It had been quite a few days since they left the Northern Air Temple, Ai had made it clear to Aang… they were going to the North Pole now… the only stopping was to rest, or hide from the Fire Nation.
Sokka was looking at the sky and he sigh for a good minute. He looked over at Aang for a moment which he let out of sighed, which annoyed hm. Aang's right eyebrow started to twitch for a moment.
"Are we there yet?" asked Sokka.
"No, Sokka. You have been asking that for weeks now." said Aang.
"Well, we have been flying for a while now. And it started to get pretty dull." stated Sokka "Cant Appa fly faster?"
When he said that, Aang knew that Sokka had just insulted Appa which send him on the deep end. He turned his head to glare at him.
"I have an idea, why don't we all climb on your back and YOU can fly us to the North Pole." snapped Aang
"Fine. Climb on board everyone. Sokka is ready for take off." said Sokka.
He knew that this was getting him out of his boredom which Momo hopped on which he looked at the lemur for a moment. Katara was getting upset because hearing the both of them was getting on her nerves.
Suki was patting Smellerbee because she could tell that poor girl was getting sick. Ai just shook her head at the both of them because she knew that they were being annoying. Then she raise up for a moment and stretch her arms.
"Will you two calm down. It's not like the northern water tribe is gonna pop out of nowhere." said Ai.
Suddenly, ice spikes appear out of nowhere which they all screamed at the top of their lungs. Aang tugged on the reins to get Appa to avoid the spikes. Appa avoid several ice spikes, but an ice shard hit one of his legs. He started to spin out of control which he landed in the water, a stream of water, quickly turned Ai ensnared him. Ai rubbed her head and she looked around to see what hit them. Then she spotted something that was heading towards them.
"Uh guys, you might want to see this." Ai told them.
They stood up and looked at her which Ai pointed at water ships that was heading towards them. Sokka, Suki, Katara, and Aang smiled.
"It's the northern water tribe. We've found them." said Katara
=== Zhao and Tanya ===
Zhao was going over his plan to invade the Northern Water Tribe. Tanya was yawning from Zhao's plan, getting bored and annoyed from hearing his voice. Victoriya was pouring Tanya some of her favorite drink made from a bitter bean… served nice and hot… probably being the first to make this drink Victoriya named it… Coffee… due to the fact that the first few time you drank it, you'd most likely cough for how strong it was.
Victoriya a brilliant women and powerful fighter, yes… imaginative and creative, no.
"According to my sources, the Avatar is heading for the north pole because she's looking for a waterbending master… possible to improve her already impressive skill with water. I say that we gather a fleet of ship and attack the Northern Water Tribe. With the might of the fire nation." stated Zhao
Tanya chuckled before taking a sip of her coffee. Zhao looked at her and raise an eyebrow
"Is there something funny about my plan?" asked Zhao.
She place her coffee on the table and look at him.
"I think there is some major flaws to that plan." said Tanya.
She took another sip of her coffee as sit back in her chair while she looked at Zhao.
"Why do you think that?" asked Zhao.
"Well, for starters, just where in the hell are going to get the man power from?" said Tanya "Furthermore do you even have a plan of attack other than attack?"
Victoriya was fixing another round of coffee and she looked at the map for a moment. She noticed that one of Tanya's scouts had walked into the room with news. She whispered into Victoriya's ear to give her report which cause her eyes to widen in surprise and she smirk.
She nodded her head as the scout had returned to her duties. She grabbed the pot and walked up to the table while both Tanya and Zhao was still discussing on the plan. Victoriya was pouring Tanya another round of coffee which Tanya was looking at her. She started to lean into her general and whispered into her ear to give the scout's report which Tanya just smirk that the report.
"Well, I just got word that my scout had track down the Avatar and not just that, Zuko's ship is in pursuits. I guess that it is time for us to meet up with him" said Tanya.
"With all due respect but we don't need that banished princess, but his uncle is another story." said Zhao
"Do I hear a hint a jealousy in your voice, Zhao?" asked Tanya.
"If I may, General Tanya, I will send word on our arrival for prince Zuko." said Victoriya.
"You know you don't have to call me by title. But, no, i want this visit to be a surprise." said Tanya, knowing she only called her by such to remind Zhao of his place
"As you wish" said Victoriya
=== North Pole ===
The waterbenders started to escort Ai and the others through the water until they had reach the wall that had the water tribe symbol on it. There was waters benders that was standing on top of it and they all started to bend the ice wall down to let their comrades and new travelers into the city. They were an awe to see that everything was surrounded by water and the buildings were were all looking at some of the water benders around the city.
"I can't believe how many waterbenders live up here!" said Katara.
"We'll find a master to teach us, no problem!" said Aang happily.
"Uhhhh hello, captain obvious. I am girl which means that no waterbending master would want to teach me it. Didn't you not hear what chief Halibel said about women are forbidden to fight in the war." said Katara reminded him.
"I just thought that we could learn it together since we're both in the beginner level." said Aang.
"When are you going to get it through your arrow head that I am not allow to waterbend with a master." said Katara. "Also, you and me… not same level… you barely even tried to waterbend… i have minor experience… so i'm a at least a novice"
Aang hung his hand in defeat because he was planning to steal Katara away from Ai. He knew that she had spent way too much time with her and she is becoming like Ai. Suki noticed a small boat that had a young woman who was riding in it. Said girl happened to look up and spot Suki… her face lite up for a moment and she turned her head back
=== Zuko ===
Zuko's ship started to dock in port which the sound of the stringed instrument can be heard playing a simple staccato tune. The crew was enjoying themselves because they had made it to the north pole… or at least they were a many miles away from it, but still. Iroh was enjoying his time with the crew and they started to play a song for him to sing.
"Winter, spring, summer, and fall. Winter and spring, summer and fall. Four seasons, four loves. Four seasons, four loves." sang Iroh.
Everyone was enjoying themselves until an unexpected guest started to make an appearance on the Ship. Iroh turned his head and he grinned from ear to ear when he saw the visitors. He walking through the ship to escort the visitors to Zuko's room. He open the door to see a young prince sulking in his bed.
"For the last time, I'm not playing the sumki horn." growled Zuko
"Well, that is not the case." said Iroh, clearing his throat
Both Tanya and Victoriya walked into his room. They both bow to the exile prince to show because to Tanya, she still considered him a royal prince despite being exile from the Fire Nation.
"Awww, and here I thought that I might see the young prince play the sumki horn." mocked Tanya… she might honor him as a prince, but that doesn't mean she sees him as a equal
He raise up to his feet and he had a surprised look on his face.
"Admiral Tanya, I thought that you were killed in action." said Zuko.
"No, I was crippled by the Avatar." corrected Tanya, a little irritated that he would even think that "While I was recovering, I have been kept updated about the Avatar's whereabouts. Zhao has his own agenda to achieve power… and its General Tanya… i was promoted"
"M-My apologize… General" said Zuko, showing Tanya the respect she deserved… as well as fear.
"What is he trying to gain?" asked Iroh.
"Well, he had been obsessed with spirits. All I care about is capturing the Avatar and making her pay for what she'd done to me." said Tanya, a dark energy flicker over her for a moment "and of course to claim victory for the Fire Nation"
Iroh had noticed it, but wasn't sure what to say… or make of the spirit that was connected to her… it was like a serpent with mask, and strains of hair coming from it
She present her scars that she had receive from Ai which both Iroh and Zuko was shocked to see the scars. Zuko, out of respect to her, showed her his scars.
"So she got you too?" asked Tanya
Zuko nodded his head, Tanya snapped her finger and Victoriya nodded and left to go get Tanya her coffee
"Lets share stories… after words, we'll discuss your involvement" said Tanya
=== Northern Water Tribe ===
Everyone was having a feast to welcome new friends and the Avatar to the North pole. Both Ai and Sokka was surrounded by meat and they were enjoying most of the meat. Katara was just giggled at the both of them, but also partook of a harty amount. Suki was giving Smellerbee a plate with a lot of meat, to which she attacked it like a wild animal which some of the food hit Suki in the face.
They were watching three of the waterbending performing before everyone, putting on one hell of a show. The chief stood up to face his people and he had a smile on his face.
"Tonight, we celebrate the arrival of our brother and sister from the Southern Tribe, and they have brought with them someone very special, someone whom many of us believed disappeared from the world until now. The Avatar!" said the chief, turing to Aang
The gang had quick decided to let Aang have his glory and be the avatar here… seeing that he was gonna be the one that needed to know waterbending.
The crowd started to cheer for them.
"We also celebrate my daughter's sixteenth birthday." said the Chief
He back up out of the where to present his beautiful girl with white hair, flanked by two attendants, walking up to the table, they all bow, smiling.
"Princess Yue. Is now of marrying age." said the Chief
Suki looks over at her… then noticed she gave her a twiddly finger hello. She her full attention then to her subjects.
"Thank you, father. May the great Ocean and Moon Spirits watch over us during these troubled. times." said Yue.
"Now, master Pakku and his students will perform!" said the chief
The chief motions towards three men who now stand on the dais in front of the fountain opposite the dignitaries' table. The center man is clearly the oldest with a bald head, but long white hair on the sides of his head and down his back. They begin waterbending water from three enormous amphorae in front of them.
The crowd begins to cheer. Ai was impressed at their waterbending and while both Katara and Aang looked utter delight while they clap. Suki was eating her food while she give more food to Smellerbee as Yue was sit next to Suki… Suki happened to look over, and gave a respectful nod in replacement of a bow… seeing that she was sitting down
"Hello Princess Yue. My name is Suki from Kyoshi Island" said Suki.
"I've heard of that Island… it was the home of Avatar Kyoshi, right?" asked Yue, getting a nod "Nice to meet you. And who is your little friend."
Suki looked over at Smellerbee who was chewing on a bone.
"Oh this is Smellerbee. She doesn't really know our language due to the fact she was raised by wolf-gorillas." explained Suki.
"Wolf-Gorillas… what do they look like?" asked Yue
"Hmm… They are very large… and muscular" said Suki, trying to explain "Much taller and bulkier than your Polar-Dogs… hmm" Suki looked over and spotted Momo, she pointed "Kinda like that… but as i said, more muscular and much larger… and black fur"
"Oh my… those sound beastly" said Yue
"I heard they can be" said Suki "But seeing that Smellerbee is here… they must be very kind creatures"
After the performance, everyone started to leave and the chief escorted Aang to Master Pakku which the three of them were standing in front of the plaza fountain.
"Master Pakku, meet your newest student, the Avatar." said the chief
Aang bow to Pakku.
"Just because you're destined to save the world, don't expect any special treatment." warned Pakku.
"I can't wait to start training with you... after we relax for a couple days." said Aang.
"If you want to relax then I suggest visiting a tropical island. If not, I'll see you at sunrise. Good night." said Pakku.
Master Pakku walks away while the chief look at Aang and shrugged his shoulders.
=== Morning ===
Katara started to yawn and she was about to get up but she felt heavy weight on her chest. She looked down to see that Ai was sleeping on top of her. She started to gasp and blush because she never felt her climb on top of her.
'Okay, Katara, just relax she climb on top of you while in her sleep. But it feels good to see her on top of me... Wait? No, no no, she is ten years old. She needs to get off.' thought Katara.
Ai moaned in her sleep.
"Ai. Ai wake up." whispered Katara.
"Five more minutes, mommy." said Ai.
Suki woke up and stretch her arms and cracked her back in two different position. She turned her head to see that Katara was awake, but she place her hands on her mouth to see that Ai was sleeping on top of her. Katara shoot her a "Don't you even dare," look and she needed her help. Suki just and sat up… gently pushing Ai off Katara.
"Thank you." whispered Katara.
She got up and they both started to get dressed, but Katara noticed that both Aang and Sokka where already long gone. They both started to make breakfast for them and both Ai and Smellerbee. From the smell of the food being cooked, Ai and Smellerbee woke and they both stretch. She went to get some food in their stomachs.
=== Sokka ===
Sokka was walking around town to see if he could find something to do because he knew that this was going to interesting. He was walking out of the city to do some hunting and he climb to the slope. He noticed a Polar-Dog who was sleeping on its side… this one seemed a big larger, and slightly darker than the one he saw near town, and its feature were slightly different
"Oh nice. I am going to tame you and make you my pet." said Sokka
He quietly walk up to the Polar-Dog and he reach for his net. The Polar-Dog open one eye to see Sokka with a net. When Sokka got close, he threw the net, but Polar-Dog move out of the way which the net missed its target. Sokka was shocked to see that and he grabbed the net. He threw it again but this it missed the target. He went to get the net while the Polar-Dog went back to sleep.
After a few minutes of peace, Sokka jumped on to the Polar-Dog's back, getting its eyes to snap open… and easily knock him to the ground. He was starting to get mad that he was getting outsmarted by a Polar-Dog. Minutes turned to hour, he tried everything that he had which he pulled out both his club and machete and glare at the polar bear dog.
"Okay. You left me no choice." said Sokka.
He started to charge at the polar and he let his battled cry. When he got close, the Polar-Dog let out a massive growl which cause Sokka to stop in his tracks. The Polar-Dog stood on its hind legs while it brought its fronts paws down on the ices. It cause the ices to crack which Sokka looked at Polar-Dog to let out a small chuckle before the ice gave out from under him. The polar Polar-Dog moved its hind legs to kicked the snow in Sokka's face.
"Oh, you're good." said Sokka.
After freeing himself and heading back to the village, he heard a howl… he turned back to see the Polar-Dog, nose in the air howling… as if proclaiming victory.
=== Suki and Smellerbee ===
Suki was playing with Smellerbee and they both were having the time of their lives. Suki was trying to teach Smellerbee how to make snow angels, but she was make rough angels when she rub her back into the snow. She was showing her how to make a snowman which Smellerbee dug a pile of snow to make it look like a snowman… who was only 3 feet tall… and fat… and possibly dying.
"Well, that is close to a snowman" said Suki.
Smellerbee just smile at her handy work. Suki was looking at Princess Yue was being driven' around town, via Polar-Dog. Yue looked over and smiled, with a order and a point of the finger she was taken over towards Suki.
"Good morning… Suki was it?" said Yue
Suki bowed and showed her respect
"Yes. Princess Yue! Good morning to you as well!" said Suki.
"Are you enjoying your stay at the North Pole?" asked Yue.
"It's much different than the Earth Kingdom… but it is amazing" said Suki
Princess Yue looked away blushing.
"So… I was hoping if we can talk more… tonight maybe" said Yue.
"Sure… that sound fun" said Suki
"I'll meet you both both on that bridge tonight." said Yue, knowing Smellerbee won't be far behind Suki
She pointed at the bridge up ahead.
"Great! We'll see you- Aahh!" started Suki
Suki drop into the water which some of the water landed onto Smellerbee. She was too busy listening to Yue to watch where she was going. Yue laughs and waves goodbye to her and Smellerbee.
Suki was pulling herself onto the sidewalk with the the help from a wet Smellerbee.
"It's okay… I'm ok" said Suki.
Smellerbee looked at her and back at Yue. Then she started to shake like a dog to get some of the water off her. Suki screamed as Smellerbee was shaking the water on her.. And Yue
"AAAAAAHHHH! Smellerbee stop that!" said Suki.
Yue just laugh when she could hear her.
=== Aang ===
Aang was attending Pakku's class where more beginners are going to and he was trying to figure out the Water bending. Then Pakku did a water whip which hit Aang with it. The young Monk knew that this was going to be hard for him to learn. Then he was hit by a water pushed which knocking him into the water. He started to come back up for air and he spit out the water. Pakku walked up to him and he was looking at the young monk.
"It isn't easy as you expected?" asked Pakku.
He started to laugh and walked away. Aang just mope while he was still in the water.
"I hope Katara is having a hard time like I am?" said Aang.
Then Pakku waterbending Aang out of the water like a geyser which Aang scream at the top of his lungs. He landed in the snow and he popped his head out of the snow.
=== Ai and Katara ===
Ai was performance hand signs and once she was done, she placed her hands on the snow.
"Water Style: Water Tsunami!" said Ai
The snow turned into a massive water wave and it was heading towards Katara, but she water bend a doorway to avoid Ai's attack. She was water bend a stream a water to A, whp started to performance another hand signs.
"Water Style: Water Wall!" said Ai.
Then a big wall of water started to before Ai and blocked the incoming water stream. Katara continue to water bend to break through the water, but Ai was add more and more of her chakra to keep the water wall up. Once both of their abilities cancel each other out, Ai performance another hand signs but it was much faster this time and Katara didn't keep up.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!" said Ai.
The snow started to transformed into a water and it form into a dragon. The water started to roar which it started to attack Katara. She avoid the attack and water bend three ice slicers. The slicers to cut the water dragon to pieces which one of the slice hit Ai. Katara was shock to see what she had done, but Ai's body splash like water. She was confused for a moment.
"Water Style: Giant Vortex Jutsu!" said Ai.
A giant vortex knocked Katara off her feet. She didn't know that Ai would surprise her like that. Then Ai pinned her to the ground and she came face to face with Katara. Katara was looking at her for a moment which she knew that sparring was done because she knew that she lose.
"So, what have we learned?" asked Ai.
"Well, I thought that I had the upper hand." said Katara.
"Well yes, but you need to keep your opponent guess your next move before you make it. I saw my opening when you thought that I was beaten." said Ai.
She got off of Katara which Katara was blushing and she got up and dusted herself off. She looked at her which she noticed that Ai's was soak and wet. She noticed that there was a hole in the ground that look big enough for a ten year old to fit through.
=== Sokka ===
Sokka was walking through town which his clothes was torn to shreds. Some of the village was trying not to laugh at the poor guy while some of them was utter shock. Sokka just groan in his defeat at the hands of the polar bear dog. One of the villagers was walking passed him and he noticed that Sokka and he started to laugh at him. He was wearing a Northern Water Tribe attire and he had white hair.
"I see that you had a run in with Balto." said the old man
"Balto?" asked Sokka.
"Yeah. That's what we call it. I lost all my clothes to it once. Unless you know someone that is good with taming beast, i'd just leave that one alone" laughed the old man
"Thanks for the help" said Sokka, waving bye
"I wasn't talking to you" came the old man's voice "Dumb kids, thinking they alway need to be noticed"
Sokka had an idea on how to deal with the polar bear dog. He ran to find Ai and Katara. Elsewhere, Katara and Ai was eating some roasted fish and they both were enjoying some of them. They both were eating down the last of the fish and Ai started to stretch.
"Ready for another round of training?" Ai asked.
"Sure." Katara said.
"AAAAAIIIIIII!" Sokka called out.
Ai turned her head to see him coming towards them which he stopped because he was out of breath. He was looking at Ai. She waited for him to caught his breath because she could tell that something must be important.
"I need you help with something. You see, I was out hunting for some food and noticed this "Polar-Wolf... I try to caught, but it outsmarted me and I fell this hole" started Sokka
"Woah, woah, woah, Sokka slow down. Caught your breath and talk to me more slowly. What happened?" said Ai
Sokka took a deep breath and he explained his encounter with a Polar-Dog which Ai was understand everything that he was had told her. She nodded her head and she knew that this would require her attention.
"I will help you out." said Ai.
"Alright." said Sokk.
Katara gasped.
"Ai, you said that we can do more training. You can't be in two place at once." said Katara sad.
"Can't I?" asked Ai.
She walked away from the both of them.
"Shadow clone Jutsu!" said Ai
A puff of smoke appeared which Sokka's and Katara's jaw dropped when they both saw two Ai standing before them.
"Oh yeah… forgot you could do that" said Sokka
"Which one is the real Ai?" asked Katara
"I am on the right. The one of the left is my shadow clone." said Ai "I never really explained this jutsu to you… but it's a advance jutsu that is used for overwhelming the opponent… or recon and learning"
"Recon?" asked Sokka
"Yeah… anything my clone learn, i learn upon its destruction" said Ai, signaling the clone to go with Sokka
"All right, let's go" said Sokka, patting the clone on the back hard
POOF
Sokka eye widened and his mouth slowly fell
"Forgot to mention… they are fragile as hell" said Ai, creating a new clone
"Then how will it help me" asked Sokka
"She will advice you on what to do… and assist with ranged attack, if needed" said Ai "This is to be your pet… so you have to take lead and command"
"Right" said Sokka, pumping his fist "Just you wait Balto… i'll tame you yet"
"Bato?" asked Katara "Your naming it Bato?"
"No… Balto, its name is Balto… least that's what i was told" said Sokka, pulling away with the clone
"Interesting" said Ai "Reminds me of a story Uncle Kiba told me… about accepting who you are"
"Really… i'd love to hear it" said Katara
"If your willing to stop train for a moment" said Ai
"Truth is, i could still use a bit of a rest… and hearing a story from your time would be nice" said Katara, sitting down
Ai sat down as well… she closed her eyes put her hand together, making a small genjutsu to show the story as she told it.
"The story starts in a ice land, much like this" started Ai
=== Aang ===
Pakku's eye twitched at what he saw… the avatar, defeated… at the hands of a toddler. This kid was by far the weakest student Pakku was training at the moment… and he beat Aang with a accidental water torrent produced by a sneeze.
Aang was frozen in a hunk of ice, only his face, half of his left hand, and his right heel were unfrozen.
"Huh… a little help" asked Aang
Pakku let out a gruffled grunt
"Figure it out yourself… this will be a good lesson for you" said Pakku
And with that… Pakku left, as did his students. Aang, frozen in place struggle to get free… trying his best to melt the ice, but nothing happened.
Nothing until an Arctic Scorpion-Crab came shuffling along, and towards Aang. Thankfully this creature aren't that deadly… there venom only make you sick, and can give you cramps… low casualty from being stung.
"W-Whoa… uh, Hey there buddy" said Aang "I hate to be rude, but could you please not climb up here… oh, you want to… O-Ok, that fine… just please don't get on my… oh, you want to be on my face… T-Thats cool… so long as you don't"
Aaaaaand the Arctic Scorpion-Crab reached up… seeing his tongue flapping around in his mouth… looking like some type of fish, reached out with its claw and clamped down.
"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" screamed Aang
=== Sokka & Ai Clone ===
Sokka stood on his guard like he was ready for a fight, his opponent, the large Polar-bear wolf named Balto... who wasn't taking the situation as seriously. He was currently curled up on the ice with his eyes closed either to simulate sleeping or to show he was actually sleeping.
Ai was watching beside Sokka except she wasn't as anxious as he was more of waiting to see what would happen. Sokka had stood in the same place looking at Balto for what seemed like an hour, but of course that's exactly how long he had been staring him down. Due to the long wait Ai eventually went over to Sokka and poked him in the side making him jump.
"How long are you just gonna stand there?" asked Ai.
She poked him several times in side making him even more tense.
"Will you stop it!' snapped Sokka.
Balto awakes and yawns, he slowly gets up on all fours and shakes his body of all snow, then stretches and lets out a 2nd yawn. Sokka prepares to scrap with Balto, however in a matter of seconds Balto curls back into his resting state and falls asleep. Sokka just stood there, usure about how to feel, he didn't know if Balto was merely lazy or sleepy... however Ai cleared up the situation.
"I think your boring him." said Ai.
Sokka looks at Ai angrily.
"He thinks your not worth the effort, he would have tried to tear you to bits for glaring like that if he thought you were." said Ai.
"Should I feel insulted?" asked Sokka. "I feel like i should be insulted"
"Could use it as an advantage, he won't see you coming, just assert dominance and make him regret looking down on you." said Ai. "Then bite his ear as hard as you can"
Sokka looked at Ai… blinking in confusion.
"And that will work, biting his ear?" asked Sokka
Ai shrugged.
"That depends on him and if not you'll just have to wait for him to take you seriously." said Ai.
Sokka looked on at Balto who had long since turned his sleeping back to him. Sokka decides to take a chance and slowly approach Balto from behind, he used his training and didn't make a single sound, from his feet or from his breathing and Balto doesn't wake up from his nap.
The moment he is an inch away from Balto he attacks, but Balto (as if awake the whole time) dodges the attack with swift action. Ai watches with no sense of shock knowing that Balto was never going to let Sokka catch him off guard.
'I like Balto more now' thought Ai, smiling 'I gonna enjoy training him'
Balto quickly bites Sokka's leg and begins to runs as fast as he possibly can, dragging Sokka's body on the icy ground forcing his face to be grated on the cold hard ice. Sokka tries to get free, but any time he tried to get a grip on the ground he couldn't.
After running around in what seemed like several laps around the area Balto spins around and tosses Sokka over to Ai who side stepped it and allowed Sokka to land face first on the ground. Balto yawns, lays down and goes back to sleep, not knowing or caring what Sokka was going to do.
Ai walks over to Sokka as his face is down in the snow, she then kicks him in the head and he responds with turning of his back and groaning with his face red full of bruises. Ai knelt down to Sokka and patted him on the face hurting him… but also using medical jutsu
"You knew that would happen, didn't you?" asked Sokka in pain.
"The Inuzuka's training with their partners were more extreme, but they always had to fight it out with their partners to know that they are on equal level." said Ai.
"Wait, did the dogs or the people know who needed to be on equal level?" asked Sokka in pain.
"Are you going to ask that after what just happened to you?" asked Ai.
Sokka groaned in the defeat and slowly got back up.
"I won't be able to teach you until Balto gets on board, and you need to bite him for that to happen." said Ai.
Sokka looks over at Balto as he is laying down, not caring if he was asleep or not. He charges him again and this time grabs Balto's hind legs to keep him from running off, he picks up Balto surprising him and throws him, however Balto was heavier than he seemed so he didn't go very far.
Sokka takes this opportunity and charges at Balto and attempts to grabs his sides. Balto quickly gets on his feet and prepares to bite Sokka's face, however when Sokka reaches Balto he tears off his shirt and quickly wraps its around Blato's head covering his face and keeping his mouth shut.
"Got you!" yelled Sokka.
He tried to hold Balto's head down, he leaned in to bite his ear, but Balto tears up Sokka's shirt and roars. His eyes filled with rage… Sokka was getting to him, and he didnt like it
"WAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" screamed Sokka
Sokka was shock and hesitated, Balto takes this opportunity to shake Sokka off him and grabs his leg as before. He ran around, making laps like before with Ai watching and shaking her head at seeing this being repeated.
"Again?" uttered Ai.
Balto throws Sokka over to Ai who refuses to catch him again, letting him hit the ground. Sokka turns on his back disappointed in his failure, but to his surprise Ai had extended her hand out to him and helps him back up.
"I'll help you get him this time." said AI.
"Why now?" asked Sokka.
Ai points at Balto who was no longer curled up sleeping this time but on his paws, fully on guard with his fangs bore and his eyes staring at Sokka.
"He's taken you seriously now." said Ai.
"Great!" yelled Sokka victorious.
"But that also means that this time he's done playing around with you" said Ai.
"Playing" said Sokka, pointing to his bloody face "You call biting my leg, scraping my face on the ground and throwing me… TWICE, PLAYING!?"
"Well… not some much playing, more… leave me alone" said Ai
Sokka hears Balto growling, his eyes yellow and full of murder, it seems that Sokka nearly getting him that time had stirred up emotions of humiliation. Ai gets into a stance preparing for the worst and Sokka follows suit.
"So are you going to use any jutsu?" asked Sokka.
"Now that would make things unfair." said Ai.
Then with no warning Balto tries to pounce on Sokka and Ai with his claws ripping through the air, the attack was so fast that Sokka didn't respond despite seeing it happen before his very eyes. Ai takes Sokka's head and pushes him down to get him to dodge the attack.
When Balto lands on the other side Ai looks at Sokka and signals him to head to Balto's left while she took the right and by doing so they both surrounded him. Balto looks to his right and sees Ai, he looks to his left and sees Sokka, one on one he knew he could win but now he was unsure who to attack.
"Now!" yelled Ai.
Sokka dashes at Balto, seeing this Balto picks Sokka as his target and tries to bit his head off like it was a baby Penguin-Otter. Ai takes this opportunity and grabs Balto's tail halting him giving Sokka his opportunity to kick Balto straight in the face. Balto turns around and tries to attack Ai, but Sokka strikes him in the side knocking him off balance and during that Ai trips his back legs, while Sokka strikes him in the nose.
This went on for what seemed like an hour, when Balto turned to attack one of them the other would cover them by disabling him and give the other a means of attacking him, a very crude method yet successful method.
Balto stops all this when he dashes at Sokka, when Ai tries to stop him from behind Balto swipes his tails at the snow kicking it up and sending it into her eyes. Sokka does run though, he gets his arms and hands ready, he keeps a strong stance and prepares himself mentally. Balto lungs trying to bite his neck but Sokka ducks and grabs Balto's furry neck, he then uses the momentum and throws him to the ground and in quick succession he bits Balto's ear as hard as he could.
"ARRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" howled Balto
=== Ai and Katara ===
"He pushed his paw into the print and lifted it… seeing that it was the same. Then thought the flurry of snow, a white wolf stepped forward… then he howl" said Ai
"ARRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" came Balto howl
"Soon after, Balto howled with him… as he howled again and again" said Ai
Katara listened on in interest, wondering how Ai made that howl.
=== Later that Night ===
After an eventful day the gang had come to to there home for the time being. Once again stewed sea-prunes were the meal, as request by Katara and Sokka, once more craving it.
Suki, being experimental used the broth for ramen… and it gave the stew that little extra something. Sokka attempted to give his new buddy Balto some roasted meat… but with a gruff he turned his head.
"Fine… be that way" said Sokka, chomping down "More for me"
"Sfffbo… bou all blook lieke uou hadd flun boday" said Aang, his swollen tongue dangling from his mouth
No one really answered him, due to not being able to understand him… Ai just nodded, Katara moved her hand up… while Sokka laughed… thinking he told a joke.
=== Suki ===
Suki was getting ready for her meet up with Yue tonight, she had worn some Water Tribe garb that she had gotten from some of the residents. It was an outfit similar to what the other women wore and she took off her battle makeup. She looked at herself in the mirror and was satisfied at what she saw.
"Perfect!" said Suki excited.
"Perfect?" asked Smellerbee.
Suki looked at Smellerbee and saw the outfit that she dressed her in lots of coats in an attempt to keep from getting cold, she almost looked like an animal of that region, acted like it too. Smellerbee then looked at herself in the mirror and pointed at herself.
"Perfect?" asked Smellerbee. Suki chuckled a little embarrassed and nodded.
"Sure, perfect." said Suki.
In all honesty Suki felt weird about taking Smellerbee with her to be with Yue, but it seemed to be that she was part of it now, hopefully she won't make things too awkward. Then again she couldn't stand to leave Smellerbee behind if Yue was expecting her to come.
"Okay Smellerbee, were going to see Yue now, ready?" asked Suki.
Smellerbee nodded but she noted that Suki was blushing and went up to her face making Suki feel a little weird.
"Um, something wrong?" asked Suki.
Smellerbee but her face to Suki's cheek making the Kyoshi warrior wonder what kind of animal activity this was.
"What are you doing?" asked Suki.
Smellerbee didn't answer and merely continued pressed her face against Suki's, she then did the other cheek and got away from Suki and then utters a pair of word that caused great embarrassment.
"In heat." said Smellerbee
Suki then blushes bright red and tilts her head looking at Smellerbee strangely.
"What did you say?" asked Suki.
"Heat." said Smellerbee.
Suki then remembered that Smellerbee had probably lived amongst animals and that's usually how animals would be when they wanted another animal, in other words she could tell that she liked Yue. However Yue hearing that she was "in heat" would probably scare her off.
"D-Don't tell Yue what you said, o-okay?" asked Suki Smellerbee nodded almost as if she was merely pretending to understand and not just understanding. Suki lowered her head and smacked her cheeks preparing to go out.
"Okay, let's go." said Suki.
Suki walks out of their home with Smellerbee following behind only for Ai to ask where she was going.
"What are you two up to?" asked Ai.
"Nothing, going to um, count snow!" said Suki nervously. She then grabbed Smellerbee and dragged her out before she could say anything stupid.
"Count snow? Sounds stupid" said Ai
"Hey… i'll have you know that is a water tribe sport" said Sokka, leaning back on Balto… who was still salty about losing
Suki ran into the night with Smellerbee following her, she went over to find Yue so they could spend time together, but she underestimated how hard it would be to navigate in the Water Tribe at night. Suki walked on with Smellerbee following behind her hoping to find Yue before she got impatient and left.
'Ahh, which way do we go?' thought Suki frustrated.
She looked on the multiple paths before her and just got confused beyond all belief. As she tried to figure out where to go Smellerbee began to sniff around as if she had gotten the scent of someone familiar or foreign. She then runs past Suki almost knocking her down. Seeing her friend run off into the dark Suki took no time going after Smellerbee.
"Smellerbee, stop!" she yelled running after her.
Suki dashed after Smellerbee as fast as she could, she tried to keep her eyes on her back so that she wouldn't lose her and trying to talk her down as much as possible.
"Where are you going, come back!" yells Suki
She chases Smellerbee as long as she could, around every corner, down every alleyway, but she longer it went on the more she was losing sight of Smellerbee until she loses her completely. Suki stops running and tries to get her bearings back to chase Smellerbee, but she had gotten lost and she couldn't find her anywhere. The only thing she could do was call out to her
"Smellerbee!" called Suki
She ran straight looking for Smellerbee until she saw Yue waiting on a bridge made of snow and ice. Her face looking up at the night, as if she's a doll on display. Now that she had found her she really wishes that she didn't need to find Smellerbee.
"Yue." uttered Suki.
She then ran over to Yue as she looked up at the night sky. Yue then saw Suki walking over to her but she turned away and didn't look at her in the eyes, she didn't even note that Smellerbee wasn't with her.
"Hey, I made it" said Suki leaning on the bridge
"Hi." said Yue in a nonchalant tone.
Suki looked at Yue and saw that she wasn't her happy self that she was from before.
"So, um have you seen Smellerbee, she ran off and I lost her." said Suki frantically. Yue just looked down at the water below the bridge, as Suki watched her she was very worried about what was happening. Then Yue said three somber words.
"I am sorry." she said. Suki then shook her head trying to process what she meant and measured a guess.
"It's not your fault that she ran off, I can't tell what she's thinki-"
"No I mean, I'm sorry, but I won't see you again." said Yue. Sadly. Before Suki could process what Yue had said the princess ran off into the night and seemed to be crying. Suki was left standing there confused and sad.
"Di-Did I get dumped?" asked Suki upset "Wait… where we ever dating?"
"OOWWW!" yelled a voice.
Suki heard a cry for help, she ran off in the direction of the screaming and found Smellerbee and a boy with bite marks on his arm. Suki then runs over to Smellerbee to see if she was in trouble.
"Smellerbee what did you do?" asked Suki afraid. Smellerbee didn't answer and merely growled at this stranger. The young man got up and angrily pointed at Smellerbee.
"What the hell is that bitches problem, she bit me!" he yelled.
"I'm sorry, it won't happen again, did you do something to her... she usually isn't like this." said Suki holding Smellerbee back.
"Crazy bitch." said the boy, he then began to walk back home swearing that he would kill Smellerbee while the Avatar wasn't looking.
Smellerbee then began to calm down, she looked up at Suki.
"Yue?" asked Smellerbee.
Suki knew that she was asking where Yue was or when they were going to meet with her, but she merely looked down sadly. Smellerbee looked at Suki's forlorn face and wondered what happened.
"Let's go back Smellerbee." said Suki.
The two then walked home with Smellerbee wondering why Suki was so sad.
=== Next Day, Fire Nation Ship ===
"The fleet is ready General Tanya, Admiral Zhao" said Victoriya
Zhao had a smug grin on his face… while Tanya had a grin a mile wide.
"Ready or not Avatar" chuckled Tanya, her palm exploding with lightning "Here I come"
X
Thank you Naruto11222 and SQUALO KING for your help on the chapter.
And also a little thanks to shadowwriter329 for giving me some idea (havnt used any yet), and giving me a little mojo again.