His hair was the same color as his siblings' hair. He looked more like them now. After Katara had dyed it for him, he put his loose hair back into its traditional wolf-tail style. Katara's gloved hands clapped together in anticipation as Ayaan came forward. "How do you like it, Ayaan?" She asked, eagerly awaiting his reply.

"It's nice." He whispered, unable could not suppress his smile. His cheeks warmed happily, the wind blowing softly past him. "I like it."

Sokka and Katara stood like they were struck by lightning.

They'd never seen him look so pleased before. This was bad, very bad. Just look at that confident smile! This was meant to help him blend in, but it just transformed him from an exotically handsome young man to an extremely handsome young man.

Even if they dressed him in rags, with his amazing physique? He'd make it look like a robe for the gods.

'He's lethal,' Katara thought. 'But he looks so happy...'

When was the last time she'd seen him smile like that?

Katara felt bad that what they'd used was the only bit of the dye she'd gotten. It was specially made on Kyoshi so she wasn't sure when they'd be able to get any more.

'A weapon.' Sokka thought. 'Ayaan's looks are a weapon.'

He stared for another moment.

'This must be one of his secrets to manliness. I must learn!'

"Wow, Ayaan! That color looks great on you!" Aang said, completely missing the point that it was supposed to make him less, well, less 'Wow'. Well, he was happy, and it was so rare to see him smiling so... openly like this. Usually, it was just a small smile here and there, and it only lasted a split second.

"Come on, grandkids! Let's go!" Aang said, getting into character once again. The three of them followed the airbender across the massive bridge.

Ayaan looked over the edge; a chasm. It was a large and deep gorge, so vast in its depth that one could only see darkness. While Ayaan was not afraid of heights, thanks to their frequent flights on the magnificent Appa, this sight still unnerved him. So, he returned his gaze towards the front, where a thick and tall wall of earth and earth kingdom guards entered their sights.

While they wore similar colors to that of the Kyoshi Warriors, the overall garb was very different. A wide hat with fabric lining it, a loose pant, and it seemed most preferred to go without footwear. Was it due to their earthbending? And these warriors were all just a bit shorter than him... Well, that was just because he was unusually tall.

He was certain he was over six feet in height. It was a strange feeling when he began to dwarf the people he used to have to look up towards, like Gran-Gran. He could easily carry Gran-Gran if he needed to, too. He was sure of it. Maybe it was because he was used to carrying heavy prey from his hunting trips? He'd been hunting since he was young, so it was possible.

But Gran-Gran was not heavy at all. She weighed nothing to Ayaan. He remembered her laughing when he gave her hugs, especially now since he basically picks her up when he does.

Ayaan sighed a bit.

'I miss Gran-Gran.'

Taking him away from his thoughts, he heard Aang begin to speak. "You guys are going to love Omashu. The people here are the friendliest in the world." He said, recalling his time here a hundred years ago.

"Are you sure about that?" Surprisingly, it was Ayaan who spoke up. Aang looked towards him, the question clear in his eyes.

"What makes you say that?"

Ayaan simply pointed, and the three of them turned to the scene he was seeing. When they did, each of them had the same thoughts about this place.

'A lot of things can change if you give it a hundred years.'

"Rotten cabbages?!" A harsh voice yelled. It was the gate guard. He was glaring angrily at a merchant, who was shaking near his cart full of ripe cabbages. Despite his impressive array of the fresh vegetable, the gate guard was less than impressed. "What kind of slum do you think this is?!"

Ayaan frowned a bit. Maybe the guard picked up a bad cabbage or two, but from what he could see they were mostly fine. One wouldn't expect every vegetable to be in perfect condition, especially given the tedious journey it must have taken to get here. They flew on a giant bison, how long did it take people to get here by land? Months? Probably.

The gate guard made his mood worsen as he crushed the cabbage he had in his hand, knocking the two that the vendor had out of his. If it couldn't get any worse, the guard found a way as he earthbended the poor vendor's cabbage cart into the endless chasm. The man waved his hands in despair as he watched them fall into the void. "No! My cabbages!"

"'Friendly', huh?" Ayaan said, earning a look from Sokka.

"Hey! Sarcasm is my thing! Your thing is being manly! The manliest!"

"I thought you were 'the guy with the boomerang'?"

"Yeah. that too. Boomerang and Sarcasm."

Katara sighed. "Boys."

Aang was simply standing there, gawking at where the cabbages met their doom before straightening up along with the rest of them. "Uh, just keep smiling."

"I'm not smiling at him." Ayaan stated.

"Please smile?" Katara said, nervousness in her tone, but Ayaan just looked at her with the deadpan of all deadpans. Gran-Gran would be proud.

"No." Ayaan was firm in his statement. Why would he smile at something he didn't like? Nonsense.

"Katara, you know that Ayaan isn't going to be polite with someone he doesn't like."

"Just," Katara sighed, knowing Sokka was right. Ayaan was too honest with his feelings and way too straightforward, "Just try to be civil, please."

"...Okay." Ayaan reluctantly said. He knew that his little sister was right. "But I promise nothing." The moment something went wrong he was going for his trusty spear.

When in doubt, have your weapon ready.

"Thank you." Katara said, not noticing her brother's darker thoughts.

And then they came up towards the gate guard, who scowled upon their arrival. Like a reflex, Ayaan frowned in reply, and the two of them had a brief staredown before his eyes wandered towards Aang, who he believed was an old man.

"State your business!"

Did... did he just wimp out, away from Ayaan to seek out someone who seemed less intimidating?

If he had, the group didn't notice.

Aang activated his old man mode, turning it up to full power as he raced towards the gate guard with his finger pointed at the man's chest. "My business is my business, young man," Aang pokes the man in the chest, the sentry losing his concentration due to his surprise; the boulder from before crumbles, "and none of yours!"

'Oh, no.' All three of the siblings thought.

"I've got half a mind to bend you over my knee and paddle your backside!"

'We're screwed.' Sokka thought, his mouth hanging open. What was Aang thinking talking to this guy like that?! Did he not see was he did to Cabbage Man?!

Ayaan grabbed his spear, preparing for a fight.

Katara was just dumbfounded.

But somehow, someway, his old man act had worked. The sentry calmed his glare and spoke in a more civil voice than before. "Settle down, old-timer! Just tell me who you are."

Ayaan released the grip he had on his spear, it seems he would not have to fight today. His own frown settled down, and the sentry noticed. He'd actually noticed Ayaan glaring at him from far off because believe it or not, it kinda scared him. Just a bit. Now he thought that it may have been because of his first impressions.

'Huh.' The gate guard thought, 'It must have been because I was glaring at his grandfather...'

No, mister guard. It's because Ayaan does not like you. But that is also a reason that can be added.

Aang continued, not noticing the man's thoughtful expression. "Name's Bonzu," A pause for effect, "Pippinpaddleopsicopolis," another pause, for greater effect, "the Third!"

'What kind of name was that, you could have just gone with your real one?' Ayaan thought, but said nothing.

"And these are my grandkids." 'Bonzu' stated, gesturing to the three siblings behind him. Katara walked towards him with a friendly smile on her face. Sokka stayed where he was, still wary. And Ayaan kept his expression neutral.

"Hi. June Pippinpaddleopsicopolis. Nice to meet you." She said, waving lightly to match her friendly tone.

'How did she remember that ridiculous last name?'

The guard then looked towards Ayaan, waiting for his answer. Ayaan didn't feel the need to lie as they did. "...Ayaan."

The guard nodded in acknowledgment.

Sokka felt a little indignant, yet also a little relieved that the guard didn't even think to ask for his name too.

The sentry rubbed his beard pensively, as if in deep thought before he pointed to Katara, "You seem like a responsible young lady. See that your grandfather stays out of trouble." His gaze traveled to Ayaan on the other side of 'Bonzu'. "You as well, young man. Enjoy Omashu!"

"We will!" She said, taking the compliment.

Ayaan said nothing, he just turned and began walking. Why would he respond to someone he did not like? Nonsense. His thoughts were elsewhere, like how he got an iffy feeling from what Katara just said.

'For some reason, I feel like that was not the truth...'

Ayaan decided to say nothing. They had promised him that they would not get into trouble. They were here simply to see the sights, get some information and supplies, and then they would be on their way.

"Come on, let's go." Ayaan said, taking his role as a grandkid pretty well. He walked with Aang, on the other side of Katara as they watched the walls open up. They each make their way towards it when the guard halts them once again.

"Wait a minute!" He yells, grabbing Sokka by his shoulder as he turns him around. He gives him a stern look, trying to intimidate him. It works to an extent, as Sokka was already wary of the man to begin with.

'What did I do?!'

He opens his mouth to shout his nonsense, but stops when he senses something in the distance.

No, not something. A very angry someone.

When he looked up, he saw the warrior-like young man from before. A careful hand was placed on his spear, and he'd left his spot by his grandfather at some point, standing face to face with the sentry. The older man was sure that this man was restraining himself quite a bit. And he was right.

Ayaan did not take well to people giving threatening looks towards his family. Katara had told him to be civil, and he was trying very diligently to do so. If they were anywhere else, though? This man would have a spear at his throat.

"I request that you remove your hand from my brother, sir." Ayaan managed to keep his voice level, but his eyes held daggers, "Please explain what the problem is, I'll fix it."

That last part sounded a little too vicious. Ayaan either didn't notice or did not care. Most likely the latter.

Sokka shivered a bit, and that comment wasn't even directed at him.

"I-uh-" The guard stammered before recomposing himself. "I just thought he was a strong young boy," He chose his words carefully, "so-um-he should consider carrying his grandfather's bag?"

Ayaan's face held a look as if he smelled something foul. It was the scent of nonsense.

This gruff man's voice seemed to become extremely meek just now, and Sokka's initial fear shifted to utter disbelief and annoyance at the man. So he wanted to intimidate him just for something like that? And he almost let him? Sokka was very annoyed. So the reason he didn't ask his name was that he seemed like easy prey?

Sokka found himself reaching for his boomerang, only to be stopped by Ayaan discretely. He gave his brother a look, but Ayaan simply shook his head. This was not worth them getting into trouble, even if this guard was annoying.

Sokka let go of his boomerang.

"Good idea!" 'Bonzu' agreed, tossing his bag towards Sokka and Ayaan. The boy didn't even realize what had just happened. Without even looking at it, Ayaan caught it, keeping his eye on the gate guard as he handed the bag to Sokka.

"Does this satisfy you, sir?"

"Uh. Um. Yes?" His voice seemed to get smaller. This pleased Sokka greatly. He didn't need boomerang for this, they had Ayaan. "Excuse me..."

And then he went on to do his job as the group continued their trek towards the great earth-made wall. A rumble sounded through the ground as the earthbenders split the enormous wall of rock through the middle. It spread apart steadily, layer upon layer being revealed only to follow their predecessor and split themselves.

The water tribe siblings marveled at the magnificent sight, Aang smiling knowingly behind them. He knew they'd love it. His gaze wandered to the eldest of the three, a bit shocked at what he found. He was expecting him to stay stoic despite the sights, as he usually did.

But Ayaan was in awe too.

He was taking in everything he was seeing, from the sentries on the wall using their gifts, to the city that came into view just beyond it. His eyes were practically sparkling at the sights. It was a mirror image of his siblings, if only a little subtler. Aang could only think that maybe it was the hair dye that was making him so happy.

His disguise was so much better than the itchy wig he had on. But Aang didn't have hair, so there was that.

They continued to walk, unaware that Momo's ears had sprung up or that the guard was watching them, shocked and surprised by the animal. But the walls closed just as they opened, so he was unable to watch them leave any longer.

'Strange.' He thought, before shaking his head. 'I must have been seeing things.'

He continued his duty, yelling at the next person who wanted to get into the city.

Meanwhile, Ayaan and the rest of the Gaang were going over what they talked about before. Well, it was more of Ayaan drilling it into them.

"Okay, do you remember the plan?" Ayaan stated, giving the trio before him a narrowing look. His responsible big brother mode had activated the moment they stepped foot in the magnificent city of earth.

"Spend our money wisely." Sokka said, each of them holding up the allowances he'd given them. Ayaan nodded.

"Use the whistle if something goes wrong and we need to leave." Katara said. Ayaan nodded again.

"Does everyone have their whistle?" He asked.

"Yes, sir." They chorused, each holding up the water tribe whistle. It was the same one that Sokka used during the raid to call Ayaan. The older boy was so familiar with the sound that he could tell it from any other sound and could follow it efficiently.

"Good. What are the other rules?"

"Be safe."

"And?" Ayaan pointedly looked towards the airbender. "What's the last, more important rule we set up, Aang?"

"...Don't do anything that is 'stupid and dangerous'." Aang almost sighed.

Ayaan still hadn't gotten over that little thing he did. You know, when he jumped off of Appa to ride the Unagi, putting out the village fire? Yeah, Ayaan wasn't exactly happy he'd done that, though he was proud of his successful and heroic act all the same.

"Yes." Ayaan said, pleased that the younger boy remembered. "We will meet back here at sundown. I will take care of finding an inn for the night and supplies. Don't do anything that makes you stand out, and do not look for trouble."

"Yes, geez." Sokka grumbled. "You're Mom-ing us more than Katara does!"

"Hey!"

She was ignored.

"No, I am being your big brother." Ayaan corrected, his face unimpressed. His siblings didn't have the best track record when it came to keeping themselves safe. There was that one time Sokka got a fish hook stuck in his thumb because he thought he could cast it correctly, or that one time Katara got mad and drenched them in water accidentally.

But that was when they were babies. They've grown well, and he was sure they'd grow more. He didn't need to look over their shoulder all the time, he was sure they wouldn't like that. So, he was giving them the freedom to roam a bit. Aang seemed really excited to show them around. When he was done with the supply run and everything else, he'd join them.

He smiled, ruffling Katara and Sokka's hair while giving Aang head pats. Momo popped out of the wig at that moment, patiently waiting.

Ayaan knew that look. "Don't worry, I didn't forget you." He said.

He gave Momo his deserved head pats too. A contented purr resounded from the lemur.

Ayaan was a little hesitant to leave them. But he was sure that they could handle themselves just fine. Katara was indeed a responsible young lady, and Sokka would make sure to keep them out of trouble. And while he hadn't visited the city in a hundred years, Ayaan was sure that Aang wouldn't lead them into a mess...

Right?

Suddenly, he got a bad feeling. Shaking his head, he chose to ignore it.

"I'm going this way. Be safe, please." With that, Ayaan left them to their own adventure. He was sure that they would have fun with Aang. They deserved that. He could take care of everything else.

Back with Aang, he had this glint in his eyes as he turned to the remaining two siblings. "So guys... wanna see Omashu's mail system?"

...

..

.

Ayaan marveled at the beautifully crafted structures. It was so different from his home in the South Pole. There was no ice, the land wasn't forever covered in ice and snow. There were no freezing rivers or animal skin huts. This place made his home look flimsy and small in comparison.

How were they now? His mind always drifted to them. But he was certain they were okay, Gran-Gran was left in charge after all. Gran-Gran was Gran-Gran; with her around, nothing could go wrong.

But now wasn't the time to think about home; he was a bit lost. Omashu was huge compared to anywhere he'd been before, and while he could read a map, being in a new place tended to be a little overwhelming. Luckily, this place was teeming with people, and while he wasn't comfortable with speaking with people he didn't know... it wouldn't hurt to try.

"Um, excuse me?" He said, getting the attention of the young lady.

"Yes-" Her response got cut off the moment she turned around. Grayish-blue eyes and chocolate brown hair, strong shoulders covered by a blue parka she knew wasn't native to these parts, tall and handsome with a semi-deep voice that almost made her swoon. There was a burn scar that went across his nose and down his right cheek, but that just brought her attention to his face.

And hot. damn.

"I'm new here and a bit lost." He said, a bit uncomfortably, but as politely as he knew how. "This is the 'Paisho Paradise Inn', correct?"

"Why yes!" She said, a little bit too enthusiastically. "Will you be staying?"

"Yes, I will be staying."

"Come right in!"

Ayaan graciously accepted the offer, entering the building. The inside was beautiful; tables of green and gold sat in the front with chairs to match, a carpet leading from the door to the reception desk at the center. There were two floors made for both normal and VIP use, a twin staircase of the same colors leading to the upper floors. Just beyond were the rooms of the inn, luxury and common split between the two separate floors.

And of course, there was an area built for those that play Paisho, thus the name Paisho Paradise Inn. The entire place gave off a very welcoming feel, the aromatic scent of freshly brewed tea filling the air.

All in all, this place was very nice.

The lady decided to get the reception service out of the way. "Ehem. Welcome to the Paisho Paradise Inn, I'm the innkeeper, Shiko." She said, showing her professionalism. It was rare for a woman to be in charge of a facility, but it wasn't unheard of. "For common rooms, it is thirty copper pieces per night. Food can be included for only fifteen copper pieces more. If you are looking for VIP rooms, they are one silver per night. Because of the VIP service, food is already included."

"Oh." Ayaan said. "Are there rooms for families? I will not be the only one staying."

'Ah, so he's married. Shame, but let's face it. All of the good ones are either taken or gay.'

"Yes, sir, though they are a bit expensive. It is one silver for a common family room, the price for added food being an additional twenty-five copper, and for VIP family rooms it is three silvers. Though as before, food services are included with the VIP suites."

Ah, that was a bit expensive. Ayaan thought for a moment.

He checked his money.

He did a quick check of his budget.

Then he thought of his siblings. He thought of their smiles. Katara would marvel at this scenery, Aang was always a ball of joy, and Sokka is always happy at the mention of food.

His decision was made.

"I'll take the VIP family room, please." He put the three silver pieces on the table, surprising the innkeeper by how quickly he decided on it. But she was delighted, quickly showing this rich young lord to his room, the best one they had.

"Thank you," He said, taking in the beautiful room. There were four beds in the large room, a bathroom, and even a living room area, all furnished lavishly with comfortable settings and soft fabrics. It was a room meant for nobility, who were usually the ones who bought out these rooms. No normal person would be able to afford this room, you see.

But Ayaan did not know that.

Ayaan hunted wherever he landed, using his gained skills to separate the meat and pelts of his prey, and sold his extra wares. He knew that they sold well, but what he didn't know was how well they sold. With Ayaan's income, with both the money he received for his wares and the small fortune that Oyaji gave him, he had enough money on his person to be considered a small lord.

Which was what was happening at this very moment.

"I will be back here with my family by sundown." He said.

"Of course!" Shiko was quick to reply. "Would there be anything else you need?"

"Um, yes." Ayaan was a little thrown off by her eagerness to assist him, but he would gladly accept it. "Do you where the market is from here?"

"Yes! The market is just down the road from here. You can't miss it."

"Thank you, I will be going now." Ayaan nodded his head in gratitude before leaving the building. Now that this was taken care of, it was time to gather their supplies. Hopefully, he could find all of the things they were looking for.

When he left, three other young girls came out. "Girl, did you see him?"

"So tall!"

"So polite!"

"So handsome!" All of them swooned before Shiko knocked them all upside the head.

"Ow!"

"Stop dreaming." She said, but it only earned her an indignant huff from her co-workers. "We've got work to do. And what did I say about swooning over every handsome lord that comes through here?"

"You didn't say anything about it, cause when has any type of 'handsome' anything come through here?"

"Um-"

"All we ever get are those gruff sentries, snobbish nobles, and old men playing Paisho! That," She gestured to the last place Ayaan was seen, "When do you think we are going to get finer specimens than that?"

Shiko could say nothing.

"Exactly."

Back with Ayaan, who had no idea such a conversation was happening, he'd made it to the market. It was bustling, most likely being the busiest part of the city. There was a place for food, a place for clothes, fabrics, and even pets. There was a shop for everything. Ayaan was a bit overwhelmed by it.

Then his eyes stopped at one shop in particular: A shop for weapons.

He found himself inside it without even realizing he'd walked in. The shopkeeper noticed him eyeing his many wares. Specifically, his spear collection. "You have a very discerning eye, young man. Are you looking for something specific?"

"Ah," Ayaan said, removing his sights from the many spears. "No, I found myself here."

"I see, new to these parts?"

"Yes." Ayaan said, taking a spear from its resting place. "What type of spear is this?"

"Oh, this one?" The man went on to explain what type of spears he had, Ayaan immersing himself into his words. This old man was very passionate about his weapons, going from the blade to the hilt with his descriptions. It was then that the burly old man noticed Ayaan's spear on his back, and his eyes practically sparkled.

"My my, young man! Did you make this fine weapon yourself? It's gorgeous!"

Ayaan was a bit flustered by the man complimenting his weapon. "Um, yes, sir. My father and I made this spear together from an old fishing spear. It has been with me for years."

"I can tell!" The man said enthusiastically. "May I?" He asked. While a bit reluctant to do so, he let the eager man see his spear. The shopkeeper held it like it was a treasure.

"It is well used, and even better, well maintained. It looks like a cross between a Naginata and a Lochaber Ax! The base is a heavy counterweight, working as both a club and to balance out the weight of the spear because of the large blade! Marvelous, simply beautiful. Here you go, young man. Thank you for letting me view such a wonderous weapon."

"Oh, your welcome." To have his spear, something he and his father made together years ago, being so well praised... it was a very warm feeling. He wished his dad were there with him to hear these compliments too.

"But I must say, young man." The older male inquired, "Have you thought about having a secondary spear or another weapon on hand?"

Ayaan gave the man his attention. "I have, actually. While I love my spear, it can't last forever. Especially given how much I see myself needing to use it. I didn't think I would find such a great shop here. Would you mind giving me your recommendations? I..."

And so they went on for a little while. The shopkeeper gave Ayaan his best recommendations, letting Ayaan pick his choices as his leisure. He answered any questions the lad might have had, and helped him find the maintenance tools he was looking for.

Ayaan purchased things to polish and sharpen his spear and Sokka's boomerang, and two ō-naginatas. The ō-naginata was an interchangeable weapon; it had a hilt for both a sword and a spear. The blade was curved slightly, both sides being sharp. The back was jagged while the front was smooth, but it was much thinner than his own spear and much lighter. While he would need to practice wielding the spears together, it was something he looked forward to.

"Have a wonderful day, young man!" The old man bellowed. Ayaan was most likely the most enjoyable consumer he'd had the pleasure of serving. He hoped the young man would stop by again sometime.

"You as well, sir." Ayaan was also pleased. It had been a while since he had someone to talk to who knew his way around a spear. It was a very nice experience.

Aang was right, this place really was full of the friendliest people in the world. He was really enjoying his time in Omashu. It may be his favorite place so far.

Speaking of, he wondered how they were doing. Maybe they were having just as wonderful of a time as he was? He had not heard the whistle, so he could only assume that they were fine. The sun was getting lower, so he decided to save his thoughts for later and get the rest of the things he needed while also enjoying himself.

He had no idea that they'd decided to be reckless idiots.

The day went on, and Ayaan's time was full of little wonders. He tried different things, buying dried meats, fruits, and vegetables as he went. When he got to the clothing shops, he thought Katara would enjoy having a new outfit. She was a blossoming young lady, after all.

While any normal man would be completely awkward walking into a store full of beautiful dresses and fine fabrics, he was not. "Excuse me? I'd like to buy a gift for my sister. But I am unsure what style of dress would be nice for her..."

"Oh! Well, for this time of year I would recommend a long sleeve dress. We have many selections. Please, follow me."

"Okay." And so he followed. There were many, many dresses. Honestly, Katara would look lovely in all of them, he was sure. So choosing became that much more difficult.

"Do you have any that are blue?"

"Why, yes! Though colors aside from our kingdom's primary colors are on the rarer side, we do have them. Right this way, sir." She led through even more clothes, and honestly, Ayaan was losing hope in finding a nice dress for his sister.

Then his gaze found a particular shade of blue.

When he reached for the dress, he knew it was the one. On top of that, it was just her size. Perfect. "I'll be purchasing this one, please. Can you wrap it for me?"

"Certainly! Though that particular dress is a bit expensive due to the rare color. Are you sure?" Ayaan nodded to her question.

"Paying will not be an issue."

He did not realize how confident he sounded, or how the young girls swooned, wishing for a man like him to buy them gifts. They'd watched him the entire time, seeing how thoughtful he was. Their lovers could never look through a shop like this so thoroughly in attempts to pick out the perfect gift.

Ayaan's fan club had just gotten another base of operations.

He left the dress shop with his gift wrapped and carefully placed in his pack. He'd gotten plenty of food Sokka would happily eat on, and he'd even found an egg custard tart for Aang. He'd mentioned it being one of his favorites. Ayaan was very please with his haul.

While shopping, he made sure to ask about any information about fire nation activity in the area, as well as more casual questions about how well life was within Omashu. He helped a few people with errands and heavy lifting as he was passing by as well, not knowing that he was adding more people to his fan club with his actions.

And it was like that more time passed, and he was readying himself to head to the meeting place they'd all agreed upon earlier when he noticed someone he didn't think he'd see.

It was the cabbage merchant from before. So, he did manage to get into the city. That was good. He seemed to have gotten another cart of cabbages as well. From where Ayaan had no idea, but he was happy for him. He made his way towards the merchant and was greeted with a smile.

"Welcome! Would you like some cabbages? I promise they are fresh and delicious!"

"I've never had a cabbage before." Ayaan answered truthfully. Being in the South Pole, surrounded by ice and snow, you don't usually get fruits and vegetables that often.

"You've never had a cabbage?! Poor sir, you are missing out! They are wonderful vegetables, with plenty of delicious dishes to their name. I could even give you some of my family's recipes!" Cabbage Man went on about how wonderful cabbages were, Ayaan being a great listener. He asked him many questions about them, to which the merchant was more than happy to answer. He told him about different soups and salads, as well as meat dishes that cabbages went well with.

"You truly love cabbages, don't you," Ayaan said, the enthusiastic man nodding his head rapidly. "I can tell a lot of care has been put into these with how large and well they've grown."

The Cabbage Man almost cried. "Yes! They are my life's work! Thank you for noticing, young man!"

"Well, sir, I would be happy to buy a few cabbages from you."

"Of course! I'll even give you a discount for listening to this silly old man ramble." He said with a laugh, giving Ayaan his purchase with a smile.

But then Ayaan felt something ominous. No, he heard something ominous. Screaming? Three voices. Three very familiar voices.

'Oh, no.'

"Get down!" Ayaan tackled Cabbage Man away from his cart just as something violently crashed through it. When the dust settled, he checked the man for injuries. "Are you hurt, sir? I'm sorry for tackling you."

"No, I'm fine. You save me," He said in slight awe, "Thank you."

"Of course, but what..." Ayaan turned his head, but what he saw made him frown, very deeply. Cabbage Man's eyes widened in horror as he quickly scrambled to his feet.

"No! My cabbages!" The poor man ran to his destroyed cart in despair, true tears running from his eyes. At the center of the destruction, were three faces Ayaan was very familiar with. Guards were quickly on the scene, the cabbage merchant's despair transforming into anger. "You're gonna pay for this!"

"Two cabbages please?" Aang's disguise was ruined from whatever he'd been doing. His blue arrow clearly visible through the destroyed wig. Katara and Sokka were still in a dazed mess, but when they came to their senses they wished they had stayed blissfully unaware.

It was more than the glaring guards and the angry merchant that was scaring them right now.

It was a very angry Ayaan. A very, very angry and disappointed Ayaan.

"What the hell were you three doing?"

And then all of them were arrested.