.: Chapter 6: Two Days Before :.
"Jet, we've found a Fire Nation camp." It was Smellerbee, with Longshot in tow. I stood up and they came to a screeching halt just inches in front of my face. "They're here in the woods, Jet." Her voice was breathless with excitement – she had probably run all the way here to tell me. I tried to smile, but my mind was focused on the plan to get rid of the Fire Nation. No one knew but me. I had to tell them soon. Rina was still saying she was fine, but I knew she was lying. She still carried that stupid "Mrs. Pretty" around. Maybe, once the Fire Nation was gone, we could throw it in the new river together.
"Are you sure we need to attack them, Smellerbee?" The words were out of my mouth before I could take them back, and the two friends exchanged a long glance.
"Jet, it's the Fire Nation. In our forest. With barrels of supplies. Who knows what's in them? It could be something important, like secret plans, or maps, or—"
"Or blasting jelly," I muttered to myself.
"What?" Smellerbee asked, confused.
"I said, let's go! We'll teach them to invade our forest ever again." Smellerbee's face split into a wide grin. "Tell Sneers to sound the alarm. We're moving out." Before Smellerbee even had the chance to move, Sneers was sending out the gathering call. I had to smile at that – he really just heard everything.
"Pipsqueak, The Duke, come with us!" I hollered. They ran over eagerly. Longshot, Smellerbee, The Duke, Sneers, and myself stuck to the trees. Pipsqueak moved as quietly as possible along the ground. It was his job to stay in the bushes in case anyone tried to run, and I didn't even have to tell him that anymore. Maybe I've underestimated him.
"Head to the left, Jet," Smellerbee told me, but she didn't need to. I could smell the smoke from their fire already. I turned around to see everyone, glancing at every face. Even if this little raid didn't matter to me, even if it was only their stuff I was after, I had to act like it did. "Sneers, stay here and keep a lookout. We need a distraction. When you get one, signal me. Two long, one short." He nodded and stayed put while the rest of us moved on.
Longshot and The Duke took up a post at the right side of the encampment, and I took up a post at the left. Smellerbee vanished in the trees right behind the camp, and I climbed higher up. From my new vantage point, I could see that Pipsqueak was hovering between Longshot and Smellerbee, hiding skillfully behind the bushes. He's really getting the hang of this.
I waited, and waited, but no signal came. Finally, I sat down on the tree branch with a groan. This was clearly going to take all day – the sun was already sinking in the sky. How long does it take for some hapless traveler to come crashing through the woods? I snapped to myself. With a sigh, I pulled out my trusty twig from beneath my armor and shoved it between my teeth. It was a habit I'd formed some time ago, and it relaxed me when I was over tense. Not that I often got over-tense, but it also helped stave off boredom.
Why did I even agree to do this? I sighed, frustrated. It's not like anyone's going to come or—
A bird sang. Two long whistles and then one short one. I carefully and quietly pulled myself to my feet on the branch. I unsheathed my hook swords and watched, listening intently. Suddenly, their voices were there.
"Hey, Sokka's Instincts, would you mind—"
"Okay, okay, I get it. Look guys, I'm tired too. But the important thing is that—" A stubborn looking teenage boy pushed through the foliage. He had his hair pretty much shaved off, with only enough for a very short pony tail remaining. His skin was very dark, even darker than mine, so he must have been born that way. He turned his back on the encampment – Either he didn't see them or he's just overconfident – and looked behind him. Two more people walked in, side by side.
One of them was a very friendly looking kid, only about twelve at the most. He had big gray eyes and a blue arrow on his head. The arrows reappeared on his hands, too. He stayed very close to the girl beside him, and I instantly understood why. She was stunningly pretty, seemed very nice, and she couldn't have been more than a year younger than me. She had these giant blue eyes, and very soft brown hair. This should be interesting. I've never met a girl my own age. Suddenly, I felt very self-conscious. I hope I don't mess this up now.
"We're safe from the—" The teenager finally turned around to look behind him, eyes widening as he took in the encampment bristling with soldiers. "Fire… Nation." Then I saw their clothing – it looked very Water Tribe. Except for the younger boy; he was dressed in bright orange and yellow that I'd never seen before. It stood out clearly against the green foliage. Rookie, I snorted. But any enemy of the Fire Nation is a friend of mine.
Longshot looked over at me, waiting for the signal. His bow was strung, and with a movement of my hand, this would be over.
Or start; however you choose to look at it.
But I held back. Maybe they can join us later on… I'll give them a chance to see what they can do. Besides, the soldiers aren't fully distracted yet.
"RUN!" the teenage boy yelled. I blinked in astonishment. They stumble into an encampment of Fire Nation soldiers, and their first reaction is to run? But that was what they were doing – they were even leaving their stuff behind! Still, they didn't get very far. A soldier wearing an eye patch leered at them and threw fire at the space behind them. It caught on fire quickly, and some of it spread to the teenager's left sleeve.
"Sokka, your shirt!" the bald boy shouted. The one called Sokka yelled. The girl next to him uncorked a water skin and it flowed out to her hands. I smiled – at least one member of this trio is useful. She doused the fire and then re corked the water skin, standing back to back with her traveling companions.
"If you let us pass, we promise not to hurt you," Sokka told the soldiers boldly. The girl looked over at him, surprised.
"What are you doing?" she hissed.
The boy shrugged haplessly. "Bluffing?"
I resisted the urge to slap him across the face. Never bluff with the Fire Nation, you idiot!
"You? Promise not to hurt us?"
I looked over towards Longshot. He was still waiting, patient and quiet as ever. I smiled and raised my hand. Longshot pulled back on his bow and the arrow hummed through the air. It connected with the soldier's back and he fell on his face into the dirt. Right where you belong, scumbag. The Fire Nation Soldiers relaxed slightly, lowering their weapons in confusion. Mistake number two, boys, I smirked, and leapt down to a lower branch.
"Nice work, Sokka!" the boy shouted happily. "How'd you do that?"
"Uh, instinct?" Sokka shrugged, just as confused as his two friends.
"Look!" the girl called, pointing right up to where I stood. Showtime. I drew my swords and leapt off the back of the branch, catching the branch itself with the hooks. I smiled as I flew through the air, coming to a stop on the backs of two Fire Nation Soldiers. They hit the dust, and my eyes flickered to another pair of Soldiers right in front of me. I charged forward and flashed my hooks out. They caught the Soldiers by the ankles and flipped them head over heels. The swords pulled my body up, too, but I was prepared for this. I flipped gracefully in the air, landing in a perfect deep lunge.
"Down you go," I grinned. The travelers were all looking at me with mixed emotions. Sokka, the idiot, was staring at me in disbelief. The bald one looked at me like I was some kind of legend, come to life. The girl, the one I was hoping for the most from, was smiling and seemed very happy to see me. Excellent.
A sudden pounding noise came from behind me. I waited, hardly daring to breathe, and then sprung. I hooked my opponent's wrist with my sword and spun around, sending him flying through the air. As for me, I landed right back where I started, ready for the next one that came running at me.
"They're in the trees!" a Soldier called. Come on, The Duke, they just blew our cover! As usual, the boy didn't disappoint me. I watched as he dropped solidly onto the Soldier's head and spun his helmet around. The blinded Soldier stumbled away, and I smiled at The Duke. Three more Soldiers lost their swords to Longshot, who hung upside down from his branch while he shot at them. Sneers fell from a nearby tree branch, taking care of any Soldier who rushed him. They all ended up slung over tree branches, and I resisted the urge to laugh. Smellerbee came to land on the ground at my side. I gave her a reassuring smile and she ran off into the fray, most likely to help Longshot.
Sudden movement caught my eye and I turned around – the girl had started bending some serious water. She swept one Soldier off his feet. The boy next to her used air to attack, which caught my interest. An Airbender, huh? Well, maybe only Sokka there is useless…
Speaking of Sokka, I watched as a Soldier rushed him. He stood there like a complete idiot, hollering at the top of his lungs. He kept his boomerang held over his head, exposing his entire body. Oh no you don't, Sokka. This fight is mine. I ran towards both of them, digging the hooked ends of my swords into the ground. Right as the Soldier and Sokka were about to complete their collision course, I crashed into the Soldier's chest and he flew to the ground. Sokka's shoulders sagged, and he gave me a disappointed glare.
"Hey, he was mine!" Sokka protested. I simply shrugged.
"Gotta be quicker next time." I turned back towards the battle. A spearman raced towards me. I sent him spiraling around behind me and looked off to my right, where Pipsqueak had popped out of the bushes again. This time, he attacked the two Soldiers nearest him with his club. Satisfied that he was doing okay, I turned back to the spearman, just in time to block a stab at my throat. Both of my hooked swords were locked onto the spear and I felt my hands grow slippery.
Come on, swords. Don't let me down now!
They didn't. I sidestepped the attack completely, freeing one of my swords at the same time. I used it to hook the Soldier and throw him to the ground. The spear went flying and hit a stray soldier in the back of the head. It knocked him out cold, and as the guy slumped to the ground I saw Sokka standing behind him.
"Man!" He was clearly frustrated, but I didn't care. If this guy is her boyfriend, she's just seen me wipe the floor with him. I had to stop thinking again, because a second spearman rushed me. I caught the spear tip between my sword's grip and the gold crescent on it; I managed to redirect it away from my head, but the Soldier kept his grip on it. I glared at him, my mouth forming a savage grin. With a flourish, I wrapped my hooks around his spear point and thrust it into the ground.
Best move for last, I smirked to myself, and dashed up the pole of the spear. The Soldier looked at me, shocked, and couldn't do anything before I was on top of him. I jumped, kicking him in the back of the head and sending him crashing to the ground. I landed awkwardly on the ground and stumbled forward a few steps, coming to a halt directly in front of the girl.
Couldn't have planned it any better, I laughed. I knew my eyes were dancing. "Hey."
"Hi." She smiled up at me. Together, we turned to inspect the damage we'd done. Her little bald friend came rushing up to me, an awestruck look on his face.
"You just took out a whole army almost single-handed!" he gasped. I smiled and nodded in acknowledgement, basking in the glow of their praise.
Then the teenage jerk came and ruined it all. "Army? Pfft, there were only, like, twenty guys!" The girl glared at him and he stopped talking. I smiled down at her.
"I'm Jet, and these are my Freedom Fighters. Sneers…" I pointed to him, but didn't even remember when he'd stopped fighting. "Longshot…" He raised his head in what could pass for a nod. "Smellerbee…" She had her knife between her teeth. In each hand was a captured Fire Nation Soldier, and she even had one on her back. Good old Smellerbee. "The Duke and Pipsqueak." As usual, the two friends were standing together. The bald boy ran up to the pair of them and said something to The Duke.
"You think my name is funny?" Pipsqueak grumbled. I waited, wondering what would happen. I've never known Pipsqueak to attack anyone who's not Fire Nation before… The boy said something else that I couldn't hear, and then Pipsqueak started roaring with laughter. He gave the kid a pat on the back, but Pipsqueak actually slammed him into the ground.
I winced, my mind whirling. If Pipsqueak messes this up for me, I swear— But the kid was looking up and laughing again. I could have sighed in relief. I left my Freedom Fighters and the others to clean up the mess. My shoulder hurt from the exertion of the fight, and I didn't think Smells would have let me do anything if I'd tried to. I sat down at the base of a tree trunk, breathing deeply.
Just a little pulling of the old muscles, right? The important thing is that we've won. The Fire Nation won't be coming back into our forest. Now all we need to do is secure the village and—
"Um… thanks for saving us, Jet." I smiled at her, and she looked completely flustered. "We were lucky you were there."
"I should be thanking you." She blushed at my compliment. "We were waiting to ambush those soldiers all morning – we just needed the right distraction. And then you guys stumbled in."
"I'm Katara, by the way," she told me. I nodded. "And that's Aang." She pointed to her bald friend.
"Nice to meet you, Katara." It was kind of hard to tell, but I think she liked the idea that I knew her name. Good. She needs to trust me, because I don't think she'll like my plan.
"We were relying on instincts to get here," she added dryly, with an over-the-shoulder glare at her friend. I squinted, staying silent for a moment, before I saw it. So Sokka's her brother? Even nicer…
"You'll get yourself killed doing that," I informed her, glancing sideways at Sokka. He just walked away, but I could tell he was upset. Better. No one feels comfortable here unless I want them to. I won't let the Fire Nation find us again, and I don't think this guy likes me very much.
"Hey, Jet!" The Duke called. Katara and I looked over to him. He was hanging over the edge of a barrel, his arm deep inside. The Duke pulled his arm out, revealing a finger coated with green goo. He took a sniff, but I already knew what it was. "These barrels are filled with blasting jelly!"
"That's a great score," I said mildly, but my heart was racing with excitement. I can't believe this! With this blasting jelly, I can blow the dam and keep my promise to Rina. And her town won't be burned to the ground either. Can this day get any better?
"And these boxes are filled with jelly candy!" Pipsqueak announced, holding up a large crate. Yum.
"Also good. Let's not get those mixed up." The Freedom Fighters nodded and started loading up our loot wagon.
"We'll take the stuff back to the hideout," Pipsqueak boomed. The bald monk and his friend looked over at me, clearly interested.
"You guys have a hideout?"
"You wanna see it?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
Katara slid right up next to me, her eyes wide with excitement. "Yes, we want to see it!" she exclaimed. Her happiness made my smile deepen and my worry lines relax.
"Then let's go." I led them back the way we came in, but I almost lost it when I saw their giant bison. Play it cool, Jet. "Neat. He your ride or something?"
"Yes, Appa is our ride," Sokka snapped from his glowering position near the back of the group.
"Sokka, be nice!" Katara snapped back.
"It's cool," I assured her. "He's just upset because he didn't get a piece of the action. Maybe next time, hey Sokka?"
"Yeah. Sure," Sokka muttered rebelliously. We continued marching, this time with the group's bison at our side. Aang and Katara kept pace with me the entire time; Sokka didn't even try to get anywhere near me. When Sokka was in the right spot, I stopped.
"We're here."
As I expected, Sokka poured his pessimistic attitude on the entire group. "Where—there's nothing here!" If you were anyone else, I'd teach you to watch your mouth, I wanted to snarl, but this kid was Katara's brother. I had to at least pretend to like him.
"Hold this," I instructed, handing him a rope that led to our house.
"Why?" he demanded. "What's this do?" I looked up into the trees and suddenly Sokka was above my head. "Whoa!" he hollered, stuck in the leaves for a split second. Insult to injury.
"Aang?" I asked politely, offering one to him and his monkey.
"I'll get up on my own," he assured me. The monkey jumped up and spread its wings, disappearing into the trees. Aang did some crazy Airbender thing, and soon he was gone, too. It got really quiet with only Katara and I down here. I tightened my grip on the rope and looked at her.
"Grab hold of me, Katara." I held out one hand and she took it gratefully. I spun her in until my arm was wrapped around her and her head was on my chest. I looked away into the trees, but I didn't miss the look of shock on her face, or the blush that she had the entire way up. Smooth, Jet, I thought proudly. A pat on the back for you. The rope headed up through the hole and I leapt off it, only letting Katara go once we'd landed. A whoosh of air told me someone was flying by, and I turned to see Aang and Momo on a rope glider.
"Nice place you got here!" Aang called out as he whizzed past. I headed towards the bridge that connected this house to the other ones.
"It's beautiful up here!" Katara gasped, looking around in awe. I took a second look and realized that it was rather nice up in the trees. I guess I'd just gotten used to it, and all I could think of was its main purpose.
"It's beautiful," I admitted, "and more importantly, the Fire Nation can't find us." Suddenly, Smellerbee popped up and released her rope, landing elegantly on her two feet.
"They would love to find you. Wouldn't they, Jet?" Katara shot me a curious look and I could have kissed Smells for her perfect timing.
"It's not going to happen, Smellerbee." She was already gone, heading off to help unload the cart.
"Why does the Fire Nation want to find you?" Katara asked when we were alone again.
"I guess you could say I've been causing them a little trouble," I admitted humbly. Pipsqueak stomped up behind us, carrying a crate of Fire Nation loot.
"We've been ambushing their troops, cutting off their supply lines, and doing anything we can to mess with them," he told Katara proudly.
"One day," I finished, "we'll drive the Fire Nation out of here for good and free that town." Without burning it to the ground.
She looked at me with shining eyes. "That's so brave!" I opened my mouth to reply, but Sokka started talking again.
"Yeah, nothing's braver than a guy in a tree house." His voice was dripping with sarcasm. Let's hear what you've done against the Fire Nation, tough guy.
"Don't pay any attention to my brother," Katara ordered. I took a deep breath and forced myself to stay calm.
"No problem. He probably had a rough day."
"So," she went on, forgetting about him completely, "you all live here?" We'd gotten to the part of the conversation that I'd both anticipated and dreaded. Either she gets it, or she doesn't.
Either I can tell her everything, or I can't.
"That's right," I sighed, my mouth completely dry. "Longshot over there? His town got burned down by the Fire Nation." She looked over at him sadly, but it wasn't quite the reaction I'd hoped for. "And we found The Duke trying to steal our food. I don't think he ever really had a home." She still wasn't looking angry, or like she wanted revenge.
Then she asked it, the big question.
"What about you?"
I stopped moving, and so did she. The group moved on, leaving me to think and remember.
"Where's my daddy? What did you do to him?"
"You're dad's in there, kid. I don't think you'll ever see him again."
"Fire Nation killed my parents." She gasped, horrified, but there was still no anger. "I was only eight years old. That day… changed me forever." It gave me a reason to fight.
"Sokka and I lost our mother to the Fire Nation," Katara whispered. She sounded like she was about to cry, which kind of scared me. I'd never seen a girl cry, except Rina, but she was only six so that didn't really count. But I didn't let it show on my face, and I put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"I'm so sorry, Katara." My voice sounded flat and lifeless, even to my own ears, but I couldn't let her hear how terrified I was. "Look, this is a little depressing, don't you think? Why don't we get some dinner? I'll race you!" She looked up and smiled at me, then tore across the bridge at my side. She stayed one step behind me, following my turns and twists through the trees until we both skidded to a halt at the table.
Smellerbee and Longshot had loaded up the table with the catches in our traps and lychee nuts. They'd even put lanterns up in the trees, a nice touch. Probably spoils from our win today. Katara sat down next to me, and unfortunately so did Sokka. After a few minutes of eating in silence, I stood on the table. Everyone's eyes were on me, including Sokka's glares. But I could almost ignore them, as long as no one else – especially Katara – was looking at me that way.
"Today, we struck another blow against the Fire Nation swine," I announced, a cup in my hand. Katara and Aang smiled up at me, much to Sokka's displeasure. Watch and learn, doofus. This is how you lead a group. "I got special joy from the look on one soldier's face when The Duke dropped down on his helmet and rode him like a wild hog monkey." The Duke took a victory lap on the table, clearly thrilled about his actions.
"Now, the Fire Nation thinks they don't have to worry about a couple of kids hiding in the trees." I raised my cup level with my eyes, hiding my smile. "Maybe they're right." Everyone booed in unison, and I set my face in an angry glare. "Or maybe… they are dead wrong." Everyone cheered as I sat down between Katara and Sokka. Katara looked at me like I was some kind of hero. It felt nice.
"Hey, Jet," Katara smiled. "Nice speech."
"Thanks," I replied honestly. "By the way, I was really impressed with you and Aang. That was some great bending I saw out there today."
"Well, he's great," Katara murmured, averting her eyes to the floor. "He's the Avatar." I felt my heart skip several beats at that one. "I could use some more training." She finished it off with a blush that I didn't respond to.
"Avatar, huh? Very nice."
"Thanks, Jet," Aang beamed, and then I realized a major problem in my plan.
This Avatar is the last Airbender. He was raised by monks. They're all about peace and brotherly love. They'd never let me blow up the dam. They'd try to stop me, and by the time they DID decide to act, it would be too late. There's no way I can tell them now.
"So," I started nonchalantly, "I might know a way that you and Aang can help in our struggle." Katara looked at me, eager as ever, and nodded in unison with Aang. I've done it!
Then Sokka opened his mouth and killed it. "Unfortunately," he retorted coldly, "we have to leave tonight." He stood and walked away from the table. I watched in horror as Katara and Aang's faces crumbled. They're actually listening to this guy? Come on, I need them!
"Sokka, you're kidding me!" I blurted out. "I… needed you on an important mission tomorrow!" Sokka stopped and slowly turned to face me. I smiled triumphantly. Feeding the ego—works every time.
"What mission?"
"I've heard rumors that the Fire Nation might try to infiltrate the forest. We can't let them find us! They'd destroy everything we've worked for!"
"I don't know…" he returned hesitantly.
"Come on, Sokka! What harm could it do for us to stay a couple of days?" Aang and Katara pleaded.
As Sokka nodded, I raised my cup to him in salute. No harm to anyone… unless they're Fire Nation.
A/N: She's heeeerrreee! So yes, most of the dialogue is lifted from the episode. I tried to throw in a few extra scenes to show how Jet feels about Katara, but in my head he's still mostly a military strategist. Even his emotions are held in check by his plans and schemes.
Skyla - That's okay! I definitely understand that life can be busy. Thanks for reading and reviewing though! It's awesome of you :)
JackieStar - Yeah, I think a lot of people really see Jet that way. And there's no denying that when Katara arrives, he is a motivated and unshaken hater of the Fire Nation. However, I always thought he must have had something happen to inspire that kind of anger. Losing his parents is clearly a devastating and indescribable loss for him, but I don't think it would have turned him into a killer of innocent people. To me, what really could have done it is watching someone he knows be "corrupted" by the Fire Nation. Slowly, he would come to realize (in his own mind) that even the people he wants to protect can be swayed to support their invaders. Then there would be no distinction to Jet between the "corrupted" and the Fire Nation. They become one and the same. He is trying to cling to the image of Rina he always had; at the same time, on principle he will not burn down villages because that is how the Fire Nation operates. However, Rina is now "beyond help" to Jet, and he sees the dam as an out to operating like the Fire Nation.
I guess the idea is that Rina choosing the Fire Nation over him (in his eyes) is the straw that breaks Jet-camel's back. And this response is lengthy. Whoops! Hope you can at least understand where I'm coming from :) Thanks for the review!