A/N: Thanks for the reviews, and here's the next chapter. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Don't own Avatar
Chapter 6
Jet stalked away from Aya, thinking about the girl. Jade had hurried to him, looking pitifully sad and saying Aya had attacked her when she had gone to keep the girl company. Jet was hesitant about taking his girlfriend's side since Aya seemed so gentle, even when she was helping her friends escape. But then Jade had showed him the bruise forming on her shoulder and he had become angry, stalking towards his room to confront Aya. But the blind girl had stood her ground against him and the twins had said she told the truth. Not Jade. Jet scowled again, but smiled when he saw Koonik and Gar wave at him. He waved back at the two boys and hurried up through the branches, climbing to get to the top of the tree. When he got there, he relaxed as the peace and quiet of the forest calmed him. He wondered if his father had done this in the past and glanced to the south towards the forest where the original Freedom Fighters had once set up home. He could only see a black scar from where the Fire Nation had burned down the forest, but Jet knew that saplings were emerging and in a few years, would be covering the scar entirely.
He saw a lone clump of green in the scar and his thoughts turned to Aya again. The princess was unusual and was offering to teach him and his people earthbending. Long Feng had taught them a little, but mostly it was to strike with more accuracy. Nothing really beyond that. Jet had heard of Aya's mother, Toph Bei Fong, the Blind Bandit. The woman who claimed to be the greatest earthbender in the world. She had taught the Avatar how to be a master in a few months, had reportedly learned to bend metal, and no earthbender could defeat her. Jet knew Toph had taught her daughter and that because they were blind, they relied on their earthbending more than any other bender could rely on their element. And they bended differently than normal earthbenders did. He was tempted to take Aya's offer, and it seemed she had never lied to him. But, could he trust her?
Aya might attempt to escape, but everything about her showed that she lived by her word. He sighed and knew he should accept her offer. Perhaps he could bring some dirt up so that he could learn how to tell a lie on the platforms. That way they wouldn't be on the ground and he could still keep an eye on her. He would have to think about it. Then there was the thing going on between Jade and Aya. Jet had pulled Yin away to question him and had found out that Jade was jealous and had thought something was going on between him and Aya. True, the princess was quite beautiful, but she was a princess. He was a fugitive, a thief, and every time they got together, it seemed like it ended in a shouting match. Jet wanted someone quiet and understanding, but knew that probably wouldn't happen in his lifetime. His father had been lucky to find Jin, but then both of them had died trying to protect their home and him.
Jet sighed again, raking a hand through his hair as he remembered his parents. Life had been so simple. Just his father, mother and him living peacefully in a small town. His parents had been ecstatic when they learned he could bend. Neither of them could, and they would have sent him to a teacher, but then Azula had started attacking the Earth Kingdom. It was already bad with rogue bands of thieves and mercenaries, but Azula and her firebenders came through like a plague, destroying everything they touched. His father and mother, along with the rest of the adults had gone out to protect their homes and Jet had been left to care for the kids. He and the kids had survived, though he still didn't know how. Those that didn't have family elsewhere had turned to Jet and he had led them, re-forming the Freedom Fighters. When the war had ended abruptly the next year, Jet and his band had been considered thieves and had the choice of being split up into orphanages which were more impoverished than themselves or being treated as thieves. Choosing the latter, Jet had searched for more kids needing a home and family as he cared for his group.
They grew and their raids got larger, but they never hurt anyone unless it was in self defense. Jet had stressed that point and anyone who went against it was given a warning and then, on the second offense, was ostracized from the group. His thoughts turned slowly to the last raid. Jet and his Freedom Fighters had only worked with Long Feng twice before, but the plan was simple. Attack the caravan and take the guards unawares, stealing food and medicine while Long Feng captured the nobles. Then Jet and his people would guard the nobles while Long Feng negotiated for the ransom and the supplies and ransom would be split evenly. But it had become a huge headache when Aya had freed the others and stayed behind to make sure her brother and friends got out. And now Jet had to care for the stubborn, blind earthbender.
He heard people gathering below him and knew everyone was getting ready for the celebration that was customary after a successful raid. There would be a feast and stories, but Jet was hesitant about this party. This time, though the raid had been successful, Jet knew that in a way, it hadn't been. He slowly made his way down the branches to the walkways, waving and smiling at the kids and teens and checked on a few who were injured or sick on the way back to his room, making sure they were doing all right and had enough food and what little medicine they had. He walked up to his room to find Sang making arrows while Hakul looked moody.
"She's worried, you know," Hakul said before Jet went into his room.
Jet nodded and walked in to find Aya sitting on the bed and twirling her ring around her finger. She sighed and turned her face up to his and he was stopped at how sad she looked.
"I'm sorry," she said gently. "I shouldn't have yelled earlier. You were…"
"Wait," Jet said, stopping her as he walked over to sit next to her. "I'm sorry. Why are you so interested in learning about my father? Or teaching us earthbending?"
He watched as Aya's whole face brightened and Jet found himself feeling better. "I'm curious," Aya said gently. "I thought he was dead. And I've found that if you don't learn from the past, you're doomed to repeat it."
Jet tensed and studied her. She seemed to genuinely believe it and he wondered why. But, he did have to smile at what she said next.
"I'm bored. I've been teaching my 'cousin' Kya and the few earthbending guards a little, and I know I can teach you guys. I think you've got a good thing going here and I don't want anyone to get hurt."
"What about Long Feng?" Jet asked, teasing her slightly.
"Him? I don't care if he gets hurt. He deserves it."
Jet could only chuckle as he saw her smirk come back and she seemed to brighten more. "I still need to think about your offer," Jet said and saw her nod. "But we're having a celebration feast over the success of the raid. I know you probably don't want to be reminded…"
Aya had turned to him and put a finger over his mouth. She instantly withdrew it and ducked her head slightly, blushing and looking shy. "Sorry, but if you're asking if I'd like to go, I'd love to."
Jet nodded and took her hand gently, helping her up before he led her out. Sang and Hakul sat up when they exited and Jet smiled at them. "I'm taking her to the feast, so you guys can go too." Sang brightened and put away her arrows and supplies, and was instantly off while Hakul studied Jet with his moody, dark eyes before a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth and he nodded to Jet before following Sang in a casual walk.
"They're all really nice," Aya said as she followed Jet over the platforms towards the center tree.
"Are you becoming friends with all your guards?" Jet asked.
"No," Aya said with a sly smile. "Not yet at least. I haven't met Li or Anton."
Jet could only laugh at her expression and the way in which she said it. The girl definitely kept him on his toes and never did what he expected. They soon arrived at the center tree, the largest tree in the forest, and the center to the Freedom Fighter's home. Jet smiled as he watched people bringing food up or down from wherever they had fixed it. People came in from all corners and by whatever means they could to the large platforms built between the large tree and its neighbors. There was nearly enough room to fit everyone living there on the platforms, but those who couldn't fit had seats on overlooking platforms so that they could still join in the festivities. Jet glanced back at Aya and saw her turning every which way, joy on her face as she listened to everyone coming in. Jet heard some of the talk surrounding them, people asking who Aya was and the people who knew passing on the news. Jet led Aya to his seat, sitting her on his left, and smiled at the twins when they sat next to Aya, but Jet remained standing. Everyone quieted down and Jet smiled at them, seeing Jade come in and sit in her usual seat, on his right.
"Thank you everyone!" Jet said to the assembled kids and teens. "Before we dig in, I want to thank you for pulling off the smoothest raid we've ever done!" The crowd cheered and Jet smiled more. "No one was injured, and it was pulled off flawlessly! Some of you may have heard, or been introduced, but this is Aya, who will be staying with us for a while," Jet said, motioning to Aya who blushed slightly. "She is a noble, and I expect you all to treat her as such. Although, I'm sure it sounds like she doesn't act that way all the time."
The crowd chuckled and Jet could only grin as Aya's cheeks turned red from embarrassment, but she smirked up at him. "I'm not the reason for that, as you well know," she told him and the crowd laughed at that. Jet noticed Jade wasn't laughing, but ignored it. "And without further ado, let's dig in!" Jet called.
The crowd cheered again and Jet sat down between Aya and Jade. He noticed Aya was smiling while she talked with the twins, but Jade was sulking.
"Jade, relax. She'll be gone in a few days," Jet whispered to his girlfriend as people passed around bowls and platters of food.
"Whatever," Jade said in an uppity tone to which Jet frowned at, but he turned away from her and saw Aya looking hesitantly at a bowl before her.
"It's good," Jet told her. "I know we don't have any of your high and mighty foods with 12 courses, but it's good."
"I wasn't worried about that," Aya replied with a wry smile. "I was trying to find out what was in it from the smell." Jet watched as Aya turned to smirk at Yin, Yang and then a twelve year old girl across from her. "Potatoes, red ones, lots of garlic, butter, thyme, rosemary, and then a hint of nutmeg," she told them and Jet watched as Tania's jaw dropped. Aya scooped out a spoonful onto her plate and then tasted it. "Hey, I was right!"
The twins were laughing and Tania joined in and Jet watched with a smile as everyone joined in the game to try and stump Aya as the food was passed around and everyone ate. She guessed correctly on every item and Jet just sat back and watched as Aya bonded with his people, laughing with them and enjoying herself. She had to taste a few items to guess the last ingredient, but she was always right and soon people started mixing foods to stump her. Jet drew the line when someone tried to get her to guess a mixture of quiche, mashed potatoes and stew, which looked disgusting. As everyone started getting full, stories started, and even Aya joined in when asked for a tale. She turned to him and smiled and told of when the Avatar had come back and ended the tale with the Avatar flying off towards the North Pole with Katara and Sokka and Prince Zuko chasing them. The crowd had cheered and after a few more tales, Aya was convinced to tell another and told of when Zuko joined the Avatar and his group, accidently burning Toph's feet, but after helping them defeat a bounty hunter, was allowed to join to teach the Avatar firebending.
Others told stories and Jet leaned over to Aya. "It's like you were there," he whispered to her.
"Got it straight from the ones who were," Aya said with a smile.
Jet just smiled back and noticed Jade leave early, before her favorite time came. Instruments came out, music started and the food was cleared away as people started dancing. Aya drew back with the twins, away from the dancing, but was eventually convinced by Yang to do a dance.
XXXXX
Aya enjoyed herself the entire night. The food was great, the people didn't treat her any differently and she loved the 'game' as people tried to stump her with foods. And then the stories. When everyone wanted to hear one from her, she wanted to tell the story of Jet, but knew every story she had of Jet's father ended badly. So she stuck with the traditional ones of the Avatar coming back and then her father joining Aang. She was surprised when Yang finally convinced her to dance, and it wasn't dancing like she was used to, but better. It was light and easy and basic, but fun at the same time. A lot of people danced with her and she only stopped for a moment before another guy pulled her out to a dance. She was really enjoying herself when she found Jet bowing to her before taking her hand and leading her through a slower dance.
Jet was the best dancer she danced with that night and she kept blushing whenever he pulled her close to him. Somehow, dancing with him was different than dancing with anyone else. He was gentle, but led her perfectly, not stepping on her toes as so many had done, whether there or at the banquets at home. He twirled her and Aya felt as if it were only she and him in the place, no one else. Her skin felt hot wherever he touched her, and Aya was disappointed when Jet let her go so that she could dance with his friend, Chan. After a few more dances, people started drifting off to bed and Jet escorted her back to his room with Li and Anton who she had met that night following behind them.
"That was fun," Aya said, laughing as they crossed a bridge. "Probably the most fun I've had at a dance."
"You don't have dances like that?" Jet asked curiously.
"No, we do, but it's more formal. A lot of the old folk still don't like dancing, but they're coming around. And they teach all the kids the old, old way, all straight and formal."
Jet laughed as she stood tall and solemn and moved in strict, rigid steps while deepening her voice and Aya laughed with him. "And the food," she sighed. "That was delicious. I'll have to get the recipes for the cooks and my friends."
"Yeah, you probably don't know how to cook," Jet said in a hollow tone.
Aya stopped on another bridge and smirked at Jet when she heard him turn back towards her.
"I know how. My dad doesn't. My friends and I all learned, though some of us are better at cooking than others. You'd think that as a firebender, my brother would be great? But nooooo," she said and heard Jet and the two guards chuckle as she drawled out the no. "He just burns everything! Kuzon, who's an airbender, is a great pastry chef, but can't cook anything else, and Hakoda forgets to stir. So, I guess it's my best friend, Kana and I. But her sisters and Kuzon's brothers and sisters are really making progress in the cooking area."
"Well, maybe you can cook something sometime. A favorite of yours," Jet remarked as they neared his room.
"Maybe, but I'd have to be on the ground, so I could see it," Aya said humbly. She knew Jet was curious and his grip had become rigid on her hand. "I have to make a ground oven. It's the only way I know when it's done." Jet relaxed and she heard him nod.
"Maybe one day then," he said and Aya questioned him with her expression, but he either didn't see it or ignored it. They entered his room and Jet let go of her hand, and it sounded like he went to the chest next to his bed, probably to get some different clothes. Aya started moving towards the bed, tired, and tripped over something that must have gotten knocked over when she had flipped Jade earlier that day. She heard Jet move and braced herself for an impact, but suddenly she was caught in Jet's strong arms. She felt his breath on her face, his mouth close to hers and she suddenly blushed as she felt his body against hers. Aya was lost for a moment and knew he was looking at her. She almost felt a connection and suddenly wished she could see him like sighted people could. Like she had seen the gods. His hands slid around her back and he pulled her closer, his mouth inching closer to hers and Aya closed her eyes, leaning into him until a sound came from behind them and Jet was instantly a foot away from her, leaving her standing alone and confused when Chan entered the room.
"Jet, we've got a hawk from Long Feng," Chan said and Aya heard Jet nod and walk past her to head outside.
Aya shook herself and got into the bed. What am I doing?! She berated herself. I almost kissed him! He almost kissed me! I can't do that. I need to get him to see the truth and then I can stop Long Feng and go home. Besides, he already has a girlfriend, she thought with a pang of sadness. But the night had been so wonderful, and when they weren't shouting at each other, Jet was actually really nice to be with. She blushed again as she thought about every way he had been gentle with her and waited for her when crossing bridges. And then when they danced, she still felt every spot where he had touched. Aya heard Jet come back in and knew something was wrong.
"What is it?" she asked him, sitting upright.
"They won't pay the ransom," Jet said in an emotionless tone. "And a battalion from Ba Sing Sae searched the place where we were. We're going to keep a lookout, but we may have to move soon."
"It's too soon to hear about a ransom," Aya said, confused. "All our parents are in the Fire Nation. They must be getting word now about what happened." She heard Jet stop suddenly. "The Duke may have denied it, but he wouldn't do it without my parent's permission," she continued.
"Well, he di…wait, what was that name?" Jet asked.
"The Duke," Aya said, trying to hear Jet more clearly. He had sounded angry, but then curious and apprehensive. "He's one of my father's guards and best friends. He's been with my parents and their friends since the day of black sun."
"No wonder it looked like he knew me," Jet muttered.
Aya wondered what he was talking about until a thought entered her mind. "Do you look like your dad?" she asked.
"Yeah," Jet said. "This guy…he used to be a Freedom Fighter, didn't he?"
"Yeah, he was one of the youngest," Aya replied.
She heard Jet nod and then she heard him grab the blanket he had used the night before and settle himself on the ground. "Well, if he comes this way, we'll move," Jet said. "It's late. Time to sleep."
"You make it sound like you're a parent and I'm a kid," Aya said with a smirk before she yawned. "But I guess you're right. Night."
She thought she heard Jet chuckle, but then he lay down and she drifted off to sleep.
XXXXX
Kana watched as Iroh sparred with her brother. Kuzon was reading something that only interested him and there had been no sign of The Duke yet. The day had gone smoothly enough. They had been introduced to the king and his entire court who gave their deepest sympathies for their troubles and the capture of Princess Aya. According to the advisors and king, no new information came in that day, though everyone speculated it was the group of thieves called the Freedom Fighters who had been growing bolder in the recent months. Kana sighed as she remembered the stories the advisors and nobles gave and how they had gotten worse, starting out as simple raids and turning into massacres of entire towns. She had stayed next to Iroh to make sure he didn't blow up, but he had calmly nodded to the politicians and moved on. Now, as she watched him thrusting at Hakoda with a simple broadsword, she knew he had been holding all his anger within him to let it out now.
"I yield," Hakoda gasped as Iroh disarmed him and pointed the sword to Hakoda's throat again.
"Again?" Iroh asked, panting and sweating from the exertion, but Hakoda merely shook his head. Kana smiled. They had been going at it for over an hour, and though Hakoda was one of the best swordsmen out there, he was nothing compared to Iroh when the firebender was angry.
"I'll spar," Kana said, walking up to Iroh to give her brother a break. She pulled a large globe of water out of the decorative pond near them and faced Iroh. He smiled slightly and nodded, handing Hakoda his sword before he took his own stance. They studied each other for a while, and Kana noticed how handsome Iroh was again. His dark hair had come loose out of his topknot, but he had tucked it back behind his ears. His skin was still pale compared to hers and even Kuzon's, but it was starting to tan slightly. But his golden eyes were what caught her. They showed so much emotion, it was a little unsettling, and Kana caught a hint of mischief in his face before he attacked.
Iroh fired at her, and Kana deflected it with her water. She didn't fight back, yet, and Iroh took the advantage, firing at her continuously. Kana continued to dodge and block, letting Iroh get his anger out as he evaporated more and more of her water.
"Come on, Kana, fight back," Iroh said after he pulled off a difficult maneuver.
"Don't worry, I will," she said with a sly smile to which Iroh paused for a moment, looking confused.
Kana used that moment to condense all the water in the air around Iroh's body and froze it. Kuzon and Hakoda who had been watching started laughing at Iroh's shocked look and Kana couldn't help but giggle at his expression until Iroh started smiling and the ice melted around him.
"Well, that's one way to cool a temper," Hakoda said from the sidelines which caused Kuzon to start laughing harder.
"I yield to your mastery," Iroh said to Kana, bowing to her. She smiled and bowed back, moving to join her brother and Kuzon as Iroh did the same after Kana returned the water to the pond. They all stopped when they heard The Duke's voice in the house, talking with Teo and Haru and hurried inside.
"Did you find anything?" Iroh asked when they spotted The Duke.
"No, I'm sorry Iroh. Nothing," The Duke sighed before sinking into a chair.
Kana felt so sad and thought both The Duke and Iroh looked so lost for a moment until Iroh straightened and nodded. "You'll keep looking though, right?" Iroh asked and Kana turned her attention back to The Duke.
He looked tired and older than his 31 years, but the man smiled and nodded. "Don't worry, Iroh. I won't leave a stone unturned until I find her."
He got up and moved to the table where Teo, Haru and Ty Lee were looking at a map. Ty Lee and Haru's daughters were heard in the kitchen with Song and her daughter, so Kana just followed The Duke and her friends to the table.
"Here is where we were," The Duke said, pointing to a hill between Ba Sing Sae and the port where they had arrived. "There were signs of people departing in a hurry, but not as much of a hurry to suggest they left when they spotted us. Tracks went every direction and then stopped, so we know the earthbenders in the group were working to cover them."
"Any papers showing what they were planning or where they might go?" Haru asked.
"No, they're too good for that," The Duke sighed.
"Well, if this Long Feng from the stories, and the son of Jet," Iroh said, looking at the southern part of the map. "Wouldn't they go where they're comfortable? I know Long Feng had that base under the lake, and Jet lived in the forest."
"The forest was burned down, causing everyone to leave," The Duke stated. "But we could check out the lake."
"The forest isn't entirely burned down," Teo said, pointing to the north of where Iroh had his gaze. "Here, this part of the forest remained intact and I've heard a lot of rumors of increased activity there."
"What are your sources?" Haru asked in surprise.
Teo just smiled. "Students of all fields who go out and study the gestation and growth of trees, plants, and what happens when a forest is burned down. With so much of the world recovering from the wars, this is a prime time to study the things that can not be tested in a lab."
"Ok," Haru sighed, but Kana saw him smile. She knew Haru helped Teo out with his inventions, but Teo was the mastermind about everything and was always listening to his students while he taught at the University. "So, Duke, where are we going to go first?"
The Duke just growled and scowled at Haru. "It's The Duke, how many times must I tell it to you?"
"Always once more," Ty Lee said with a smile. "You know Haru just loves to tease you."
The Duke just nodded and the teens watched him, wondering what he would do. He glanced at them and sighed. "We'll check the lake first. Haru, I'll need you for that since apparently only earthbenders can get in. Then, we'll check the forest. Iroh, we're going to find her and get her back."
"I know," Iroh sighed. "I still worry."
"Just like your father," The Duke said with a smile. Any further planning was cut off as Song and the girls brought dinner in, though Kana knew Iroh wanted more information. They all did, but it was going to be slow in coming to them.
