Post by Teяa253 on Nov 9, 2008 11:52:10 GMT 1
don't ask what's with all the blind characters. there's an explanation for most of them later on.
anyways, chapter 22.
CHAPTER 22: PRAY FOR THE BEST
“It’s too quiet around here,” Alzar complained, “I miss Cheng and Taki.”
“It really isn’t quite the same with almost everyone gone,” said Shinon in reply, “it even makes me wish Zakura was here.”
Shinon mostly did this to see what Alzar’s reaction would be. To his surprise, Alzar actually nodded.
“Truth is told,” She said, “she really does keep things exciting. I... I guess I even miss her (though I can’t believe I’m saying that)”
“Alz,” Shinon laughed, why is there that rift between you and Zakura anyways? I never understood the relationship between the two of you.”
“It’s not very complicated, Shin,” Alzar replied, “She likes to harass me.”
“She likes to harass anyone, Alz,” Shinon laughed, “what’s the REAL reason you and her have the rift?”
“Rift,” Alzar exclaimed, taking on a humorous Zakura-like tone, “what rift; little Alzie here and I don’t have a rift.”
“Alzie,” Shinon exclaimed, actually laughing, “when has Zakura called you that?”
Her answer was a burst of flames, which Shinon barely dodged, and his immediate retaliation was a waterbending moved that flipped Alzar over.
“Bending battle, bending battle,” said a little voice from behind them. Shinon glanced behind him to see Sanaki sitting cross legged on the ground, smiling. Her bangs covered her eyes, which, unlike Alzar’s, had never functioned. However, Sanaki did not need eyesight to know how vivid a bending battle between the world’s greatest firebender and the world’s greatest waterbender. She did know though, to keep her distance, so she moved back.
Within seconds, fire and water of all sorts of intricate and powerful designs were everywhere. To watch these two benders fight was truly awe-inspiring. They were incredible. There may have been people who were more powerful than them or more intricate than them, or perhaps even some who had more control than them, but the reason they were declared the “best” was because, if there was a way to “add” control, intricacy and power together, their “scores” would be the highest.
Sanaki was soon joined by Royota, and shortly after, even Ryuka appeared. He simply crossed his arms and smirked. He ruffled Sanaki’s hair and Sanaki giggled. Alzar and Shinon continued, locked in combat for a while until they both suddenly stopped.
“Why are we even fighting,” Alzar asked, laughing,
“You ask me, Alz,” Shinon replied, also laughing, but keeping his guard up in case Alzar pulled a fast one, “I just asked about a certain name and you kind of went nuts on me.”
Alzar laughed and then sat back down in one of the soft chairs, getting comfortable. She was lying sideways, gently kicking her bare feet, her arms hanging down, nearly touching the floor.
“That’s the Avatar Guard for you, Shin,” she said, laughing,
“Isn’t it now,” said Royota, also laughing, “I served under Avatar Lahka of the Water Tribes as well. There have been amusing people coming and going from this place. Iresu, Zeruda and Tenoko were some of the younger ones back in my day; and them and their husbands were quite talented. I certainly do miss them.”
“Well,” said Ryuka, “after The Order took over the way they did, the survivors became The Avatar Guard Secret Service. It’s amazing that they still haven’t been discovered. They’re the best of their kind.”
“Aye,” Royota replied, “I heard that Iresu was still in the earth kingdom; in this city to be exact,”
“She is,” Ryuka replied, “why don’t some of you pay a visit to her? Let the little blind girl get some fresh air.”
Alzar suddenly grabbed Ryuka’s arm, but Ryuka flung her off and backwards into Shinon’s arms.
“Calm down, Alzar,” he said, “I was talking about Sanaki.”
“And so instead of making fun of the girl who was an idiot and brought it on herself you make fun of the one born like that,” Alzar exclaimed, “Ryuka, I thought you were an honorable man.”
Ryuka’s dark eyes actually widened a little. Incidentally, once Sanaki learned that he was talking about her, she got angry as well.
“Whoa now,” said Ryuka, grabbing Sanaki by the scruff of her neck, “calm down, kid. If I knew it offended you so much...”
“I’m 17,” Sanaki bickered, “why do you all feel the need to treat me like a helpless baby? I was fending for myself perfectly well before I joined you. Why do you feel the need to treat me like I’m different? Just... just stop it. I’m no different than any of you. Just because I’m blind doesn’t mean that I’m not a capable fighter, okay? Just... please; don’t...”
“Perhaps you should get out more often, Ryuka,” Royota chuckled, “Alzar and Sanaki have both mentioned that their eyes are a sensitive subject for them,” Royota replied, “I would have a little respect for them if I were you.”
“You know what,” said Ryuka, “if you all are going to make such a big freaking deal about it then count me in. I’m going into town to get away from you all.”
“In that case,” said Alzar, laughing, “our plan worked.”
Alzar, Shinon, Royota, Sanaki, and Ryuka next found themselves wandering through the streets of Ba Sing Se. They navigated into the middle ring of the city. Their base was located near the Northwestern outer wall of the city, sort of away from most of the other city. Of course, by this time the city was so huge that much of what was in the walls was city by now. In the middle ring they ran into a pair of people that Royota seemed to recognize—a rugged man who looked to be in his late 30s, with dark skin, and long black hair in a ponytail. The person next to him was a young woman of about 17 with long, wavy brown hair and tanned skin as well. She was barefoot and was holding the man’s arm. She was about to the man’s shoulder.
“Cho Ling,” he said, “it’s good to meet you again. I didn’t expect to find you here. Your wife Zuki seemed fonder of the rural area.”
“She’s more of that type, indeed,” the man, named Cho Ling replied, “but alas, our city was recently taken over by The Order of the Avatar Slayer, and therefore we moved. It wasn’t easy moving such a large family, but hey, Zuki is an amazing woman.”
“I bet,” Royota chuckled, “how many children do you two have now?”
“8 and another on the way,” Cho Long replied proudly, “this one here is our eldest, Meili. She had her 17th birthday last week.”
“So, where is that fine woman, anyways, said Royota, playfully pinching Meili’s cheek. She jerked backwards. Royota noticed that her greenish-grey eyes never once faced him. Cho Ling’s face dropped when Royota asked about his wife.
“She was kidnapped,” he replied sadly, “yesterday. And I worry for her. You know how she is... she’s so innocent. The Order could get her to do anything. Please, do you think you could help me rescue her?”
“Fear not, Cho Ling,” said Royota firmly, “you have a family to watch out for. Let The Avatar Guard take care of this.”
However, this was not the right thing to say, as they were soon surrounded by members of The Order, including Dai Li agents.
“That’s conspiracy here in the city limits of Ba Sing Se,” said one of the officers, “and I’m afraid we have the right to arrest you all. However, we’ll be lenient and just take the blind girl.”
“What,” said Sanaki, “I said nothing?”
“Not you, girl;” said the officer, “that earthbender.”
However, that was their last word, as “that earthbender” jumped out and made an expanding wall of earth around the group which expelled the Dai Li from their presence.
“Let’s get, and let’s do it fast,” she said; she had a voice that sounded like it wasn’t used often. “Not sure how long they’ll stay out”
They were able to escape for the time being, and Cho Ling smiled.
“What do you think about her joining our group,” said Royota to the others, including Cho Ling,
“I’m for it,” said Cho Ling, “she’s almost all grown up now and could use the experience. Besides, it’s her mother that you all volunteered to go and save for us.”
“I like another blind person,” said Sanaki, giggling, “I agree.”
“You do realize she might get killed, do you not,” said Alzar,
“Aye” Cho Ling replied, “but she wanted to meet the world’s greatest benders and fight beside them. I want her to be happy.”
“I’m okay with it,” said Alzar, “I was just making sure you knew.”
“I do,” said Cho Ling, “which is why I pray for the best. Please take care of her, alright?”
“Dad,” said Meili, “I’ll be fine. I’m coming back with mom.”
Cho Ling embraced Meili one last time before letting her go with The Avatar Guard. He headed back towards his home, where his 2nd eldest, aged 15, was watching the family for a brief moment while these two were out. Meili was the only blind one of course, so her younger sister was able to watch the rest of the family with ease.
With the help of some of Zakura’s money (a resource that was accessible to anyone who knew where Zakura kept it in their base) the 6 of them boarded the monorail, which would take them to the central part of the middle ring. During said trip, Alzar and Sanaki fell asleep, Alzar onto Shinon and Sanaki onto Royota. Royota took not notice and was conversing with Ryuka, and Meili was idly playing with the bracelets and anklets on her wrists and ankles, also curling the toes of her bare feet. She wasn’t able to sleep, and being blind made it difficult for her to entertain herself. She was also thinking of her father’s words—Pray For the Best
~Azula~
anyways, chapter 22.
CHAPTER 22: PRAY FOR THE BEST
“It’s too quiet around here,” Alzar complained, “I miss Cheng and Taki.”
“It really isn’t quite the same with almost everyone gone,” said Shinon in reply, “it even makes me wish Zakura was here.”
Shinon mostly did this to see what Alzar’s reaction would be. To his surprise, Alzar actually nodded.
“Truth is told,” She said, “she really does keep things exciting. I... I guess I even miss her (though I can’t believe I’m saying that)”
“Alz,” Shinon laughed, why is there that rift between you and Zakura anyways? I never understood the relationship between the two of you.”
“It’s not very complicated, Shin,” Alzar replied, “She likes to harass me.”
“She likes to harass anyone, Alz,” Shinon laughed, “what’s the REAL reason you and her have the rift?”
“Rift,” Alzar exclaimed, taking on a humorous Zakura-like tone, “what rift; little Alzie here and I don’t have a rift.”
“Alzie,” Shinon exclaimed, actually laughing, “when has Zakura called you that?”
Her answer was a burst of flames, which Shinon barely dodged, and his immediate retaliation was a waterbending moved that flipped Alzar over.
“Bending battle, bending battle,” said a little voice from behind them. Shinon glanced behind him to see Sanaki sitting cross legged on the ground, smiling. Her bangs covered her eyes, which, unlike Alzar’s, had never functioned. However, Sanaki did not need eyesight to know how vivid a bending battle between the world’s greatest firebender and the world’s greatest waterbender. She did know though, to keep her distance, so she moved back.
Within seconds, fire and water of all sorts of intricate and powerful designs were everywhere. To watch these two benders fight was truly awe-inspiring. They were incredible. There may have been people who were more powerful than them or more intricate than them, or perhaps even some who had more control than them, but the reason they were declared the “best” was because, if there was a way to “add” control, intricacy and power together, their “scores” would be the highest.
Sanaki was soon joined by Royota, and shortly after, even Ryuka appeared. He simply crossed his arms and smirked. He ruffled Sanaki’s hair and Sanaki giggled. Alzar and Shinon continued, locked in combat for a while until they both suddenly stopped.
“Why are we even fighting,” Alzar asked, laughing,
“You ask me, Alz,” Shinon replied, also laughing, but keeping his guard up in case Alzar pulled a fast one, “I just asked about a certain name and you kind of went nuts on me.”
Alzar laughed and then sat back down in one of the soft chairs, getting comfortable. She was lying sideways, gently kicking her bare feet, her arms hanging down, nearly touching the floor.
“That’s the Avatar Guard for you, Shin,” she said, laughing,
“Isn’t it now,” said Royota, also laughing, “I served under Avatar Lahka of the Water Tribes as well. There have been amusing people coming and going from this place. Iresu, Zeruda and Tenoko were some of the younger ones back in my day; and them and their husbands were quite talented. I certainly do miss them.”
“Well,” said Ryuka, “after The Order took over the way they did, the survivors became The Avatar Guard Secret Service. It’s amazing that they still haven’t been discovered. They’re the best of their kind.”
“Aye,” Royota replied, “I heard that Iresu was still in the earth kingdom; in this city to be exact,”
“She is,” Ryuka replied, “why don’t some of you pay a visit to her? Let the little blind girl get some fresh air.”
Alzar suddenly grabbed Ryuka’s arm, but Ryuka flung her off and backwards into Shinon’s arms.
“Calm down, Alzar,” he said, “I was talking about Sanaki.”
“And so instead of making fun of the girl who was an idiot and brought it on herself you make fun of the one born like that,” Alzar exclaimed, “Ryuka, I thought you were an honorable man.”
Ryuka’s dark eyes actually widened a little. Incidentally, once Sanaki learned that he was talking about her, she got angry as well.
“Whoa now,” said Ryuka, grabbing Sanaki by the scruff of her neck, “calm down, kid. If I knew it offended you so much...”
“I’m 17,” Sanaki bickered, “why do you all feel the need to treat me like a helpless baby? I was fending for myself perfectly well before I joined you. Why do you feel the need to treat me like I’m different? Just... just stop it. I’m no different than any of you. Just because I’m blind doesn’t mean that I’m not a capable fighter, okay? Just... please; don’t...”
“Perhaps you should get out more often, Ryuka,” Royota chuckled, “Alzar and Sanaki have both mentioned that their eyes are a sensitive subject for them,” Royota replied, “I would have a little respect for them if I were you.”
“You know what,” said Ryuka, “if you all are going to make such a big freaking deal about it then count me in. I’m going into town to get away from you all.”
“In that case,” said Alzar, laughing, “our plan worked.”
Alzar, Shinon, Royota, Sanaki, and Ryuka next found themselves wandering through the streets of Ba Sing Se. They navigated into the middle ring of the city. Their base was located near the Northwestern outer wall of the city, sort of away from most of the other city. Of course, by this time the city was so huge that much of what was in the walls was city by now. In the middle ring they ran into a pair of people that Royota seemed to recognize—a rugged man who looked to be in his late 30s, with dark skin, and long black hair in a ponytail. The person next to him was a young woman of about 17 with long, wavy brown hair and tanned skin as well. She was barefoot and was holding the man’s arm. She was about to the man’s shoulder.
“Cho Ling,” he said, “it’s good to meet you again. I didn’t expect to find you here. Your wife Zuki seemed fonder of the rural area.”
“She’s more of that type, indeed,” the man, named Cho Ling replied, “but alas, our city was recently taken over by The Order of the Avatar Slayer, and therefore we moved. It wasn’t easy moving such a large family, but hey, Zuki is an amazing woman.”
“I bet,” Royota chuckled, “how many children do you two have now?”
“8 and another on the way,” Cho Long replied proudly, “this one here is our eldest, Meili. She had her 17th birthday last week.”
“So, where is that fine woman, anyways, said Royota, playfully pinching Meili’s cheek. She jerked backwards. Royota noticed that her greenish-grey eyes never once faced him. Cho Ling’s face dropped when Royota asked about his wife.
“She was kidnapped,” he replied sadly, “yesterday. And I worry for her. You know how she is... she’s so innocent. The Order could get her to do anything. Please, do you think you could help me rescue her?”
“Fear not, Cho Ling,” said Royota firmly, “you have a family to watch out for. Let The Avatar Guard take care of this.”
However, this was not the right thing to say, as they were soon surrounded by members of The Order, including Dai Li agents.
“That’s conspiracy here in the city limits of Ba Sing Se,” said one of the officers, “and I’m afraid we have the right to arrest you all. However, we’ll be lenient and just take the blind girl.”
“What,” said Sanaki, “I said nothing?”
“Not you, girl;” said the officer, “that earthbender.”
However, that was their last word, as “that earthbender” jumped out and made an expanding wall of earth around the group which expelled the Dai Li from their presence.
“Let’s get, and let’s do it fast,” she said; she had a voice that sounded like it wasn’t used often. “Not sure how long they’ll stay out”
They were able to escape for the time being, and Cho Ling smiled.
“What do you think about her joining our group,” said Royota to the others, including Cho Ling,
“I’m for it,” said Cho Ling, “she’s almost all grown up now and could use the experience. Besides, it’s her mother that you all volunteered to go and save for us.”
“I like another blind person,” said Sanaki, giggling, “I agree.”
“You do realize she might get killed, do you not,” said Alzar,
“Aye” Cho Ling replied, “but she wanted to meet the world’s greatest benders and fight beside them. I want her to be happy.”
“I’m okay with it,” said Alzar, “I was just making sure you knew.”
“I do,” said Cho Ling, “which is why I pray for the best. Please take care of her, alright?”
“Dad,” said Meili, “I’ll be fine. I’m coming back with mom.”
Cho Ling embraced Meili one last time before letting her go with The Avatar Guard. He headed back towards his home, where his 2nd eldest, aged 15, was watching the family for a brief moment while these two were out. Meili was the only blind one of course, so her younger sister was able to watch the rest of the family with ease.
With the help of some of Zakura’s money (a resource that was accessible to anyone who knew where Zakura kept it in their base) the 6 of them boarded the monorail, which would take them to the central part of the middle ring. During said trip, Alzar and Sanaki fell asleep, Alzar onto Shinon and Sanaki onto Royota. Royota took not notice and was conversing with Ryuka, and Meili was idly playing with the bracelets and anklets on her wrists and ankles, also curling the toes of her bare feet. She wasn’t able to sleep, and being blind made it difficult for her to entertain herself. She was also thinking of her father’s words—Pray For the Best
~Azula~
