Inside the Jasmine Dragon-
Iroh smiled wistfully as he poured each of the children another cup of peppermint tea.
"Some "Legendary Hero" scoffed Hahn as he took a sip
"Xi'an himself would be the first deny that he was anything of the sort" said Iroh "Nobody wakes up and says to themselves, 'Today I become a great hero'. More often than not, they are thrust into a situation in which they must do one of two things, to fight or to do nothing. That is how a hero is born"
"If he ever existed" said Hahn dismissively "I mean, this is the most absurd story I've ever... OWWWWWW that hurt!"
A light smell of ozone filled the air as Hahn was the recipient of a painful shock from Hui. Hui was Hahn's best friend, but he like everyone else, got a bit tired of him trying to ruin a good story.
"Oh stop whining, it didn't hurt that bad!" said Hui "Just let Uncle Iroh tell the story!"
Hahn pouted but kept quiet..for now
"But why did it seem like the most of the village hated Xi'an?" asked Lan
"Yeah you think they'd be at least grateful for making sure they didn't starve" said Kanna
Iroh sighed sadly "Well even now, there are people in this world who aren't blessed with the gift of tolerance and acceptance. Instead they let their hearts be ruled by ignorance and fear"
"Fear of what?"asked Kanna
"You know what two different color eyes are called don't you?"
"Of course!" said Lan "They're the Guardian's Eye, a symbol of bravery and courage. Everyone knows that"
"Well that wasn't always the case" said Iroh "In fact, at one time it was called the Odd Eye, it was thought to be very bad luck. In fact the superstitious thought them to be the source of all bad luck in the village"
"It sounds like Xi'an was just a scapegoat" said Tai "Just someone to blame"
"So why didn't he just take Kun's offer and just leave?" asked Hui
"The village was home to the only family he had left, and despite all he went through, he had a few people who cared deeply for him. If I were to guess, I believe he thought if he tried hard enough, he might earn the respect of the rest of the village" explained Iroh
"But that didn't happen did it?" asked Tai
"Sadly no, some people, like fate itself can be very cruel ..."
Chapter 4
-The Exile-
The soft chime of a bell chimed as Xian entered Trader Kang's shop. Apart from his family, Kang was the only member of the village who would have anything to do with Xi'an. The gruff grouchy old man didn't care for many people in general and it sickened his stomach to see a good kid practically shunned by the whole village.
"That will be 7 copper pieces, now get out of here!" Kang snapped
The woman grabbed her purchases and left but not before cutting a dirty look at Xi'an who just ignored her.
"You really gotta work on that customer service, old man" he smiled
"Those ungrateful buzzard-wasps should be glad I sell them anything at all" Kang said walking to the shop door; flipping the open sign to the "Closed, Now get LOST" side. "How, you put up with them I'll never know!"
Xi'an shrugged with indifference "Eh, I'm used to it'
"Yeah but you shouldn't have to be" said Kang "I heard Fung tried to cheat you and Kun offered you money to leave again."
"What else is new?" said Xian
"Don't get me started on those two..."
"So" Xi'an said changing the subject "You got anything new in?"
"As a matter of fact, I do" Kang said setting down a pile of stuff on the counter
Xian shook his head smiling, Kang never failed to impress him. Where the old man got his inventory he never knew, but somehow the most unusual and strange things always made it to his shop. A few things caught his eye, a pair of matching jade pendants of badger moles, a water tribe boomerang, a Jeweled hair pin and... A very well crafted bracelet
"Ah Ha" Kang teased "I see you have your eyes on the bracelet. Perhaps a gift for your lovely lady friend I've heard about?
"Uh no, it's nothing like that, I found her hurt in the woods." Xi'an lied "So, I had Aunt Sho make sure she's okay. That's all"
"Boy, you are a terrible liar" said Kang playfully "Just looking at all that red on your face tells me otherwise"
"Okay fine, I think she's pretty" said Xi'an blushing even more "But one thing about her bugs me"
"Yeah?" said Kang "What's that?"
"Well she speaks like a noble, but I didn't see any sign of a caravan or escort. She wasn't wet, so I don't think she fell in the river and got washed up here. And I don't think she trekked here because all she had on was just tattered clothes and no shoes. All I found in her general area was a bunch of foot prints of something big with six legs." explained Xi'an "Just where did she come from?"
"That is strange" laughed Kang "But in my experience, true blessings are very rare to come by . If fate decides to drop a pretty girl in your lap, I say don't question it, stupid. Just go with the flow"
"I guess" said Xi'an "Well, I'll take the water tribe boomerang, the pendants, the hairpin and...Um... the bracelet. How does 5 gold sound?
"Sounds like you have a deal, kid" said Kang motioning to a cloth covered item "Hey take a look at this"
Xi'an eyes widened as he revealed a very well crafted sword with a ebony black blade.
"Expertly balanced" Kang said "The edge is honed to a sharp perfection. I have to say, it's truly is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship"
"There's no chance you be will to part with it for say...7 Gold?' Xian bargained
"HAHAHAHA" Kang laughed "An item like this, I'd expect at least 200 gold"
"How about I sweeten the deal with this?" Xi'an said slyly setting a paper wrapped package down "3 Prime cuts of top grade sabertooth mooselion meat"
Kang raised a eyebrow. In a village where meat is shared and divided, the prime cuts were usually set aside for the elders and the hunter who made the kill. Very rarely anyone even get a prime cut, much less be willing to trade them
"A very tempting offer" Kang said "VERY temping, but it's already been promised to Vice Elder Fung's spoiled tub of lard. And you know what Elder Kun always says, if you give your word..."
"...You keep it." sighed Xi'an slightly disappointed "Ah well that sword would just weigh me down in the field anyway.
"Yeah probably" smiled Kang reaching under the counter "Before I forget, I got that necklace of yours fixed. Try not to break it next time"
It was a simple water tribe warrior's necklace, a few tiger seal teeth with a big chipped green crystal in the center looped on a thin leather rope. To Xi'an, It was his greatest treasure, a gift from his father.
"Heh, I couldn't help it, Kip and I were kinda of running for our lives from a very angry boar-q-pine" Xi'an said slipping it over his neck "Thanks Kang, you always been good to me"
"BAH! Don't you be getting all mushy, just get your stuff and get out!" Kang snapped "Hey you forgot your cuts!"
"Consider it a tip, for great customer service" Xi'an shot over his shoulder before leaving the store
Kang smiled softly "You're welcome kid"
~A~
As Azula looked in the mirror, she didn't exactly know what to feel. Dressed in simple earth Kingdom clothing, with her hair down, she looked far removed from the princess that she was.
"You really didn't have to do this, Sho" Azula said slightly embarrassed
For a royal lady of high birth, it was unheard of for her to take any sort of charity from common peasants. Sure maybe it was okay for Zuko to roll around in the muck with the earth kingdom commoners but not her. Not the perfect Princess Azula
"Nonsense sweetie" replied Sho "Xi'an said you have a long way to travel; the least I could do is not send you out in rags. It's a gift"
Azula tried, she really tried to tap into her cruel, cold and unfeeling side. But she couldn't, her mind was in such a whirlwind of confusing emotions. Emotions that her father told her were signs of weakness.
" Mom, Mei Li!" Te and Ye yelled running into the room showing their matching pendants "Look what Xi'an got us!
Xi'an entered after them with a smile. Azula took a deep breath and closed her eyes, she had hoped to leave the village without running into him but she couldn't figure out why. Every time she looked into his eyes, her heart beat a little faster and her face would get a little hot. It was such an odd confusing feeling
"No matter" she thought "The sooner I leave the better off I would be. I'll forget all about them. I'll make it back to the fire nation and take my rightful place as fire lord."
"You spoil those girls too much" said Sho
"Yeah well, I spoil my wonderful aunt too" Xian said handing her the jeweled hair pin
Azula watched the small family, feeling slight pangs of jealousy. There was a time when her family was happy and loving or at least had the illusion of happiness. It seemed like she had a caring mother, a loving brother, a strict but kind father... even a nutty uncle. What happened?
"It was a long time ago," she thought angrily "None of it matters now!"
Feeling a soft tug at her robe shifted her out of her thoughts. Looking down, she saw it was the cherub faced twins. It was funny how those two had wormed their way into her heart in such a short time. It had only been four days but to the girls it seemed like a lifetime. She had to admit they were becoming less and less of an annoyance to her.
"Mei Li?" Ye asked "Do you really have to go?"
"Yes do" said Azula softly "I have to get home"
"Well, we're gonna miss you" Te said giving a shocked Azula a big hug "Aren't we Kip?
The polar bear puppy barked in agreement
"Hey guys, could I have a moment alone with Mei Li for a sec?" Xian asked
"Come on girls, Xi'an and Mei Li need some ALONE time" Sho teased taking the twins outside
"Ohhhhhhhhh" The twins teased making kissy faces as they left
"Uh, don't mind them" Xi'an flushing red
Azula couldn't help but smile, he really did look kind of cute when he blushed.
"UGH!" she thought catching herself. "Focus Azula, he's just a simple peasant boy, he means nothing to you. Just a tool, nothing more"
"Anyway" Xian continued shyly handing her a small rucksack "It's a long way back to the fire nation so I got you some supplies, nothing much just some food, a change of clothes and few gold coins. Oh and um... I'd like you to have this."
Azula bit her lip as she looked at the bracelet. It was wonderfully crafted of gold with two dueling dragons inlayed in silver on the sides. Nobody ever gave such a gift to her, at least not without wanting something in return. Mostly to curry favor with her or her father. But looking into Xi'an's eyes, she saw none of that. No ulterior motives, hidden agendas or false gestures of loyalty.
"Why are you giving me this?" asked a confused Azula
"Well, we probably won't see each other again, so I thought I give you something to remember me by" Xi'an said turning even a brighter shade of red
Before Azula could reply, Te And Ye Burst into the house with a look of urgency on their faces.
"Xian, come quick there are soldiers at the elders' house" they yelled
"Oh no...Please not here..."Azula thought
~A~
The captain marched his black armored troops into the small village. Oh how he relished in the fear that the he and his soldiers commanded. The scream of terror as they razed towns and cities was a sweet honey to his ears. Oh he hoped that this village would resist, fearful surrenders were no fun.
"What is the meaning of this?" boomed Elder Kun "The war is over, The fire nation has no place here"
"Fire nation? Ha how insulting" The captain laughed "We are the loyal soldiers of the great fire lord Lo Pan of the Black Phoenix Empire.
Azula, Xi'an, Sho and the Twins took cover behind a small house. Looking at the 20 or so fully armored soldiers, Xi'an couldn't put his finger on it but there was something...unnatural about them. He didn't know what but he was certain that they only meant trouble.
"Mommy we're scared" Ye and Te whispered clutching Sho's leg
"It okay" Sho whispered gently
"Fire lord... Lo Pan?!"Azula thought in confusion
"Hear this and hear the well" The captain shouted to the whole village "From the Royal fire capital to the city of Omashu, in the end they have fallen to the Black Phoenix Empire. I extend this offer, once and only once, swear undying loyalty to the glory of Fire lord Lo Pan and be saved..."
"I'd rather DIE than to bow down to another tyrant" Elder Kun roared
"Then so be it" sneered the captain
The captain blasted Elder Kun in the chest killing him instantly, then with a wave of his hand, unleashed his troops on the helpless village. An unholy sounding howl erupted from them as they attacked. In mere moments total chaos fell over the small village. Black smoke rose to the sky as they started to burn down the village as the horrified screams of the people filled the air.
Though an earth bender, Vice Elder Fung had no intention of fighting. He quickly bent a hole in the ground just large enough for himself and jumped in, effectively hiding from the fight.
Old man Kang looked on in disgust, now having to take on a bunch soldiers by himself. Armed with an old set of fighting hammers, he hit the ground with a mighty smash. The resulting shock wave sent the soldiers flying, some into burning buildings.
He looked in horror as they brushed off the attack and just got back up. Using his hammers again he created a large fissure in the ground, trapping the soldiers to their waists. Looking to his right, he was relieved that there was at least one person willing to fight with him. He laughed silently at the irony; the kid was protecting a village that hated him.
~A~
Xi'an found himself separated from the others. He had used up his entire quiver of arrows and they still kept coming. Tossing his bow aside with a frustrated groan, he realized he'd have to resort to using his bending. He HATED using his bending.
Dropping into a fierce horse stance, he bent two large flat walls of hard earth from the ground on both sides of the advancing soldiers. Slapping his hands, they slammed together with a sickening sounding crunch, sandwiching the invaders. Squeezing his fists, the mangled mass of rock and body parts melded into a solid mass. Kicking it with all his strength, it sailed out of the village.
"Good job, boy! "Kang yelled "Where's the others!?
"I don't know, we got separated after they killed Kun " Xi'an yelled back
"Go find em. I'll cover you. Don't get yourself killed or I swear I'll venture to the spirit world just to kick the snot out of you. " Kang warned
"That goes double for you, old man! Are you gonna be able to handle the rest by yourself?"
"Don't you worry about me, kid! It'll take more than this to put this old man down! Now GO!"
Xi'an ran off as Kang readied another powerful blow with his hammers.
~A~
Te and Ye raced down to the narrow alley between the blacksmith buildings. However they found themselves at a dead end. Spinning around, the two little girls shivered in fear as a pair of armored soldiers cornered them.
However, before a single soldier could deal any sort of harm to them, both were sent flying. Like a fierce mother bear defending her cubs, Sho made short work of them, smashing huge dents in their armor with a barrage of small boulders.
"Girls, I want you to run, as far as you can" said Sho after finishing off the invaders
"But, Mom we don't want to leave you!" whined Ye
"Don't argue!" said Sho "Take your your sister and run. I'll be right behind you, I promise"
As the girls ran off, she heard the loud screech of metal on metal. Slowly turning around, she looked in disbelief as the soldiers she just put down slowly rose back to their feet. Loud pops could be heard as the dents in their armor reformed back in place.
Before having any chance to defend herself or run, Sho was sent flying back with fury of vicious punches. Reaching down, her attackers grabbed her by the ankle, swinging her hard against the unforgiving wall of the nearby blacksmith building. Every inch of her body hurt. Whoever these soldiers were they were extremely tough. But she wouldn't give up, not with her girl's lives at stake.
Wiping the blood from her mouth, she tried to stand but she couldn't, the pain was too much. She didn't have to see to know bad she was hurt, the pain alone told her that her ankle was broken. Looking up she saw four invaders preparing for a simultaneous fire blast. Accepting her fate, she closed her eyes, waiting for the inevitable...
A pair of stone shields quickly rose out of the ground, blocking the blast. Sho opened her eyes, seeing her daughters holding their own, beads of sweat dripping down their faces as they tried to push back the brutal onslaught of fire. Never before had she been so glad that her girls had disobeyed her. With a great force of will, she added two shields of her own. But the task was a little too much for the little earth benders. Even with Sho's help, the shields were cracking and buckling...
"GET AWAY FROM THEM!" a female voice yelled
Two powerful blasts of blasts of concussive blue flame knocked back the soldiers as Azula jumped into the fray protecting the three. Ye and Te looked in shock and amazement as she fought like a mad woman.
With a loud war yell, she jumped into the center of the four, drawing their attention to her. While her mind may have been fractured, her fire bending technique was flawless as ever. As the first tried to bend fire at her, she stepped aside grabbing his wrist, aiming his fire at the chest of a second. She then kicked a blast of fire through the chest of at third. With her grip still on the first, she tossed him on the forth, then blasted both with a large blast of blue fire melting the armor to slag.
Normally she would gloat and admire her work. But instead she ran back to check on the Sho and the twins. She just had to know that they were safe...
"Why do I even care?" She thought to herself "This isn't like me. Why am i doing this? "
"Are you okay?" Azula asked with true concern in her voice
The twins just ran to Azula, tears streaming down their face wrapping their arms around her sobbing
"It's okay, it's okay" she said in a soothing voice
Leaning down she helped Sho to her feet, tucking her head under her arm in a human crutch.
-Clap Clap Clap-
Azula turned to see the captain, arrogantly clapping his hands. He eyes started to glow red as he walked toward them a sinister grin on his face.
"How very touching... Princess Azula. Who would have known that the last surviving member of the fire nation royal family would end up in a place like this" he said venomously
Azula's eyes narrowed "What do you mean, last surviving member?"
"Oh you don't know? I suppose it won't hurt to tell you" the captain laughed "The "powerful" Ozai lies dead at Lo Pan's feet and I'm afraid your dear brother Zuko and his companions are no more. Such a shame really. I would offer my condolences, but you and your little friends are going to see them in the spirit world very soon"
Azula stood helpless as the captain slowly took a horse stance. The smell of ozone filled the air as his flowing arms left a glowing blue trail in the air. Azula knew that form all too well, the lightning form. With her holding Sho, she couldn't dodge, and she didn't know who to redirect it...
Suddenly, a loud rumble came from the ground behind the captain. Jumping out quickly from the hard earth, Xi'an appeared behind the captain clamping him down in a half nelson. Grabbing captain's wrist, he aimed it at a nearby building. The lightning blew it to rubble, kicking dirt and dust in the air
"Mei Li!" yelled Xi'an clamping the struggling captain in a fell nelson "Get get them to safety"
Gritting his teeth and digging his feet into the ground, Xi'an drove the captain on the ground. Keeping his grip, the two slid away from the girls into the village square. The captain broke free elbowing Xi'an in the face, knocking him in to a nearby fountain
"Big mistake, earth bending filth" the captain growled
The captain fired a large blast at the fountain, hoping to boil the interloper. A wall of water blocked the attack as Xi'an jumped out, firing ice spikes at the surprised captain. As the captain shielded himself from the ice projectiles, Xian stomped the ground rocking the captain off balance. Closing the gap, Xian bent water into a water knife, slashing at the captain. The captain dogged the attacks, though Xi'an managed to cut loose the captain's medallion from his neck
Pointing two fingers at Xi'an, the captain shot a fireball sending him flying backward and landing hard on the ground. Taking full advantage, the captain leaped in the air, charging up his fire for a fatal deathblow. Despite the pain, Xi'an rolled out of the way. Struggling to his feet, Xi'an summoned all the strength he had.
Unbeknown to Xi'an, his necklace and eyes flashed a brilliant white-blue glow of power for a brief moment. With a mighty yell, he got to his feet ,gritting his teeth and breathing heavily in anger
"What...What are you?" asked the captain incredulously
Xian stomped the ground, bringing up three rocks. With a punch, punch and a kick he knocked the captain into the fountain. As he stood up, Xi'an froze the water encasing the cruel man in ice to his neck
"Good Job kid" Kang said squeezing the kids shoulder
Glancing at the medallion on the ground, Xi'an curiously picked it up. It didn't seem to be anything special, a crudely carved black clay circle with writing he had never seen before. Looking at his captive, he noticed the captain's attitude changed from one of arrogance to pure fear
"Don't break that!" the captain begged "Please no, I beg you mercy."
"After what you've done, do you really think I'm going to show you an ounce of mercy?" growled Xi'an "Hey Kang, the guy's awfully worried about me breaking this thing"
"Well then break it, stupid!" said the old man
"Whoops!" Xian said as he smashed the medallion into a million pieces "Clumsy me"
Breaking the medallion had a strange effect on the rest of armored troops. They stopped attacking, slowing down and finally stopping in place down as if like one of the girls windup toys. Then they fell to the ground in a clattering heap, completely empty. A strange blue energy escaped from the vacant armor, softly disappearing into the sky.
The captain's fate wasn't so lucky. As if burning from the inside he spontaneously combusted, erupting in a mass of white hot flame and screaming in agony. In just minutes the man was reduced to ashes...
"We better get this armor out of here before anyone starts looking for them" said Kang
"Good idea" said Xi'an
~A~
Azula would have rather taken the full wrath of her father, then to be on the receiving end of the hateful look that Sho was now giving her.
"So you're the infamous Princess Azula, Huh?" Sho demanded angrily "Do you have ANY idea what kind of trouble you brought here? DO YOU?"
Azula fought back tears. She didn't mean to...
"Mom, stop" yelled the girls "She saved us remember? Why are you yelling at her?"
"I, I know... " said Sho finally calming down "Look, Mei Li I didn't mean to..."
Suddenly a rock sailed through the air, hitting Azula in the side of the face. A crowd of angry villagers surrounded her, each with a hateful look in their eyes and rock in their hands.
"Don't apologize to her, Sho" said an older villager "Don't you know who she is?
"It's her fault Kun died" said another "For all we know she brought them here"
"You're not wanted here fire bender! Leave!"
Azula shot Sho a pained look as the villagers started hitting her with rocks.
"Hey stop!" yelled Sho "She's just a kid"
"You were always too naive, Sho" said another villager "Always opening your home to troublemakers"
Unable to take anymore, she shot in the air with a blast of blue fire, flying out of the village as far as she possibly could. She didn't care where she went, just as long as it was far away
Sho fought back tears of her own, immediately she regretted losing her temper. She really liked the girl and she had risked her life for her and her girls. Ye and Te would never forgive her for running her off like that. She doubted that would even forgive herself.
Xi'an and Kang were away at the time, disposing of the remains of the armor, hoping that their effort didn't lead back to the village. Both were very confused on what just transpired. Empty armor just doesn't just get up and fire bend.
"This is not good" said Kang tossing a a handful of armor down the river
"No, it's not" replied Xian "Just what were those things?"
"I don't know but I think it best we be on guard in case some more come our way" said Kang
Noticing the emblem on the captain's armor, Xi'an took a closer look... "No... it can't be" Using a knife he pulled it off and put it in his pocket,
- A~
With the departure of the fire bending princess, the villagers quickly discussed their other "problem" away from the prying ears of Sho and the twins. They always did have a foolish soft spot for the freakish boy
"It's his fault this happened"
"He's always been a bad omen, just look at those eyes of his"
"He brought that fire bender to the village"
"He's always been unnatural"
"It's best if he leaves, the sooner the better"
"For all we know it was him the demon soldiers were after"
"No matter, you know the phoenix empire will want blood"
"We should have never allowed him to stay here"
"It's decided then"
When Xi'an and Kang came back the whole village, was there waiting for them. By the look on their faces they both knew it wasn't good. To his right he saw Sho and the girls, relived that they were alright .However someone was missing.
"Aunt Sho?" asked Xi'an "Where's Mei Li? Is she okay?"
"Everyone made her leave!" said Te
The new Elder Fung stepped forward
"For the crime of bringing a dangerous element to the village resulting in the death of Kun" said Elder Fung "It has been decided by majority vote that you, Xi'an are hereby banished to the Bandit's Woods"
"WHAT!?" Sho yelled "You can't be serious, The Bandit's Woods?! That's practically a death sentence! "
"Oh but I am. His mere presence here has been nothing but a burden on the village. He's lucky that we put up him as long we did"
"A burden?!" yelled Kang "How many times has he made sure everyone was fed? Without his help today the village would be a smoking ruin! As a matter of fact where were all of you, Huh?
Most of the village looked down in shame; However Fung as always had an excuse for his actions
"The village needed a leader, someone as important as me needed to be safe" Elder Fung said smugly
"You sniveling little coward, hiding in a hole while letting an old man, a woman and group of kids do your dirty work" Kang yelled "Elder Kun would never stand for this!'
"Elder Kun is dead! I'm in charge now" Elder Fung said darkly "You know Sho did take her into her home as well. I wonder how they would fare in the Bandit's Woods ..."
"You sorry son of a..." Kang Growled
"Kang, don't... " Xian said looking at the fear on his family's faces "I'll go"
"But...That not right! " Kang argued "You didn't do anything wrong!"
"It's alright..." said Xi'an blankly
"You have until sundown to gather you things and say farewell to your family"
~A~
The sun was setting over the the horizon as Xi'an left his home for the very last time, walking toward the main gate. Choking back tears, he knew he'd probably never set eyes on this place again. He was dressed in his hunting gear and carrying a rucksack with just the basics, that was pretty much all he needed. He had to smile a bit as thought back to just a few hours ago...
It had been the third time he had to pack up his rucksack. Every time left his room to get few more of the supplies he needed, he found his pack empty. On the third time he caught Te and Ye hiding his pack as if that might force him to stay.
"Okay you two stop the foolishness" said Xi'an "I need my pack"
"NO! They can't make you go!" whined Ye "I won't let you go!"
"It's not fair! You helped!" whined Te "Why do they have to banish you?"
"Hey, look at me brats" Xi'an said softly kneeling down
The twins looked up with red eyes and tear stained cheeks. Taking a knee, he pulled the little girls in a tearful hug. He wouldn't lie; it broke his heart to leave this way. But he had no choice, if he fought the banishment, his family would suffer. There was no was way he was going to allow that to happen
"I promise I won't be away forever okay?" Xian lied "But while I'm gone I need you two to look after your Mom, Kip and Old man Kang. Can you two do that for me?"
They nodded sadly grabbing Xi'an in an even tighter hug. Xi'an choked back a few tears as he kissed both of his sisters on the forehead
"You better come back" said Te
"If you don't" said Ye "We'll hunt you down and beat you up"
A loud commotion from the living area broke up their tender moment. Peering over the doorway, the three saw Sho in heated argument with an injured villager.
"You have the nerve, the outright audacity to come to my house looking for healing?" Sho growled "After what you've done?"
"Sho, I...I understand you're upset" stammered the villager "But it's for the best of the village"
"I think it best for you to get out of my house" said snatching the poor man off his feet and throwing him out the front door
"But, what about my injury?" asked the villager
"Not my concern" said Sho slamming the front door shut with earth bending
Gritting her teeth in pain from aggravating her broken ankle, Sho limped in the into Xi'an's room. The twins gave her a dirty look and left
"Still not talking to you huh?"Xian asked
"I'm surprised you still are" Sho sighed sadly "She saves our lives and what do I do? I yell at her, and let this ungrateful village run her off. "
"I know you didn't mean it, Aunt Sho" said Xi'an
"And now they're taking you from us too" said Sho "Why aren't you fighting it?"
"You heard Fung" said Xi'an "It's better I go than all of us getting banished. For what its worth, Aunt Sho I'm sorry I caused you so much trouble over the years"
"Xi'an, look at me" Sho said turning his head to face hers "You have nothing to be sorry for, nothing. If anything I'm sorry for not protecting you more"
"Before I go, let me look at that ankle of yours" said Xian
"It'll heal on its own" argued Sho knowing his feelings about using his bending
"Be quiet"
Using a bit of water from his canteen, he gently placed his hands on her broken ankle the water glowing softly as the bones mended.
"There, It should be okay by tomorrow"
Sho pulled her adopted son in a tight bear hug, trying hard not to cry.
"Xi'an" said Sho "Ever since you came to us, I've always thought of you as my own son."
"I know..."said Xi'an sadly "...Mom"
"Please be careful out there" said Sho "You, know how I worry"
"I'll be fine"
Much to his dismay tears started to flow, as he reached the main gate. Out the corner of his eye he saw a small white blur following behind him
-Bark Bark Bark-
"Kip, go home!" Xi'an ordered "I'm not taking you with me this time"
Kip barked in defiance, refusing to move a single inch. Noticing a rolled up piece of paper in Kip's collar, he slid it out
Xi'an,
We told Kip to help protect you until you come back. Please take him with you to keep you from being lonely. Mom is really worried about you but we know better. If anyone is tough enough to get through the Bandits Woods it's our big brother.
P.S. Find Mei Li and tell her moms really sorry and we miss her too. Then marry her so we can have a big sister.
P.P.S. If you find her, We saw Mom put a letter in your pack to give to her. DONT READ IT!
Love,
Ye and Te
He despite the gravity of the situation he had to smile at the girls. Even now they were plotting mischief.
"I guess I'm stuck with you, huh?" said Xi'an
Kip barked happily.
"Well, let's get going fur ball"
Meeting him at the gate was the rest of the village. Xi'an noticed the hateful looks as they spewed their cruel remarks.
"Good riddance, freak!"
"About time!"
"At least Sho won't be burdened by him anymore."
The last remark cut him like a million knives. Finally, he snapped.
"SHUT UP!" Xi'an roared "I HAVE DONE MORE THIS VILLAGE THAN ANY OF YOU! AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED, IF ANY ILL FOURTUNE SHOULD FALL ON ANY OF YOU...IT'S WHAT YOU RICHLY DESERVE!
Xi'an spat on the ground in disgust much to the fear of the whole village.
"Did...Did he lay a curse on us!"
"Yes..he did"
Xi'an smiled as he walked through the gates, happy let them think what they want.
Outside the main gate was the edge of the Bandit's Woods. While this part was pretty much safe, deeper in was a dangerous lawless wilderness filled with marauders, outlaws and cutthroats. The dangers were further compounded by vicious predatory and poisonous animals.
Waiting at the edge was Elder Fung, with a small group of guards and Kang. The old man demanded he be there to make sure Fung didn't try anything funny. Xi'an, scoffed at the guards, where were they when village was attacked?
"I hereby banish you Xi'an of..." Elder Fung started
"Don't bother wasting your breath" Xian interrupted "Just get it over with"
"How dare you! I'll have you banished for that!"
"He's already banished, stupid" barked Kang
Taking Xi'an aside Kang handed him some money and the black bladed sword.
"Hey! That sword was promised to my son!" Elder Fung argued
"Well things change" said Kang
"But you gave your word, Elder Kun's Law states.."
"Elder Kun's dead remember?" Kang barked
"You know Xi'an isn't the only one that could be banished you know" threatened Fung
In a flash, Fung found the tip a very sharp of a sword at his throat. At the other end was Xi'an with a murderous look in his eyes. His guards quickly drew their swords resulting in a very tense standoff.
"Let me make something, very clear, Fung" Xi'an growled "Don't threaten my family or Kang again. If anything should happen to them nothing will stop me from finding you!"
"You are hardly in any position to make threats!" said Fung with a smirk
"But I am" Kang growled "You still have you have to deal with me! Do you truly think you can best me?"
Fung scowled as he realized that Kang was, despite his age, still a very powerful bender. Fung was a coward at heart, so instead he just called off his guards and slinked away, not wanting to fight the old man or the freak.
"You better take care of yourself out there, boy" said Kang painfully
"I'll be all right, just promise me you'll look after Aunt Sho and the twins" said Xi'an "I don't trust Fung as far as I can throw him"
"I will, I promise" said Kang "As for you I think it best you start working your way north toward Ba Sing Se"
"Why? What's in Ba sing Se ?" asked Xi'an
"A fresh start kid" said Kang with a smile "We'll be waiting for you there"
"What?" said Xian "Really?"
"Yeah, I've had enough of this place. I haven't told the girls or Sho yet but I'm sure they'll be all for it" said Kang "Though, I fully expect you to just keep your sorry rear alive and get there, got it?"
"I will" said Xi'an "Goodbye,"
"Goodbye, kid" Kang said as he pulled him into a quick hug
"Bah!" Xi'an said trying not to cry "Stop being mushy, Old Man"
Kang looked on sadly as the main gate closed with a loud creak. He knew that Xi'an faced steep odds. The Bandits Woods was no place for a grown adult much less a kid like Xi'an. But he had faith in the kid, and what a better motivator for him than to start over fresh in Ba Sing Se.
Pulling a tattered piece of cloth and emblem cut from that armor, Xi'an noticed the design was exactly the same. He would go to Ba Sing Se, but first he needed some answers, answers only a fire nation princess could provide.
"Alright Kip, let's find her"
Kip barked as they both hiked into the woods, never looking back...
~A~
Azula landed far from the village in a small clearing. She had no idea where she was, but at this point she didn't care. As the sun finally set, she made her way through thick underbrush. Coming across a cave she decided to stop and set up camp for the night. While she camped many times before, It was different this time with nobody wait on her. Normally she would order Ty lee to get fire wood and have Mai to get something to eat. Just the thought of those two nearly sent her screaming in frustration
It was like fate was mocking her. Giving her a small taste of happiness and taking it away in the cruelest fashion. She didn't know why she was reacting this way. Normally she would crush a village here, destroy a person there and not even give it a second thought. She didn't know why it hurt so much when Sho looked at her like that. She didn't know why she even cared. For the first time in her life, she did something that she felt was unselfish and her reward was a rock to the face.
"Never again" she thought "Never again will I let anyone get that close to me"
Curling herself in to a ball, she softly cried herself to sleep.
~A~
Lo Pan smiled with triumph, in just a few weeks, the Black Phoenix Empire accomplished more than the fire nation did in 100 years. The northern water tribe just fell to his forces as did island of Kyoshi.
"I think this calls for a celebration" he thought with a sinister smirk
Talking a deep breath, the crystal phoenix on his chest pulsed with unnatural power. The air around him shimmered as he disappeared into the spirit world...