a Smellerbee, a young girl raise by fucking werewolf creatures, and is just now learning english.
"Son of man reach to the stars" mutter Ai
"What?" asked Suki
"Nothing" said Ai
The sun raise beamed down on the hut.
"Soooo, let me see if i understand this." said Sokka "This girl… who was raised but Wolf-Gorilla's, whom i want to remind you raided our camp and look mean as hell. She breaks into the hut, and crawls into bed with Suki… and who knows what she did in between… and were all cool with her hanging around."
"Yeah" said Katara
"Not like she did anything" said Suki
"Ok, fine… fine" said Sokka "One thing i wanna really know" Sokka turns to Momo "Where the hell were you when she broke in?"
Momo threw his paws in the air
"But i… and you, i mean i" said Momo, chipping away to them
"I don't want your excuses" said Sokka, pointing at him
Momo growled at Sokka, flew forward and bit Sokka.
"Waaaaaaah" cried Sokka, shaking Momo off his arm
"Sokka" said Smellerbee
Sokka looked over at Smellerbee, blinking.
"Huh… wha?" said Sokka "How does she know my name"
"Sokka" repeated Smellerbee
"She thinks it means your scream" said Suki
"Oh great" said Sokka
"Great" repeated Smellerbee
Sokka shook her head in slightly frustration, getting the group to laugh.
"Anyway, i think we've rested enough" said Sokka "We need to cover some ground"
"Ok" started Aang
"No flying today" said Sokka
"What. why?" asked Katara
"He too noticeable, are you forgetting why we had to land yesterday?" asked Sokka
Katara wanted to have a comeback to him, but couldn't think of one.
"But Appa's not noticable" said Aang
"He's a giant, white, six legged beast that can fly" said Ai "And also his kind hasn't been seen since the start of the war… yeah, totally unnoticeable"
"Totally" repeated Smellerbee
"But… if we can't fly, how are we to travel" asked Aang
Everyone, except Smellerbee looked at him questionably.
"Huh… it's a magical thing, its call walking" said Sokka, pointing to his legs "You know… what we use these for"
"But that sounds boring" said Aang smiling "Flying is much more fun"
"I don't think anyone would disagree… but it's too dangerous" said Sokka "We walk"
"But i don't wanna" cried Aang
"Grah… then ride on Appa's back" said Sokka
"Yeah" cheered Aang
Aang hopped onto Appa's back, dancing in place as he sat on him. Everyone, except Smellerbee was annoyed by him.
"Swear to god… Himawari would be a better avatar than him" said Ai, dragging her hand down her face "And she wasn't even in the academy yet"
"Himawari?" asked Suki
"Half-Sister… father's side" answer Ai
"Oh" said Suki
"Let's move… we're burning daylight" said Ai
Everyone besides Aang, and Momo were walking through the forest quietly… Smellerbee being as quiet as she would be. Smellerbee would run head every so often and sniff a tree, when the other got near she… in her own way, pushed them to go a different direction.
Ai, being the only one with cease as sharp as her knew why… predators or fellow, non friendly members of her family.
"Come on, can we fly yet… i'm getting bored" cried Aang
"Aang… it's only been 10 minutes" said Sokka "We don't need to fly all the time"
"But what about over the" started Aang
"AANG" started Sokka
"Uung" copied Smellerbee… stopping short and sniffing
"I getting sick of your belly aching and tom foolery" ranted Sokka
Smellerbee's eyes widened… she knew that smell, she went to warn the group, but they were enthralled with the argument.
"Seriously Aang, walking through the forest is much saver than fly, trust me" said Sokka, walking through a bush… aaaaaand into a fire nation camp.
"You were saying?" asked Aang
"Aaaaah crap baskets" said Sokka, Katara, and Ai
"Crap baskets" said Smellerbee, actually using the word in the right context
Many of the soldiers looked over, dismissing them as kids… all but one. A soldier with one eye happened to have a bounty scroll… and Ai just happened to be the highest bounty, 250,000 gold pieces… courtesy of Admiral Tanya
"RUN!" screamed Ai
The group quickly split up to avoid getting hit, soldier's leap up from the logs, with swords drawn. The one-eyed soldier takes a bender's stance and launches a fist-full of fire at Ai. Ai swings her arm out, a slab of earth shot up, stopping the flame.
Katara uncorked her skin container and begins to bend the contents. The ribbon splashes against the oncoming fire attacks, putting it out. Katara whips the water around, fending of any attack she can.
Suki slammed her hands together, spikes burst from the ground, getting the soldiers to fall back. Smellerbee rushed up on of the spike, leaping high into the air and coming down on soldiers. With a quick movement she got him in a Full-Nelson, much like she did to her family members when they wrestled.
"The hell is up with this chick" cried the soldier, flailing his arms "She got the strength of an Elephant-Rhino"
"Elephant-Rhino" copied Smellerbee
Sokka pulled out his machete and watched carefully as soldiers circled him. One charged forward, Sokka quickly blocked the strike, then counter with his left hook, completely shattering the guy's jaw.
Aang jumped off Appa, twirling his staff around… pointing it at the soldiers.
"Stop now… we don't want to hurt anyone" said Aang
KRRRRRRRRCK
"Stop be such a pussy Aang… this is war" said Ai, letting the dead soldier fall to the ground. "They want us dead… so fight back"
KRRRRRRRRCK
"Pussy Uung" said Smellerbee, breaking the neck of the 2nd in command
"The captain and lieutenant have been killed" yelled a soldier "GET THEM"
Ai straightened herself up… all the soldier were now coming after her. Ai swiftly dodge one, spinning around and kicking him to the ground. He quickly pushed himself up and turned to Ai… only for Smellerbee to grab him and suplex him.
With backs turned to them, Team Ai took action. Katara swung her water out again… once more making ice. Three head flew into the air, and plopped on the ground… alerting others. Once more soldiers were on Katara… only for Sokka to come flying in and kicking them away.
"LEAF HURRICANE" yelled Sokka, drilling three soldiers in the stomach.
Sokka landed on his feet, but flinched and knelt, holding his leg.
"Sokka" cried Katara
Another soldier came in quickly, bring his sword down. Sokka shot his hands up, and clapped them on the blade… stopping it in place. With what little chakra Sokka could muster, and a slight twist… he snapped the blade at the hilt.
Needless to say, that scared the soldier… getting him to back away in fear. Only for a slab of earth slam him into the ground. Suki landed next to the brother-sister duo, helping Sokka to his feet.
"Can you stand" aske Suki
"Y-Yeah… doesn't hurt as much as it did" said Sokka
The few remaining three soldiers started to regroup… suffering heavy losses, they began to panic.
"What do we do?" asked a soldier
"Why are you asking me" barked another
"How about… you run away, and forget you saw us" said Ai
"Damn little bitch, you think your" started one
Ai slammed her fist into his gut hard, and fast… getting him to vomit blood. He stepped back, looking in her eyes… and saw a stone cold killer
"Before i change my mind" said Ai, holding up her hand, it blazing with lightning.
The trio firebender screamed in fear, turning around and running for their lives. Ai just smirked, she looked over at all the stuff they left… she clapped her hands.
"Lets see what loot we earned" said Ai, walking over
"So now you're stealing" said Aang
"Shut up Aang" said Ai
A figure came down from the tree, via a zip line… a young man, with bushy hair, with a katana at his side.
"Hey" said the stranger, acting all cool "saw what you did… pretty awesome making them fire nation soldiers run away"
"Yeah, we did it all" said Ai, turning to him with a stare "Even without your help"
The boy flinched, he rubbed his head
"Y-You knew I was up there" asked the boy
""We' plural… you have friends" said Ai
"Hmmm" said the boy, letting out a whistle "Ok guys… you can come down"
As his four friends descended from the tree's Ai watched him, she saw his katana… and noticed some writing, she narrowed her eyes to read it… it was Kanji… it read.
"Katakiuchi Muramasa"
It was one of the fabled demon blades, the blade of Revenge. This cursed blade was unique than most… usually they grant the wielder the ability to perform feat they couldn't without it, or summon an element, or some third thing.
Katakiuchi Muramasa: whosoever wields this blade, even while in its sheath, will be infused with a deep desire to exact vengeance on those whomever wrong them, no matter the cost.
Ai flicked her eyes back to Jet, to study.
"Why call them down now?" asked Ai
"Well… you could use the supplies" said the boy
"No" said Ai, pointing to herself "Me and my friends fought them off, their supplies our ours"
A flash of anger came to the boy.
"I think we got off to a bad start… I'm Jet, and these are my freedom fighters. Sneers, Longshot, The Duke and Pipsqueak" said Jet, as his men were waiting for his ok to grab the stuff
"Ai" said Ai introducing herself "Katara, Sokka, Suki, Smellerbee… and pussy"
"Heeeeeey" said Aang
"Want me you call you by name, actually contribute something" said Ai, looking over, then back to Jet "Anyway… back to what were were discussing. Supplies… there ours"
"But we need them" said Jet "We could use them for our cause"
Ai resume stared at Jet, into his eyes… she looked away.
"Fine" said Ai, leaving "We actually didn't have the room for them anyway"
Jet looked over at Sokka as he approached.
"Can you explain what the hell that was about?" asked Jet
Sokka stopped, frowning at Jet.
"Hey, you wanna tone it down" said Sokka "Ai did have a point, we fought the fire nation soldier, not you. Besides, she's 9"
"10" yelled Ai
"10… don't take it personally" said Sokka, keeping the fact that Ai is much smarter than she looks.
Jet's demeanor seemed to change after hearing that, Sokka was quick to notice. Jet turned to his boys, signaling to loot the camp. Sokka looked over at his team, watching as investigated the barrels they found. The Duke dipped his finger into the open barrel… pulling it out and sniffing it, then after a lick, and a look of disgust knew what it was.
"Got some blasting jelly here" said the Duke
"Score" said Jet, pumping his fist
Pipsqueak lifted a crate over his head, already have checking the contents.
"Jelly candy here" said Pipsqueak
"Lets not get those fixed up" said Jet, looking over to see a wagon "Let's load it up and taking to the hideout"
"Hideout" chimed Aang
"You wanna see it?" asked Jet
Aang beamed bright, he looked over at Ai, whom looked over at him, eyeing him… then smiled.
"Aang" started Katara
"Sounds fun" said Ai
Everyone walking along the forest floor. Pipsqueak pulls the laden wagon next to Appa. The trunks are massive enough to make even Appa small. In front, Jet has stopped.
"We're here." said Jet
"Where...there's nothing here!" said Sokka
Ai cleared her throat, getting him to look over… she pointed up. She knelt down, then jumped into the tree. Jet and his group just stood there, shocked. Aang quickly followed the same way, Smellerbee scaled the tree following them, followed by Suki, Katara, and Sokka.
Jet slowly looked over at his friends, blinking… then looking back up.
"The hell kind of people did we find?" asked Jet, then smiled "No matter, i'm sure we can confense them to help"
"Jet, are you sure we should do this?" asked Pip Squeak
"I don't want to hear it, we've been over this… its for the good of the forest" said Jet, pulling a rope, then quickly disappeared into the canopy.
Smellerbee moved around the tree house, slowly looking around… amazed by what she was seeing. Her ear twitch, as did Ai's… far off in the distance came a howl. Smellerbee winched at it, but soon ran to the edge of the walkway… jumping off.
Suki, Sokka and Katara rushed over to check on her safety, relief washed over them when they spotted her swing from branch to branch.
"Guess she's going home" said Sokka
"Who's going home?" asked Jet, walking over
Suki looked over
"Smellerbee's family was calling her" said Suki "She's returning to her pack"
"Pack?" asked Jet
"She was raised by Gorilla-Wolfs" said Ai, looking over
"Hmmm" nodded Jet "So… if i recall, i saw you" he pointed at Ai "Use firebending… and earthbending. So… you're the avatar
"So what if i am?" said Ai
"Ai, stop being rude" said Katara, she looked up at Jet "I'm sorry, she's not usually like this"
"It's alright… i think i understand, she has problems with trusting new people" said Jet
"WRONG" yelled Ai, getting Jet to grit his teeth, she pointed at him "I have problems with cowards. You sat and watched as we fought off the fire nation soldiers. Cowards don't belong in the field… they just fuck everything up with their dumb ideas"
Before Jet could even give his reply Ai turned around, leaving and wandering off to explore. Jet was very upset, but played it cool.
"Anyway… seeing that you all have issues with the fire nation" said Jet "I was wondering if you could help me"
"Help how?" asked Sokka
"There's a village not far from here, the fire nation took it over" said Jet "They've been in control for years… using it as a base. They've been cutting down the trees… there planning to expand"
"Expand the village… i mean, that's good right?" asked Aang
"If it weren't in control of the fire nation, maybe" said Jet, getting Sokka to glance over "The bigger the village, the more soldiers it can hold, and the more it can hold… the more danger to befall this forest."
"I see" said Sokka
Katara looked around again… taking in the beauty of the canopy, she looked over
"So you all live here?" asked Katara
Jet couldn't help but smirk a 'Got'em' smirk… something Katara picked up on quick.
"That's right. Longshot over there?" Jet points to Longshot and the Duke walking silently. Longshot's head is slightly bowed "His town got burned down by the fire Nation. And we found the Duke trying to steal our food. I don't think he ever really had a home." said Jet
"What about you?" asked Katara
"Fire nation killed my parents when i was 8… that day, my world changed" said Jet
"I'm so sorry." said Katara, putting her hand to her chest "I… me and Sokka… lost our mother"
"I'm sorry too hear that" said Jet "What about your friends?"
"Suki's parents died of natural cause, but the fire nation does attack her village periodically. Aang is an airbender, his family was able to survive… sadly they were killed." said Katara
Aang was about to say something… but in actually, couldn't argue with what Katara said… it was true, just not the whole truth.
"And Ai?" asked Jet, wanting to know more about the little firecracker
"A highly trained individual with a particular set of skill that would make her a goddamn nightmare for anyone to piss her off" said Katara
Jet took a step back for a second, the look in Katara's eyes is what sold it.
"I'll… keep that in mind" said Jet
Smellerbee landed on the ground, near some of her pack members… she moved up and along side them to their destination. In an instant, she was nearly knocked over as he family came up to her… nudging her, licking her and nipping at her.
A large figure slammed down in front of Smellerbee and the group, the average size of the Wolf-Gorilla being about 400lbs and 6 feet, on its hind legs. This Wolf-Gorilla was a massive 800lbs, and a staggering 8'6.
The beast loomed over Smellerbee, on its hind legs… dwarfing the little girl. It slammed down, and pinned her… and shower her with licks.
Ropes with Glowing lanterns hang between branches. Sentries keep watch on several upper platforms while the group sits at a banquet table on a huge platform. While the group eating and drinking. Jet stands and climbs onto the table.
"Today, the Fire Nation has taken another blow" said Jet, waving his hand over "Thanks to our friends"
Ai and her friends were shower with cheers, Ai seemed annoyed by it all. The other had mixed feelings, but accepted it.
"I hope you'll all be staying, we could use your help saving this forest" said Jet
"Don't you mean the village?" asked Suki suspiciously
"Oh yeah, that too" said Jet, waving it off "Anyways… Sokka, Suki… i heard you two were warriors, i was wondering if you could help me with a mission tomorrow?"
The duo looked over at Ai, who eyes them… they flicked to Jet, nodding.
"Of course" said Sokka
"Happy too" said Suki
The sun shined through the leaves of the canopy, Suki and Sokka gotten up early, for their morning exercises, and were currently waiting on Jet's group high in the branches.
"We need to keep an eye on that Jet" said Suki "Something is… off"
"Yeah, i know… and something tells me Ai is already two steps ahead" said Sokka, then sighed "and she wont tell us"
"You two ready" said Jet
"Ready as we're gonna be, so what we doing?" asked Sokka
"Going on rounds… making sure no fire nation soldiers come in" said Jet
Sokka nodded, pulling knife and slamming it into the tree, cupping his hands over it and put it next to his ear.
"What are you doing?" asked Jet
Suki shhhh'd him, and spoke soft
"It's a way of detecting life from a distance, it amplifies vibrations" said Suki
"Oh… cool." said Jet, rubbing his head "Might have to remember that one"
Sokka waited for a few moments… listening carefully, they waited in quiet for a few minutes, Sokka stood.
"Someone is coming" said Sokka
Jet stood tall, getting ready… he let out a whistle, signalling his boys. Jet descends from the tree quickly, Pipsqueak and The Duke coming from the brush. Sokka readied his own blade… then saw the figure come out… a scrawny old man with a cane
"Whoa whoa, wait… false alarm, it's just an old man" yelled Sokka
Jet didn't seem to hear anything, he lands in front of the old lady… and draws his sword, destroying her cane in one swing.
"Oh hell no" said Suki
Sokka was already descending the tree, Suki quickly behind him.
"Eh wha… what I ever do to you" said the old man
"You know damn well what you did, Fire Nation" spat Jet
"But, i'm just a traveling though" pleaded the man
"A likely story" said Jet, kicking him to the ground "Fire nation only knows how to destroy and kill"
The old man pushes himself, Jet's sword raised high… it glowing brightly, along with his eyes. He brought the sword down, blood flew into the air.
"Gah… that was a bad idea" grunted Sokka, blood dripping down his blood hand, which was tightly gripping it
"Sokka?" said Jet "The hell are you"
In a instant, Jet was knocked off his feet with a left hook. Sokka turned to see Pipsqueak and the Duke in shock and awe. Suki landed beside Sokka, she quickly helped the slightly bruised lady up.
"Come on Granny, lets get you back home" said Suki
"oh thank you deary" said the old man
Suki quickly vanished with her new speed. Jet pushed himself up spitting out blood, glaring at Sokka.
"What the hell" yelled Jet "Why are you helping a fire nation"
"He was an old man" said Sokka
"He was fire nation" snapped Jet "Are you forgetting what happened to you mother"
Sokka eyes flashed with rage, once more he struck Jet… laying him out on the ground.
"Don't you dare try to use that against me" said Sokka, pointing his finger at Jet
Jet managed to push himself up again, wiping his jaw of blood… he glared at Sokka, then to his gang.
"You waiting for an invite?" growled Jet
Pipsqueak and The Duke looked at each other, than charge at Sokka. Sokka dropped down low, and sprung up fast… knocking Pipsqueak a few feet into the air, getting The Duke to stop cold. When Pipsqueak hit the forest floor, the ground shook hard… Sokka popped his shoulders.
Sokka quickly ducked Jets blade, it only cutting a few hairs… he spun around with a roundhouse kick, only for Jet to block it. Sokka reached up and clapped his hand over Jet's wrist.
"TRAITOR" yelled Jet
"I haven't betrayed anyone" said Sokka, swip kicking Jet "If anything… you've betrayed yourself"
Jet kicked away from Sokka, only to bump into Suki's feet. Jet scrambled away, quickly getting to his feet. Jet panted hard… he sheathed his bloody blade.
"Please forgive my actions" said Jet "I… I got caught up in the moment"
Sokka and Suki turned to each other slightly.
"His poker face is shit" whispered Sokka
"Yeah, but something tells me this goes deeper… let me think he let him off" whispered Suki
Sokka turned back to him
"Fine… just don't let it happen again" said Sokka
Jet smiled, bowing to them.
"Thank you" said Jet, hiding a sneer "It won't happen again"
Upon looking back up, they were gone… his sneer grew into a scowl. He straightened himself up, massaging his cheek again, spitting out a tooth.
"Fucking bastards" growled Jet "Protecting the fire nation… and here i thought they could help"
Jet turned to The Duke, pointing his finger quickly.
"We need to act fast, if they figure out that we plan to do, they won't hesitate to stop us" started Jet
"On it" said The Duke
"Y-Yes sir" grunted Pipsqueak, whom managed to stand.
When he turned around Jet and The Duke flinched hard… at the site of his broken jaw. Jet swallowed slightly at seeing that… but steeled his will.
"Get going… i'll go back to the treehouse, and smooth things over with them" said Jet "Can't let them find out i plan to blow the dam"
The trio left the area, unaware of that Smellerbee had over head them from the tree top. Smellerbee tilted her head, and smile, testing the new words she learned… really like it them
"Blow dam, blow dam" repeated Smellerbee, jumping away
"He did what?" said Katara, bandaging Sokka's hand
"You heard me… he freakin lost it" said Suki
"It's the demon blade" said Ai, looking over "Its poisoning his mind"
"How can a blade do that, it's just a blade" said Aang
"What part of 'DEMON' blade" said Ai "Every blade crafted by Muramasa was curse… and Jet so happens to have Katakiuchi Muramasa"
Blank stares all around… Ai groaned and rolled her eyes.
"The blade of Vengence" said Ai, she turned to Sokka "You're lucky he didn't kill you"
"What was i supposed to do, let him kill the old lady" asked Sokka
"How about grab her and run… or just slug Jet" said Ai
Sokka blinked, then turned his head
"Why didn't i think of that" said Sokka
Ai palmed her head.
"Wait… don't you have a demon blade?" asked Katara "Why ain't you going crazy like him"
"Its sealed away in my scroll for safety" said Ai "and Yukianesa doesn't work that way"
Yukianesa Muramasa: Infused with the spirit of an angry Yuki-onna, this blade is permanently at a temperature of absolute zero. Anything this blade cuts will slowly start to freeze and die.
"Huh hey" came a voice
Ai snapped her head to the door, seeing Jet standing there… her eyes narrowed.
"What?" asked Ai
"I wanted to apologize again, to all off you about how i… over reacted" said Jet
"Forget about it" said Ai "But do know… we can't stay here much longer, tomorrow we leave"
"Oh… you don't say" said Jet, slipping out. Only to poke his head back in one last time "Thank you for your company… all of you"
A few moments past, Ai folding her arms.
"Yeah… he is hiding something, and it's BIG" said Ai "Only thing is… what"
"Blow dam, blow dam" came a voice
Ai looked out the window, and over to see Smellerbee wondering around, still repeating her new favourite words.
"Blow dam, blow dam" chanted Smellerbee
"Thank you Deus Machina" said Ai
She turned to the group.
"Sokka, go warn the village. Suki go find Jet friends and stop their involvement" said Ai "Katara, you're with me."
"What about me" said Aang
"Stay out of our way" said Ai, pushing him aside
"What are you planning on doing to him" asked Aang
"What I have to" said Ai, unsealing her demon blade
Suki walked through the forest, towards the upper half of the dam… perhaps things aren't quite ready yet and there doing what they can to fill it. How would they do such a thing… with a man made trench, Pipsqueak was a big strong fella, he'd be able to do it.
Suki came to the reservoir, and sure enough there was Pipsqueak, using a boulder to carve out a path. Suki swung her hand up, ripping it from the ground, making him fall over, and threw it to the side.
"Pipsqueak, we got a problem" yelled The Duke
Suki cracked her knuckles, then popped her neck.
"Make this easy on yourselfs, give up" said Suki
Pipsqueak and the Duke readied themselves, as did Suki… she slowly moved her foot forwards, getting the two boy to swallow hard.
Jet awaited the signal for the reservoir being full… he looked over towards the damn, getting impatient.
"What's taking those fools so long" growled Jet "It wasn't the much further from the opposite river"
"JET" yelled Ai
Jet nearly jumped out of his own skin, he spun around to see Ai right behind him… with arms crossed and a glare.
"This is your only chance… stop now, or else" said A, hand on her blade
"Ai… I don't know what your talking about" said Jet
"Drop it Jet… we know you're planning blowing up the dam" said Katara
Jet hitched his breath… his eyes narrowed.
"Do you get it, i'm trying to save this forest from the fire nation" said Jet
Ai readied herself
"Jet… you're about to cross a line that can never be uncrossed" said Ai
"My path is pure, and my conscious is clear" said Jet, drawing his blade and pointing it at Ai
"So are mine" said Ai, pulling her sword out
The two blade struck each other hard, then a hail of flashes came as there swords struck each other… Ai calmly standing in place, countering each of Jet's wild strikes. Blood, mostly from Jet slowly started to paint the ground red.
Ai swung her sword hard, knocking Jet off balance… she moved the butt of the handle to his chest, and with a slight tap, threw him backwards. Jet hit the ground and slide… quickly stabbing his sword in to slow himself down.
Jet quickly looked up, only to see Katara… then felt a stabbing pain in his shoulder. Jet swung his sword back, and towards Ai, only for her to step out of the way. Jet pushed himself up, holding his blood shoulder, ripping out the kunai.
"You bastards… i'm trying to save this forest, why don't you understand that?" yelled Jet
"Save it for who?" asked Ai, twirling her blade in front of her, snapping her other hand on the handle as she shifted her weight "Everyone would be dead"
"A kid like you could never understand the demands of war" said Jet
"I know a lot more than you, Fool" said Ai, pointing the blade towards him "A king for pawn sacrifice is foolish"
"What are you talking about, what queen?" demand Jet
Ai closed her eyes and sighed.
"The people of the earth kingdom, they are who we are fighting for… we want to avoid killing them." said Ai "If we kill them just to kill the enemy… then why bother fighting in the first place"
"As expected, you just don't get it" said Jet, standing up… only for a blade to push against his neck, it's icy steel burning
"You don't seem to get it" said Ai "I am sparing you on a whim… one that is quickly weakening"
Jet panted, he looked down… he closed his eyes… and dropped his sword. Ai looked at him… she closed her eyes as well, then opened them and took his sheath.
"I'll be taking this… you won't be needing it after today" said Ai, turning her back
Jet looked up… she fell for it. Jet pushed him lips together, ready to signal Longshot to blow the dam… it was now or.
"CHIDORI: ONE THOUSAND BIRDS" yelled Ai, slamming her arm into his chest
Jet stood there, in shock… both from the attack, and the pain. He looked into Ai's eyes, too see that of a killer.
"May god have mercy on you" said Ai, ripping her arm out
Jet fell to his knees... He tried to whistle, but just couldn't.
"Even in death, you still try to carry out your mission" said Ai, a small laugh escape her lips "Had you not been so delusional… you'd have made a great ally"
Ai turned her back, and walked away… sheath both blades as they have gotten there taste of blood. Katara looked over at Jet one last time… to see him pull out something… a flare gun.
"AI" yelled Katara
Ai looked back, but it was too late… Jet fire the flare high into the air, a back-up plan. Ai looked towards the canyon… she eyed everything carefully, there might be time.
Longshot watched the flare fly into the air, he readied his bow, lighting the arrow on fire. He pulled back on the string… taken aim.
"Grrrrrr" came a sound
Longshot looked over slightly… to see Smellerbee, and a few Wolf-Gorillas. Either seeming too happy with what he was doing… in there territory.
"Blow dam" said Smellerbee, this time with anger… as if she knows its meaning now
Longshot closed his eyes… and made his peace, he fired. The moment he did, Ai snapped into few… she reached out to grab it, but missed it.
"Fuck" yelled Ai
"Fuck" yelled Smellerbee
The arrow hit the barrel, exploding and taking out the dam, in that instant Longshot was tackle to the ground by a Wolf-Gorilla.
Slabs of earth shot up along the path of the water, trying to slow it down… but to no avail. The water rushed head on into the village. Ai looked over at it… past it, high on a hill where many townspeople.
Ai smiled… proud of her student for what part they played.
X
AN: Once more, sorry for the wait… things are just, difficult. I just have a hell of a time wanting to write.