Avatar: The Last Airbender & The Legend of is owned by Nickelodeon & Viacom and created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.
Written by Hyenaprince
Fire.
Air.
Water.
Earth.
The elders used to tell us stories of the Avatar, master of all four elements. A person who was reborn throughout history, always keeping the world in balance. On some nights, we'd hear tales of Avatar Yangchen, a woman so fearsome that war ceased for an entire century after her death. Or of Avatar Aang, who defeated the entire Fire Nation army at only twelve years old.
But the one the elders spoke of the most was Avatar Korra. They say she fought against the very spirit of chaos itself, in a battle that nearly plunged the world into 10,000 years of darkness. Although she was victorious, and the world seemed to have been saved, the Avatar cycle was damaged. Avatar Korra lost her connections to her past lives, and one day simply vanished.
That was almost fifty years ago. Some people think that the cycle was broken, and that the Avatar was never reborn. But I know better, because the new Avatar...is my brother.
Book One
Duty
Chapter One
The Boy in the Desert
No wind blew in the Si Wong Desert, no cloud spared its inhabitants from the unforgiving sun. To stand in the Si Wong on this day was akin to standing in a void of fire. The only relief to be had from the oppressive heat would be if you were to follow the moving shadow traveling across the endless dunes, cast by the only object to be spotted on the horizon: a massive airship. The sleek metallic beast cut through the sky, and the only mark standing out on its chrome finish was the cabbage engraved on its side.
The sight of the logo was met with a grunt from the boy holding binoculars. He carefully tucked the binoculars into the sack hanging from his back, revealing a youthful face weathered by the sands and heat, his cloths were dusty and torn, an amalgamation of scavenged scraps and rags, with a visor resting on his head. Getting up slowly form the dune where he laid, the boy slide down the down the sand, moving low as he retreated over the hills to where a group of man camped around a bunch of parked vehicles with sails.
"Bayar, Bayar! It's here!" the boy said as he ducked and weaved through the gathered men who immediately set to readying them selves and they're sand-sailers. Near the edge of the camp a young man laid on a big black rock; he would be indistinguishable from the others if not for the metal pauldron adorning his right shoulder. He slept comfortably despite the heat, his snoring interrupted only when he adjusted him self to get more comfortable
"Bayar...Bayar!" The younger man yelled causing the older to wake up with a start.
"Bayar, the ships finally here! About ten miles off, making good time," he said, looking up at his big brother on the rock. Wiping the drool from his mouth, Bayar slid off the rock and then patted his brother on the head, standing nearly an entire head higher then him, they both shared the same green eyes and strong chin.
"Alright boys, you heard Shen!" Bayar shouted as he strode into the gathered group of Sandbenders. Shen watched as all eyes immediately turned to his brother, his deep voice bellowing commanding the respect of all who heard. Shen couldn't help but look down as Bayar came to stand by him after he had gathered every ones attention.
"You know the plan, stay in your cover until me and Shen take it down, then we hit hard and hit fast, we take what we need and were gone before any reinforcements can arrive. We go home and feed our kin. You sandy hyena-dogs got all that!?" Bayar asked crossing his arms in front of his fellow tribesman. Shen looked at the faces of the men assembled, most of them not much older then he was, and only a few older then his brother. They followed his brother out here fora number of reasons: They were hungry they were angry, and (as Shen expected) most of all, because no one had a better plan. Shen moved a little behind Bayar as his brother barked out the finer details of the plan.
"Alright lets go!" Bayar said throwing his fist in the air, as the Sandbenders road and ran to their sand-sailers. Bayar nodded stroking his growing goatee and turned to his brother. "Ready to go ruin a wetlander's day?" he said, raising his fist up.
Shen stared at his brother's fist, he found himself thinking about how big it was as he his eyes followed the arm up to the face it belonged to. Shen 's face was as worn as his own but his brown red eyes has energy to it that Shen couldn't help but feel seep into him. With a small grin creeping to his face Shen bumped his own fist to Bayar's.
"I got your back."
Bayar's own grin spread to his face. "Then what are we waiting for? Get her up."
Turning around Shen ran up to the rock and and began knocking on it. "Azusa, up girl. It's time to go to work," Shen said in a soft voice. After a moment the rock began to shake and rise up out of the sand. A spiked horn emerged slowly from the sand as the rock split open revealing two wings that vibrated creating a thundering sound. two big black eyes blinked at Shen, then it shook its plated head. The giant beetle clicked its mouth as it turned towards Shen and Bayar. After adjusting her saddle and attaching four clay jars to it to hang off ether side of Azusa, Shen scurried up to the top of the insect and with one easy movement Bayar took his place behind Shen.
Shen gave a quick knock on her shell and Azusa's shell opened again, her wings beginning to beat, the sound of far off thunder rolled as the sand around them began to stir as the Beetle rose into the air. Shen looked of towards the horizon spotting the speck he knew to be the airship. With a deep breath he lowered his goggles and bid Azusa forward.
Aboard the airship a man in shimmering metal plated armor stood in the the glass dome that served as the bridge. His eyes peered out at the endless waste of the sands as his crew worked around him. Hard man as he he would hate to imagine would it would take to make it through the desert on foot. He took a moment to thank modern technology for gifting him and his new crew with air conditioning. His vigil was interrupted by the sound the bridge door swinging open.
"Ah, Captain Mao, how goes it? I trust that you are keeping my pride and joy afloat," the man said while adjusting the golden cabbage shaped pin on his fine pressed suit. A smirk painted across his handsome features framed perfectly with two gray streaks on his temples.
"Aloft," the captain responded, turning his head to look at the man.
"Pardon?"
"We are on a airship not a boat, we are not afloat, we are aloft," Mao said, turning to fully regard the man, folding his arms behind his back, and giving his employer a stern look that went ether ignored or unnoticed"
"Oh well, of course forgive me, my expertise lie in finance, not the mechanics of flight. That's why I stole you from Zaofu," the man said in a apologetic tone as he bent forward to admire his reflection in Mao's chest plate.
"Mr. Gan-Lan the ship is performing fine, you needn't worry, now if you could return to your cabin," Mao began, but was cut off by Gan-Lan waving his hand dismissively.
"Nonsense, this is the real test of endurance here," Gan-Lan said waving his arm towards the desert. "Between the heat, the sand, and the potential sandstorms, this will be the perfect opportunity to prove that my new Cabbage Carrier is uncrashable," Gan-Lan said as he walked along the railings of the bridge, stroking the metal like it was a pet.
"For years my competition has said that Cabbage Corp.'s Engineering was shoddy. Well, after we get this baby gets mass-produced, every one of the Earth states will come crawling to us!" Gan-Lan proclaimed outstretching both arms with a flourish as he arrived at the head of the bridge, his back turned as the entire crew rolled their eyes.
"Captain Sandstorm of Starboard!" One of the crew yelled pointing words the distance. On the horizon a swirling maelstrom moved slowly across the dunes, looking like the desert itself had come alive
"Excellent!" Gan-Lan shouted , a big lopsided grin spreading to his face, his excitement was not shared.
"How did a sandstorm get that close with out us noticing it?" Mao said as he approached the starboard side of the bridge taking a spy glass from the lookout.
"It doesn't matter! This will be the perfect opportunity to really put the Cabbage Carrier through her paces," Gan-Lan said rubbing his hands together. "Fly her straight into that storm!" Gan-Lan shouted as he pointed towards the encroaching storm, after a few moments he realized the airship was not looking. Blinking he turned to look at the crew who were maintaining course.
"I said-"
"Yeah, we're not doing that," the Bowman said keeping the wheel steady.
"Excuse me, but I gave an order," Gan-Lan said incredulously.
"You're not the Captain," the lookout said, shrugging his shoulder.
"I pay your salaries!"
"Still not the Captain," a cadet said as she gave him a blank look from behind her console.
"I said I want to fly into the sandstorm!" Gan-Lan stomped his foot in frustration, but was cut off before he could mount further protest.
"That's no sandstorm," Mao said as he collapsed the spyglass and marched past Gan-Lan, grabbing a Microphone that lay on a hook.
"Pardon?" Gan-Lan said watching him move
"I said that's no sandstorm," Mao said as he too the device and took a deep breath. "All hands on deck, man your stations!"
As Mao's voice echoed through the ship the bridge crew set to work. Mao marched across the bridge barking orders, to which his crew swiftly set to completing. Mao couldn't help but feel proud of his people, he hadn't known them for long but he hoped they would live long enough for him to buy them drinks later. The Bowman grunted as he spun the wheel bending the metal that composed it in order to put the turning mechanism to task. As Mao stalked the bridge, Gan-Lan followed along, to the crew resembling a small dog, as he tried to get the large man's attention.
"Captain Mao, what is going on?! I demand that you tell me this instant!" Gan-Lan asked, a twinge of panic edging into his voice. Mao stopped and looked at the frightened heir to oldest corporation in the world. A moment of silence filled the air as Mao's hawk like eyes pierced into Gan-Lan's making the smaller man back up.
"We are under attack."
"Bayar! Looks like they're on to us!" Shen said as he looked down on the airship while the massive vessel's Slowly began to veer off course. Azusa circled high in the sky, her wings beating miles per-second to keep her and he passengers aloft.
"Smarter then the average wetlanders. Doesn't matter, we got them right where we want them." Bayar took a horn from his belt, it was an engraved with the markings of his tribe fashioned form the horn of some beast slayed in a hunt. With a deep Breath Bayar blew into it, a Bellowing roar echoing across the wastes. The approaching wall of sand an fury seemed to stop suddenly falling like dust off a bookshelf. Out of the falling clouds came a dozen sand-sailers, each one carrying a number of Sandbenders, two sand benders standing on the prongs of the M-shaped skiff creating a miniature sandstorm into the sail propelling it forward. With one bender steering the vehicle and three standing off the back of the skiff now that they no longer had to keep up the task of creating a storm for cover began to add their own bending to the sand-sailers momentum. With a burst of speed skiffs cut across the sand like comets across the sky, each looking to make impact upon the airship.
Shen watched a few moments before knocking on Azusa's shell and pointing downwards. The giant beetle dive bombed descending like a falling rock with the accuracy of a hawk. A smile spread to Shen's face as the wind blew past. Over the sound of Rushing wind Bayar's voice could be heard, flight was not some thing he particularly enjoyed. Azusa pulled up her wings fluttering even faster as she turned flying over the Airships giant propellers.
"Alright! Hold her steady!" Bayar shouted as he slowly stood up on the back of the flying insect. Planting his feet Bayar began to bend, a slow but precise swing of his arm upward the Jars on the right side of Azusa rose into the air. With a sharp intake of breath Bayar thrust his fist forward and the jars launched towards the propeller. Shattering against the base of the machinery sand sprayed out, with a quick move met Bayar caught the sand mid-air, letting it hang a moment Bayar crossed his arms quickly as the sand moving as if it was alive, bored into the the machinery. Seeping through the cracks and openings in the metal. Swirling his arms as if he was drawing a eight in the air, Bayar could feel the sand move even if he could not see it. The propeller started to spark wildly as the sand tore it apart form the inside. With a small explosion smoke spewed from the broken machine as a propeller blade when flying off into the distance.
"Great job, Bayar! One down!" Shen yelled as he watched his brother work. "You too Azusa! Keep going, you're doing great," Shen said turning his attention to his steed patting her on the side of the head getting a thankful click of her mandibles in return.
The airship rocked violently, without context one would have assumed Gan-Lan was trying to hone his craft of tumbling by the way rolled from the front of the bridge to the back, his head slamming against the wall as he completed his performance. Mao braced himself against a empty chair as the ship now tilted left, causing the entire crew to struggle to stay upright.
"Status report!" Mao barked, looking to a cadet struggling to right her self.
"We just lost propeller one on the port side. If we lose another we won't be able to stay aloft, Captain!"
"Then we won't lose another," Mao said, adjusting a gauntlet and started towards the bridge's exit. Still sitting next to the door Gan-Lan looked up, focus returning to his eyes slowly.
"C..Captain, where are you going?!" the middle-aged man asked while trying to return to his feet.
"To do what you pay me for. Bowman, you have the bridge until I return. Tell security to meet me at the roof access hatch and for the spirits' sake keep this carrier in the air." With that, the Captain was out of sight.
Across the clear blue sky a smoke trail spread like a stain. From the ground the pursuing sand-sailers dodged flying boulders and jets of fire, launched from the defensive railings of the air ship. They deftly moved though the sands some appearing as though they were flying as the weaved. Slowly but surely the massive airship began to descend and as it grew closer to the ground the rock projectiles and fireballs were met with streams of sand blasting up form the ground like geysers.
Hanging high in the air, Azusa and her passengers continued to keep pace with the airship. Bayar's arms swung furiously as her seeped sand into the machinery. Azusa faltered for a moment then returned to her steady pace, her mandibles chattered as she took deeper breaths the fill her insects lungs. Shen patted side encouraging his steed and then looked back to his brother.
"Bayar, hurry up! Azusa can only keep up this pace for so long."
"Almost done, don't get your wrappings in a twist," Bayar responded as sweat poured down his brow. As sparks started appear across the motor or the giant propeller, a grin to spread to Bayar's face. It was short lived as a flying stone disk zoomed past his head. The Projectile was followed by a burst of flame, causing Azusa to buck wildly and retreat form the air craft. Standing on the the roof of the airship wearing green and gold uniforms stood three benders each primed with their element. Bayar growled as he held on to Shen who guided the flying insect out of their range.
"Bayar, what now?" Shen asked, eying the opposition.
"Stick to the plan. I'll take care of the wetlanders, you blow the other other side," Bayar said lowering his own goggles over his eyes raising another jar off Azusa's harness with a steady movement.
"But Bayar-" Shen began, but was cut off quickly.
"We came up with the plan, we stick to it, never veer off course. You got that, Shen?"
"Yeah..." Shen said, conceding.
"You got this!" Bayar said as he launched the jar towards the gathered benders bellow and jumped off the flying beetle after it. The security team scattered as as the jar hit the metal plating shattering and spilling sand in every direction. Landing in a crouch Bayar Immediately raised his arms up wrapping himself in sand and hardening it into solid rock in the shape of an orb just as a missile of fire impacted and dispersed against it.
"Keep the pressure on!" A dark skinned Waterbender shouted as he bent the the water from the reinforced flask at his him and swung it towards the sand stone orb. The bearded Firebender let out a barrage of fire balls that chipped away it, while the balding Earthbender circled stomping his foot causing a stone disk to fly out of a dispenser harnessed to his back. The stone ball suddenly split in half, one piece flying at the Firebender blowing through the incoming projectiles, smashing right into the attacking man, launching him across the bow of the ship. As his projectile hit its mark Bayar twisted, bending the remaining half of stone back into sand and whipped it out at the Waterbender. Wrapping the sandy tether around his enemies leg Bayar yanked it and took the Waterbender's legs out from under him. Turning to Face the Earthbender, Bayar's leg kicked out smashing a Stone disk mid-flight. Catching the shards from the shatter stone before they hit the ground, Bayar ducked a second stone disk and launched the smaller projectiles at the enemy Bender, who raised his arms quickly to protect his head and vital areas from the piercing shrapnel. Bayar used that opening to close the distance and knee the rival Earthbender in the stomach. As the enemy Earthbender bent over holding his stomach, Bayar Rolled around him placing him in position just as a wave of water crashed into his new shield. Bayar slammed his foot into the ground and spun back around the other side of the stunned Earthbender sending the newly popped disk from his back flying into the attacking Waterbenders face. Using the momentum from his throw Bayar spun kicking the still standing Earth bender in the side of the head sending his foe to the ground. Landing in a crouch Bayar scanned for his brother, and seeing a shimmer out of the corner of his eye. Bayar ducked just in time to watch a metal sheet fly by his head, he could hear the rushing of wind as is cut it way through the air. Bayar turned to face a man wearing plated armor, who was in the middle of tearing another sheet of metal off the the roof of the airship to use as a weapon. Bending the remaining sand into the air Bayar charged to meet the newly arrived wetlander.
Shen and Azusa circled the air ship, heading to the other side, the strong winds making the flying beetle's flight wane unsteadily. The closer the pair got to the spinning propellers the worse the turbulence became. Shen looked at the machinery, eyes taking in the massiveness of it. Despite himself Shen couldn't help but admire it and the rest of the craft. The wetlanders could seemingly create and do any thing given enough time, ships the size of mountains rolling the skies as if they were birds, tales of giant men made of metal, weapons that bent the spirits them selves. So many marvels. So many marvels and yet the wetlanders allowed people to starve and die. Feeling Azusa falter Shen distanced himself from his bitter thoughts as he stood up on his oldest friend's back. Planting his feet as his brother did he raised the two remaining jars into the air.
"Stick to the plan" Shen thought as he launched the jars into the fan blades and began to bend them into the crevices. Shen struggled as he reached out with his chi to feel the shifting sands, a task that became harder as the small pieces of rock disappeared into the machinery. Shen closed his eyes blocking out every thing as he desperately felt for the earth. Shen tried to focus on the lessons his brother had tried to teach him over the years, but those thoughts led him to thinking about if the task would be done by now if Bayar hadn't rushed off at the first opportunity to fight wetlanders. These thoughts weakened Shen's grip on the sand, he cursed mentally as he felt part of these sands he controlled slip away dispersing into the bowels of the machine. Taking a deep breath Shen refocused himself. Reaching out again he felt as the sand met resistance and when it touched free air, from their he started judging where the resistance felt weak and were it felt strong, using that to determine what he could break.
"There..." Shen said under his breath as he felt a vital component. Shen waved his arms lifting the heel of his feet to balance on the balls of his toes as the sand inside circled the weak piece. Swinging both arms inward and slamming to the flats of his feet. Shen felt the sand inside compress around its target and crush it. With a spark and and popping sound the propeller started to shake as another fire broke out. The airship hitched hard as it now began to dive-bomb towards the desert floor at an accelerated rate. Inside the airship the crew clung to the what ever the could as the ships altitude rapidly decreased.
"We lost propeller number two on starboard, the ship cannot maintain it's altitude! We're going down!" the female cadet shouted from her console, as she cling to it like she was embracing a long departed loved one.
"No, really?! Thank you for that breaking news update!" Gan-Lan screamed as he dragged himself towards a wall.
"What do I pay you people for?!" Gan-Lan barked as he he elbowed a glass case bolted to the wall, bearing red characters and grabbed the leaver inside leaning back with all his weight. The switch flipped and again the entire ship shook this time from within. On the hull beneath the ship steam suddenly erupted, as metal detached. The giant pieces fell to the earth kicking up sand almost miles up. A sand-sailer was nearly taken out by the discarded parts, narrowly avoiding it as the metal crashed to the ground. Looking directly up they saw what the metal had concealed; A giant turbine spanning implanted in the middle of the ship. On top of the ship Bayar and Mao fought their duel, dodging and blocking each others blows. As they charged at each other the roof split open and retracted stopping their assault in mid way. The shifting metal causing them to both lose their balance. Air erupted from the top of the newly revealed turbine blowing both men off the top of the airship. Mao swung his arm a cable launching out. Desperately he bent the cable praying to the universe, and was rewarded when he felt it tie around a protruding pipe from the airship. Unfortunately for Mao, the sudden tautness of the the cable as it ran out of length dislocated his shoulder as he came to a abrupt stop. As he began to swing limply, Mao scanned for his falling enemy, he sported him continuing to fall towards the waiting desert below. Flying in from the periphery of Mao's vision came a giant beetle. Diving with all the grace of a falcon, the insect swooped down catching the falling raider. Mao was sure there was no way a beast of that size, moving that fast could pull up in time and avoid the deceptively hard sand. Narrowing his eyes Mao saw the animal's rider jump to stand on the back of the beast and with hard movement the sand receded forming a crater, allowing the fling creature to pull up.
"Great job, Shen!" Bayar yelled as Asuza cradled him in her many legs, looking up to see his tired looking brother take his place back on his steeds saddle.
"You okay?" Shen said, looking down on his brother, concern showing even though his eyes and brow were hidden behind his goggles.
"Yeah, but the plans a bust. We almost had it. Curse those wetlanders!" Bayar said gritting his teeth. "We have to retreat."
"Retreat?" Shen thought, and looked down to see Azusa's tiredly continuing to fly in pace with the airship. Looking back at the waiting Sandbenders keeping pursuit from the ground below. Shen thought about why they were here, why he was here. They had left without the permission of the shamans,because they had too, there was no other option, there were people counting on them. That simple thought made Shen's decision for him.
"Azusa, up." Shen said with a knock of her shell. She obeyed rising up towards the airship, her breaths becoming more labored but she moved forward., but here determination matches Shen's as always.
"Shen, what are you doing? We need to sound the horn!" Bayar yelled up to his brother, puzzled.
"Bayar...Brother, I have an idea," Shen said, eyes focused on the airship. With a swing of his arms Shen brought up a stream of sand enough for him and Bayar. He knew they would need it.
"As I told you, the Cabbage Carrier is uncrashabel!" Gan-Lan bellowed as he stood in the middle of the bridge a huge smile across his face, his hair a mess, and his suit torn in several places, but he didn't care this was a moment triumph.
"Those primitives didn't know who they were dealing with! After news of this spreads both the Earth Federation and the Fire Nation will be lining up to have one of theses masterpieces!" Looking down from rafters he was chortling too Gan-Lan saw the faces of the crew were all focused on some thing else some thing behind him.
"Pardon?" Gan-Lan asked before turning around to look out the domed window Gan-Lan saw a flying beast racing ahead of the carrier. Tilting his head quizzically, Gan-Lan pondered just what his eyes were looking at. He spotted s rider on the creatures back, dressed in the bandage-like wraps he had seen Sandbenders wearing when visited the still growing Oasis City as a child. Sandbenders had giant flying beetles?
"Is that a thing?" He wondered. Before Gan-Lan Could truly appreciate the irony of a flying Earthbender, the flying beast turned course and charged right at the bridge of the ship. Gan-Lan's mouth went dry his eyes going wide, he turned to run but it was too late. Azusa smashed through the reinforced glass like, like it was nothing, the burning hot air thundering in behind her as she let out a trumpeting screech. The crew all ducked taking cover from the flying glass as Gan-Lan slide across the grated floor landing in a heap under a falling chair. Azusa landed a loud breath hissing out of her as she shook her head, horn scraping against the ground as if issuing a challenge. Jumping from the top of his beetle, Shen slammed a Stone spear into a console, a simple spark was followed by a small explosion. Two guards rushed into the bridge, pushing the fleeing crew aside, one launching a burst of fire towards Shen's backside. Before the fireball could hit its mark a wall of sand rose up. The two guards barley had time to spot Bayar before he sent the wall flying into them with with an uppercut, smashing them flat against the wall. Bayar turned to speak to his brother, to praise him or yell at him he wasn't sure, but Shen was already onto his next task. Taking what little sand he had left, Shen bend it into a panel on a wall and pulled , straining as his sand took it off the hinges revealing the vulnerable wires and components inside. He didn't know what they did but he new it had to be important. Had Shen been in the moment he would of taken a moment to evaluate the situation, but he wasn't in the moment, his blood was boiling and he felt like sharing it with the world. Taking a deep breath Shen leaned back chest inflating, a moment later Fire spewed from his mouth. The flames gushed forward in a powerful torrent as Shen burnt the guts of the bridge explosions erupted from consoles all around him. The ship shook violently more explosion spreading in various sizes throughout the ship as it was dealt a fatal blow. Shen panted hard, feeling lightheaded. He regretted this decision immediately as he struggled for breath. his lungs were burning, literally.
"Shen, you idiot! Come on!" Bayar said as he grabbed his brother and threw him over his shoulder climbing onto Azusa. The Giant Beetle needed no orders as she spread her wings and flew out of the ruined carrier bridge the way she came, into the the dry desert sky. Coughing Gan-Lan dragged himself up from where he had lain. His masterpiece was in tatters, he tried running to the wheel of the ship, trying to right the falling ship but nothing responded. Looking out the ruined window he saw the desert coming closer and closer.
"No...MY CABAGE CARRIER!"
In the desert you learn to be fast. You learn to move fast, and efficiently, because the longer your out in the sun, the bigger the toll is on your body. In less then forty minutes, the Sandbenders had stripped the air ship of everything of worth. Water, food, medicine, any and all parts the traveling merchants of Si Wong desert would deem worth taking. Leaving the crew of the air ship with enough food and water to make it back to what they decided to call civilization. The Sandbenders disappeared into the wastes as fast as they had struck. They traveled across the desert in a v formation Azusa flying over head, leading there way home. They sailed until the sun began to set, No Sandbender would travel through the desert at night, through a mix of tradition and practicality. They mad camp amidst the dune, there skiffs gathered circle around their camps to protect n case of a attack. Shen walked amongst the fires. The men of the raiding party gave him nods, and words of congratulations, the older men bringing him to her fire sides to give a more hardy congratulations. Shen didn't know how to handle all the attention. He wasn't used to being in the spotlight, even with his little secret. He wished it would stop, Bayar was much better suited for this kinda thing. Prying him self away from the the third group of Sandbenders wanting to fill him with cactus juice, Shen made his way to the edge of camp away from the eyes of his tribesman. He finally found him self a section of isolation, far enough a way from the fires he could feel the chill setting in as the heat escaped the desert sand. Thousands of stars shone in the night sky cascading across the vast horizon, and like many many nights before Shen found him self lost in thought while gazing at them. As he sat cross legged he raised on the sand, Shen raised one of his hands up. Taking a quick look around to make sure no eyes were on him, Shen ignited a small flame in his hand. It was a small piddling thing, that struggled to stay lit. Shen focused trying to make it bigger, but instead just put it out. With a grunt of annoyance, Shen shook his hands and tried again.
"Shen!" a voice barked behind him, causing Shen to jump shooting a burst of flame up from his palm. Shen yelped as his sleeve came alight, and he tried patting it out. When that wasn't working, he bent a hole of sand open and thrust his arm in, smothering it. He let out a sigh of relief before looking up to see the disapproving face of his brother.
"Is nearly getting your foolish self burnt to a crisp once today not enough, Shen?" Bayar said hands on his hips. Shen looked away, rubbing the back of his head, pouting just a bit.
"The shamans told you your fire bending is too dangerous to use. The fact I had to carry you out of the airship should have gotten that through your head."
"It's not like we've been doing a good job listening to the shamans the last few days," Shen said under his breath, but intentionally loud enough for Bayar to hear. Bayar's brow furrowed, but with a sigh he relented. Both brothers looked away letting the awkward silence hang a moment before Bayar spoke again.
"You did great Shen, you kicked major wetlander butt. We couldn't have done it with out you." Bayar said putting his hand on his brothers shoulder. Shen smiled a little not feeling like shrinking when the praise came from his brother.
"Think the shamans will still be mad?" Shen asked with a hopeful grin.
"The fact it actually worked means what ever they do to us will be one hundred times worse," he responded, with a big laugh that Shen joined in on. There laughter was cut short as they felt a shift in the sand beneath them, as some one approached. Sharing the briefest of glances the brothers surrounded the trespasser. Bayar raised a tendril of sand from the ground into the air above him ready to lance it out, while Shen raised a wave of sand solidifying it into a blockade to defend from any low attacks. The approaching old man jumped back hands up in surrender.
"Wait! Wait! I mean no harm," he panicked, doing his best to look non-threatening. The brown wraps the man wore marked him as Sandbender, but neither Shen nor Bayar recognized him.
"State your name and business," Bayar said, watching the man like he would a Viperhound.
"My name Hu, and I saw your camp fire in the distance. I was just hoping for some water maybe a little food, from fellow Sandbenders," the man said, staying calm, eyes scanning for the light he was sure he saw. Shen relaxed visibly at the mans response.
"What tribe do you belong to?" Bayar asked, keeping his guard up. The man flinched and looked down in shame.
"No tribe," he said finally. Bayar dropped his sand and stood up straight, but didn't take his eyes off the visitor.
"We have nothing to share with an Exile. Leave," Bayar said, in a manner which made clear there was no room for negotiation. Hu bowed a little before backing up. When he felt comfortably away from the intimidating young man he turned and walked away quickly.
"Come on, Shen," Bayar said, as he turned back towards camp. Shen turned to follow, but stopped to look back at the fading form of Hu on the horizon. After a moment he ran to catch up with his brother.
The Sun was beginning to set, the golden orb falling below horizon. The view was shared with one of the main volcanoes that known to dot the Fire Nation's landscape. The ash emanating from the fiery peek carpeted the sounding land for miles, one would mistake it for snow if the tropical heat of these lands didn't make the very concept seem impossible. The normally rolling greenfield outside the Capital were now a sea of gray as far as the eye could see. It was a great background for a Agni Kai. A mile out side the great city laid a great court yard, a remnant of a age long gone, that still saw weekly and and depending on the the season possibly daily use. Two figures knelt at opposite ends of the dirt floored court, one a young man with a poorly growing beard and receding hair line that would give the impression he was balding early. On the adjacent side of the court knelt a beautiful teenaged girl, her hair was short, standing up on her head it curled near the top in the way that resembled a flame. The girls golden eyes focused on the ground as she steadied her self. Tranquil as a forest but on fire with in, it was a state of being she had worked years to master. She rose to her feed shrugging off the garment that had laid over her shoulders, revealing her slender but toned arms and lithe frame. Her feet where bare and so was her midriff, the traditional agni kai gear keeping her chest wrapped tight. Her opponent took a fighting stance with an aggressive flourish and angry scowl peeking over the fist put up to protect his face. Her eyes narrowed as she took he own stance firmly planting her feet a knife hand extending out as if she was beckoning him towards her. Her stance was held with a sense of precision and tradition in stark contrast t the more modern defense of her opponent. They waited for a tense moment, anticipating the ringing gong that would announce the start of the duel. The silence hung in the air, and then it hung some more, and instead of a ringing gong came a loud crunch. Both duelists turned to look at the side where a young woman with brown skin, and a flower in her hair. She stared off into the distance, as her hand ruffled through the bag of chips sitting on her lap, bringing a salted snack up to her mouth, resulting in another loud crunch. She jumped a little when the other girl cleared her throat as loud as she could.
"Heh...Sorry," the girl said with a slight blush and a face splitting grin as she raised a small gong and smashed the stick into it letting out a long echoing clang through the court yard. Using the distraction the man launched out a fire ball with a quick jab following with another two jabs when his projectile had traveled halfway across the court. The girl reacted instantly, ducking the first fireball, then sidestepping the next projectile before finally raising here hands swirling it in mid air dispersing the last fireball into embers. Taking a moment to appreciate the stunned look on her opponents face, the girl continued her advance, spinning around a panic burst of flame. The balding young man spun low crouching low circling out a wave of flame in the widest arc he could. With out any real forward momentum the girl flipped over the flames her arms wrapped around her chest as her head passed only an inch away from the flame. Landing on her feet she closed the gap with a roll forward coming to her feet in front of her enemy. The man came at her with a flaming fist, but the duel was already decided. The girl intercepted the strike parrying it with her wrist causing a spurt of flame to shoot off to the side harmlessly, curling her hand around his hand she gripped his wrist and pulled the man towards her. Her foot snapped out kicking his leg breaking his stance. With in the split second her kick connected she thrust out an open palm to meet his chest a burst of flame impacting against him. The blow sent him flying landing flat on his back leaving him smoldering on the ground. The girl put her feet together bringing her hands to her chest and lowered them slowly palms facing down as she let out a deep breath.
"Way to go, Kimmiko!" the brown girl said, running up to her with a towel and a bottle of water, a bounce in her step as she moved. Kimmiko let a small smile slip to her face as she took the towel wiping the sweat from her brow and then placing it on her shoulders as she took the water.
"Thank you, Poi," she said, giving her oldest friend a nod.
"Sorry that took so long."
"Naaah, it's cool, Sis. Besides, you're always in a better mood after you've gone all alpha female on some one," Poi said with a grin that had yet to leave her face.
"The two things are not connected, I assure you," Kimmiko said with a matter of fact tone to her voice, but the small grin on her face showed Poi was onto something.
"Surrrrre," Poi said while actually poking her friend in the shoulder. Kimmiko pouted, letting out a "hmmph" sound as she turned her nose up. As the two girls conversed, the defeated young mad stirred getting to his knees, with a snarl he lunged trying to attack Kimmiko from behind. Poi's eyes went wide seeing this and pushed Kimmiko aside. Stomping her foot and swinging her arm in a wide diagonal arc that took her into a wide low stance, the water flew out of Kim's bottle slapping the man across the face like like a watery right hook, putting him back on his back before he could even produce a flame.
"Hey brah, you need to...cool off!" Poi said, looking down at him with her big smile. Behind her Kim groaned pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Really, Poi?"
"Hey, it's not my fault your duels always get so...heated." Poi's said grinning wide, spreading her arms as if waiting for applause. Kim replied with a narrow stare, a disgusted snort and a simple turn of her heel as she began to walk away.
"Oh forget you Kim that was funny," Poi protested as she followed her friend into the dressing room.
Kim walked head held high as she got cleaned up. This had been the fourth agni kai she had been challenged to this month, and while Kim enjoyed fighting, (and winning) she had more important things to do then putting every upstart noble, who had a bone to pick with her flat on there back. Poi meanwhile sat cross legged on on a bench just outside the shower as Kim freshened up, taking the moment to finish her chips.
"So what was the deal with that guy, anyway, Kim?" Poi asked with her mouth full.
"He seemed more into it then the usual hot head," she said with a little snicker at her own joke.
"I made a comment about his sister's choice of clothes at the charity dinner the other day, he took exception to it," Kim said exiting the shower, drying her hair with a towel she heated her self.
"Was she the one that wore the denim jacket?" The other girl asked as she turned the now empty bag upside down with a pout.
"The one with the tassels."
"Ugh, he should of challenged her to a duel for going out dressed like that. Still, Kim, it wouldn't kill you to...you know...not say the first thing that sprang to your mind."
"Why? I wasn't wrong," Kim asked, looking over at her long time friend, as she rested the towel around her shoulders.
"No, I know. It's just some people can find it abrasive. I'm just saying a filter wouldn't hurt," she said as delicately as she could.
"Tell you what, Poi: People cut down on being wrong I'll cut down on calling them on it," Kimmiko said with a grin as she took a handful of mousse and and ran it threw her hair making it stand up like a flame. Poi merely sighed and followed her friend out the locker room. With a flourish Kimmiko Put on a Black leather jacket adorned with gold-embroidered dragons, as she approached her shiny new red satomobile. It was an early birthday present from her parents, Kim loved it even if she wished they had gotten it in some thing other then red, every thing was red. Placing a pair of sunglasses on her head, Kim looked over at Poi trailing along besides her, wearing the red jumpsuit, she had helped her pick out. Poi wasn't into fashion, their entire friendship Kim had ether given her cloths that she didn't wear any more (and that would fit her), or picked out Poi's cloths for her when ever she could convince her friend to splurge on her self. Kim enjoyed it, but she knew that poi didn't care all that much what she wore. But much like these duels Poi followed her on, the girl with the tattoos would never complain. With this in mind Kim decided to try and make this dull evening up to her best friend.
"Poi, do you want to drive?" Kim asked, stopping next to her sleek new vehicle. Poi fidgeted at the question, looking at the car like she would at a well cooked meal.
"I really shouldn't. If I scratch it, your parents will kill me, and then my parents will kill me," she said wrestling with her baser urges. Kim had noticed her eying the finely tuned machine for the last few days, and she new poi loved to try new things, and a top of the line car straight from republic city was right up her ally.
"Come on Poi, I know you wanna. Any scratch we can just buffer out," Kim said dangling the keys. It was a guilty pleasure to see Poi's eyes follow them like a house cat with string.
"But you know I'm not very...coordinated. Remember what happened with the Prince-mobile?" Poi said hesitantly.
"That wasn't your fault Poi, even Kaizo said that hippo cow came out of nowhere," she said, trying her hardest not to laugh at the memory. Poi took a deep breath then exhaled letting the tension in her shoulders leak out of her, as a mischievous smile spread to her lips.
"Yeah alright, give me the keys," she finally relented, and with a grin Kim tossed them over. Poi caught them with a bit of a dive, and then hustled around the car slid across the hood as she began to giggle. Kimmiko got in on the passengers seat, looking over to see her friend take a moment to admire the imported catgator leather. Just as Kim felt that warm fuzzy feeling you get from making a friend happy, Poi revved the engine loudly, an fierce smile on her face.
"I think I've made a terrible mistake," Kim said as she quickly fastened her seat-belt. The mechanical click might as well been a starters whistle for Poi, as she floored the petal and the car shot forward.
Shen waited until Bayar's snoring was nice and loud. Getting up from his make-shift bed nestled in-between his brother and Azusa, Shen snuck deep into camp towards where they kept there pilfered supplies. The two guards that Bayar had chosen to guard it were leaning against each other, fast asleep. Shen climbed onto the sand-sailer, rustling through the the crates and barrels. Filling a sack with bread and canned goods, Shen filled a flask with water. Returning to where Bayar and he had encountered Hu, Shen began following his tracks, knowing the exile couldn't have gotten far. Shen walked through the desert, the sounds of the night moving all around him. He almost got lost In the serenity of it, before he found Hu, camped amongst a dune with his minor belongings.
"Who's there!?" Hu said, sitting up quickly as he heard Shen's approach, pulling out a small knife.
"Its okay, it's just me," Shen said holding his hands up, a reversal of their earlier meeting.
"I brought you some food..." he said, holding up the bag he had brought. Hu's eyes lit up as he put away the knife quickly, and waved Shen over giving him his thanks all the while. Hu Chomped into a loaf of breath, chasing it down with the water Shen had brought him.
"Whew, thank you, thank you, thank you," Hu said, wiping his mouth sloppily.
"I knew you were a good egg from the moment I saw you, Youngster," the older man said eating a piece of fruit whole, and then let out a tiny belch that made Shen cringe.
"Well, I should be getting back to camp," Shen said backing up a little.
"Wait! It's been too long since I've had another Sandbender to talk to," the older man asked, the tone of loneliness evident in his voice. Shen knew he should get back to camp, before Bayar noticed he was gone, but he just couldn't will his feet to move. Sighing he sat down across from Hu. The old man had a small fire going, just big enough to keep him warm. His only belongings seemed to be a tattered tent and a worn backpack, that had little in it.
"So what tribe do you and yours belong to?" Hu said as he bit into a piece of jerky, moaning softly at the first taste of meat he had received in weeks.
"The Stormbreakers."
"I know of the Stormbreakers youngster, courage and wisdom in equal measures. But I had heard you had forsaken the raiding years ago." The older man said looking across the fire. Shen gazed into the fire, as sadness skimmed across his face.
"Times change like the sands. We do what we must to live."
"Truth. Life has never been easy for our people, and you sound like you have had it worse than others." He spoke and Shen smiled, particularity at "our people". Hu noticed this and smiled him self. The continuing the conversation, Shen asked about the the tribe the exile was born to. He pressed asking question after question eager to learn about the other cultures of his people, not knowing if he would get another chance for this. You'd be amazed about what can be discovered from a simple conversation Within the course of twenty minutes Shen learned a new trick for making meat last, how to treat a Viperhound bite, and twelve of the fifteen different uses for cactus juice, and here Shen thought there was only one. The Cultural exchange was son cut short as the sound of buzzing grew in the distance. Azusa hated being away from Shen, she couldn't sleep with out him next to her, he wasn't surprised that she would of tracked him down. He just hoped Bayar hadn't come with. Standing Shen looked out at the horizon , but instead of seeing the form of his oldest friend, he saw a a dozen feathered insects, moving erratically towards there makeshift camp.
"Buzzard wasps!" Shen yelled, as Hu scrambled up. Shen bent a wall of sand up with a stomp of his foot and solidified it in an attempt to ward of the beasts. Hu pulled out his knife, but in his panic dropped it, he fell to his knees trying to retrieve it. Shen felt the beasts impact against his shield, there sharp beaks boring through the relatively soft sand rock like it was nothing. Shen stomped his foot and and then slide it straight behind him him, the sand beneath him and Hu Solidifying into a rocky platform hat took them out of reach of the swarming Buzzard wasps. The Attacking beasts flew around them circling getting ready to attack from any direction. Shen swung his arms, a wave of sand flying into the air nailing one of the animals, but not hard enough to put it down for good. As his attack landed another one dive-bombed him and Hu, if Shen hadn't ducked a second later, the beasts stinger would of taken off his head. Shen tried to bend another lance of sand with a a kick, but another swooping Buzzard wasp cut that attack short. Hu Scrambled away under an attacking beast , crawling as fast as he could before breaking out into an unsteady run.
"Hu! Stay together!" Shen called after him but his voice was unheard over Hu's frantic yells, which quickly attracted a few of the swarming beasts. Shen spun kicking a wave of sand sending one of the animals into the ground, but the opening that caused was seized by another insect bird, is sharp beak slicing into Shen's arm. A small wound but the first of many at this rate. Hu screamed as the three Buzzard wasps descended on him pecking at him as he curled into a ball protecting his head. Shen grit his teeth, he knew hat he had to do if ether of them were going to make this out alive. Shen broke into a run towards Hu, sliding under a dive bombing Buzzard wasps. Shen leaped as he closed the distance reeling his arm back as he swung out a bright orange arc of fire launching into the air. The Buzzard wasp attacking Hu, screeched as they ceased their attack immediately to get as far away from the flames as possible. Hu looked up to see why his incoming death was called off, just as Shen turned and with a roar let out another burst of fire. The human made torch sending the remaining scavengers flying away in a panic. She gave a determined nod, then sniffed as a waft of smoke floated upwards passed his face. Looking down Shen saw that he had set the wraps on his hand and forearm alight. With a yell he he flailed his arm running around as he beat at it in a futile attempt to put it out. Hu watched mind trying to comprehend what he jut saw, as the young man stop, dropped ad rolled finally putting out the flame he he had created from his bare hands.
"H..how did you do that?" The old man said, eyes wide. Shen looked up from the scorched cloth on his arm.
"Well..." The sound of buzzing cut short, the explanation. Shen turned expecting the Buzzard wasps return but this time, It was Azusa. Shen was about to assume his luck had taken a turn for the better, but that thought was squashed by the sight of Bayar on the giant beetle's back. Even from from the distance that still separated them Shen could feel Bayar's disapproving eyes on him.
It had been an awkward flight. After Shen's midnight excursion, a slightly hostile bribe, and a very one-sided argument. The brothers had barley said anything to each other, not during breakfast, not during inventory, not during the whole flight back to their home. Bayar sat behind Shen on the back of Azusa, Arms crossed, doing what could only be described as a "manly pout". Every few minutes Shen would look back, looking for the words to say. Shen knew Bayar had a point, he had nearly lit himself on fire again, and broke custom aiding an exile. To Shen however, these were just things that needed to be done. Still best to make peace and placate his brother, they were gonna need to be on the same page to weather what came next. Shen pulled out a shiny red piece of fruit, he had taken from the the rations for Hu. Bayar had always loved these, despite saying the wetlander fruit was too sweet. When ever they could afford them, or could trade for one, Bayar would always aim for them. Shen turned around in the saddle, pushing his goggles up on to his brow.
"Here," Shen said, holding the fruit out to his brother. Bayar looked at it, mouth contorting a little before he sighed.
"Thanks," he said after a moment. The acceptance of the gesture, being the closest to an actual apology as Bayar would go. For Shen it was more then enough. Turning back towards the horizon a big grin split across his face, as home came into sight. A giant flag stood straight up its banner flying in the Wind bearing the mark of their tribe. All around were small square huts made from the sand beneath there their feet solidified into temporary shelter. On the dunes behind the village flocks of lamaboars grazed while being watched by shepherds. As they approached a horn blew to signal their return as the huts emptied out, the tribe yelling celebrating the return of their young men.
"Home sweet home!" Bayar yelled standing up in the saddle.
"Alright Shen, bring her in!" he said hand son Shen's shoulders. Shen nodded knocking on Azusa's shell causing her to dive bomb. The gathered crowd cheered as they came down, and the sand-sailers rode in parking in cleared space. The tribe cheered running to reunite with their loved ones, sons received slaps n the backs and welcoming hugs, Fathers received crying children and smiling wives. Many of the young women of the tribe crowded around Bayar, making the young man blush, pushing through to climb onto a sand-sailer to get away and start distribute medicine and food. Shen helped handing the most needed goods to who he knew required it most. A woman weeped as she revived medicine that would cure her daughters cough, and kissed Shen on the head, before running off to start the treatment. Shen smiled at that, at her and the face of his appreciative tribe, Bayar had been right about the reward being worth he risk. He looked up at his brother who had an equally wide grin, as he handed water and food to those who needed it. Shen caught Bayar's eye and the brothers shared a grin and a fist bump, as Bayar slid down from the sailer.
"Well I'll be sun baked, you little sidewinders did it." Shen and Bayar looked up to see a man with a crutch hobbling up to them. He was in his graying years, and wore a long flowing robe.
"Did you doubt us, Kahn?" Bayar said grinning at his uncle, as Shen stepped forward giving a nod.
"Course not, if any one could do it, it would be you two, it's why I covered for you two" Kahn said, looking at the raided goods.
"By the shifting sands, looks like you got enough food, to keep us going through the storm seasons and then some," Khan said, reaching into an open barrel to take our a red fruit.
"We also stole parts form the airships engine to trade for," Shen said waving his arm towards the sailer containing tightly packed machinery. That elicited a impressed whistle from Kahn.
"Maybe that will be enough to placate the shamans." The comment made both Shen and Bayar tense up, an the color drain from there faces till they were sickly blue.
"Yeah...they wanna speak with you immediately," Khan said, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. The brothers shared a look of despair, as they began to walk through the crowd. The villagers parted as if they were a funeral march, Shen and Bayar walked appropriately. In the center of the village sat a sand stone building bigger then the rest of the village, shaped like a dome. The inside of the dome was well lit with scented candles, and silk cushions, that surrounded large obsidian bowl that was filled with red sand. Two pillows were laid out before the bowl, which Bayar and Shen knelt down on quickly. The Wall opposite to them had six man sized archways. Shen took a deep breath looking over at Bayar who was keeping his cool. The walls beneath the archways crumbled to sand as a woman walked out of each door. They were all dressed heavily in robs and shawls that revealed nothing but there faces. They walked with with a powerful grace, there heads held high as they each sat on a cushion, save for one who looked down at the kneeling brothers, before taking her seat in the middle, showing she would be leading the shamans in this discussion.
"Hi Mom," Shen said regarding the head shaman, hoping that the reminder of familiar bonds would help.
"Mother," Bayar said in a tone that suggested he did not share Shen's optimism on the matter. Shae was a graying, but still beautiful woman, with porcelain features and piercing green eyes that never seemed to blink always watching, always observing. She was the youngest shaman there, but she carried herself with the same sense of respect the elder woman did.
"Bayar. Were you not present when the Shamans declared that there would be no raids on the wetlanders? I seem to remember seeing you sitting there as you do now with that same indignant look on your face. You know better than to defy the the circles words and to do it so flagrantly. Do you have anything to say to defend this disrespect?" Bayar recoiled at the barb and looked away blushing, looking ten years younger sitting before his mother.
"I thought not. And you, Shen," she said as her head turned like an owl to peer down on the younger brother. "When Bayar does some something foolish, I expect you to talk him out of it, not encourage him." Her tone had no anger, or even disappointment. It was Shen's turn to look down, he didn't feel embarrassment like Bayar how ever, why should he? They did the right thing.
"Mother, we know we disobeyed, leaving home and taking the sailers, but what were we supposed to do?" Shen said looking up angrily.
"Let our people starve because the bones didn't favor us? Continue to try and trade what little we had for morals and scraps from any who will pity us." A few of the shamans gasped at the young mans rudeness, Bayar him self looked like he was about to pass out, Shae however remained calmed and locked eyes with Shen.
"Your Father worked hard, to bring us away from our bloody past. It seems a shame his sons would destroy what he built." Now Shen felt embarrassed., his anger smothered thoroughly. His mother was a great Sandbender and an even better "Guiltbender" as Bayar often referred to it.
"Still what's done is done. Disobedient as you are you acted with your peoples best judgment in mind," another shaman spoke, seemingly to relive the boys from their mothers unrelenting assault.
"We will not punish you..." Her words drained the tension out of Shen and Bayar.
"...Too severely," Shae said, giving the other shaman the briefest of glares as Shen and Bayar tensed right back up.
"Since you two have decided you know better then the Merchants who provide for us, it will be your responsibilities to sell what you can from what you have acquired. You will receive no help in these matters, whether it be transportation or finding a buyer."
"But that will take months!" Bayar objected, then quickly returned his eyes too the floor when his mothers eyes fell on him.
"Well then you two had best get started," she said with a tone of finality, that signaled the other shamans to rise and return through there doors. Shen and Bayar rose after they were gone as was the custom and left quickly as they could short of running.
"That could of gone better," Bayar said, rubbing his beard as he walked beside Shen.
"Could of gone worse, too. Remember when we had to delouse all the lamaboars by hand?" They both stooped and shivered as the 2 week long nightmare replayed in there heads.
"I hate to think what will happen when she finds out you were Firebending in front of an outsider." His brother's reckless jab caused Shen to look around anxiously.
"Bayar I told you, it will be alright, we gave him a lot of food, and I saved his life," he said, trying to convince him self as much as Bayar, who looked thoroughly unconvinced.
"Trust me, Hu won't tell any one."
"I'm telling you, he was Firebending!" Hu said in the bar, telling any one who who would listen. Which at this point seemed to be no one. For the past week, he had been coming in here drinking diluted cactus juice, telling every one of his run in with the mysterious young man of the Stormbreaker tribe. As Hu ordered his fifth round of the drink, he wondered why no one believed him. He sighed looking down into his glass, It was empty again. Hu sighed, digging in his pockets, for cash to get another drink, the absence of metal or or paper singled to him that his little week of revelry was at an end. Hu sighed looking down at the depressing empty cup, that seemed to be mocking him. A man sat down next to him placing a shiny silver coin in front of Hu.
"Barkeep, another round, for my friend," the man said, taking down his hood as he spoke. Hu didn't recognize the man at all with his , long black hair, penciled onlooking Mustache and golden eyes.
"Uhh thanks...friend," Hu said, cautious of the generosity. The man smiled a toothy grin and turned to speak directly to Hu.
"So tell me more about this Firebender you saw."
The Fire Nation capital was alive with movement, the bustling metropolis, saw people coming and going in all directions. The city remained its classical architecture, with newer bigger building jutting up as high as they can painting the cites skyline. The city had long since outgrown the husk of a Volcano the city was originally founded in, and spread in many directions reaching out for the coast. The city streets were cramped, swarmed by pedestrians, but those with cars could not help but use them. Especially when you had a ride as nice as Kimmiko's. The sleek red Satomobile, glided on the pavement in between corners, stopping at seemingly every red light to let an endless steam of people to pass in front of it, much t the annoyance of Poi. The Brown skinned girl gripped the steering wheel, tapping her fingers impatiently, while Kimmiko sat next to her, arm leaning out the car door. Kim was glad for the the heavy traffic, it kept Poi's foot of the pedal, and it gave her time to think. It wasn't often she was called to the palace, -at least not any more- and when she was, it was usually of great importance. Kim wondered what Vacchir would ask of her. They arrived at the palace in good time despite the traffic. They car at the top of the garage, reserved for only high ranking officials and the royal family.
"I can't believe Vachir called you in on your birthday," Poi complained, pressing a button on the keys that made the car squeak before handing them back to Kimmiko.
"What ever it is its important. Duty trumps luxury, Poi."
"Yeah I know but the Cake my mom baked for you looked sooo good," Poi pouted, causing Kim to smile a little.
"There will be plenty of time for that after the meeting." Kim smiled and began walking, poi falling in behind her.
"Poi...did your mom bake the strawberry in with the cake like she did last year?"
"Yuuup," Poi said with her big face splitting grin, and Kimmiko began to walk faster, the thought of strawberry and chocolate dancing in her mind. They walked through the red velvet halls, making their way towards the Defense ministry. Despite the modern uses of electricity, the ministry was still lit by big braziers of torch like intensity. Despite the desks ,and phones ringing, and the other conveniences such as a vending machine or coffee maker. Walking into this part of the palace felt like walking back in time. Kimmiko and Poi walked up to a desk sitting next to to a large door with golden engraving. The receptionist looked up and nodded to Kim with a pleasant smile. She leaned over pressing on a button built into her phone.
"General Vachir, Miss Kimmiko is hear to see you." After a moment a smooth deep voice came over the intercom.
"Send her in." The secretary nodded and smiled friendly at Kimmiko. She then turned to look at Poi with a decidedly less friendly look.
"Your...servant will have to wait outside." Kimmiko gave Poi a sympathetic look, which was returned with a shrug and a forced look of indifference, as she went over to sit on a bench and wait. Kimmiko went to the door,taking a moment to adjust her hair and cloths before heading in. Vachir's office was like a tribute to fire nation history. four suits of Fire nation armor stood in display, each a different variation, used during the hundred year war. A model of the first Fire nation air ship hung from wire above her head. On the walls portraits of all the previous fire lords for the last five generations sat. A carpet led up to a big red wood desk , sitting behind it was a man with a shaved head, what hair he had was tied up in a topknot. His mustache and goatee were trimmed to perfection. He wore a tight fitting suit that accentuated his frame. He looked up from the form he was writing and smiled as he noted Kimmiko's presence. He set his pen down and clasped his gloved hands together, giving Kim full attention before he spoke.
"Kimmiko, you look lovely as always my dear. I love your new hair." Kimmiko blushed a bit but stood up straighter.
"Thank you, Sifu." she bowed quickly, thankful for the half second she had to recompose herself. Standing up straight again she crossed her arms behind her back, making sure her posture was perfect.
"I came as soon as I got your message sir, how can I help you?" As she asked a smile crept across Vachir's face.
"I do believe we found just the piece to tip the scales in our favor." That vague answer made Kimmiko's eyebrow jump.
"You mean...?" she began, trying to figure out the implications.
"I do believe we've found him." Vachir stood up walking to a map that sat on a wall, Kim's following him every step. Vachir raised his hand up stroking a section he had circled. He turned towards Kim smile still on his face.
"Right in the Earth Federation's backyard," he said, excited as a child, Kim couldn't help but feel it infect her too to as a smile crept to her face as well.
"Shen, you ruined everything!" Bayar shouted at his brother as he tried to put the fire out, bending a wave of sand into the carriage of wheat that was aflame.
"It was an accident!" Shen said trying to calm Azusa down, the poor thing going on a one-beetle rampage from her brush with the flames, having trampled a good deal of the wheat that wasn't going up In smoke.
"I learned at five years old that playing with fire was a bad thing! Why at sixteen does this still escape you?!" Bayar said deciding nothing on the cart would be worth saving and burying it completely in sand with a an angry stomp of his foot. Shen looked down knowing he messed up. He had tried to work on controlling the small flames he could make, that had obviously back fired spectacularly. In a matter of minutes all the wheat they had went up in flames, and there trip was now a waste.
"I'm sorry," was all Shen could say.
"'Sorry' doesn't unburn all the wheat, Shen. 'Sorry' won't stop Mom from making us run laps around the village barefoot. How hard is it to not shoot flames out of your fingers?!" Bayar said kicking the ground angrily, as Azusa whimpered her noises mirroring how Shen felt. Bayar took a deep breath calming down, as he paced.
"Is Azusa okay to fly?" he asked, showing concern over the still shaking beetle. Shen was still petting her, humming to try and calm her down but it wasn't working. Shen looked up at his brother and shook his head. Bayar sighed looking around, taking out a old broken compass that still worked well enough.
"Then I guess we're walking to town," Bayar sighed. "We'll find a Satojeep to get home."
"You think someone will give us a ride?" All Shen received in response was a blank stare.
"Oh."
Taraz was a boom town, sitting on a perfect trading route that went through he Si Wong Desert to the neighboring province, it was a striving place. It grew in support of Fort Bosco when it was re garrisoned in the Unification War, and while the fort had once again fallen to disrepair, the town was still alive. Merchants from all over the Earth federation and Free states traveled through here, as well your standard set of travelers, and even a few airships who needed to stop for fuel. The Market took up a big chunk of the town, a chaotic mess, of merchants trying to seek there wares, and people looking for opportunities. So many different types of people from different places were here on top of each other. Poi loved it. She frittered from kiosk to kiosk like a humming bird to a flower , looking at the different cloths, and jewelry, and food they had to offer. Kim had never seen her like this, when ever they went to the mall poi would just stand off to the side boredom.
"Where was this enthusiasm when I nearly got my eye gouged out during the Summer solstice sale?" Kim thought to herself bitterly. She leaned against the Sato truck they had rented. It was rusty brown with its glimmering silver hub caps begin the only thing new about it. The sales man said though she could run through the worse terrain the desert, so that was a plus. It was also the only truck that had a flatbed big enough accommodate all her luggage. She entertained the possibility that she had over packed, But realistically she had know idea how long this search would take,. If the Person she was looking for was in the desert, finding him would be nearly impossible. Luckily they had a lead, as suspicious as it sounded, it was some thing. After a quick check of her wrist watch Kim waded to through he crowd to drag Poi away before she spent all her money, on a "authentic" Kyoshi Island style dress. As Kim and Poi walked though the, the crowd Kim bumped into a young man, wearing brown rags, and goggles on his head. Kim quickly patted her pockets, to make sure they hadn't stolen any thing. The young man saw her do this and rolled his eyes, while the taller man next to him glared and spit, before continuing there way through the crowd. Kim and Poi came to the place they were to meet there contact. The bar was dingy place, looking like it was about to fall down. The music that was emanating from it was loud an ruckus. To say this was not a civilized place was an understatement.
"Oh come on, Kim. This will be fun. Were on a adventure! Smile, we're gonna be heroes," Poi said pulling Kim into the bar by her arm. As they entered every one inside turned to look at the 2 new strangers dressed in clean looking cloths dark reds and black. Despite there identical clothing they couldn't look more different. In height, in skin color, in there eyes, even if they weren't both attractive all eyes would still be on the strange pair. Kim walked in head held high, while Poi waved falling step behind her smile on her face. Gradually the noise of conversation and revelry returned to the bar by the time Kim reached the drink table.
"How old are you ladies?" the barkeep asked eying them up lazily as he cleaned a glass.
"Seventeen," Poi said, smiling and hopping up onto the stool.
"Nineteen," Kim said, scanning the bar, barely giving the barkeep a look.
"I can only sell you water."
"That is fine, that will be all we require," Kim said dismissively. Poi gave her an elbow in the ribs, giving her friend a stern look.
"Thank you," Kim said a bit more courteously, rubbing her rib as Poi gave her a nod of approval. While Kim scanned the bar a man came and sat between her, his hod was up as he looked down at the bar and spoke.
"The sun burns red as it dies," he said in a low gravely voice.
"And gold as it is born," Kim said turning to the man.
"Hey are you the guy were supposed to meet?" Poi said, leaning to look around as the guy let out a frustrated grunt.
"Poi, we were doing a thing," Kim said, annoyed.
"Right, right sorry! Super secret spy stuff." Poi waved her hand apologetically. Kim sighed and motioned to the man to follow her as she got up. They walked over to stand in a relatively deserted part off the bar, where an old man sat looking at a mug full of water with a look of such disgust, you would think the liquid had insulted his mother. As they departed two men saddled up to Poi at the bar to talk to her.
"So are you certain it's him?" Kim asked the spy, still sounding skeptical of the whole thing.
"I have heard Mr. Hu's story about 50 times, both sober and not, and can say with 97% assurance that the young man he speaks of is indeed the target." At this Kim looked at the man sitting at the table eyebrow raised. The man shook slightly but he manged t take his eyes away from the glass of water he was feuding with to give her a smile.
"And he knows where we can find him?"
"Yes siree, Ma'am, he's a Stormbreaker, they never wonder far past Hyena-king Peek. I can bring you right to them," Hu said eagerly. Kim didn't trust the man, but she assumed what ever reward he was promised would be enough to keep him in line.
"I have to say," the spy began, "When Vachir said he was sending someone he trusted, I was expecting some one older."
"I assure you despite my youth, my skill is proven. I have won nineteen agni kai," Kim said raising her chin just a bit. The man nodded at that.
"And your friend? Usually agents are more professional," he said nodding towards Poi was talking with the two guys laughing.
"I assure you, despite Poi's demeanor, she is quite capable." As Kim said this, one of the men talking to Poi put his his hand on her thigh and leaned in towards her. Poi smirked and with a flick of her hand the water in her glass shot out and hit the man in the face. The man sputtered and in anger swung a fist out at Poi. Poi leaned back leaning the fist pass in front of her face. As soon as it had completely passed she she grabbed him by the shoulder and forced him down smashing his head against the bar table. She spun the guy sending him right into his friend sending them both back sprawled out on the ground. As they began to rise up, Poi stomped her feet getting into a wide stance. The water and juice in the bottles behind her shot out f their glasses swirling into a cocktail above her head. She slapped her elbow as she stomped forward, a stream of liquid shot out like a jab, blasting one guy in the face. She stepped forward falling to one knee as the rest of the liquid shot out and wrapped around the other mans ankle. Poi rose form her knee turning and swung her arms up and over her head as the water she bend swung the man like a a whip sending him flying across the bar. The guy landed at Kim's feet, as he began to rise up Kim brought her foot down on his head keeping him on the ground. She Looked up towards the spy with a smile.
"Told you."
Kim, Poi and Hu walked through he crowd, Hu making a note to keep his distance from Poi.
"I think I might of overacted," Poi said, sounding legitimately sorry.
"A little, but it will be a good reminder to be more civilized around ladies, I think," Kim said with a smirk, but then turned to look at Hu.
"Are you sure you can identify him when you see him again?" Hu nodded eagerly at the question.
"Absolutely, Ms. Kimmiko," he said, giving a mock salute. Kim groaned at the gesture, rolling her eyes.
"Listen, just tell me as soon ass you see him." She said pinching her brow. A mission that would effect the course of history, and Kim had the feeling that she was the only one giving it the proper weight. Coming out of the crowd, She saw two men at her truck, one was standing on the back looking around while the other was bent over in the truck's passenger seat. Kim's eyes went wide as she realized what was going on.
"Stop!" She broke into a run towards them, the young man jumped in surprise as he watched Kim approach. He slammed on the hood hard, giving a warning to the man inside, before swinging his arm and bring a hastily made stone wall up from the ground. Kim leaped shooting out a burst of flame, giving her the lift necessary to flip over the wall. The young mans eyes went wide and jaw dropped at the sight. Suddenly the truck roared to life and took off right as Kim reached it. She tried to grab the railing as it speed off, but she missed it by an inch. She tried running after it but she knew it a futile effort before she even started. As the ruck sped off a bunch of Kim's bags and suit cases flew off the back, her cloths flying into the air descending like leaves. Kim screamed in frustration smoke bellowing out of her nostrils. She didn't notice Hu's presence until he tugged on her shoulder sleeve.
"What!?" Kim snapped, rounding on him. Hu stepped back to stand behind a worried looking Poi. He peeked around her shoulder, licking his lips as he struggled to find the words.
"Well, you see, you told me to tell you when I saw him. Well...The Avatar just stole your truck."
To be Continued.
The Path of Shen is a crowdsourced Avatar fan project. It started in a thread on /co/, where Anons pitching their ideas for a new story set in the Avatar universe. I am simply one of many talented Passionate fans who decided to put this together. It has been my honor to put this story together. We have 3 Books worth of ideas we hope to bring to the net, and we hope any one reading this will follow us every step of the way.