After having a farewell sending for Envy with the rest of the village, they group pack up and left the next day. As they rode out of town, miles down the road… towards the next town they past a trio of traveling down the road
Riding atop a massive Sloth-Bear with one ear… was a very tall, muscular, young man with black hair, around his waist was a green fur pelt. From what it seemed it belonged to the animal they were riding… but it must have been removed for a reason.
Holding onto the waist of the man was a young woman, with green skin and white hair. Sporting a purple tank top, and white boot and glove.
Holding onto her shoulder, grumbling to himself was maybe her grandpa. A orange skin old man, wearing a yellow wool cap to presumably hid his balding scalp. Wearing some old armor and green trousers.
As they past each other the girl have a smile, waved her hand up puting her index finger and thumb together with the other three pointed up. The old man just nodded and gave a wave, as the young man taking notice gave a questioned look, but mimicked both motion… making himself look awkward. The other gave a wave as well, as the animals barely stopped to sniff each other as they past.
=== 2 days later ===
The group was camped out near a river, long side a cliff… everyone was busy, training for a new day. Aang was off by himself, doing what he could to waterbend… with what Pakku had done he was at least as good as Katara was… before she meet Ai.
Suki was launching boulder to the side or into the air, not to high as to get attention from any firenaton. Suki moved her hand up, clapping them together… then she stopped her foot, summoning a large boulder, that she quickly destroyed with a flying heel kick.
Ai looked over to see how much progress she had made… smiling to see she was quickly approaching master level. In that instant a fist tried to connect with her, but a stream of water shot up and stopped it, getting the attacker to back off.
Katara slide back, bouncing left and right with her fist up… looking for an opening. Ai looked over at Katara and smiled, gesturing her to try again. Both were standing in the water, on the water in Ai's case. Ai having the clear advantage as she was using a watered down version of her Uncle Gaara's defence… pun simi intended.
'That's a new trick… she didn't even have to look at me to block' thought Katara, frowning slightly 'Of course she didn't have to… she's a master in all arts'
Katara launched forward for another attack, she watched as the water moved up without Ai even moving. Again she hit the water, and again she retreated to rethink her strategy.
Sokka was currently catching fish on the other side of the lake, the fish mostly staying close to him due to Katara and Ai's location with training. In the end that worked for him, as they only occasionally scare away a fish.
Smellerbee was laying atop Balto, both baking in the heat of the sun… enjoying it immensely. Momo soon joined the pile and landed on Smellerbee… he groomed her for a few moments, finding a Flea-Tick
Back to Katara and Ai, Katara pulled the water around her like a whip, as she ran through hand signs… throwing a water dragon at Ai. Ai stepped out of the way as the dragon missed her, and hitting Aang into the water.
"Your getting better" said Ai
Katara pumped her fist into the air… she'd been trying extra hard.
"Yes... So, You think i'm ready to make water clones?" asked Katara.
"You sure you want to learn that Jutsu? Making Clones take incredible amount of chakra. And it is an A-Rank Jonin level Jutsu." said Ai
"If I want to master waterbending, then I must master Water style Jutsu as well." said Katara
Ai thought for a moment and she was looking at Katara for a second. She could tell that Katara is determine to learn.
"Well, I can never say no to that face of yours." said Ai
"Yes, Woo Hoo!" cheered Katara as she accidentally water bend a wave towards Ai and she turned around which she gasped. "Sorry."
"That's good." said Ai
Aang was glaring at Ai because he was jealous that Ai was keep Katara to herself.
"Okay, Katara. To do a water clone, you need to build up your chakra and let the water take form of yourself." instructed Ai.
Katara closed her eyes and concentrate on building up her chakra. Ai was looking at Katara and she could tell that something was out of place.
"No, no, no, your posture is out. You need to bring your right up to your left." said Ai.
She pushed Katara's right hand up above her left hand. Katara was blushing because Ai was a little bit close to her face. Katra was still thinking about that kiss. Then she closed her eyes and concentrate. She started to build up chakra and she perform hand signs.
"Water Clone Jutsu!" called out Katara.
The water started to come up and it was starting to take form of a person but Katara didn't have enough chakra to hold it. The water popped in front of her and she collapse to her knees and panted.
"Well, you are not ready for that Jutsu just yet." said Ai
She offered Katara her hand which Katara was looking at Ai and blushed. She took Ai's hand and she got back on her feet. Ai hear something she turned her head and she saw a group of people that have musical instruments.
"Don't fall in love with a traveling girl. She'll leave you broke and broken hearted..."
There was a couple dancers in the group and they were dance while they were walking. the one in front of them and he was singing a peaceful song. The gang was looking at the new friends and they were smiling except for Sokka who sink into the water.
As they got closer the smell of a skunk hit Ai's nose. She turned away and waved her hand… wafting it away with a small gust of wind.
"Heh-hey! River people!" said the leader
"That sounded racist… why did that sound racist" asked Ai
Katara shook her head as Sokka resurface and he was standing behind Katara.
"We're not river people." said Katara
"You're not? Well then, what kind of people are ya?" asked the leader
"Just… people." said Aang.
"Aren't we all, brother? Whoo." said the leader
Sokka walks in front of them and pointed his finger at the travelers.
"Who are you?" asked Sokka.
"I'm Chong, and this is my wife Lily. We're nomads, happy to go wherever the wind takes us." said Chong.
He riffs on his like a rock star for a moment. Aang smiles at Chong and his band of nomads.
"You guys are nomads. That's great! I'm a nomad." said Aang.
"Oh Kami. He made a friend." muttered Ai.
"Hey, me too." said Chong.
"I know… you just said that." said Aang.
Chong was looking at Aang with a blank stare.
"Oh." said Chong as he was looking at Sokka and smiles. "Nice underwear."
Sokka was looking down at his underwear. His eyes widen because he was in his underwear in front of strangers, but the most part was because he was in front of a guy… Envy was a guy. He grabbed Momo to hide his shame and he walked away.
After that strange greetings, Aang, Sokka, Ai and Katara got dressed. Appa getting his fur braided with pink flowers. He groans because he seems to be enjoying it. He was laying on the beach in front of the river. Everyone but Sokka is lying on or close to Appa listening to Chong play his instrument. Sokka approached from and he was looking at his friends and the strangers.
"Hey Sokka, you should hear some of these stories. These guys have been everywhere." said Aang.
"Well, not everywhere, little Arrowhead. But Where we haven't been we've heard about through stories and songs." said Chong as he stop playing.
"They said they'll take us to see a giant nightcrawler." said Aang
"On the way there's a waterfall that creates a never-ending rainbow." said Moku.
Sokka firmed.
"Look, I hate to be the wet blanket here but since Katara and Suki are busy I guess it's up to me." informed Sokka.
Both Katara and Suki were getting their hair braided by Lily, looks crossly up at Sokka at his statement.
"We need to get to Omashu. No sidetracks, no worms, and definitely no rainbows." said Sokka.
Chong was looking at Sokka with a worry look on his face.
"Whoa...sounds like someone's get the case of 'destination fever,' heh. You're worried too much about where you're going." said Chong.
Ai nodded her head in agreement to Chong's statement.
"You've gotta focus less on the 'where' and more on the 'going'." said Lily.
Sokka was getting upset.
"O. Ma. Shu." said Sokka emphasizing the word
Sokka's face was getting distended and exaggerated.
"Don't mind him, you guys. He just upset that his girlfriend, ended up being a boyfriend." said Aang.
They all laugh at Sokka which a tick mark appeared on his forehead.
"Oh… your into that" said Lily, putting her hands together happily "That's so cute… I'll have to introduce you to my son"
Lily's son looked up from getting his long blue braiding, he blushed and looked away… getting Sokka to blush furiously in anger.
"You and Nagisa would make such a cute couple" said Lily
Sokka palmed his face, holding up a finger.
"I'm sure Nagisa is a… lovely person, but I'm not interested. Me kissing Envy was a accident, I thought he was a girl" said Sokka
"Ok, Anyways... Sokka's right. we need to find King Bumi so Air for brains can learn earthbending." said Katara.
Aang was looking at her for a moment because he had addressed as Air for brains.
"Well, sounds like you're headed to Omashu." said Chong said as Sokka palmed his forehead hard. "There's an old story about a secret pass...right through the mountains."
"Is this real or a Legend?" asked Katara.
"Oh it's a real legend. And it's as old as earthbending itself." Chong said as he started to play his guitar. "Two lovers, forbidden from one another... a war divides their people, and a mountain divides them apart. Built a path to be together" He stops sing for a moment, only speaking "Something something death, something something something" He start sings enthusiastically as everyone in his group dances "Secret tunnel! Secret tunnel! Through the mountain! Secret, secret, secret, secret tunnel! Yeah!
Everyone seems to enjoys the song except Sokka, who looks miserable. On the last note, Chong concludes his chord with a flourish that leaves his left index finger pointed to the sky in a gesture of triumph. His audience, except Sokka, claps enthusiastically.
Balto, Momo, Appa… and Smellerbee let out a howling cheer
"I think we'll just stick with flying and or hiking around the mountain, thank you. We've dealt with the Fire Nation before. We'll be fine." said Sokka, thumbing to Ai "Ai knows how to crush them"
Ai who was sitting in front of Lily, was getting her hair down… Lily's mother touch bring her an enormous amount of comfort. Katara was somewhat upset by this, but was happy that Ai was content with the touch of a mother.
She then remembered that Pinkamena did say that it would happen… so while she couldn't give Ai the love of a mother to her, she'd give her the love in another way… someday.
"Yeah. Thanks for the help, but Appa hates going underground and we need to do whatever makes Appa most comfortable." said Aang
Appa stood up and took in a deep inhale thought his nose, getting a good sniff of three of hippies, all of them laughing as the current he created them lifted them up. Appa's eyes dilated and he let out a happy bellow
"And Appa says… lets fly" said Aang
Appa let out a series of small growls… only Smellerbee understanding him completely
That being...
"That's not what i said, I said they smell like that plant Ai fed me" said Appa in animal
"Oh man, he really wants to fly" said Aang, hopping on him
The other got on Appa, Sokka was about to get on Balto… but Ai did first.
"Huh… what are you doing" asked Sokka
"Putting an anti gravity seal on Balto, will help him fly" said Ai, tapping him with her hands
Balto got lift, he looking down and started to kick, his face shifting through multiple emotions… mostly confusion. Ai took a roped and tied around both Balto and Appa's satuls straps.
"So… it like the ones on us, but" started Sokka
"It makes him floaty" said Ai
"Right, so let's go" said Aang with a smile
A Fire Nation Commander in front of two long lines of Fire Nation catapults watched as the group flew in close.
"Launch!" yelled the commander
All the catapults fire simultaneously. Appa, with Balto tailing behind him in mid flight, fireballs closing in around him. Appa opens his mouth to grunt and take the brunt of many of the attack… as Ai counter by unleashing her own.
Appa flys recklessly dodging fireballs at high speed… and retreats
=== Fire Nation Ship===
Azula nodded her head, sipping on the coffee that Tanya liked… her face twisted in disgust at the taste, but it was better than her uncles tea.
Both Tanya and Iroh agreed that if they wanted to catch the Avatar, they'd have to make the group smaller. Meaning Azula would have to go without her servants to pamper her… she'd have to walk on foot, as they didn't bring any of there Komodo Rhino's to ride.
"If it's possible… can we at least get Ty Lee and Mai in our unit" asked Azula
Tanya raised an eyebrow
"Who?" asked Tanya
"Daughter of Royals" said Victoriya
"My best friends… and former sparring partners" said Azula
"Former?" asked Tanya
"Both moved away… Ty Lee joined a traveling circus, Mai's father is governor of some earth kingdom city" said Azula
"I see… if we can find them quickly, and if they choice to join… they may" said Tanya
"Oh i assure you, they will" said Azula with a grin
=== Gang ===
Chong and his band, recently moved… were sitting by a log in the forest. The kids enter from the left, covered in ash and looking depressed. Balto shook his his body, a cloud of ash coming off him
"Secret love cave. Let's go." said Sokka
"Oh your back… how was the trip?" asked Chong, looking over "Was it good?"
Sokka's eye twitched, he palmed his head with a audio clap.
"Can we… just get to the tunnel?" said Sokka
"Actually, it's not just one tunnel. The lovers didn't want anyone to find out about their love, so they built a whole labyrinth." said Chong
Sokka turns to face the others in a pose of horror, his hands holding the sides of his head.
"A Labyrinth!? It's a Labyrinth" said Sokka
"Yeah, trippy name huh" said Chong, strumming on his lute
"To fancy, why not just call it a maze" said Aang
Once more Sokka palmed his head, while the other… minus Smellerbee, groined.
"I'm sure we'll figure it out" said Chong
Sokka turned to the group… asking for opinions.
"It's the safer path" said Ai "We'll find our way though"
"How can you be sure" asked Sokka "Have you ever had to… you know what, don't answer that"
Ai put down her hand, as she was about to respond with a similar situation
"All you need to do is trust in love. According to the curse." said Lily, gently swinging her hands in the wind
At this Sokka stops, standing bolt upright. The others pass him.
"Curse!?" said Sokka
"Yeah you know, when something bad happens to you" said Chong
=== Tanya's Group ===
With there team assembled, they all set out… the team consisted of General Tanya, Admiral Viktoriya, former General Iroh, former Prince Zuko, Princess Azula… and lastly Nurse Yachiru.
The royal family keep their distance from Yachiru.
They had all been traveling for many hour, and had stopped for to eat some food. As they ate and enjoyed a freshly killed duck dinner… Iroh was sniffing a bushel of flowers. The group and been looking at each other for some time.
A loud clap echo through the forest, from the direction of a canyon… followed by someone's painful cry.
"Ok, i can't take it anymore" said Azula, putting down her plate "What the hell are you doing?"
Iroh looked over
"You are looking at the rare white dragon bush. Its leaves make a tea so delicious, it's heartbreaking!" said Iroh with a smile, then it went grave "That, or it's the white jade bush, which is poisonous"
"Your not seriously thinking about brewing it are you?" said Tanya
"Tea or Poison." said Iroh, rubbing his beard. "Tea… or Poison"
Yachiru sighed… she reached over and pulled out a medical book.
"I'll ready an antidote" said Yachiru
=== Group ===
Once more, the palm of Sokka's hand had a forceful encounter with his forehead
After several minutes of travel… with some accommodating music from the hippies. The group had reach the mossy entrance to the cave. The cave was massive enough Appa could go in, and stand on his hind legs… if he had one, and wanted to… he could even twirl a cane.
"Hey-hey, we're here!" said Chong
"So… what exactly is this curse?" asked Sokka
"The curse says that only those who trust in love can make it through the caves. Otherwise you'll be trapped in them forever" said Chong
"And die." finished Lily with a smile
"Oh, yeah, and die." said Chong, then a bright smile came to his face as well "Oh… Oh, Hey Hey Hey, I just remembered the rest of that song." strums a chord on his guitar and sings low and dramatically "And die!"
"Duh da da… we're dead" said Sokka
As Sokka started to break down, Ai happened to hear something… she looked behind them, and saw smoke… she whipped her head back around.
"Fire Nation" yelled Ai
Quickly Katara moved closer to Ai, while the other moved closer to another as well. Aang watched as Katara got close to Ai, getting him to blush in jealousy. He turned back to Chong, leaning in being all sneaky.
"So all you need is to trust in love to get through these caves?" asked Aang
"That is correct, Master Arrowhead." said Chong
Aang turns to look at Katara, where a soft breeze blows her hair and robes slightly. Aang's eyes, shining with adoration, and selfishness. Aang turns away from Katara and looks back at Chong with a smile.
"We can make it" said Aang
"Everyone into the hole!" yelled both Sokka and Ai
The group makes its way slowly into the tunnel, Appa groaning in protest, but still following once Ai quickly grew a bush of that herb Appa liked further in.
Fire Nation tanks rapidly approaching and stop in front of the cave entrance. The commander pops out of his.
"Hold on! It's too dangerous. Haven't you heard the song? Just close them in. The mountain will take care of the rest." said the Commander
The fire nation unleash a frontal shot of the tanks. The canister containing the projectile grappling hooks rotates upward. The tanks fire their grappling hooks into the top of the tunnel and pulls down a large amount of rock, completely blocking the entrance.
As the darkness closed in on the group, a girlish scream came from the darkness.
"Aang… let go of me" said Suki
"But, it's dark" said Aang
And with that… Ai held up her hand and made a Fire Style: Rasengan, getting Appa to panic momentarily… until the drugs kicked in.
"We will be fine. All we need is a plan" said Sokka, pulling out some paper "I'm gonna make a map to keep track of exactly where we've been. Then we should be able to solve it like a maze and get through."
=== Team Azula ===
"GET HIM AND HOLD HIM DOWN" growled Yachiru, holding a needle in her hand
Iroh, face swollen and red… was doing everything he could to not get a… what Yachiru called a shot. Iroh was running through the forest, quiet well for a fat old man who's throat was swelling shut.
Iroh was panting as he jobbed as fast as he could… only to have Tanya flying tackle him to the ground, and pinning him down on his fat belly. Yachiru then walked up, growling at the extra effort she had to exert for something so simple
With no hesitation, preparation, or kindness she stabbed him in the ass. Getting him to yell in pain.
=== Group ===
Sokka is fooling around with a map, the others stand behind him. Smellerbee had happy found a bone… possibly belonging to a poor soul that wondered in here.
"Sokka, this is the tenth dead end you've led us to" said Suki, looking around "Do you even know where we are?"
"This doesn't make any sense, we already came through this way." said Sokka
"We don't need a map. We just need love." said Chong, pointing over at Aang "The little guy knows it."
No one really heard Chong as Sokka was freaking out… saying that the tunnel was changing. Ai reached down and touched the ground… a low rumble shook the mountain.
"He's right… they are" said Ai
=== Team Azula ===
By sure dumb luck… the group had found the circle they were looking for. With Azula making herself known, she was able to look thought out the tent for her friend Ty Lee. Upon asking around with some of the workers… they pointed the way.
Azula entered first… to see Ty Lee… bending back so far, it should be possible. On her hands and feet… doing a crab wall, with her upper torso bend under her waist now looking at Azula… who was sporting a nose bleed
"Azula" said Ty Lee "Is that you?"
"Oh please… don't let me interrupt you" said Azula with a grin
Ty Lee's form twisted around to normal, then rushed over and hugged her.
"What are you doing here?" asked Ty Lee "I thought you said you'd never come to one of my shows"
"Not why i'm here… i have, a proposal for you" said Azula "I'm hunting the Avatar"
Ty Lee, as Azula remember her… bent backwards, and touched the heel of her feet… then into a handstand.
"The Avatar? But… didn't he die years ago?" asked Ty Lee
"So we though, but she has returned" said Azula "I'd be honored if you'd join us"
"Us?" said Ty Lee
At that Azula pulled back the tent cover, as the other came in, minus Iroh as his face would undoubtedly scare her. Ty Lee froze at Yachiru's site. She hit the ground, tucked herself into a ball and rolled away, backwards.
"Why is that sadist here" screamed Ty Lee
Azula shared the thought.
"She's with me" said Tanya, stepping forward
"Wait...your… your Azula's firebending teacher" said Ty Lee
Tanya nodded, she cleared her throat
"Let's skip the formalities… your answer?" asked Tanya
"Well… truth is… I have been getting bored, and could use some excitement" said Ty Lee "After tonight's show… I'll join you"
"Look forward to it" said Azula
=== Group ===
"What? The tunnels... they're a-changin'. Ah, it must be the curse. I knew we shouldn't have come down here" said Chong
"Right. If only we listened to you." said Sokka cynically
Katara's head quickly turned towards the darkness, as had Balto, Smellerbee and Ai… all heard something.
"Everyone be quiet. Listen." said Ai
Sounds are heard in the darkness ahead. Momo jumps off Sokka's shoulder and flies off into the darkness. Sokka looks ahead. After a few seconds, a wolf bat flies out chasing Momo. Momo flies towards and under Sokka, getting the beast to run into Sokka, knocking him over as it then starts flying towards everyone else.
"It's a giant flying thing with teeth!" said Chong
"No! It's a wolf-bat!" said Moku
The wolf bat lands on four legs, and folds it wings. After snarling a bit, it launches back into the air and flies over the heads of the group. Sokka tries to burn it with the torch, but fails and ends up catching Appa's tail on fire. Appa starts stampedes around the tunnel in a panic, letting lose a bellow of pain. Finally the wolf-bat knocks the torch out of Sokka's hand.
It sails through the air and lands on Appa's toe. Appa, already in a panic rear up and cries out in pain. He runs around in anguish, hitting the cave walls and causing a cave in. As the roof collapses Aang sends a blast of air to get Sokka,, Suki, Smellerbee and the others out the falling debris' way. Then he turns and to see Ai tackling Katara to the ground to protect her. When the dust settles, Ai, Aang, Katara and Appa are separated from Sokka, Suki, Smellerbee and Chong's party.
Sokka runs to the obstruction and begins to dig frantically. Suki and Smellerbee joining, as did Balto. Chong appears over Sokka's shoulder.
"Yeah, it's no use. We're separated. But at least you have us, heh heh." said Chong
Sokka freezes for a moment as this statement sinks in. Then unleashes a howl of despair.
=== Ai's Ground ===
"Noooooooo!" came the sound of Sokka's muffled cry
"Man's got pipes" said Ai
=== Sokka's side ===
"Sokka, its ok… Ai's with her, she'll be fine" said Suki
Sokka still seemed to be in a moment of despair, Smellerbee pushed her head under his hand… getting him to look down.
"With Ai, be fine" said Smellerbee
Sokka nodded his head, he took in a breath and let it out. He stood and turned to the ground.
"Ok, without Ai… we don't have a limitless force of light." said Sokka, pointing to Lily "How long do those torches last?
"Heh… about 2 hours each" said Chong
"Great… how many do we have?" asked Suki
"5… so that's like, 10 hours" said Lily, lighting them all
Sokka froze and ran over, stomping them out
"Not if you light them all at the same time" yelled Sokka
"Oh… yeah" said Lily spaceyly
=== Team Azula ===
Some performers in two Chinese style dragon costumes, jump out of the frame to reveal the Circus Master addressing the crowd. Behind him is the circus' main ring.
"Ladies and Gentlemen… tonight we have some good news, and sad news" said the circus master "Tonight the royal family and friends have joined us"
A spot light shined over to the group… once everyone looked over and saw Iroh still swollen face, there was many gasp… followed by a crying baby, from pretty high up.
"Ty Lee" yelled the circus master
Ty Lee, from on high… turner her head, whistling nonchalantly. Azula hid a snicker, she found it amusing. Iroh just smiled as well… or frowned.
"Least i still got my looks" said Iroh
This got the whole circus laughing… the circus master just chuckled and pulled at his collar. Well, if he's laughing… he's not in trouble.
"And what a sense of humor he has" said the circus master, he then took a moment "As for the sad new… as tonight is our acrobatic contortionist last night of performing"
=== Sokka's group ===
Sokka, Suki, Smellerbee and Chong's band moved thought out the cave, looking for the exit. The troupe sings as Sokka leads them on, scowling.
"Oh, don't let the cave in get you down. Don't let the falling rocks turn your smile into a frown. When the tunnels are darkest that's when you need a clown, hey! Don't let the cave in get you down, Sokka!" sang Chong
Sokka looks sideways at Chong who is now obviously singing to the dour water tribe boy. Suki found it just as annoying, but the music seemed to calm Smellerbee
=== Ai's group ===
Ai, Katara, Appa and Aang walked through their own tunnel. Ai lending them with a Fire Style Rasengan in her hand to light the way. They were making quick work of going through the tunnel… Ai using up a lot of chakra to send a clone down the tunnel to check for a dead ends.
"Ai, look!" said Katara
Ai looked over to see a huge, round stone door ahead of them. They rush towards it
"We found the exit!" cheered Aang
Both Aang and Katara begin to strain themselves with effort of trying to push the door open, while Ai was taking a few moments to re-gather chakra, while still keeping the jutsu going. Appa lumbers forward and begins to make noises. Aang and Katara turn to see Appa pawing the ground and snorting. They look at each other in alarm, realizing Appa's intentions. They jump out of the frame just as Appa charges the door and forces it open, making a loud gong sound.
Appa stumbled back, shaking his head in pain… as the stone door cracks down the middle, then falls forward into the next room. The ground, minus Appa peek in... Appa was gonna lay down, take a little nap.
"This isn't the exit" said Katra
"No... it's a tomb" said Ai
They move forward to a railing, looking down inside the tomb and saw the sarcophagi. The trio descending a wide staircase leading to the sarcophagi at the center of the crypt. They approach the dais on which the two coffins rest.
"It must be the two lovers from the legend. That's who's buried here" said Aang
Ai held up her hand the side of the dais. A series of paintings and writing adorn the side of the dais.
"These pictures tell their story." said Katara, looking over the pictures, reading the their tale.
Ai looked at the art, its style reminded her of home… getting her to let out a sad sigh to herself.
"They met on top of the mountain that divided their two villages. " read Katara
The first picture was of a large mountain, sitting in between two villages… on the top where two figures. The second one was of two girls… both in chinese style dresses. Both close to each other and holding hands. Both seemed fairly young, with one be older than the other
"Hey… that one look like you" said Ai
Katara looked close and gasped, she did… and that one… looked like Ai. Katara cleared her throat and resumed reading
"The villages were enemies so they could not be together" read Katara
The next picture was of a battle, with both 'Katara' and 'Ai' figured above their respective homes… sadness in their eyes as they 'looked' at each other from afar. Well, 'Katara' was looking at 'Ai'... 'Ai' seemed focused on a rubber ball
"But their love was strong and they found a way." read Katara, and by their love… she figured that 'Ai' was clueless about it
The next picture was of 'Ai', dressed in red, kneeling on his a hill overlooking a panoramic landscape… saddened by it. Then of 'Katara' in blue, gazing longingly at 'Ai'. Then came a picture of massive claws
"The two lovers learned earthbending from the badger moles. They became the first earthbenders." read Katara
The next painting of the badger mole, and 'Ai' in red appears on the creature's right, 'Katara' on the left. The next one was of them back to back, creating tunnels through earthbending.
"They built elaborate tunnels so they could meet secretly. Anyone who tried to follow them would be lost forever in the labyrinth." read Katara
In the center of a many tunnel, showed the two embracing. With 'Katara' being the one initiating the kiss… as 'Ai' seemed to be trying to squirm away, but had a smile on her face
"But one day... the girl didn't come" read Katara, saddened by the story
The next picture was of 'Katara' looking to her right in vain… waiting for 'Ai' to come, The next of 'Katara' encased in a halo of white, the rest of the background in red.
"She died in the war between their two villages." read Katara
A set of black arrows arcs across the sky and across the woman's form. The a shot of the 'Katara' kneeling over her lover's grave, heartbroken, her hands holding her face in grief. The last one of 'Katara' was of her face, boring a scowl.
"Devastated, the woman unleashed a terrible display of her earthbending power. She could have destroyed them all" read Katara
'Katara' standing atop a mountain, a red sun behind her. She stands head lowered, her arms straight out from her sides and her palms facing outward. The next was massive rocks hoving over the village, many in the ground around the village, then off them all in fear… the last was of the emotionless face of 'Katara'
"But instead she declared the war over." read Katara
'Katara' still atop of the mountain, but this time with a peaceful new day where she is surrounded by cheering villagers.
"Both villages helped her build a new city where they would live together in peace." read Katara
The last picture was of Omashu. With a blank parchment in the middle, but under the city.
"The woman's name was Oma and the girl's name was Shu. The great city was named Omashu as a monument to their love." read Katara
Katara wiped away the tears that had started to form, she looked back to see Ai looked at some statues by the entrance… it was of Oma and Shu snuggling, much like that where in one of the paintings.
Aang off to the side folded his arms at the site… how much Oma looked like Katara, and Shu like Ai. It upset him, and made him jealous.
"Love is brightest in the dark." read Katara
Katara looked at Ai… she loved Ai, she know she did. And Ai… well, Pinkamena did saw Ai didn't fully understand love to that level, but she did say Ai would love her one day. Was that enough?
=== Sokka ===
Sokka was again looking at his map, Momo perched on his head. Smellerbee was laying on Balto, whom was by his master… Suki just behind him, as where Chong's gang. They had at first tried to have Suki dig them out… but after causing a few tremor, she stopped.
"Oh, great! Your plans have led us to another dead end!" said Moku
"At least I'm thinking of ideas and trying to get us out of here, Moku." said Sokka, pointing at him
Lily started to rise her hand, only to stop when Sokka pointed.
"I already said the kiss with Envy was an accident" said Sokka
Her hand lowered it back down
"Whoa, whoa, wait a minute; we're thinking of ideas! 'Cause I've had an idea for, like, an hour now." said Chong
"Yes! We're all thinking of ideas!" said Sokka angrily
"Well, then listen to this: if love is the key out of here, then all we need to do is play a love song." said Chong, strumming his guitar "Love, love will keep us together"
Sokka swing his hand up and palms it again, getting Momo to jump off and fly over to Suki. Suki watched as Sokka started to beat his head on a boulder.
=== Ai ==
"How are we gonna find our way out of these tunnels?" asked Ai
"I have an idea" said Katara
Aang looked over… eye widend, she wouldn't
"Ok, let's hear it" said Ai
"I was thinking... the curse says we'll be trapped in here forever unless we trust in love." said Katara
"Apparently, go on?" asked Ai, not sure where this was going.
"And here it says 'love is brightest in the dark' and... has a picture of them kissing." said Katara
"More like snuggling" said Aang
Katara's head slowly started to turn, then snapped in his direction… as Katara's mouth seemed to open in an unnatural demonic way with tenerals snapping as her mouth fully opened, and a tentacle like tongue thrashed around as she unleashed a unholy hiss at him.
Aang's back hit the wall in fear… as his pants became soaked with piss.
Katara looked back at Ai, to know see her right at her… getting her to blush.
"Yes?" said Ai
"Well... what if we kissed?" said Katara
Ai blinked a few times, she tilted her head… then back again.
"Ok" said Ai
Katara's eyes widened with glee, she reached up and pulled Ai close… going for a kiss. And at this point Ai, being as young as she was… acted just as a 10 year old would. She squirmed in the hug, and turned her head away at the last second, getting a kiss on the check.
Unknown by any of them, the spirits of Oma and Shu watched watched all that was happening. Oma watched as Katara tried again… only for Ai to worm her away out of the kiss again, much to Katara's slight frustration.
The rooms mood became lighter and happy as she watched on, getting the trio to feel her effect.
"Is… is it working?" asked Katara, looking around
"I mean… maybe" said Ai, not seeing a glint in Katara's eye
Katara went to tackle hug Ai, only for her to squeal and dodge… running back out the door. Katara chasing after her laughing, soon the echoes of both girls filled the caves… leaving Aang there to brood.
"Stupid lesbian love tunnel" grumbled Aang
A rock then feel from the ceiling, and landed on his head. Getting him to yelp and run out of the tomb.
=== Sokka ===
Ai and Katara's laugh managed to reach wherever Sokka and his group was at… as well as the warm feeling from Oma. Lily smiled as she danced around as she walked with her husband.
"See, its working… its working" said Lily
"Even if you're lost you can't lose the love because it's in your heart, ooooohhhhh" sang Chong
"Somebody, please… just fucking kill me" said Sokka
=== Ai ===
Many hours have past since there finding the tomb, and for the most part they seem to be finding their way though… not a single dead end. But soon there light would be gone… Ai's chakra was running low from using such an advance Jutsu as a light source.
Katara, having gotten over her anger to Aang was walking next to him as Ai was in the lead, her head bobbing.
"She getting tired isn't she?" asked Aang
"Yeah" said Katara
"We're gonna run out of light any second now, aren't we?" asked Aang
Katara looked over, nodding
"I think so" said Katara, looking forward
Ai had stopped walking, now slowly sinking to the ground… it was late, she's being using this jutsu for hours, she's hungry… she can't go on. Her Flaming Rasengan begins to shrink, and with it so does there light.
Katara wrapped her arms around Ai in a motherly mannar, holding her close as her eyes started to drift close. Katara kissed her forehead, getting her eyes and the jutsu to snap back to life for a few seconds… only to return to how they where.
And then, the jutsu faded… and all was dark.
After a moment of darkness, after a few moments a bluish glow came from the ceiling… casting enough light to see. Katara and Aang looked around as the many more lite up… showing a path.
=== Sokka ===
Sokka and the others walking along the tunnel. Chong is still strumming his guitar. Suki was giving Smellerbee a piggy back ride, as she too was exhausted from the trip. Sokka stops, though, when ominous sounds begin to echo through the darkness. Sokka rubbing his head in frustration with as Chong still plays his music. He stops this and Momo jumps from his shoulder as the noises continue.
Out of the darkness a huge pack of wolf-bats emerges. They fly over and around Sokka, who flails frantically about, being surprised by the creatures. They are gone in an instant, flying down the tunnel… whimpering.
Balto turned back to where they came from, growling towards the darkness.
"Hey-hey, you saved us, Sokka!" said Chong
"No, they were trying to get away from something" said Suki
"From what?" asked Lily
Behind them the rocks explode and the tunnel around them quakes. A furry, brown badger mole appears from the dust. Balto growls and rushes forward, with a bluff charge… the badger mole doesn't seem to care. Behind them another explosion of rock reveals another badger mole. They are surrounded.
The badger mole in front of Sokka bends earth around the water tribe boy, pinning him down and separating him and Balto from the others. The creature stomps the ground in front of him and knocks Sokka backwards onto the ground.
As Sokka inches backwards away from the advancing badger mole, his fingers accidentally strum one of Chong's guitars discarded on the ground in the shuffle. The badger mole stops and tilts its head
Sokka realizes what is going on, gets up with the guitar and starts strumming away.
"Hey, those things are music lovers!" said Chong
"You gotta be kidding me" mutter Suki
"Badger moles, coming toward me. Come on guys, help me out." sang Sokka "I know I was a bit of an asshole, please oh please don't let me die"
Chong and his troupe stand and begin to play their instruments and sing. The badger moles seem to clap their claws and rock to the beat
"The big bad badger moles who work in the tunnels, hate the wolf bats but love the sounds" sang Chong
Katara still carrying Ai, followed the crystals with awe.
"It's made of some kind of crystals. They must only light up in the dark!" said Aang
"That's how the two found each other. They just put out their lights and followed the crystals." said Katara, she pointed forward for a second "That must be the way out"
Katara rushes forward, Appa following rabidly, so passing Katara. Appa emerges from the tunnel at a gallop, stops, rears up on his hind legs and flops on his back. He is clearly happy to be outside once again.
Katara gently set Ai down, and look around.
"I guess the other didn't get out yet… let's take a moment to recover, then we can" started Katara
Two holes are blown open next to the tunnel exit to reveal the tow badger moles. Sokka and Momo ride atop one of these fierce creatures, with Suki on the other… a envious looking Balto tailing behind.
"Sokka!" said Katara
Sokka slides down the side of the animal and runs over to Katara. Suki slipping off hers with Smellerbee hanging onto her back.
"How did you guys get out?" asked Suki, walking up
"Just like the legend says: we let love lead the way" said Aang
Katara punched him in the arm, and explained how they really got out.
"Cool… We let huge ferocious beasts lead our way." said Sokka
Sokka turns and waves goodbye to the badger moles, and they returned the wave. They turn and enter the two holes the created to exit the mountain, closing them up with their earthbending powers after they passed through.
Momo landing in front of Appa. Momo begins to chitter excitedly, clearly telling Appa the story of what happened after they got separated, with Balto adding his thoughts on the matter as well. Momo begins to make hand gestures to illustrate his tale, Balto standing on his hind legs and whiled his paws as Appa grunts and puts his head on his forepaw as he listens there story.
Katara finished hugging her brother. They break the embrace as Katara tilts her head
"Why is your forehead all red?" asked Katara
Before Sokka can answer, Chong leans into the frame and begins to whisper conspiratorially.
"Nobody react to what I'm about to tell you. I think that kid might be the Avatar." said Chong, pointing to Ai
Sokka smacks his forehead again, answering Katara's question. Sokka's eye steal over to the singer
"So, are you guys gonna come to Omashu with us?" asked Aang
"Nope… heard the leader there made some laws, something about a dress code" said Chong
"Okay. Thanks for everything, Chong" said Aang
Chong takes his flower necklace and places it around Sokka's neck.
"Sokka, I hope you learned a little something about not letting the plans get in the way of the journey."
Chong hugs Sokka, Sokka pushed him back… not enough to knock him over, but enough to slide him back
"Just... play your songs." said Sokka
"Hey, good plan!" said Chong with a grin, he turned around and started to sing "Even if you're lost you can't lose the love because it's in your heart. Ooooohhhh…"
They set up camp for the most part, to let Ai and Smellerbee rest.
"That journey was long and annoying, but now you get to see what it's really about - the destination" said Sokka with a smile, he was scouting ahead with Aang
"Yeah…" said Aang, upset how things went with Katara
As the they reach the top of the hill
"I present to you the Earth Kingdom city of O…" started Sokka "Oh… Oh… Ooooh shit"
Aang came up the hill to see why Sokka stopped… and saw horror
Up ahead lies the devastated fortress city of Omashu. It is surrounded by what appear to be siege towers. The city is smoking and appears to be on fire in several places. Atop the main gate, hung the flags of the Fire Nation.
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