Avatar: A New Hope

Aria smiled as she looked over at the boy who had spoken to her, smiling as she observed him. He was young and seemed enthusiastic, yet the way he spoke made him appear like he had a lot to proove. Thinking about it, she guessed he did, as he hadn't been there to help save Ba Sing Se, he didn't have the mutual respect everyone else had gained from it. However it would be silly to decline help, they needed all they could get. They could develop into a good ally over time.

Either way, she stepped forward to meet him and bowed her head slightly as a sign of respect. She wished to start on good terms with him and first impressions were important. "Hello Kai, it is an honor to meet you. I am Aria, Kyoshi Warrior, may this be the start of a long friendship" Her smile widened as she spoke, breaking through the formality.

 

"Whatever..." She spat the word out and rolled her eyes. Adena turned away from them and crossed her arms. The necklace, sitting elegantly on her chest, shine brightly in the light of the airship's room. Her eyes glanced down at it and she sighed. The princess's body seemed to have relaxed a bit and she turned to General Kynu, ignoring him and the girl whom had yet to introduce herself. "I need to get cleaned up before we arrive back home and I could use some rest as well. If you could have some show me to a room?" She unhooked the cloak from around her shoulders and began to walk out of the room. Adena couldn't take any more of the day and just wanted to go to bed and wake up once they were soundly in the Fire Nation.

 

General Kynu forced a smile and gestured his arms to the right. "By all means. This way, your majesty."

He escorted her to the West Wing of the airship into a narrow hallway, then used a silver key to open one of the doors on their left, revealing a bedroom. Considering its size, however, the room was more of a broom closet. It was dimly lit by a small candle in one corner, and included nothing else other than a folded dusty mattress with no sheets. As light from the hallway flooded into the room, two mice scurried out from beneath the mattress and disappeared again.

"Make yourself comfortable. FNA airships are famous for these luxurious suites, so I'm sure you'll sleep like a baby."

Kynu then left Princess Adena and proceeded to the control room of the ship. He was in a lighter mood than usual. Probably because it calmed him to know they would be on solid ground soon.

 

Roku layed next to Hotaru watching as people came onto the ship. He saw the boy from earlier and nodded his head, "Nice to see you again I don't thin I caught your name the first time we met i'm Roku." He looked towards the airship and saw it was moving away. "Whatever happened its over now." He then saw Aria "Hey glad you made it Aria." He closed his eyes for a moment and saw the face of Adena screaming at him. Its been a long day and it wasn't over yet. He tried to remember how many were in the group. He would feel better when he was far away from this city.

 

He was paying the boy no attention as he spoke about how could live with killing people and how he was hear to stop a war, not go on a blood bath. Rolan whispered under his breath..."That's all war is, a reckless blood bath that means nothing...."He then went back to talking to Roku about the situation when the air bender who started this "resistance" had showed up, and then soon after the Kyoshi warrior rode up on a ostrich horse. The boy had introduced himself to her, and she did so in return."Well look who it is Roku, the Kyoshi warrior. I didn't think you would be joining us on this mission. You ready for what lies ahead of us and you. I believe you are the only non-bender in the group. You going to be okay with that?He said with a smile on his face and glancing over to the Kyoshi warrior.

 

Adena sighed as she looked at the small room. She didn't really care that it wasn't fancy or even big, she just wanted to get clean. That apparently wasn't going to happen as long as they were in the air. It didn't look like it would matter anyway. As soon as she would have gotten clean, the bed would have gotten her dirty all over again. She sat down on the bed and slipped out of her boots. It felt nice to let her feet breathe after a long tiresome day of walking, running, and fighting for her life. Her ankles looked slightly swollen and she rubbed them for a little bit. Adena eventually laid back on the bed and peeled the necklace off of her body. She held it close to her face and stared into it for awhile. Roku had been right there, in front of her face, and she didn't know how to react. I was going to propose... He had hid that detail from her well. Roku was probably making it up to gain sympathy. He was good at that, looking wounded and beaten, only to gain the upper hand. It made her want to through the crystals across the room, hoping they would shatter, but something held her back. The princess wrapped her fingers tightly around them and closed her eyes, whispering his name just once. "Roku..." It didn't take long for her to doze off after that.

The teenager ran through the illuminated cave giggling. Her blond hair reflecting off of the various colors the wide cavern had to offer. She had a large smile spread across her face as she looked into the young man's eyes. He seemed almost as happy as she did. The Fire Nation Princess was wearing an elegant white sundress as she hurried to the spot in the cave that she was looking for. It was filled with large crystals that glowed shades of red, orange, and yellow. "The legend says if you whisper the name of the person you love into the crystals, than no matter how far away they might be, they will hear you calling for them. Not that I believe in it, but they are so pretty. Look at them all. I would love to own fire crystals some day." She stood there gawking at the crystals some more and thinking about her up and coming birthday. She would no longer be a teenager and it thrilled her. Maybe then people would stop viewing her as a child. Adena twirled in her dress, still smiling. "So, should we set up the picnic now?"

 

"Rolan just because your not a bender doesn't mean anything. Some of the most deadly fighters I faced on my travels were nonbenders ".He smiled at Aria and then turned back to Rolan. "I think are little Resistance has a little something of everything and I never thought I would be a part of it. Here I am again running away, it's seems to be a pattern with me. This is the last time i'm running away". He closed his eyes for a moment and then started to recall a happier time in his life.

"Princess you are beautiful" he said to her "I cant believe your almost grown up. You really love these fire crystal don't you?" He smiled at her looking at her face in the light of the crystals .He set the picnic basket down and pulled out a blanket laying it on the floor of the cave. He had made sure that the food was her favorite and wanted to make sure it was perfect."I think I may have an early birthday present for you Adena, close your eyes and don't blink". He pulled a box from his pocket and took out a necklace made of pure crystal. It had taken a long time for him to make to make it but it was worth it. He walked behind her and put the necklace on her and whispered in her ear "I hope you like it princess I made it just for you, open your eyes."

 

"I'm just messing with her Roku, I have much respect for the Kyoshi warriors. I have heard a great many things of their fighting styles. I think we might both had our hands full if we got into a fight with them, hahaha.He said to Roku with a smile and then turned to Aria."It's good to have you aboard Aria. I never got to see you fight earlier, but I hope that I can fight against you during our training. It would honor me if you graced me with a match against.He said smiling at her. He thought that she was a beautiful woman, and if she was a kyoshi, she must be a great fighter. Rolan then turned back to look at Roku who was deep in thought. He walked over closer to him and put a hand on his shoulder."Roku, we aren't running away anymore. Were finally running towards what we fear, what we need to face. Were finding our way again.He said sincerely towards his new found friend.

 

Feng could hardly believe that they had made it aboard. Safe and sound. Relatively unhurt by flying rock. But before she even had time to breathe or say anything, she was escorted to another place on the airship. She had never been on one before and it amazed her that the Fire nation was this advanced and constantly upgrading things. Though as soon as they had landed, the Princess started shouting at the man that she guessed was the captain of the airship. Feng decided it was best to stay quiet until someone asked her a question. She went over to a window and looked out at it. How high up they were! The mountains and landscape of the Earth Kingdom looked so marvelous from this height. Feng only turned back to the commotion behind her when a new person arrived on the ship.

Immediately, the man made her nervous. He tossed his swords down and she noticed that they were completely red. Her mouth gaped open at the sight and even more at his tale. He killed the earth king? Easily? For the rest of the conversation, Feng looked at whoever was talking which was mainly the Princess and the masked individual. When she took off his mask, Feng couldn't help but sneak a look before quickly looking away and pretending to be busy with something. Even more so when he looked at her about his identity. Blushing in embarrassment, Feng pretended that she hadn't seen anything and was instead focused on attempting to fix her hair through her reflection on the glass. Soon enough though, the Princess remarked she was tired and demanded to be escorted to a room. As soon as she left, Feng awkwardly turned back around and faced the masked man while the captain was gone.

Slowly the sides of her mouth curled upward in a nervous grin, not quite matching his mask. When the captain walked back into the room, the grin arched higher as her eyes darted from the man to the captain and back. Here would come the explaining. Feng hoped that she still had her documents and proof with her and that they weren't with the rest of her supplies on her runaway rental ostrich horse. I've got to have them with me. I mean, I kept them with me at all times right?

 

Adena's happy memory was both short-lived in reality and in her dream. It was one of the last happy memories she had in the two and a half years since then. The necklace from Roku was one of her most prized possesions. Seeing her continue to wear it after he left only angered the firelord. She had decided to keep it tucked under her tops so it was out of sight and only pulled it out when she was alone. If her father knew she was still carrying, he would most likely have it destroyed or send her back to the confines of her room. Adena's dream contorted back to the crazed events of the day.

The fire, the thick suffocating black smoke, all the dead bodies, beaten and burned; and her failed attempt on the kings life. The nightmare with the bodies drowning her in their limbs flashed back into her mind. She was suffocating from the smell of charred flesh and hair. Just when she thought they were going to drown her completely this time, a hand reached down to pull her out. Adena took it, anticipating the sight of her once love. Her heart sank when she realized it wasn't him, but another man. This one wore a mask on his face and held the head of the king in his free hand. The princess ripped her hand away from him and listened to the woeful moans coming from the mountain of bodies under her feet. Her face was horror stricken as she stared at the blood-dripping katanas resting on his back and the blank expression of the lifeless head in his hand. The king was supposed to be her kill, but beat her. Again.

 

Roku's eyes snapped open and a tear ran down his face. He spent the last 2 years trying to forget about her, hoping she was doing the same. The wicked truth was he never forgot about her. Why didn't he recognized her voice at Ba Sing Se? What was he going to do. Rolan's hand was on his shoulder "Thanks Rolan I needed that." He dug in his backpack and found a small box good it still here he thought. Inside the box was a ring meant for Adena made of pure fire crystal. He then remembered the legend of whisper the name of the person you love into the crystals, and they will hear you calling for them. Would he dare try it? No it's just a legend a make believe story he thought. Well why not he took the ring out of the box and pressed it against his hand. He then whisper so quietly Rolan would hear him" I miss you Adena the Princess dancing in the caves not the one I saw today." He then put the ring away and back in his bag. He got up and rubbed Hotaru's head "No need for dwelling on the past. One day Rolan I will face her until then there most be no regrets".

 

The masked man sat back and crossed his arms, having just finished cleaning the deep blood off his katanas. It wouldn't be long before they arrived back at the Fire Nation. These international flights were relatively short--much shorter than sailing, that is. He was pondering on how he could pass the remaining time when the young lady in front of him caught his attention. She seemed awkward. Nervous. Perhaps he would've found her to be pretty if she wasn't dressed in filthy Earth Kingdom attire.

"So, what brings you aboard, worm?" he asked intimidatingly while approaching her. It was a common term he used to refer to those from the Earth Nation. "A prisoner of war, are you? Adena has a lot of fun with your kind back at the Fire Nation. She brings them home like toys, practices on them like punching bags. Maybe I'll even get a turn...hm?"

The masked man now stood barely an inch away from the girl; the tip of one of his katanas was stroking the side of her neck very lightly. Being a few inches taller than her, he had to tilt his head slightly downward in order to stare intensely into her eyes. His were not visible, of course, but she could feel the stare burning into her skin.

 

As the man approached closer, Feng backed away slowly, except there was no place to really back away to. She was already at the window so now she had her back completely against the wall. She had to find her proof fast. Her eyes widened and her grin stayed frozen as it was really an excuse to grit her teeth in fright. She did NOT want to be some guy's bloody plaything. Though him wearing the mask did make it a bit easier on her. He may be trying to stare daggers at her, but if she couldn't see them, then that was fine with her. Even as he whipped out the sword and pointed it at her neck, she swallowed and closed her eyes taking a breath before completely ignoring the man as she went about her search.

First off, there was her sword. She was almost positive that not many other places besides the Fire nation had a sword like this. Though that might not be enough. They thought she was from the Earth Kingdom from her clothes, and unfortunately, her real clothes were with her supplies, which were with her rental mount, which was who knows where now.

But Feng wasn't dumb enough to just rely on something like that. Oh no. She had kept the king's scroll. To look over multiple times. And she always kept it on her. Though she was trying to remember if she had suddenly decided to put it in one of the bags with her supplies. Searching her pockets desperately and even her shirt, trying to remember if there was a hidden pocket or if she decided to be somewhat sleezy and hide things in there. Oh heavens. Oh heavens I can't find it. I can't find it! There's no way they'd just take my word for it!

Her search having been ended, Feng's face contorted from a look of focus to horror as her eyes widened to a memory. She HAD put it in one of the bags with her supplies. This thing is so clunky, I'm so tired of carrying it on me.....and then she put it in one of the bags. Inhaling sharply she closed her eyes and looked back at the mask. Its smile helped a little. Clearing her throat she tried to speak as she stumbled to explain the situation. "U-um yes....uh...well...I...know I look like this...but..this...this is..actually a...a...disguise. Yes. I...um...I was sent by the Fire lord to....to look after the Princess...and....uh...I really am telling the truth! I...I've...got this sword!" she said smiling suddenly as she took her sword with the sheath still on, displaying it to him. Wait, really? Go back and try again. she thought mentally facepalming at herself.

There had to be some other proof she had that she was really a Fire nation citizen. An esteemed soldier at that. Wait. Feng's eyes widened again to a realization. She did have proof. Almost every single soldier had to go through the process. She wasn't exactly pleased about it, but thankfully it was over quickly. Undoing her shirt, she lifted it above her head, moving the sword if it was still pointed at her neck and turned around. On her left scapular muscle, there was a branded mark of the Fire nation symbol. A designation that she was a soldier. "See?"

 

The masked man had his arms raised, triumphantly showing their accomplishment for all to see. Behind his mask there was a wicked smile, one that paled in comparison to that of her father's. She didn't want this, any of it. The princess just wanted to prove to everyone that she wasn't weak. That she could still easily go on even without her mother and Roku. The cries of the dead bodies were drowned out by cheers from all the citizens of the Fire Nation. They were proud and the one standing front and center wearing a sinister smile was the Firelord himself. He had his arms spread, welcoming them to join him, but the one he intended to hug was not her. She wasn't victorious in the day's battle. He was. She didn't receive congratulations from her father. He did. Adena was awarded a stern harsh look, that told her she would be in for it later. She wasted men and resources, while he accomplished the matter in no time.

The Firelord turned to face his people, still wearing that smile, and began to speak. "People of the Fire Nation, today has been a laborious day. With many of our men's lives lost, it appeared at first to be in vein, but then this young man here;" he set his hand firmly on the masked one's shoulder, "has managed to do the incredible. The Earth King Tasuki is no more!" The crowd cheered some more, thrilled by the news. Adena's eyes were wide and she was mortified. A forced smile was on her lips to disguise how horrible she felt. It was good news for the Fire Nation and the war. It meant they would easily conquer the rest of the world now, but she felt rather hollow inside. In the crowd, she could faintly see one red haired person shaking his head in disapproval. He appeared to detest the news as much as she did. Her arm raised, like she was going to reach out for him, but then she quickly dropped it. Calling out to Roku would only end his life. He was for some odd reason, standing in the Fire Nation after all. She didn't want him to believe this. She didn't want to believe it herself, but she did say she would do anything for her nation. Adena had to show her loyalty to her country, since the one person that she trusted had betrayed them. It reflected poorly on her judgement and everyone questioned whether or not she would join him. She couldn't even if she wanted too. The princess had an obligation to her family and people and now she had to make it up to them for the mistakes Roku made. I'm sorry...

 

The masked man observed the young lady's mark for a moment, making sure there was not a single detail of the Fire Nation symbol out of place, which didn't take long considering how simplistic of a symbol it was. His mind wandered for a moment as he reminisced on the day he was first branded as an FNA soldier, at only the age of 9. It was his destiny to fight for the Fire Nation





"What is that thing?" the young boy asked. His large blue eyes gazed at the blacksmith who wielded a steaming metal rod, though they were only half visible behind his long jet-black hair. "Why have you brought me here?"

The black smith laughed deeply. He was a bald, husky man with a bushy grey beard who wore ash-covered leather overalls. The metal rod he held in his gloved hands had a circular block of cement attached to the end of it. The block was in the shape of the Fire Nation symbol and was glowing a bright red, having been held in a fire for quite some time. "Stop asking questions, kid. You're pretty young to be doin' this, but you gotta get it done at one point or another, so just lift up your sleeve and shut up."

The boy backed away slowly as the blacksmith began to approach him with the steaming metal rod. He didn't like where this seemed to be going, but he couldn't find a way out of the small dungeon they were in. "You better not touch me with that thing...I'll kill you, mister."

"Ha!" the blacksmith broke into a fit of laughter, then charged at the boy. "Stay still, junior. You're making this harder for the both of us."

Before the boy knew it, his right sleeve had been ripped off and he was being held against the wall at his neck by one of the black smith's thick, hairy hands. With the other, he began to slowly press the cement block of the metal rod against the boy's shoulder.

"Aaaagghh!" the boy yelled, wincing in pain. "I WARNED YOU!"

He gripped the black smith's hand with both of his and rubbed small flames into them. The black smith jumped back, now in pain as well, then attempted to swing his metal rod at the boy as if to knock him unconscious. His multiple swings were easily dodged by the boy who then sent a blast of flames into the man's round, bearded face. Within a matter of seconds his long grey beard had caught on fire and he was desperately trying to pat it out, but the young boy made the flames greater each time he tried to do so. The odor of burning flesh soon filled the air of the compact dungeon and the black smith began to roll around on the ground, clutching his incinerated neck in agony.

"PLEASE!" he croaked. "HELP ME, YOU B*STARD CHILD! HELP ME!"

The boy watched the black smith slowly die, keeping a solemn expression not making even the slightest attempt to rescue him. Once the man stopped moving and the flames died out, he found a wooden exit doorway and proceeded up a set of stairs, gently rubbing his new tattoo.





"Very well then." the masked man said in his velvet voice, lowering his katana from the girl's neck. "That's a shame. I was really hoping for some fun later tonight. Guess I'll have to pick up some worms elsewhere."

He walked away and sat back down in the bench, crossing his arms.

 

Exhaling in relief, Feng slowly put her shirt back on over her head, too worried about being killed by a manic than being embarrassed at having been exposed so much of her skin in public. Of course she was wearing something to cover her lady parts, but regardless, this had to have been a first. After being fully dressed again, she turned back around and tried not to look overly embarrassed by the whole thing. She WAS in immediate danger, and now she was relatively safe. And so was the Princess, her mission. Though from the information she could gleam from the previous conversation between the man and the Princess, it would seem that the Princess had failed in her mission. Feng wondered how she felt. Feng knew that she herself wasn't perfect, but she did tend to complete any assignment given to her. There may be a few mishaps along the way, but she did complete them eventually. If she wasn't close to perfect, she wouldn't be as renowned as she was. Which, when she thought about it, probably wasn't as big of a deal as most made it out to be. She probably wasn't that famous and that was perfectly fine with her.

Looking back at the man briefly, Feng wondered why he wore that mask. Especially since it was smiling. For the irony maybe? She wasn't sure, and being in the same room as him made her uncomfortable. She also wondered what the Captain of the airship thought of her. After stripping to prove that she wasn't an Earth Kingdom citizen. Pondering more on the matter, it actually surprised Feng that she had even remembered the mark. She had gotten it so long ago and it obviously didn't hurt anymore. It was now just a part of her. She touched where the mark was with her right hand. That day was also a bit of a humiliating day. One morning she was rudely awakened by the male soldiers and dragged half asleep to a holding cell. She kept questioning them as to what was going on, but they merely smirked and laughed at her questions. At one point she was afraid that maybe something wicked was about to happen. Even more so when two grabbed her by the arms and pinned her against a wall so she could not move. After a second, she felt something hot on her left scapular and immediately began to scream and shout in pain. The poker was held for 3 seconds before she was released by them. There were some sleepless nights as that part healed gradually from the burning, but eventually it did and she barely noticed it anymore. After that "initiation" she started to get treated a little better by the men.

 

OOC: I was going to wait until the others got to the boat to post again but since no one has posted in a while.
BIC: Roku rose to his feet and yawned. He looked around the boat from Rolan to Aria to Draco to Kai. Its going to be a long boat ride, and he wasn't going to sit around and do nothing. He moved to a part of the boat where he wouldn't hurt anyone or destroy anything. Lets start easy he thought a nice easy workout. "Hey captain when we set off, how long will it takes us to get to are destination?"

 

Liao arrived at the docks andd Mi Mo was exhausted. She climbed down Mi Mo and help her on the boat. Liao looked around and saw some familiar faces, then spoke. "Sorry I'm late was look for my Polar Bear Dog, Mi Mo found her then ran all the way here." She sat down next to Mi Mo and sighed and patted the Polar Bear Dog softly, "That was a close one huh? Girl....." She leaned back against Mi Mo and tried to fall asleep next to her.

 

Kai was going to offer to have a dual with Roku while they wait. A water tribe girl came up to the docks though. It was odd. He felt as if he had known this girl. As if she was a distant memory from his past. She looked extremely familiar to him. He was not entirely sure though. He needed clarification. He walked up to the girl and said "Hello, I am Kai of the southern water tribe. My brother was a part of the meeting with the king. Nice to meet you."

 

Liao laid back against Mi Mo, relaxed, until she heard Mi Mo growl at boy walking up to them. Liao Cracked one eye open and look at the boy as he spoke. She snickered at the boy, "Southern huh, well I'm from the morthern water tribe, with Mi Mo here." She opened up her other eye and look at the boy he, look alittle familiar. then she held out her hand to shake his. "Nice to meet you Kai, I'm ......." She paused for a minute and then continued "I'm Liao....."