Zuke took a steady step forward from the corner, unsheeting his blade and running it into the floor. He kneeled before it and raised his hand. "I am Zuke Kia, son of Blaze the fierce and Gaze the kind. Post-Fire Nation, a powerful firebender and here as volunteer to bring back the Avatar and end this immoral war!" His voice was strong and steady, his eyes were closed and his armor clattered as he rose again, putting his sword back.
"A tad over enthusiastic, neh?" Jamar asked Zuke before turning to his host, "Jamar of the Water Tribes. Non-Bender, acrobat, and I know the pressure points of the body, including the ones to press to make any bender non-bending. I'm here for about the same reason as the big armor dude here," He gestured to Zuke, "Don't exactly agree with the Fire Lord's 'Burn it all with fire' policy all too much."
"I'm simply proud of myself" Zuke said and slammed his fist against his metal chest, glaring at Jamar. He then leaned backwards, against the wall. He looked at the people that had spoken. He did not like waterbenders much, mainly because they were the counterpart of fire. He although got interested in the pretty airbender. Airbending always worked fine together with firebending, but even though Zuke was interested plenty in combating, it was not the actual bending that woke his interest up.
There was something about her that differed her from all the others. Something Zuke not quite could put his finger on. He quickly shook the thoughts of his mind and kept leaning against the wall, waiting for more introductions.
Hazanko stepped forth from the trees that bordered the Temple. His straw hat still tipped low. "I am Hazanko, guardian of the earth. I have no nation to whom I pledge allegiance to, nor an element I take preference." Hazanko took a knee with a clenched fist the settled upon the earth. Upon this clenched fist was tattooed a very elaborate flame that seemed to escape from the mouth of a dragon. However Hazanko's long sleeved shirt did not allow the traveling eye to gaze at more then muzzle of this reptilian legend. Hazanko raised his head, his covered eyes concealed below the rim of his hat, "will you accept my most humble offering?"
"Your humble offering is accepted. Cheer up, friend, this will be fun! New friends and a great adventure!"
Uno said with a smile as she stomped the ground gently. A small block of stone rose behind him trough earthbending and pushed Hazanko into the building. She then stepped forth, after the formal introduction of Hazanko. She kept wondering if he would be that serious trough the whole trip. The firebender caused some insecurity though, as Uno believed a feude could easily be created, since it was the firenation that lead the war. She held her hands behind her back and smiled, as she gave her introduction.
"My name is Uno, I am an earthbender from the proud Kyoshi island as you can see on my armor. I like to have fun and I am very thrilled to be going with you on this trip. It will be my first real trip away from the island"
Her eyes shun with excitement as she stepped aside. Hou walked by her and up to the front of the temple. Next to her walked Sokka.
"I am Sokka, the General of the northern watertribe and a proud southern watertriber. I have no waterbending skills, but my combat experience and fighting skills makes me an excellent fighter, to any of you that wonder. I aided Aang trough the year where the world needed him the most, and since me and my sister found the previous avatar, I believe I can help you find the next one.
Any questions before we start?"
Originally posted by C. C. Cowgirl
"Your humble offering is accepted. Cheer up, friend, this will be fun! New friends and a great adventure!"Uno said with a smile as she stomped the ground gently. A small block of stone rose behind him trough earthbending and pushed Hazanko into the building. She then stepped forth, after the formal introduction of Hazanko. She kept wondering if he would be that serious trough the whole trip. The firebender caused some insecurity though, as Uno believed a feude could easily be created, since it was the firenation that lead the war. She held her hands behind her back and smiled, as she gave her introduction.
"My name is Uno, I am an earthbender from the proud Kyoshi island as you can see on my armor. I like to have fun and I am very thrilled to be going with you on this trip. It will be my first real trip away from the island"
Her eyes shun with excitement as she stepped aside. Hou walked by her and up to the front of the temple. Next to her walked Sokka.
"I am Sokka, the General of the northern watertribe and a proud southern watertriber. I have no waterbending skills, but my combat experience and fighting skills makes me an excellent fighter, to any of you that wonder. I aided Aang trough the year where the world needed him the most, and since me and my sister found the previous avatar, I believe I can help you find the next one.
Any questions before we start?"
Hazanko felt the rush of the rock that moved him. He did not stir from his position and still looked down at the spot he had before he was forced back by the earth bending. The rock pillar was structurally firm complementing the bender that made it. The smoothness in the ride dictated the veterancy of the bender. He did not however show any signs of joy at the acceptance of his request.
When the pillar set him down onto firm ground, he took his stick and bag and found himself a place near one of the corners but also close to the middle. He did not wish to pass himself off as the anti-social type while at the same time reserving his image as one who avoids the limelight. He couldn't help but feel a little lost inside. He was going to abandon his home of up bringing, to travel to distant places he had only dreamt about. His only comfort was that regardless of where he went, his mother would always be nearby.
Originally posted by C. C. Cowgirl
Any questions before we start?"
Noticing the silence Hazanko raised his hand. In a most emotionless tone, and almost indifferently he asked, "Surly we will not be the only ones searching for this Avatar, where do we begin? Have we any leads, other allies, hints, clues to the possible locations of our mission? Who are our enemies? I believe before any action is taken we thoroughly look through every possibility to ensure that who we meet, where we go, what we find is never a surprise to us.
"I understand" he continued, "that not everything can be known, and fate favors the bold. But you are in the middle of a war, with a ruthless enemy that seeks nothing more then the dominance of those who dare stand opposite them. I believe that if we are able to locate possible avatar locations, we may be able to split up and hasten our search. The sooner we are prepared in searching for the Avatar, the sooner he, or she," he quickly added, "will be out of the Fire Nation's hands."
"A question built for me"
Hou stepped up, turing to Hazanko mainly, but making sure to face the rest of the crowd as well.
"You are the latest of groups that have tried retrieving the avatar. We sent a group of Kyoshi warriors out a couple of weeks ago and have not heard one word of them. They disappeared with the clues that we had providen them, and even though we had a couple of talented earthbenders tracking them, they failed. So, in short you will be the only active searchgroup that we know of"
She paused to take a new breath, turning to Sokka. He nodded and smiled, motioning with his hand for her to continue. She nodded and kept talking.
"You will go from here, or from a destiation chosen by the group that suits. I assume that you are all already prepared and that we are good to go, so I would recommend going from here. My village can provide with food and camping equipment.
When it comes to allies, all you have to do is show a certain token that I will provide each and every one of you, and most people in the earth and water kingdom will be to your service. At least those loyal and those that has anything to provide for you.
About our enemies, I suggest you consider all firenation members hostile. With a few exceptions; Iroh of the firenation and Khaz of the firenation will be able to aid you if you need their help. Iroh is secretly to our service as he wishes an end for the war. Khaz is a deserter and is residing in this very village. You may ask him more questions afterwards, as he might hold information that is of use. He is located in the building to the left if you exit the temple. Other than that, we believe all earth, air and waternation members are more than willing enough to aid you in any way possible with your search.
However, the firenation has spies spread all over the world, so for your own safety and the retrival of the avatar, share as little as possible that you already know with others and take as much information as you can"
She paused and thought about the latter that this Hazanko had said. She looked at Sokka, who gladly took over the speaking.
"We believe that we are looking for a female, mainly waterbender. It is the time of water in the avatar cycle. As of lately, after doing some research it appears that every-second avatar has been a female. Do not take this for certain, but it might be the case that our avatar is female. And when it comes to the north and south pole, my men have searched both. There is no one with the same amount of chi flowing trough their veins as the avatar. Therefore I suggest you only go to the north and southpole if you need to talk to someone specific or if you have found clues that lead you there. To save you time.
The possibly-female avatar is around the age of 25. Also, we have scanned the airtemples and they are still deserted. No sign of any avatar. That means the two nations that you will mainly suggestivly work in, is earth and firekingdom. I would advice you to be careful if you decide to venture into the firekingdom. Iroh may be the general and he may be on our side, but to cover his trail, he will treat you as hostiles and you shall treat him like one as well if you ever meet."
He sat down quietly afterwards, looking over the group.
"If you ask me, you should talk stragey trough with the group. Me and Hou has full faith in what you all decide to do.
Oh, and I almost forgot. We have heard rumors that Firelady Azula has assembled a small force of firebenders in the search of the avatar. Be cautios, as the group may be lead by a certain Ty Lee. A girl that fought on Azula's side when the last avatar lost his life. The killing blow, some say"
Sokka tilted his head backwards, to hide the tear that fell down his cheek, dripping on the wooden floor. He wiped his eye and looked back with a smile on his face.
"There is more to tell, but anyone has anything to say about this, before we continue?"
Miyu looked away when he was talking about going to the northern tribe for more information, she didnt want to return there, she left for a reason. She sighed and closed her eyes trying to think of a way to get out of returning but she couldn't think of a plausible solution. She slowly felt fear if the northern tribe would force her to stay with them and maybe punish her for leaving in the first place.
She looked down at her hands and thought about her parents, she missed them, they were always supportive of her but when they died everything went downhill, she just needed to get out of there. She gave a small smile as she slowly pulled out a small light blue flute with different gems decorating it out of her pack, it was her mothers.
Miyu slowly walked away from the others as she gripped her flute, she wanted to play it but she didnt want it to bother the others. After she got a good distance she gently put the flute to her lips and started to play a gentle melody her mother had taught her.
Ava considered deeply the questions Hanzo posed, and nodded as each was answered, though the answer it self might not have been directed at her.
A female water bender...hm?
Placing a finger on her lip, Ava recited a story told many a time to her as a child, in her own mind. It was about a great water bending avatar many years ago. A hero among the water tribes, and and icon to all. Perhaps this young woman, if she was, would be the same. As she considered these things, Ava realised she couldn't keep completely to herself during this mission. She had to know her team to trust them, and they had to know her. In her head she knew it would be difficult to overcome her tension around the men...especially that one, the fire bender. She had kept her eyes in a death lock with the ground as he introduced himself, and she had a feeling he had noticed.
Noting what personal sacrifices she herself would have to make, Ava nipped her lower lip gently. It would be tough for her, but at least she would have reason to go on now, other than an unidentified drive to find that someone....something...that might be out there, that might be able to make things better for others. Others like herself, whom she considered too far gone for a long while.
Her first task was evident to her. she brought her eyes from the ground, and finally opened them fully. She let them rest on Zuke and breathed in deeply as she examined his face. That face... A chill rushed down her spine as her thoughts departed to another world.
" Ava...whats wrong with her? Whats wrong with her Ava? "
His face, those tears, were plastered into her mindscape. And then that shadowy figure entered the room, stepping heavily. A lean, strong body. Highly toned muscles. And those eyes...
As Ava snapped back to reality the first glimpse she caught were Zuke's eyes. She shut her own tightly, and took a few steps back before turning and briskly exiting the perimiter. Once she stopped, leaning again on a pilar, a soft, melodic tune relaxed her mind, bringing her senses back to serenity. Ava coulnt's help but walk closer. She found herself in a clearing not to far, and watched the girl - she recalled the name ' Miyu ' - Playing the flute. It was really a beautiful sound, and Ava didn't want to interrupt, but she didnt want to eavesdrop, per se, either.
" You're excellent, you know. "
Ava was leaning against a tree, her eyes half closed, and her arms folded. For the first time in a very long time, her lips curved up into something close to a smile.
Miyu had her eyes closed but she could feel eyes on her and then a voice spoke out and complimented on her playing. She opened her eys and stopped to look at the person, she couldnt completely remember the girls name so she just smiled "Thanks" she looked at her flute "My mother taught it to me long ago before she died" she looked back up at the girl "You dont mind if I continue? When I play this song, I can feel her presense" she said quietly
Ava's face returned to normal, seriousness, though it was relaxed and gentle simultainiously. with a slight nod, she let her eyes lock onto the girl.
" Please do.."
She said quietly. She stepped back few feet, and sat, resting her back against the wide trunk of the tree as she listened on. They would be departing soon, and this was the perfect way to soothe her soul before the journey. As she closed her eyes, she thought about what the girl had just said.
So.your mother died too? It seems we have a bit in common.
As the wave of serenity washed over her, Ava couldn't help but wonder if maybe she felt Miyu's mother's presence as well.
Hazanko let the echos and vibrations of the otherspass through his body. They were girls. The way they moved and shifted their weight upon the floor. It was no doubt that they were much lighter then the average man. However Hazanko did not bother to notice much after the ringing tear drop. Sokka's pain at the lost of his friend. That one openness of affection that moved through Hazanko's body. The resounding silence of the droplet of water as it splattered upon the hard floor. Hazanko remembered his first experience of tears.
Before his mind drifted to the memories of the past he stopped. He needed to focus. Years of solitude. All his life for that manner. He was conditioned for nothing, attatched to no one. His universal feeling was understanding. He felt sorrow when he stood amongst the mourning. Rage when he walked amongst the rioters. Joy when he sat with the jubilant. But regardless what emotions would invade him, all he needed to do was sail it out. And no sooner had they arrived that the emotions would be leaving him once more. He was accustomed to this transitory nature of his. His emotionless features drew their roots in his emotionless character.
Hazanko decided he had heard all he needed to hear. What more was their left? "You send teams of warriors to search for an Avatar," he broke the silence in a dull and monotonous voice, "and they do not return. Do you intend to send us down the same path, to meet the same resistance? Have you a map of previously explored areas? Have you marked the places or direction by which search teams that you sent have not returned? You seem to forget that this is not an island of minuscule size, but a continent of astronomical measures." Even with the intensity of the last sentence, no hint of fervor or zeal joined his voice. However his tone seemed to point that he was getting rather impatient. He had his reasons for seeking the Avatar. They all did. If he (or she) was so important, why were they not showing it? Where was the effort? "Unless of course you are treating the search of the Avatar as a past time, a secondary objective," he stood his bag over his shoulder and staff in the other hand, "then maybe I have joined the wrong people to search for the Avatar." His voice carried with it a sense of disappointment and regret. "From what I've seen, the Fire Nation is far more efficient in their search for the Avatar. Maybe it is they whom I should be speaking to."
Hou sighed at the man who seemed to lack faith in the assignment. She did not want anyone to leave because of that, even though she had said that anyone is free to leave at any point. She took a step closer to all of them and smiled.
"First of all, the team that we sent was Kyoshi warriors. Not actual benders and therefore not as likely to succeed as you lot, where most of you are benders and powerful ones at that. The reason that they returned was unknown, as it could have been anything between a team that also searched for the avatar, to a pack of bandits with an ambush. We do not know. If you would show a little patience, I asure you that all those words of yours would have recieved an answer. We simply paused to see if there was any comments about what we had told you so far. Too much information at once might have questions go lost if there was anything you wondered"
She walked up to the center of the room, looking at everyone.
"If you give it a chance, you will see that we have more information to provide" Sokka said, and nodded at Hou.
"We have a map with the path that our brave Kyoshi warriors were to travel along, and unfortunatly we do not know where along the path they disappeared. We were not going to ask you to do anything, but suggest you look into it. For all we know, they could have found something valuable. You all as benders could do better at that, but you are free to go anywhere in the world that you please, whatever the group find propriate. I do suggest that you stick together, as it is safer in every way.
We also know a couple of people around the world that might have valuable information to you lot. If you give it a little time, I can bring the map and show you all the locations we suggest you visit. Also, I will mark the path and other important locations on the very same map.
Will you give it a chance? We are ready to answer all your questions and anything you wonder. Please, for the future of our children, help us bring the Avatar here. Of course the firenation is more effective at getting information, for people fear death if they do not aid. We know better than that. It might not be as effective, but it is the right thing to do"
She got up, waiting for his answer. She had the map in her house just outside, and if he was still interested, along with everyone else, she would get it and show him. She did not want to show it to people that were not going to join the group, as there was some highly important and partly secret locations marked on the map.
"It is braille marked, so you do not have to worry about that part, my friend. You will have no problem understanding it"
Originally posted by C. C. Cowgirl
Hou sighed at the man who seemed to lack faith in the assignment. She did not want anyone to leave because of that, even though she had said that anyone is free to leave at any point. She took a step closer to all of them and smiled."First of all, the team that we sent was Kyoshi warriors. Not actual benders and therefore not as likely to succeed as you lot, where most of you are benders and powerful ones at that. The reason that they returned was unknown, as it could have been anything between a team that also searched for the avatar, to a pack of bandits with an ambush. We do not know. If you would show a little patience, I asure you that all those words of yours would have recieved an answer. We simply paused to see if there was any comments about what we had told you so far. Too much information at once might have questions go lost if there was anything you wondered"
She walked up to the center of the room, looking at everyone.
"If you give it a chance, you will see that we have more information to provide" Sokka said, and nodded at Hou.
"We have a map with the path that our brave Kyoshi warriors were to travel along, and unfortunatly we do not know where along the path they disappeared. We were not going to ask you to do anything, but suggest you look into it. For all we know, they could have found something valuable. You all as benders could do better at that, but you are free to go anywhere in the world that you please, whatever the group find propriate. I do suggest that you stick together, as it is safer in every way.
We also know a couple of people around the world that might have valuable information to you lot. If you give it a little time, I can bring the map and show you all the locations we suggest you visit. Also, I will mark the path and other important locations on the very same map.
Will you give it a chance? We are ready to answer all your questions and anything you wonder. Please, for the future of our children, help us bring the Avatar here. Of course the firenation is more effective at getting information, for people fear death if they do not aid. We know better than that. It might not be as effective, but it is the right thing to do"
She got up, waiting for his answer. She had the map in her house just outside, and if he was still interested, along with everyone else, she would get it and show him. She did not want to show it to people that were not going to join the group, as there was some highly important and partly secret locations marked on the map.
"It is braille marked, so you do not have to worry about that part, my friend. You will have no problem understanding it"
He was startled at this last sentence. To coax me with braille, as though it were chocolate to a child! His face did not reveal his inner disapproval. The nerve. He instead raised his hand for silence towards the speaker. His staff once again stood alone with no support as he pulled from his bag another worn sheet of paper. It was a map, terribly drawn, however very different to the continent map that he was sure was braille marked. This map had the land boundaries, islands, mountains, rivers and the oceans but no color. If one wasn't skilled previously skilled in the history and cartography of this world before hand, they would not have recognized the map before them.
"This here is a map of my reconnaissance of all the nations. It will probably suit you better considering it has all the nations military bases and shrines. Very detailed Fire Nation Naval fleet routes and currently held positions. They may be at war, but the Fire Nation is not yet prepared for an all out offensive. They have focused some efforts on the defense of their nation first, with the rest going in search of the Avatar. I have a few places we can rule out," his finger pointed to small illegible lettering to the north and south poles, "the Avatar is not with her people. I figured I'd try the air temples, but some friends," he smirked showing for the first time some sign of life within him, "have reassured me that she is not in the abandoned air territory. Or amongst the dwelling air benders. I have searched most of the earth nation, but I can not search it alone. Not to mention," he added with a sense of frustration, "I could have been searching in circles. So Places I have searched once, I will have to search again."
He sighed and moved his hands away from the map, "you see why I have come here. I have searched for some time alone, and have been fruitless. When word came to me of you I knew this was the way I needed to go." He pulled a separate scroll out of his bag that was a map to an ancient place that was titled by the same lettering that littered the map "The Library". "I have come across many things in my travels," he pushed the scroll over to Hou not averting his gaze from her, "it's time I passed them on."
Hou gave a look at the scroll, before gently picking it up. She smiled at him as she opened the scroll. She doubted that the map was of THE libary, as it sank many years back. However she considered any clues worth looking into, as this libary could be another kind of libary that too could contain helpful information.
"Please remain a part of this group. We have a lot of things that we can help eachother out with, and together we might not stumble over as much trouble. Especially since rumors speak of Ty Lee being on the run. For you, and other benders that is a huge nightmare.
If you lend me your map, I can add your notes onto my map and we can look together at what we have. I am sure I have locations that you and the group might find interesting, just as you might have marks and clues that you wish to share with the group. Together we can come far in our search, without even starting the actual searching. Now, to this libary. What is......"
Hou spoke with a serious, yet pleading voice. She was although interrupted by the harkling sound of Uno wishing to speak. She rolled her eyes and hoped that her daughter would not make her look stupid.
"I believe it might be good for you, me and everyone else to get a bit closer. Friendship is the strongest force this world has to offer"
Uno smiled as she placed her hands on Hazanko's shoulders, rubbing them gently. Maybe a sign of friendship and some friendly actions would get him soften up. Her thoughts was naive, but out of pure good.
Hou heard another part of the group speak, Jamar, and since Uno went busy with Hazanko, she decided to interfear quickly, until Hazanko had released himself from the overflowing kindness of Uno.
"Sokka has important dealings to attend to, as the general of the northern Watertribe, and since it is a war. I have a force of Kyoshi warriors to lead. You all will leave most likely tomorrow, when you have all gotten food and rest. Tomorrow at sunrise, if you follow my recommendation. Warrior Uno here will acompany you, as your own little" She paused, coughing discreetly "Kyoshi escort"
She rolled her eyes. She sure hoped Uno would do good. This would be her first time outside the island properly. Hou hoped that all were experienced travelers, for the mother's love for the child was big. She prayed nothing would happen to her. She had already lost one daughter in the war.
"You might be of good use to this mission, friend. Ty Lee might be a touch one for all the others"
She smiled at Jamar and nodded.
Ava's attention was now pulled in two discreet directions. Foremost toward the gentle music rolling by her, filling her mind with a wonderful calmness, and then the intense voices not so distantly placed. As one of them spoke, she too wondered when they would be leaving. She stood then - letting a gentle breeze blow against Miyu to notify her of Ava's exit, and also appreciation for the music - and then stepped forward. Pushing back her hair habitually, she walked until she was positioned just outside the temple.
First she looked toward Hanzanko and Uno, then back toward Huo and Jamar. The girl, Uno's, words were true. They should all be bonding, for in order to live with one another trust was a major element indeed. Ava took a breath and stepped up beside Jamar, Facing Huo. She pulled a dull, old note from her pocket. The corners were torn and the creases now permanent. She looked into Huo's eyes for just a moment before nodding to the paper and extending her arm.
" Chances are this is..." her voice weakened for just a short moment, before she regained herself. " That this is worthless." Ava seemed to flinch. " But perhaps it can offer us some sort of guidance. "
The paper was blurred, but legible. Some parts where completely unreadable, as they were burnt and charred. It read:
Dear sist - Only when the four corners of the world are searched - will make -presence be known. You will find - mark left there - The Avatar will rise again.
" Sorry about the condition. It was that way when I found it. "
that being said she took a few steps back, leaning once ore against the shadowy back wall of the temple. Not long after she turned to walk outside to where the setting sun cast shadows over the land. she was ready to head toward the sleepign quarters, And stepped onto the path she beleived they would move along anyway.