The Underground

Chapter 2: The Escape

By: Floodedmoon

Flashback:

Kin stood out at Midnight, someone had left a message telling her to meet her here. At first Kin wasn't sure whether she should go or not. But the message had been signed with Lao's name, and nobody ever would even dare to impersonate Lao.

That night Kin had left for the city limits. She waited at the large tower just like the note said. To Kin's surprise Nairu and Tsuki came out of the shadows a few minutes later.

"Tsuki? Nairu? What are you doing here?" Kin asked confused.

"The same thing you are Kin," said a voice behind Kin.

Surprised, Kin turned around to see her father walking towards them. "Dad? Did you impersonate Lao?" Kin asked appalled.

"No Kin," her father laughed, "Lao and I have something to tell you."

After waiting for a few more minutes, the feeble old woman came pacing herself with her wooden stick.

"Forgive my lateness, but it is harder to travel when you're old." Lao laughed.

Kin, Tsuki and Nairu gave Kin's father, and Lao eager looks.

"What did you bring us out here for?" Nairu asked politely.

"Yeah, it better be good!" Kin retaliated. At Kin's comment, Nairu nudged her reminding her to be more respectful. Kin just shrugged.

Lao just smiled and said, "Perhaps your father should tell you, after all it was his idea."

Kin's father nodded before he explained, "Kin I know you and Tsuki practice waterbending after Master Pakku's practice. Lao and I think this is a bit risky, but we do approve of it. However, Kin, I also realize you aren't very happy here, you seem to be out more often and stay away from home. Is this because of your stepmother?"

Kin nodded, "She never lets me do what I want, it's always, chores, chores, chores! She hates it when I get in trouble and thinks all I'm good for and all I should ever do is work, and sew and cook and stuff. I hate it!"

"That's what I thought. Lao and I also know you and Tsuki have to skip Healing Lessons to practice your waterbending, and you have Nairu cover for you."

"What are you saying?" Tsuki asked, suddenly realizing where this might be going.

"Lao and I think you three should leave here."

Kin, Tsuki and Nairu both looked at each other shocked, after a few seconds Kin broke the silence.

"Really dad? No foolin'?" with this she jumped into her dad's arms and hugged him. "But why?" she asked.

"Obviously you all wish for a better life, and it would be easier if you just leave and find a waterbending Master somewhere else, but you'll have to wait at least a year, Lao will send a note when it's time. Kin, when you get this note, light a fire outside your window as a signal that you will leave tomorrow…"

End Flashback

Kin stood in her room. She hadn't left all day, she had stayed inside packing up her things. She suspected Tsuki and Nairu were doing the same thing. Looking back on the night her father had told her she'd be leaving in a year, Kin remembered how correct he had been. Kin never liked her stepmother. She was much like Master Pakku because she believed women shouldn't fight, they should do chores and cook and whatever else she could think of. Kin frowned thinking of her stepmother. She had sealed her door off with ice so her stepmother couldn't bother her. Kin smiled as she finished packing up the rest of her clothing. In her bags she had put a pair of clothes for each season, some food, and a few other traveling necessities such as a pot and a spoon to make meals with. Lastly Kin looked out the window and hoped her friends would be ready, they only had a few hours left.

Tsuki stood in her house. She had been living alone for the past few months, her mother died when she was a child and her father had been called out to war but a few months ago. Tsuki looked at her bags, she too had packed clothes, food and utensils, she also packed some items of her Clan, which included a passport and a knife. Tsuki had to be sure she ate as much as she could, since she didn't want to go through all their supplies on the sea trip. Tsuki was more than ready to leave, though she'd be leaving her Clan behind, Tsuki knew there'd be a better life for her in the Earth Nation and other places to visit.

Nairu hadn't kept to herself that day. She took some money and went to go buy some items for the trip. She hadn't told anybody where she was going or what she was doing. To her she felt like she was becoming more like Tsuki and Kin by going behind peoples backs to do what they felt was right. After Nairu shopped for food, she returned home and packed her things. Hers included: Food, clothing, lots of money, and utensils. Before Nairu decided she was done, she remembered one last thing I better bring that book. Nairu had this book she had gotten from an herbalist. The book contained information about herbs and how to use them. I might need this for when we run out of food. Nairu thought. She ran to her bookshelf and picked it out, placing it in her bag. Okay all done, know just an hour left.

Midnight

Tsuki and Nairu stood at the same place they had the first time they learned of the plan. Tsuki paced impatiently for Lao and Kin to show up.

"UG! She's late again!" Tsuki said throwing up her hands in annoyance.

"Calm down Tsuki they'll show up." Nairu put in calmly.

Tsuki to in a deep breath to calm herself, "I know I guess I'm just excited is all."

Nairu gave Tsuki an understanding glance. A few minutes later Kin and Lao came.

"Sorry we're late guys, I decided to go help Lao get here." Kin said with a smile, excitement shown clearly on her face.

Lao gave a smile at the three girls before helping them load their things. As soon as they were all on board she said, "Now girls, I took the time to talk to the Spirits about the weather, it should be clear, but be sure to hurry because a storm is on its way."

The girls stood still as the tiny boat rocked back and forth. "Understood." They relied.

Lao nodded. "This boat will take a lot of waterbending power so be sure to take turns okay?"

The three nodded. "I'll go first." Kin replied. The two others nodded before they were off. Kin pushed the water back and forth to get the boat to a good start.

"Good Luck you three, after all you'll all find a journey you are all too willing to take." Lao said quietly before she turned away and headed back toward her hut.

End Chapter 2

Comments from the Author

FM: Okay Chapter 2 is officially done, I hope you all are enjoying my story, Trust me once I get the trip out of the way, the story will improve ten-fold! See you in Chapter 3!!