Chapter 31

Two hours before sunrise, Katara, Mai, and Suki left their boyfriends rooms, heading back to their own. They didn't want to get caught breaking the rules, so all three young ladies left at around the same time together, knowing for a fact that no one would be up at this time.

When Katara got back to her room, she lied down on her bed with a love struck smile. She will never get over the fact that Aang was hers and she was his. It was all so surreal! Who knew someone like her could get someone like him? It must be a dream, because she felt like she was floating on a cloud, going across the sky.

Sighing, Katara snuggled under the blankets, feeling her whole body tingling. She could still feel Aang's lips on her skin, and it made her yearn for more. Again she pictured what it would be like to marry and have kids with him. Katara blushed, yet she was grinning like a lunatic. She would love to marry Aang and have a future with him. Her minds pictured the dream house, with many rooms and high windows. The girl can almost smell the garden outside as the breeze blew through the house, and the laughter of children filled her ears with faint echoes. Closing her eyes, the girl fell asleep, thinking about their future together.

When everyone woke up at around nine A.M., the Beifong's had the servants lay out a huge buffet for breakfast. Fruit, sausages, ham, eggs, steamed vegetables, and plenty of other stuff. Toph sat by her mother, still blind. After breakfast, her and the Gaang plan on heading to the park again, and she plans on telling them there.

Everyone sat in an awkward silence, not sure what to say, so they ate in silence, forks and knives clanking on fine China. Poppy Beifong cleared her throat delicately. "Well," she said when everyone looked at her. "How is everyone this morning? I hope you slept well." There were a few murmurs of assent along with nods. Poppy smiled, trying to break the ice. "So, what are you going to be doing today?"

There were a few shrugs as Toph replied, "Oh, you know, just hanging out. Go to the mall, maybe. Otherwise we're not sure."

Her mother nodded. "Very well. But be careful. After learning what had happened…" She grabbed her daughter's hand and gave it a squeeze. "Just be safe," she said quietly.

Toph nodded, squeezing back. She hated lying to her mother, but she wasn't ready to tell her the truth. Not yet. "We will, Mom. I promise." 'Too bad you don't the whole story' she thought. Toph never told her parents about her feeling the Earth through her feet. The last thing she needed was for her family to put her in an insane asylum.

After breakfast, this unique group of teenagers left the mansion, got in their respective cars, and drove to the park.

Toph's heart was pounding, making breathing almost impossible. She and her friends were under the tree they had stayed at before. This was it; it was time to show them. She only hoped it would work again. Taking a deep breath, Toph said, "I have to tell you guys something. That and I have to show you too."

When she had everyone's attention on her, the blind girl closed her eyes and thought the Cherokee phrase for "Open Sight". The usual warmth occurred again, and when it stopped, she opened her eyes. Her friends had to do a double take because they thought this wasn't right, that it was impossible. Yet there they were; the emerald greens of Toph's new eyes.

Toph was speechless. Everything was so colorful. The feeling of sensing with her feet is gone, but it was worth it. She took a good look at her friends for the first time ever. She started with Aang. Shaggy dark hair, pale skin, gray eyes way too old for someone his age. She can see what Katara sees in him. Speaking of which, Toph looked at Katara. With long, brown hair, blue eyes, mocha skin, the now seeing girl can see an almost regal appearance about her. The girl was beautiful. Toph moved on to Sokka. He looked a lot like Katara, only his eyes are darker, hair shorter, and taller. He was cute, she had to admit. Next to him was a pretty auburn haired girl who Toph guessed to be Suki. Her blue cobalt eyes were different from Sokka's and Katara's, but they held a fierce look to them that made Toph more wary. Then lastly, she looked at Zuko and Mai. Both pale and black haired, with brooding, calculating expressions as they stared at her.

Finally, Sokka said, "Am I going crazy, or are Toph's eyes green?"

Toph looked a little sheepish. "This time, you're not nuts. I had a dream last night." And she proceeded to tell them the story of how she got her eyesight. She explained about seeing her grandmother for the first time, the message the old woman wanted to give to Aang and Katara about their parents, and learning about her power's origin. When she was done, everyone was smiling.

"It's nice to know that things are better for now," Aang said. "At least now we have a chance against these guys. Maybe we really can put a stop to this."

It was then that a rustle sounded from behind the trees and bushes on the opposite side of the empty park. The Gaang stood up as their guard went up. Toph closed her eyes and thought the Cherokee words that make her blind again. When the warmth stopped, Toph sensed the people on the other side, and breathed a sigh of relief. "It's cool," she said quietly, "It's just Smellerbee and the others."

Sure enough, the converted gang emerged with a tightly sealed silver case. They approached Aang and his friends, looking around warily as if expecting someone of their old company to jump out and catch them of their betrayal. But Toph didn't feel anyone else, so she sighed and called, "Walk normally. We're safe."

The gang looked at one another before walking quickly toward the other group. On Ji held the case gingerly, like it was a danger itself. Stopping a few feet away, both groups sat on the ground beneath the tree. Putting the case down gently, On Ji said, "This is it. Hopefully this will help us stop what the companies are doing."

Sokka frowned. "What do you mean 'companies'? Are there more of these Snakeheads than from only here?"

The girl sighed. "Unfortunately, yes. But the fortunate part is, our company is the main one. If that one goes down, so do the others. All we have to do is give this sample to the scientists along with the notes, and hopefully it will bring the place down."

Aang nodded. "Then we can show the authorities the hideout after the proof has been given. The sooner we give them this stuff, the sooner this battle is over." Katara grabbed his hand but didn't say anything. She just wanted him to know that he was not alone in this.

Everyone sat in contemplative silence. Victory was close, they knew it. But they also knew that with victory close at hand, the dangers are becoming stronger. From now on, the gangs are going to have to tread carefully if they are going to win. Smellerbee cleared her throat and her friends and allies looked at her. "You're right, Aang. The sooner this is delivered the better. But the thing is, we're not sure how the scientists and policemen are going to react. As far as they're concerned, if you give this poison to them, they could see you guys as the threat. So we, my friends and I, are going with you to take blame for this. We'll show them the hideout and hopefully you guys will get off the hook. I'll also give them the locations of the other companies to take them down. I and the others have agreed to this."

Suki frowned along with everyone else. "But that means you could be put into jail."

Smellerbee nodded grimly. "We know. But we have to pay for what we've done. We're willing to spend our time in prison. However, I'm worried about Jet, though. He won't go quietly, if at all. We have to trap him somehow. I just don't know how we're going to do it. He's sneaky."

They sat in tense silence. Everything had gone quiet; even the birds stopped their chirping as if they knew the threat was closing in. None of the kids liked this silence; it felt as if this would be their last get together. No one liked the possibility of Jet getting away. He was the main threat, and they had to bring him down before things got even worse. With his resources and skills, the dark teenager could harm anyone he wishes if he was on the run from justice.

Zuko said, "Okay, now that we have the proof, when should we give it?"

"As soon as possible," Smellerbee answered. "I was thinking tomorrow afternoon. Until then, we'll keep the notes in a secret place."

Sokka asked, "What place?"

Smellerbee grinned. "If I told you that, it wouldn't be a secret, now would it?" She shook her head. "Anyway, we'll keep this safe until tomorrow. We'll go to the police, talk to the scientists, and give them what they need."

Everyone nodded and Aang stood up. Sighing as he stretched, he said, "Sounds good. I think we can call it a day now. Let's head back to my place. Gyatso should be making lunch by now." His friends agreed and went to their cars.

After lunch, the Gaang went to the Mall with Suki driving the van. They had decided to drive together while talking. When all the food was gone, Sokka even admitted it was delicious. Katara had joked how he was becoming a vegetarian, causing laughter to erupt when he turned red with indignity. When the group went inside the colorful interior of the building, they shopped for a while, browsing and occasionally buying something new. Afterwards, they went to the Groovy Smoothie. The group acted like teenagers, like they were supposed to, even if it was only for a little while.

When the smoothies were gone, the group decided to split up and enjoy this brief peace they had acquired. Sokka and Suki went to the Arcade, Toph to the Mighty Music, Zuko and Mai to Gothic Central, and Aang and Katara went to the Dress Obsessed on her request.

When they were finally alone, Aang asked, "Hey, Katara?"

She looked up from gazing at a sparkly, powder blue dress. "What is it, Aang?"

He walked over to her and grabbed her hand as she put the dress away before smiling at her. "Well, I've been thinking. Since this is mess is almost over, what do you say we have a date? Like, a real date? There will be fireworks next Saturday, and I was thinking we could go. We could have a special dinner out; then we could go watch them. What do you say?"

Katara frowned a little. "I don't know, Aang," she said. "I mean, it sounds fun. But we have to stay together, remember? Especially since Zuko and Mai are next. Just because the Snakeheads had failed to kill us before it doesn't mean they'll stop trying."

Aang sighed. "I get it. It's just… it would be nice to be normal again. Or as normal as I once was. I know Mai and Zuko are in trouble; but still, the gang couldn't kill us, like you said. Our friends are strong; they can handle themselves. Besides," he added, "we have a whole week to find out if they'll strike again. And tomorrow after school, the evidence will be given, and the Black Mamba is as good as gone. I'm not abandoning our friends. I just want to be a teenager again. So, will you please go on a date with me?"

He looked so cute when he begged, and Katara couldn't fight the smile back. When it broke through her face, Aang knew he had her beat right then and there. Besides, what harm could it do to spend the weekend together after the mission was done and out of the way? Katara can see where Aang was coming from, yet she couldn't get rid of the feeling that something bad was going to happen. But she pushed the feeling away. There was nothing to worry about. She nodded. "I guess we could. You're right; we deserve a break. I love our friends too, but they can handle themselves if trouble strikes." She kissed his cheek, making him grin. "A date sounds really nice."

Aang had to restrain himself from whooping out loud and jumping like a kid who hit the candy jackpot. He wrapped his arms around her, giving a loving squeeze which she returned. Yet, like Katara, he had a feeling the something bad was going to happen. Tonight. But he pushed that feeling away. Even if something did happen, their friends are strong enough to fight and protect themselves and each other from harm. So, looking into Katara's eyes, he smiled and said, "Great. I can't wait." Giving her a gentle nudge he added, "Go pick out a new outfit for the date. I'll buy. No argument."

Katara had opened her mouth to protest, but now closed it as she pouted. "Alright, fine. But I help pay for dinner. That's final."

Aang rolled his gray with a sigh before smirking. "Okay; fair enough." He nudged her again. "Now go pick something. I'll be waiting for you."

As the Gaang shopped, two teenagers lay on a queen sized bed, snuggling. One of them was male with dark hair and eyes, and he was playing with the female's long brown hair. The boy didn't have a shirt on and the girl had on silk pajamas. The two teenagers are Jet and On Ji.

On Ji's fingers was playing her on Jet's chest, feeling the warm, smooth skin ripple gently under her fingertips. The girl knew she loved him and was willing to do anything for him. But the more she thought about what he was doing and planning, it made her feel a little sick. The thought of him killing and stealing hurts her to the core. Jet had to turn around, become good before it was too late. Looking into his handsome face filled with contentment, she almost stopped herself from telling him her thoughts, but she knew if she didn't, there might not be any hope left. She took a deep breath and said, "Jet? I need to tell you something."

He looked down at her, and felt his smile fade at the serious look she wore. She only looked like that when she had something serious to talk about. Swallowing quietly, almost inaudibly, he asked, "What is it?"

On Ji paused, collecting her thoughts. This would be harder than she thought. When her thoughts were organized she replied, "I think… I think we should stop this."

Eyes widening a little in bewilderment he asked, "What are you talking about? Our relationship? I thought you liked it." For some reason, rather than feeling anger, Jet felt a pit open in his stomach at the thought of them breaking up. They had been together for a while, a few months, and he thought they were perfect together. If she broke up with him, he didn't know what he-

But he needn't have worried for she hastily said, "No, no! It's nothing like that, I promise. It's, well… It involves Aang and his friends." She felt him stiffen and added, "Don't get mad, but I think we should stop trying to kill them. It wasn't like Aang meant to put your father into custody. He was just defending himself. He was fourteen, Jet, just a kid! His parents were killed before he was even attacked! He didn't know any better!" She was aware that she had started yelling and took a deep breath to calm herself. They had sat up while she talked.

Jet had never seen her explode like that. It was almost like she cared about those kids. A part of Jet knew she was right. They should stop everything, even the poisoning and stealing. It wasn't humane. At the same time, however, the lessons taught by his father told him to take revenge on those who caused him pain. Having his mother taken away was one thing, but when his father was put into jail, every fiber in his body screamed VENGEANCE!

His dark thoughts were interrupted when On Ji said, much calmer now, "I understand that having your father taken was almost as hard on you as losing your mother to cancer. But from the moment I met Edwardo, I knew he hated your mother. I knew he wanted to become like him. I also knew that he didn't love you." Jet had eyes closed and his teeth clenched. He didn't want to hear this. But she continued relentlessly. "This hurts you, I'm aware of that. But you need to know the truth. I have even heard your father once say, 'If Jet wasn't essential to this company, I would kill him myself.' Those were his exact words, Jet. I heard him talking to himself in his office when I was walking by. When he mentioned you, I was ready to kill him myself before he could do that to you. I'm sorry, Jet."

He took a deep breath to calm his raging heart. He wanted to scream at her that she was lying, cause her whatever pain there was, and tell her to back off. Yet, he knew that she wasn't lying. On Ji had never been good at it, even after being here for some time. Besides, Jet had his fair share of threats from his father, only enhancing the truth. There have been parts where Edwardo would threaten his son's life, and there have been bruises and cuts to prove it.

His most horrible memory was where his dad had almost squeezed the life out him when he was eleven years old. The boy had complained about how he never got his way, and he remembered his father's hands closing around his throat, cutting off his air. It had left bruises for almost two weeks, and Jet had never complained after that.

Sighing, Jet grabbed her hand and squeezed it hard like his life depended on it; then said, "I understand where you're coming from. But the fact remains that Montauk had stolen my life. Everything in me demands revenge. I know you're telling the truth," he added before she could respond. "And you know I would do anything to make you happy. But I need to teach Montauk a lesson about whose boss around here, even if it means death. His friends are the key, especially his girlfriend with the weird water powers. They have to learn their place, On Ji. That's the only way to beat them."

On Ji sighed while hugging him. "I understand. But at the same time, they're just teenagers like you and me. They fight because they believe they don't have a choice. Their only protecting people from the damage people like us do. Don't underestimate them, Jet. They have been through a lot, and I can tell their bond is strong, even stronger than a family's. Please, Jet. I'm begging you to leave them alone and to give up this company. Help bring it down. Trust me; you'll feel better if you did."

Despite his resolve, Jet actually considered her words to heart. She was right. All his life Jet had known pain; he was no stranger to it. Does he really want to be what his father had forced him to become; a killer and a thief? From what his girlfriend had said, Jet could redeem himself if he chose a different path, one that to the light instead of slinking into the shadows. On the other hand, he still wanted to teach those kids a lesson, no matter the outcome.

Then a thought occurred to him. What if she was on Aang's side? Did she and the rest of his friends betray him? Come to think of it, he's hardly seen Smellerbee and the others for the past week. What if they were working against him, trying to stop this operation from occurring? He plans on striking Zuko and Mai tonight, hoping against hope that this time things will end the way he wanted. And if his other friends were working against him that would explain how the Gaang was prepared when they were attacked before.

On Ji was still looking at him, and Jet took a deep breath as he thought a bit. The girl's eyes showed concern, and he was thinking of someway to appease her. 'Compromise' he thought. That could work. Looking at her again, with a plan forming in his mind, he finally said, "How about this: If I can get rid of the group by tomorrow, I'll stop all of this. I'll shut down the company, turn myself in, and change my ways. I'll become the person anyone could ask for. Does that sound good?"

On Ji looked relieved as she gave her boyfriend a huge hug that knocked the breath from his lungs. Who knew she was so strong? "Thank you, Jet," she breathed. Preparing herself, she admitted, "I love you."

When those three little words left her lips, Jet felt his heart flutter, and he knew with certainty that he loved her as well. He didn't say so, however. It was too soon. Instead, he gave her a squeeze. But deep inside, even though he had made his words sound like a promise, he didn't intend to keep it. If the snipers failed tonight, he was going to destroy those teenagers even if it kills him. He just wished that he hadn't have felt guilty for lying to the one he loves most.

Please forgive me! Gods, I've been so busy I felt like I have been neglecting my duties as a writer. I'm sorry for not updating. But more chapters will come, I promise. Love you all!