Stepping Into A New World

[Avaleen]

[[OOC: This story is continued from the following thread:]]
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Each passing second, Avy’s fear grew at the prospect of being caught. Every sound had her jumping for she had little experience dealing with such dire circumstances. The water bender suddenly realized that her slim fingers still remained on the edge of the hood. She hastily dropped her hands and watched Kyakou make a hasty retreat toward one of the crates while murmuring softly that he had an idea.

Her brows furrowed as she tried to comprehend his reason for unloading the numerous items from one of the boxes onto the planked floor. ‘Does he think we can get into the crates and be carried out?’ she pondered while cutting a quick glance over her shoulder at the door. Her query was soon answered as the white haired boy popped the lid back on the now empty carton. Avy returned his grin while she squatted to the ground and lifted the other end of the fairly sizable box.

The two moved slowly out the small doorway, along the deck to the stern of the ship and finally down the long narrow plank. The young girl inhaled sharply as a soldier brushed past her. She scanned the area and quickly noticed numerous groupings of armored men flowing toward their ship and the one moored to their left. ‘How many of them are here?’ Her mind raced to make some sense of their presence on earth kingdom shores. She kept her head bowed over the box and only lifted it to meet her companions emerald eyes from time to time.

Their slow careful pace amidst her foe had the runaway huffing as her panic began to take control. Her hands grew clammy and she stumbled slightly as she began to hyperventilate. The very thought that one misstep could lead her back into her father’s control or even worse death had her hands shaking. Swallowing hard, the young girl gave a small nod at Kyakou's warning. ‘Don’t trip Avy…one step ..two step…just keep moving.’ she ordered as the two moved off the pier and onto the rocky ground.

Her anxiety began to lessen as they drew further and further from the ship not to mention the growing crowds. Inhaling, the water bender began to cough as she gulped in the smoky air. She let her eyes roam about the area and was surprised to see further down the long path which she assumed led to the heart of the town, a huge plume of dark gray and black clouds swirling upward. ‘Fire? Had there been a battle?’ When they reached an outbuilding that appeared to be used for storing shipping gear, she felt the box being to lower and followed Kyakou’s lead. Once the crate hit the gravelly surface, the young girl rose quickly upward. “What is going on? Can you smell the smoke? I think…” Avys’s panicked voice was brought to a halt by a strange whizzing sound that was caused by a fairly large projectile being swept through the air. “Kaykou? Do you hear something?”

[Kyakou]

Kyakou felt the rock ground underneath his sandals. It wasn't particularly comfortable, however he made do as they continued shuffling along. For a moment, a familiar scent got his senses, however it floated away just as it came. It was something he had known all his life, however didn't bat a moment's glance at where it could be coming from. The white-haired boy however noticed a slowing in his companion's pace. His emerald eyes flickered up from the wooden crate to her. He paused for a brief period of time before setting it down to see what was a matter. It wasn't until she spoke that he realized what scent he had smelled and quickly disregarded. It was the scent of smoke.

A loud whining through the air pierced the silence as a smoldering red comet-like object was sent hurling through the air in the distance before them. His eyes slightly widened at the sight before realizing what was going on. They had just arrived on a battlefield. The Fire Nation had apparently begun to assault the city...wherever they may have landed. Looking around, he noticed that the large groups crowded over by the docks weren't really paying attention to them. There were a few other large men dropping off crates in the small remote area they had begun to deliver their 'crate', however they were all on their way back to probably fetch more.

Kyakou slowly motioned for Avelen to follow him into a small outcropping of a forest, although half of it was entirely gone. Signs of fire were quite clear as the soldier had probably burned down a good portion of it to make room for their landing. His eyes followed the sky, or what he could see through the canopy of the large trees. More streaks of fiery comets appeared searing across the sky. The black smoke trails leaving smudge marks upon the blue painted canvas. Kyakou opened his mouth for a moment to say something, however promptly shut it as he grabbed Avelen's hand and dragged them further into the forest.

"I...I have no clue whats going on here...other than...it looks like we walked into an attack." Kyakou's voice trailed off for a moment as he leaned up against the trunk of a tree near him. He slowly withdrew the cloak that Avelen had tossed over him and folded it up before handing it back to the girl. "We won't be able to get far without being noticed now that we're in a combat zone." Kyakou glanced in the direction of the smoke billowing out in the distance. "I'm sure they also have patrols and such set up as well..." He muttered to himself thinking back to all of his experience while he was still working on missions for the Princess. "What...do you want to do? I don't even know where to go..."

[Avaleen]

No sooner had the question left her mouth than a fiery sphere soared above them to explode quite some distance up the road. Her eyes widened and a soft gasp escaped. “What…? “ she started but at seeing his hands signaling for her to follow, she slipped around the crate and stood by his side. A pain stretched across her chest when she noticed the charred trees and ash scattered about the ground. Cutting a look to the older boy, Avy followed his gaze and saw the bright gold and red balls searing the sky. “What is going on? This is the war isn’t it? “ she whispered shakily; a tinge of anger and fear woven within her voice. The young girl looked expectantly at the fire bender. “Kyakou? “ the boy opened his mouth for a second but with a shake of his head closed it once again. The next thing she knew, it was his hand that now held tight to hers as he pulled her deeper into the woods.

After a bit, the white haired boy stopped to lean against a nearby tree. She breathed heavily from their quick pace and fleeting glanced over her shoulder from where they’d recently come while he spoke aloud his thoughts on their present situation. She watched in confusion as he took off her cape and passed it back into her keeping. Looking down, she nodded. “I’m still dressed in fire nation cloths but…that won’t help us if the civilians see us…” Avy dropped her bag to the ground and swung her cape back around her shoulders. Pulling her bow free of the sack, she slipped it over her head. “I’ve never … really hurt anyone Kyakou….I’m afraid.”

For the last few days she’d dealt with fear of the unknown ..of being caught. Even taking on the men who’d attacked her new companion had been an instantaneous reaction without any real thought to the consequences. This …THIS was war. The war her mother had told her about and what she’d heard those on the island talk about with such pride.

Avy looked about at the devastation and realized what it must have been like for her mother…and so many other mothers. Peering up into Kyakou’s emerald eyes, she saw confusion as well. It was in that moment she realized that he could join the others and leave this place safely. He was a fire bender!! He could pull out his sword and bend to prove it. Once back in the homeland, this young man could slip off the ship amongst the numerous soldiers and return to his family..wherever they lived. Avy gazed shamefaced at the ground. She didn’t want him to get hurt further because he was burduned with her at his side.

“You could go back.” The words were softly spoken. She had to take a deep breath to force the rest of her thoughts through her lips. “You’re a fire bender Kyakou. You can just pretend to be with them…prove it with your sword and go home to your parents. “ She choked through her tight throat as a light breeze blew her coppery curls and his white spikes to and fro. “I’ll be okay..really.” the young girl continued with a forced smile.

“Thank you…for not turning me in and helping me get this far..” the water bender whispered her aqua eyes watering and a small tear slipping out. ‘Great Avy..just cry in front of him why don’t you!’ Brushing the tear from her cheek, she shook her head. “Darn smoke..” she mumbled lamely before turning away with the intention of heading into the deeper wood. The runaway took two steps and spun around. Reaching forward, she put her arms about his body and gave him a tight hug. “Just .. Please be careful …”

Unable to meet his gaze, the auburn haired girl turned about once more and hastened down the small trail, her small booted feet crunching as she went.

[Kyakou]

Kyakou stood there still awe struck by what was going on all around them. The smell of the air, the sights before him. Yes, it all reminded him of the few times he had been out in the fields before. His eyes wandered back to the black streaked sky before him. His thoughts raced back to when he was in charge of a small assault tasked with finding Earth Benders before. He didn't like it...but it was his orders to. He couldn't even look at the families being separated from each other as they were divided and taken away on different ships. He couldn't even hear his female companion for a moment as he slowly returned back to reality from his thoughts.

The sound of the whistling air through the bushes came back to him. He watched as she removed her bow from her sack, apparently ready to fight if she needed. They were both in Fire Nation apparel, well Avelen in more traditional Fire Nation clothing. Kyakou...may not be as recognizable, but perhaps that might make him all the more terrifying to citizens. "I've seen things like this before...its...I mean...this...is different now." Kyakou's eyes glanced over to Avelen who seemed hesitant, almost as if she was shaking a little.

Perhaps she was afraid of having to hurt someone if the need came. Would she be ready to do such a thing? Would she let herself become injured? Kyakou immediately wouldn't have it. Even though she was from another nation...he had feelings for him. Something deeper perhaps. She interested him somehow, however he wasn't sure why. He watched as she gazed at the slightly ashen filled ground. Small speckles of the dark ash began to rain from the sky slowly as the wind swept in. He was slightly stunned at her words as her shaky voice spoke. Of course he was a Fire Bender, but that wasn't the thing that shocked him the most. His parents. Something he didn't know anything about at all. He choked up for a moment, as he began walking towards Avelen. "But...my parents...I...don't..." Kyakou couldn't even get his thoughts out as he watched the small smile cross over her face. Although it was weak, he could tell there was slight pain behind it.

A small sparkle dripped from the girl's face which caught Kyakou's attention. He couldn't help but be speechless as she fought the tears and made an excuse for them. He began to reach out to her, however she had turned away although this quickly turned into an embracing hug from her. Kyakou kept his arms limp for a moment before slowly embracing her back for the short moment. It seemed to last forever. He felt comfortable...he felt important...he felt loved for once. His eyes widened slightly as she turned around again and began to rush away from him before he was able to do anything. Reaching out one hand, he grasped nothing but air. "Avelen!" He cried out before rushing after here.

He noticed that the girl faltered quite often, perhaps still choked up about leaving him. Kyakou didn't want her to leave...he wanted to be with her more. He shook his white spiky hair as he ran feeling a few wet streaks upon his face. "Wait! I promised you I won't leave you! I want...to help you!" Kyakou began to slow down realizing something. He had nothing to go back to. He couldn't be accepted at all back in the Fire Nation as well as he could have a while ago. "I..." He felt a heavy heart now in his chest. "I...have nothing to go back to." He stopped dead in his tracks, collapsing to the ground. His white haori creating a small pool of cloth around him as the ash continued to fall from the sky. He wanted to cry, however tears would not emerge on his face. He simply looked at Avelen, hoping somewhere inside of him that her feelings were the same as his. He waited for a moment to see if she would stop...maybe even look at him, however something caught his attention. A cry in the distance. A woman's voice calling out. He couldn't quite hear the words. Eventually the words came through. "They're taking my children! No please don't!"

[Avaleen]

Each step Avelen took away from Kyakou made her stomach clench. She pressed her lips tightly together to keep from crying. ‘Why does this hurt so much?’ she struggled with the overwhelming sense of loss. “Stop it Avy…he’ll be better off without you. He can go home… where he’ll be safe. You’re being selfish.!! You know you can’t go back home with him… “ the water bender’s head moved back and forth while mumbling to herself. The young girl kept repeating all the rational reasons why she needed to keep moving forward in conflict with her desperate longing to turn back. As Avy pushed a low branch back, the image of Kyakou’s pain filled eyes when he spoke of being in a similar situation before flashed into her mind.

‘How old had he been when he was sent into something as horrid as this? Why didn’t his parents stop him…take care of him? ’ She sucked in a gulp of air at realizing that perhaps Kyakou had been given little or no choice. Maybe his parents were like her father who were only concerned with taking control of all the nations. Was that what he’d been about to tell her? All she really knew was that she wanted him to go to the one place where he wouldn’t be hurt…the very same place she could never return…their homeland. The runaway grimaced at even considering Kushi her home for in reality the small island had been little more than a gilded cage.

'Crunch, crunch ..crunch. ' The sound of her feet crushing through the undergrowth was soon lost to the sound of a nearby explosion. "Ahh!!" she squealed and squatted to the ground to cover her head.

It was then, in the aftermath of silence, that she heard her name being called out from behind. Lifting her arms from her head, Avelen slowly rose to her feet. She hesitated or a second in fear that she’d imagined what she’d so desperately hope for. Inch by inch , the young girl shifted to turn in the direction that she’d just come.

Her eyes widened when she saw the handsome boy walking quickly toward her, calling out for her to wait. Her heart began to pound loudly in her ears as he spoke of the promise he'd made not to leave her. As the fire bender drew near, she noticed the small path that ran from his eyes through the ash and dust on his cheek. The very sight twisted her gutt and she hastily ambled back toward him.

“Kyakou? “ She said huskily. Just as Avelen reached his side, she heard him say in an agonized voice that he had nothing to go home to. "Oh Kyakou..” she choked while falling to her knees in front of him on the ground. Avelen reached down took his hand into her own. “I didn’t know…I thought if I left you …you would be safe. I didn't want you to get hurt…” The young giirl swallowed hard and her cheeks grew warm. “ I can’t go back to the fire nation…and there’s noting for me in the south..” Her hand slipped up and gently brushed the dampened ash from his cheek. “We have each other…I mean if you want.. But..” She’d been about to continue when a young woman’s fearfilled scream for her children’s safety caught both their attention.

Avy’s hand gripped tighter to the white haired boy's as she rose to her feet and tugged him upward along with her. “We have to help her!” Spinning about, the young girl gave a quick look at her companion while pulling her bow from her shoulder and recklessly taking off through the wood. Hopping over logs and pushing brush aside, she soon found herself in a small clearing . There she found three fire nation soldiers laughing at weeping woman who was being held by one of the men. One of the other men held a small boy two feet from the ground by the back of his shirt. “So I wonder…should we just drown the earthling pups?”

The last man held an wailing infant with one hand and a little girl by her braided hair.

“Put him down…NOW!!” Avy screamed as she lifted her bow.

“Well well well…what have we here, Ling? A young boy too big for his britches.” he growled giving the child a hefty shake.

Angry azure eyes met the soldier’s. The pluck of the string was heard swiflty followed by the wiz of the bolt as it cut through the air and pierced the man’s wrist, forcing him to release his hold on the small boy.

No sooner had the one bolt been released than the girl pulled another from the carved holder on the bow. All the while the mother screamed and struggled against her captor’s grasp.

[Kyakou]

His head whipped around to the voice in the distance. It seemed to echo through the small forest they had still found themselves wandering in. The touch from Avelen's hand with his made him almost jump for a moment. It was comforting. The comfort was there for a short while before he felt the grip from Avelen tighten as he was dragged to his feet. He stumbled slightly before getting his bearings again and following the rather inspired girl. As he ran with her through the brush and wood, he couldn't help but think of how the girl was a bit reckless, however for the good. Always wanting to help someone. She helped him even though she didn't know him. The words echoed in his head though. 'We have each other…I mean if you want...' The white-haired boy smiled inwardly for a moment at the words. He...wanted to be with her to.

Kyakou and Avelen soon found themselves confronting a young woman crying out against a small group of Fire Nation soldiers holding her children hostage apparently. They had stepped into a conflict larger than what they were experiencing on their little island. This wasn't just another island...this was a war. People were being hurt, robbed, killed. Everything that you could think of nearly it was happening. Kyakou hesitated for a moment as his companion quickly withdrew her bow and fired a bolt at one of the soldiers. Kyakou's eyes watched in slow motion as the arrow pierced the man's armored wrist gauntlet and punctured through the other side of his hand. Speckles of red goo splattered against the ground as he watched for a moment. "Nice shot." He whispered to Avelen before returning his attention to the situation at hand.

It had been a while since he saw all of this again. He was almost stunned to be in the situation again. He quickly shook himself free of his deja'vu moment and reached behind his back to withdraw his blade. He unsheathed it with grace as the shift of metal against the sheath came out in one swift sound. The small boy who had been released from one of the soldier's grasp had quickly run to the Fire Nation soldier holding back his mother. His persistent banging against the man's leg made the man furious. He kicked his leg out, sending the small boy a short distance into the dusty ground of laden with ash.

The boy huddled to the ground in pain as a small bright pile of ash had turned dark from the boy's tears. Kyakou couldn't help but feel horrible for the small family. The Fire Nation was giving everyone in it a bad name. Although a large portion of the country believed in their current Fire Lord, Kyakou was one of the few that hadn't been brain washed in his early child hood. He was able to create his own ideals about beliefs. Yes. He was different. Different in ideals, different with his looks, different in almost every aspect. It was as if he was born purposely to be apart from everyone, however there was someone finally that didn't betray him or look down upon him. This person was standing right next to him.

Shifting the elegant blade around his hand for a moment, he felt a light tinge of pain on his back, however he dealt with it. His eyes locked with with the other soldier who had two of the children held. Kyakou's unmoving face was clear that he supported his friend, however the Fire Nation soldiers still seemed confident. "What do you think you two brats are going to do? That was just a lucky shot on Kess!" Kyakou smirked slightly before twirling the blade playfully around his palm before sending a slice down into the air. A furious lick of heat followed the air wave as it impacted right towards the Fire Nation soldier's feet. He quickly let go of his grasp of the children to defend himself at the surprise attack. He was too slow however as he was swept off his feat by the force of the wave and sent crashing face first into the dirt and ash covered ground. "I suggest that you leave before we do any more harm."

Kyakou's emereld eyes flickered over to the last of the trio that still held their young mother. He seemed a bit more uneasy now that he had seen both of his allies incapacitated nearly. The two children that the previous man had let go of quickly ran over to the boy that was still on the ground crying. They huddled up with each other, shaking in fear still. Perhaps they didn't know who to cheer for if anyone. After all a fire bender had just attacked another fire bender. Closing his eyes for a moment Kyakou felt the grasp of his blade in his hand. He tightened his grip for a moment and then released slightly. "And I suggest you let go of their mother right now." The Fire Nation soldier glanced hastily back from Kyakou and to Avelen for a moment. "If...If....you attack me I'll...I'll...I'll kill her!" The woman had calmed down slightly, however fear was still in her eyes. The young woman cried out to the two standing before her. "Please help me! Save my children please!" Kyakou withdrew his canteen from his top and popped the cork off. It hung from its silky-like string that was attached to the neck. His eyes looked over to Avelen hoping she would understand. She was a water bender after all...hopefully she could restrain the man before he did anything harsh. It was surprising to him how only a few moments ago Avelen didn't know if she could hurt someone...however just now...she seemed to hold nothing back. It seemed as if...she had totally different personalities.

[Avaleen]

When Avy saw that her bolt had pierced the fire bender’s wrist she froze. The sight of the blood running onto the ground startled her to the point of dropping her bow arm to her side. She thought the bracer he was wearing would have kept the small arrow from piercing his skin but now she was forced to realize that she’d drawn a man’s blood. ‘What have I done? I only meant to make him let the boy go!’ she thought while pulling the bolt she’d loaded from the string with her shaky left hand. She heard Kyakou’s soft breathy compliment but all she could do was shake her head back and forth in denial.

The whole scene had a dreamlike quality. The cross dresser was vaguely aware of the freed boy’s flight across the clearing to his mother’s aid. It tore at Avy’s heart to see the small child’s attempt to help the older woman gain freedom from her abductor. Her whole body jerked when she saw the little one kicked onto the ash laden forest floor for his efforts. She stood motionless as the other children screamed along with their mother not knowing what to do to help them.

It was then that she realized that Kyakou had pulled his blade free from the sheath on his back. The steel blade soon shifted from sheen of silver to rippling gold and red. Avelen’s eyes widened as she watched the weapon move with skilled grace in a circle before cutting the air and sending a rippling wave of heat toward the smart mouthed soldier holding the infant and small girl.

The runaway’s head twisted sharply to cut a glance at her new friend and then to the man who now lay growling in the dirt and ash. "I suggest that you leave before we do any more harm." Kykou ordered the man quite firmly while spinning the blade about once more in a smooth well practiced movement. This was a new side to her companion that she’d never seen and it took her a bit by surprise. She gave a small shake of her head at her naiveté. Of course he would be a skilled fighter or the fire nation would never have put him a position of authority. Still the sight was quite startling compared to his gentler persona she’d dealt with just moments ago.

Avelen watched his hard emerald eyes meet those of the last soldier who still held the poor mother by the back of the neck. She listened intently as the white haired boy told the last combatant to release the woman. The man snarled at them and gripped his human shield even tighter to his chest. The water bender’s heart pounded as the captive pleaded in desperation for her life and those of her children. Cutting a glance in Kyakou’s direction, she saw him pull a canteen from beneath his robe which swayed about his neck. His Emerald eyes caught hers and she could tell he wanted her to somehow use her bending to stop the stubborn warrior. ‘How can I help her with that little pit of water? When I helped Kykou I used the ocean’s tide to knock his attacker over but this…it’s just a small bit of water!!'

When Avy saw the fire bender’s hand begin to glow red and the woman cry out, she jumped forward and her hand formed two small circles in front of her body. Instantly, the liquid followed the path of her hand and swirled upward into the air. The bender hesitated only a moment before pressing her palm forward to send two balls of water at the man. The first liquid sphere hit him directly in the eyes with such force that he cried out in pain, the second hit his burning hand causing a huge puff of steam to rise upward into his face. “Run!!” the auburn haired girl cried out.

She swung her bow back over her head and followed after the freed woman who was racing toward her three crying children. Avelen was taken by surprise when the mother shoved the smallest child into her hands . ”Please take Jin Yue and follow me. I know a place where we can hide!”

Swallowing hard, the water bender looked down at the squiggling infant wailing up at her while noticing from her peripheral vision that the soldier just off to their right was struggling to his feet. She hastily shifted her gaze to meet her friend’s and anxiously called out in warning, “Kyakou?!”

[Kyakou]

Kyakou watched with curious eyes as the Water Bender beside him hesitated for a moment. Perhaps scared that she would mess up or even worse which was something he didn't want to think about. He only hoped she wouldn't be so indecisive, as he saw the man ready to kill the woman. In a quick action from Avelen, he watched as the man howled as his eyes caught that of a spiraling splash of water and then another splash against his heating hand. A fume of steam burst from the man's hand as he let go of the woman struggling away from his grasp. The hot steam shouded the man's face as he desperately tried to swat away the covering mist before him all the while screaming curses at the the two that were before him. "You stupid kids! I'll kill all of you now!" He roared still swatting at the steam covered air.

The white-haired boy's emerald eyes followed the woman who quickly raced to her three children, taking one up into her arms before swiveling her head to the two of them. He stood there slightly frozen as he heard the words echo from the woman in his head. It seemed as if time had slowed down as he took in the sights. The man with the bolt was clenching on to his blood streaked arm now as he was crumpled on the ground. The other man seemed to be determined to exact his revenge as he had begun to recover from the sweep of fire that Kyakou had sent across his feet earlier. The other man still desperately tried to clear the steam so he could see them better.

His eyes soon wandered to the woman's distressed face before she began to turn around and run off. Kyakou blinked his eyes and time began to resume its normal pace. He didn't entirely come out of it until he heard his name. Blinking his eyes twice more, he looked over to see Avelen who had already taken the liberty of helping the children that were older up. He slowly began to run with Avelen who was still looking back worried at him. "Yeah right. Lets go." His voice slightly shaken, however he soon swallowed what lump there was in his throat as he took off with the rest of their small run away group.

A searing blast of heat came whizzing by to the right side. The sparks trailing off so close that he could see them in the wake of his flowing haori as he sprinted along with Avelen and the mother with her children. It seemed that the Fire Benders weren't giving chase at all as the small group scattered through a small ravine of rocks and other outcroppings of the stone material. It wasn't until a minute later that he saw a small cave that they were being lead to. He quickly followed inside the dark dwelling before hearing the gasping breaths of everyone. He squinted his eyes trying to see, however only the sunlight from outside lit the mouth of the cave. With a quick motion, Kyakou withdrew his sword and lit a small flame at the tip of the blade to shed some left. Everyone's tired face was illuminated now in the hiding place that had been lead to. Kyakou moved towards the center of their group and drove the hilt of his sword into the soft dirt ground, giving them a small candle-like item to light their hiding place.

Leaning up against the wall and folding his arms, Kyakou simply let out a sigh as he capped the cork back on his canteen. He had already felt the weight and there was nothing left in it. A mental note was made to refill the canteen whenever he had the chance again. The young woman's face soon stepped forward with the children huddling behind her. "Th...Thank you for all your help...I don't know how I can thank you enough for what you did." Her words echoed in the cave for a moment as the little girl moved away from her mother and latched on to Avelen's legs, giving her a hug. "Th..Thank you." She whimpered. Kyakou couldn't help but smile slightly at the sight, however he wondered if they were still afraid of him. After all they had just witness him fire bend, however he was accompanied by a water bender. It was definitely an odd pair to be traveling with. He was sure the woman had questions.

[Avaleen]

Avy tilted her head and looked over at Kyakou in concern when she heard the tone of his voice. Pulling the tiny boy up onto her hip, she began racing after the mother and the two older children. Small feet bumped her thighs as she ran. ‘Thwap, thwap, thwap..’ their feet slapped against the ground, charging through the deep wood. The small group climbed higher and higher up the steep sloping rise. Grabbing of a sapling, she used it to help her assent but was forced to pause as a ball of flame soared above them. Avelen quickly pulled the small child tightly to her chest and covered him with her head while sparks rained down from the sky. Unfastening the clasp on her cloak, she hastily wrapped it about her charge.

The babe quickly began whining and squiggling against her embrace. Avy was panting hard from their fast paced trek and struggling to keep the child covered. Sweeping up out of the ravine, they broke through a wall of hedges and found themselves standing before the entrance of a cave. She followed Kyakou into the darkness and accidentally ran into his back. Mumbling an apology, she quickly stepped back. A few moments later, she sighed in relief at seeing his emerald eyes glowing in the dim golden light from his katana.

The young girl handed the swaddled toddler to his mother while Kyakou set his blade at what seemed to be the center of their closed quarters. Her eyes darted about the space taking in the craggy surface of the walls as well as the scent of moist earth while the small family happily reunited. Avelen gave the woman an uncomfortable nod in recognition of her gratitude before stepping toward her friend. She was quickly brought to a stop by two small arms that clung to her right leg. Looking down, the runaway saw two tear filled hazel eyes looking up at her, offering thanks. The runaway gently touched the child’s chestnut hair and gave her a small hug. Once again, she craned her neck looking for another possible exit.

“Does this cave lead anywhere? Perhaps another exit?” Avelen asked softly her eyes darting fearfully to the entrance.

“Yes but…” the older woman began but was soon halted as the earth moved just to the right of Kyakou revealing a hidden room which soon brought forth at least eight men: One who looked to be rather old.

“Why have you brought them here, Mata? “ A low baritone voice asked sharply.

Avy jerked backward as the men advanced.

“Gonzo? No..Don’t hurt them they saved us from the soldiers!!” the pretty mother cried out while stepping toward the new arrivals.

“Look at the boy’s cloths!! They’re Fire Nation!! “ a young man with dark mahogany hair growled . “And the blade! There is no doubt that it's from the fire nation as well.”

“NO! this boy is a water bender… he ..” she paused to the point at Avelen.

“Foolish old woman! You’ve led them here!!” The aggressive boy spat locking his jade eyes onto Kyakou.

“Enough Toru. “ the gray haired man said firmly while moving closer to Avy. “You are a water bender …dressed in fire nation cloths? “ He pulled a small canteen from his side and uncorked the top. “If it is true you can pull the water from this vessel and spare your life.”

Swallowing hard, Avy cut a nervous glance in Kyakou’s direction before slowly raising her hand . With a stylish flick or her hand, a small rope of water rose upward and moved across the room to wrap itself around her right arm. “Please ..we don’t want any trouble. If you want we can leave ..” she whispered .

“I say they both die!” the aggressive young man added, his eyes blazing with hatred.

“Please Gonzo! They helped me and the children get away from three fire benders” Mata pleaded while touching the wise man’s arm.

Gonzo’s stood looking intently at Avelen before his gaze set on the Fire bender.

“No Toru, he will be spared. Water bender’s can heal much quicker than using our herbs and tonics. We have many below who need his skills. “ Gonzo stated before pointing to the cave’s entrance. “ You take three men and check the perimeter. Wipe away any signs which might lead the soldiers here. “

Toru glared at the white haired boy. “He IS a Fire Bender! Our enemy! We have no need of him!”

When the boy took an aggressive step toward Kyakou, Avy rushed forward to stand in his way. “We wouldn’t have made it here without him! Where he goes…I go!” the girl continued trying to mimic the boy they thought her to be. Her azure eyes turned to meet the old man’s. “I’ll heal who ever needs healing but only if you promise that my friend won’t be harmed.”

[Kyakou]

Kyakou stood silently leaned up against the slightly rough and rocky interior of the cave, listening to the drip of water somewhere that he couldn't see and the heavy breathing of everyone who had just ran for their lives. His companion began to wonder about another exit in case the Fire Nation soldiers were still chasing. Although he doubt they would due to their injuries and slight humiliation, it was a chance nobody wanted to take for good reason. A shake in the wall could be felt which caught the white-haired boy's attention. He unfolded his arms looking to the side and began to slowly step away as the rock began to move away, revealing a secret passage.

It was apparent to him that this was a larger hiding place than he thought. The mother of the children obviously had their family hide here most likely along with her husband who was quick to point fingers at both him and Avelen. Kaykou stood there solemn faced as he listened to the rage of the husband towards his wife for bringing them to the cave. Kyakou watched as Avelen was pointed at being a Water Bender. He only hoped that the pressure and stress wouldn't get to the poor girl. She always seemed awfully nervous for some reason or another.

His emerald eyes watched as she was put to the test. The girl was hesitant at first, however gracefully did as she was told to prove herself. With a swift motion, the water from wrapped itself in a cord and around her arm. If anything he was glad that she would be able to save herself. Now as for him...it was looking grim. It seemed that the men didn't want to hear anything. They just wanted violence...revenge. Was taking it out on him going to do anything? No not really...but they didn't know any better after everything they had gone through.

Kyakou folded his arms again as he watched a few of the men brush past him deliberately as they rushed outside. His emerald eyes slightly widened as he was being marked for a beating or wosre from the apparent leader of their group. "I...uh..." He began before watching his companion rush in front of him, dividing the two. His heart took a leap slightly at the bond they had seemed to have established with each other. A warm smile wanted to cross his face, however their dire situation wouldn't allow it. "I promise no harm will come to you or your family and friends. This is not why we're here." Kyakou spoke calmly as his eyes met those of the man that seemed to tower before him.

Toru's face contorted for a moment with disgust before relaxing after glancing at the mother of the children who had all huddled around her. "Very well...however if I have any suspicion...any inkling that you will turn on us, I won't hesitate to beat you both myself." The man grunted as the others simply nodded. The mother who had the the children still huddled around here almost seemed to want to break down. "Th...Thank You Toru. You shouldn't really be so hard on them...they're just...kids." Her eyes glanced to the Kyakou and Avelen before going back to her own children.

The men began to file back into the secret passge as Toru motioned for them to follow. Kyakou watched for a moment before pulling his blade from the ground to help light the hidden passage. The room was rather large, however it seemed rather empty. There was nobody else inside until the man Toru and a group of others lined up at the far wall. They each took a stance before raising their arms. The stone rumbled slightly before it the wall seemed to slide away revealing a much larger room with lit torches and small holes that seemed to have been drilled to the surface for ventilation and air. A few straw laden beds held a few men and women alike who seemed to have various wounds. Some were patched up with cloth, however it didn't seem like they had the materials to do the appropriate work.

Kyakou graspd Avelen's hand without thinking as the two slowly walked in closer to the scene. "Do...you think you can do this?" He whispered to her as they walked on the rocky dirt ground. He paused for a moment and didn't even let her answer. "I'll be here...just...do your job." With that he let go of her hand and ruffled her hair slightly in a playful manner as if to tell her good luck before keeping to her side as they approached one of the first people on the meager beds. Kyakou withdrew his sword back into its sheath on his back as the small fire that lit the end of the blade faded away. The light in the room was more than enough now.

[Avaleen]

Avy was shaking slightly as she waited for a reply to her offer. She listened intently as Kyakou quickly added his promise not to harm anyone. They all stood frozen in silence waiting for the old man’s response. Instead of a verbal reply, Gonzo stared into the water bender’s beautiful bright blue-green eyes and nodded. Toru then made a pledge of his own, to take his wrath out on them should they turn on their small band. The cross dresser’s brows furrowed when Mata called them kids. After all that she’d gone through, Avy didn’t see herself as a child any longer. The days of innocently frolicking in the woods or by the ocean side on Kushi were long lost. The young girl cut a glance to the woman and the small children clinging to her skirts. ‘Will I ever see my mother again?’ she wondered sadly.

“Come!” Toru ordered while leading them into the hidden room. Avelen followed close behind Kyakou as he held his elegant blade upward; a beacon for them to see by as they followed the others. She watched in amazement as the men lined up next to the wall on the other side of the room and shifted the stone to reveal yet another hidden area. This room, unlike the first, was lit by torches.

Taking small hesitant steps, Avy moved forward but looked up in surprise at her companion when she felt his large warm hand clasping hers. She nodded at Kyakou’s softly spoken query but his ruffling of her hair like a youngster rose her ire. ‘Is that how he sees me? Little more than a child?' “Don’t worry I’ll ..do my job.” she said brusquely as they made their way to the first bed where a boy of little more than four lay whimpering. A teenage boy stood by the bed pacing as they approached.

The water bender’s anger quickly faded at seeing the sick child. Kneeling by his side, she laid her petite hand gently onto his forehead. “Hmmm he has a fever.” she pulled back the bandage to find a severe burn on his tiny stomach. Wincing at the poor little one’s pain, Avy lifted her azure eyes to meet the earth nation boy who’s shaggy brown hair hung just below his shoulder blades . “ My flask is nearly empty. I’ll need more water. “

Hastening off, he returned with a wooden bucket filled to the top.
“ Juro ….was hurt by your people! My little brother might die because of you!” he spat angrily, his spring green eyes locking onto Kyakou.

Avy pulled the water from the bucket and held it over the child’s stomach. “He didn’t hurt your brother.” she said softly. The young man growled and sat down next to the child’s bed. Leaning his head on his hands, he gazed over at the healer. “Can you save him…he’s..all the family I have left.”

Sympathetic aqua eyes met the older boys. “I’m …not the greatest at healing..I mean I’ve never been trained but..I’ll do my very best to help him…”


Through the next three hours, the water bender worked on the ill and injured. Avy was dragging her feet in exhaustion as she made her way over to the table and picked up a piece of fruit. She turned her head and looked at Kykou who was standing as non chalant as ever by the bed of her last patient. Taking a piece of meat from the metal plate and a cup of water, she walked over to his side. “I brought you something to eat..” Handing it over, she sat down on the floor and rested her head against the rocky wall.

There was a long period of silence before Avy whispered, “ Most of them in here are going to survive but some will never forget the pain …ever.” Tilting her head to look up at the fire bender, “ Why did you help me? I don’t understand. None of the Fire benders I knew growing up ever did anything for anyone other than themselves. You’re ..different and not just because of your looks…I mean…I’ve never seen anyone with white hair let alone a fire bender with emerald eyes. “ The young girl knew she was being a bit forward but she wanted to know so many things about the handsome young man.

[Kyakou]

Kyakou retracted slightly from Avelen's response. Perhaps he shouldn't have tried to make her feel a bit less stressed, although it was a bit understandable. She seemed to want to act so much more beyond her years when deep down they were still just teens. He watched as the girl went to work on the wounded. His emerald eyes would take a glance to the patients on every occasion and wince at some of the injuries. They were unspeakable nearly and he knew they would have a scar to remember it for the rest of their lives given that they were just now receiving care for their wounds.

The older brother apparently of the little boy who lay rasping for breath came back with the extra water for Avelen and spat accusations at him. Yet again he was the scapegoat for everyone's problems. It was really beginning to get on his nerves because he hadn't done anything at all yet he would grin and bear it for the time being. He didn't want any trouble after all and he definitely didn't want anything to happen to Avelen. Kyakou kept silent as the older boy yelled in his face. His eyes unmoving as he chose not to speak at all. Avelen did speak in his defense, however his silence was most likely a better testament to his position.

With his arms folded, Kyakou had walked around and stood by Avelen's side as she worked to heal everyone in the small hiding cave. He could tell the girl was working very hard just by the sweat streaming down her face. The rest of the black coat in her auburn hair was all but gone now from her activity and hard work. He wondered what it was like to be able to heal someone...what it must feel like for someone to do. Instead of hurting you were healing...most of Kyakou's life he only knew how to hurt people in his own defense. There was one last bed to be tended to which Kyakou stood next to arms folded looking off into the colors of one of the burning torches.

His eyes glanced over to Avelen as she walked by him with a small plate and cup. It was definitely food which he took the plate and merely looked at it before noticing his companion slump against the rock wall. While standing there with the plate in his hands, he only could think of her words. He did not meet her gaze as he heard the rustle of her clothing, however his eyes wandered across the beds. Many of the families looked so happy that their loved ones were rested now and healed. Avelen had done a small miracle for them. He on the other hand couldn't do anything but be take the accusations. That may be better than nothing though. They had to take their anger out on someone...might as well be him.

The white-haired boy watched as the man who had lead them into the cave gave a simple nod to the two of them before embracing his wife. A few crackles from the torch and Kyakou heard his friend speak again. It caught his attention this time. She was asking more about him...about his past...his life...his upbringing. Was she that curious about him? She must have been. Slowly sliding down the wall to be on eye level with her, Kyakou rested the metal plate on her lap. "I'm not hungry...you deserve this more than I do." His stomach gave a low growl, however he didn't care. "I...I'm really not hungry." He blushed slightly turning his head away from her.

A moment passed before Kyakou could come up with what he could tell the girl. How much was it okay to trust her? He obviously began to gain attachment to his companion, however how much was necessary? What happened if the next day they would never see each other? No...he would make sure that would never happen. He blinked his eyes in the glare of a nearby torch for a moment remembering that he had to give the inquisitive girl a few answers. "Well...I...was brought up in a small little town in the Fire Nation..." Kyakou began as he fiddled with the coat tails of his haori. "I mean...it was rather isloated for the most part and...I was an orphan at birth. I don't know my parents at all to be honest. A teacher of the sword took me in sort of." Kyakou paused to try to remember his childhood. "I remember he told me that when I was found...I was extremely malnourished and that I was found on a merchant ship. I don't know how much is true." The white-haired boy sighed for a moment as he began to flick the white bangs that hung across his left eye. "I mean I guess its kind of funny how I don't know where I even came from...but I know I grew up there. He taught me everything...there was no school system there. All the children were home schooled by their parents...although there was a playground. I was always picked on and chosen last for all the games we played." Kyakou paused again as he let the white bangs drape across his eye again. The emerald eyes then glanced at Avelen for a moment before lowering to the ground. "My teacher told me...maybe I look so different because of what had happened to me as a child...being malnourished and everything...but it didn't make much sense. Who knows though right? Or maybe I was really from another nation. I think...it might be a combination of both...but I'll never know right?" Kyakou traced a small circle in the dirt now with his fingers as he thought of what happened next. "I've only been to the Water Tribes once...but I was captured there. It wasn't pleasant....but a girl about the same age as me let me go because I reminded her of something. Well that and I didn't try to fight anyone." He smiled if only for a moment remembering that time. He was quite young back then. Perhaps it was...a few years ago that it happened. "Sometimes I want answers...but other times...I think I can live without knowing. Its a bit confusing to be honest." The white-haired boy let out a dry laugh sort of at his own thought processes.

Kyakou then turned his head to finally face his friend who he had refused to look at while he spoke. Perhaps it was just something in his mind that told him not to look at her. Maybe she'd see him differently now. Maybe she wouldn't want to be with him anymore. "I...I'm going to get some fresh air..." He muttered as he clambered up slowly from the dirt ground and brushed off his haori. He slowly walked out as the numerous people in the cave watched him with a glaring intent. The two guarding the exit stepped aside before pushing him slightly out. Slowly plodded from outside the cave into the cool night air, Kyakou let out a deep sigh. His eyes immediately looked up to see the moon and the stars. A sight that always comforted him. Swiftly clambering up over the mouth of the cave, a smooth surface of dirt and a small outcropping of trees decorated the top of their hideout. Kyakou hunkered down within the small shield of trees and laid down on his back just looking up at the stars. At least he wouldn't bother them out here, however he was soon mistaken as he heard the crackle of a few twigs under someone's feet. It was one of the men from the hideout who had followed him out. "I'm here to make sure you don't go anywhere." The man spoke in a low but stern voice. "I understand. Just let me relax up here okay?" With that the man nodded and left with a small patrol of men around the cave probably to make sure other Fire Benders didn't find their sacred hideout. Somehow he hoped Avelen would join him, however she may have decided to dwell on what he had told her. He could feel his eyes grow heavy, however the reassurance of the moon light kept him awake hoping to have company once again.

[Avaleen]

Avy was taken aback a bit when Kyakou laid the plate of food on her lap claiming that he wasn‘t hungry. Hearing his stomach growl, she gave him a puzzled look at his stubborn refusal. ‘He thinks I deserve this food more than he does?’ She thought with a short decisive shake of her head. Her weary eyes scanned the room, taking in all those who’d been hurt by the fire nation. How many had been her father’s men? The young girl struggled to keep down what little food she’d already eaten while laying the plate off to her left and lowering her eyes to focus on her now clasped hands.

The two sat in eerie silence for quite some time. Avy exhaled slowly in disappointment, thinking that Kyakou was choosing to ignore her question but was surprised when his low voice cut through the stillness. The water bender didn’t say a word. She just sat and listened intently to all that he was wiling to share. The fact that he’d also been raised in a backward fire nation town surprised her for his rigid control often reminded her of the mainlanders. At the word orphan, Avelen shifted to look at the white haired boy. ‘He’s an orphan? Found on a merchant ship?’ His story tugged at the young girl’s heart. 'To never know who your parents were or where they might be? Would she have been better off not knowing how she came into being? Was knowing you were a child forced on your mother better than always wondering if they were alive and searching for you or worse ..dead?’ Numerous such thoughts raced through the runaway’s mind as she waited for him to continue his tale.

She wanted to reach across and take his hand in understanding upon hearing of his being teased by the other children because he was different. How often had others challenged her existence because they KNEW she was different. Knew she didn’t belong. But Kyakou ..he could bend fire. He was really one of them but..just looked different. The similarity in their upbringing somehow strengthened her connection with boy at her side. Avy wanted to speak up..to share some of her own secrets but fear kept her silent and instead she continued to listen to Kyakou recall his past.

Aqua eyes lifted upward to stare at his unfocused emerald as he pondered the chance of his being from another nation. ‘His eyes..and hair.. Could he be like me? A mix of two nations? Always standing outside and never welcomed by either?'

”.. I think...it might be a combination of both...but I'll never know right?" Kyakou traced a small circle in the dirt at his feet. Avy swallowed hard at his query. ‘Would he be better knowing like she or was ignorance in truth bliss? This particular knowledge was tricky. To forever wonder where you came from ..or to know and hate yourself from that moment on…? Stop Avy! His parents could be nice people who just lost their son to some great storm or died trying to safe him…his past is not like yours!'she argued within.

"Sometimes I want answers...but other times...I think I can live without knowing. Its a bit confusing to be honest." The white-haired boy let out a dry laugh sort of at his own thought processes. His statement just gave credence to her own thoughts. It was a tough decision but somehow she knew if he didn’t seek out the answers they would always be there ..hovering in his subconscious.

The teenage girl had just been about to share her thoughts when, without even a glance in her direction, he rose to his feet, muttered something about getting some air, and walked out of the back room toward the cave entrance. Had she pushed too far by asking him about himself? Was he now angry at her? ‘Why else would he leave like that?’ she chastised. ‘How would he react to finding out who my father is? How would these people react?’

She sat there for a few moments thinking before clutching to the wall and pulling herself back up to her feet. All she really knew was that she needed to trust Kyakou as he had just trusted her. Nervously brushing back a damp curl from her cheek, she began to follow after her friend when Juro’s older brother rushed up to her side. "Hey! Ah..I want to apologize about earlier…I mean my being a bit nasty to your friend and all. You really helped our people and well…thanks.”

Avy ‘s attention had been on the cave entrance as the young man offered his thanks. Giving a small nod, she turned and gave him a small smile. “I just did what I could.”

“My names Shiatsu by the way. “ he offered with a wry smile.

“Umm I’m Ave..Avak.” she mumbled softly before looking toward the exit once again. “I was just going for a bit of fresh air and to see if…”

The young girl’s words where quickly cut off as the boy reached out and grabbed hold of her upper right arm. A deep frown on her face, Avy turned toward Shiatsu.

“I forgot! “ he gave a short chuckle. “Mata sent me to bring you to the bathing chambers below. Lei’s mother made them and they’re quite something to see. She thought you might like a bath …well…” the shaggy haired boy reached out and pulled a piece of ash from Avy’s hair.

“Oh..I would ..but I really want to check on Kyakou. He was burned too and I just want..”

Again she was interrupted by the boy who still held her arm. “He’s sleeping outside. That’s what one of the men said who went to check on him. Tell ya what..I wouldn’t mind a bath myself! I know Mata told me to take you there and leave you in peace but..heck we’re both guys…” Shiatsu added with a shrug. “I know she said something about some clean cloths being down there for you and your friend. I can take him down when he wakes up!”

“I..I think I’ll wait for Kyakou if you don’t mind.” she stuttered while giving a nervous pull to free herself from his innocent grasp.

“If I don’t bring you, Mata will have my head. Luckily for you…I’m a bender.” he grinned and the ground shifted suddenly bringing a small squeal from the water bender. Before she knew what was happening they were sinking into the ground.

[Kyakou]

Kyakou listened to the wind rustle through the brushes as he continued to stare up at the bright moon in the sky and the twinkling stars. It was beginning to become a bit cold out, however he didn't let it bother him. The small group that was on patrol seemed to be nearing an end as he heard bits and pieces of their conversation every now and again as they made their rounds around the cave. He was just about to drift off into a slumber before he heard a rustle in the trees that surrounded his small little hiding place on top of the cave. He quickly shot up ready to defend himself before realizing it was the man from before that had told him not to try to run away. "We're done with our patrols and the next group will be coming out for guard duty. Its best you come inside now where we can keep a better eye on you." The man's voice was slightly more comforting this time, perhaps even trusting Kyakou a little bit more.

The white-haired boy grunted slightly as he brushed himself off and slid down the small and shallow hill that was on top of the cave. His sandal laden feet lightly touched the ground at the entrance of the cave as he followed the small patrol in while another group exited. Kyakou soon found himself back in the room he had been in earlier, however there was something missing. Even in the torch light that illuminated the room, his emerald eyes could not find the familiar auburn hair against the wall...that was until he noticed her in the center of the room with another boy.

He blinked his eyes for a moment as he realized that the two of them were being lowered to another level of the dungeon via earth bending. The floor was no more than a few feet down in which Kyakou quickly rushed over and jumped down. His white haori fluttering down with him as he landed next to Avelen. Kyakou's eyes met the boy who seemed a bit calmer than he had a little while earlier. Yawning slightly, Kyakou covered his mouth for a moment. "You know...I was just about to fall asleep outside before some of your people came out and told me to come in." Kyakou rubbed the back of his hair before looking around the new room that they had found themselves in.

It seemed as there was an underground hot spring with of course stone walls constructed to separate sections for obvious reasons. Kyakou wandered over to Avelen and glanced at the other boy with them. "Give us one sec alright?" Grabbing Avelen's hand he dragged her slightly to the side where they could talk in private a bit. His emerald eyes were fixed on the slightly blushing face of his companion in which he realized she was still disguised. Wiping his hand across his face for a moment to not even realize what had probably happened he whispered to her. "What exactly are you doing down here? I mean...its not like you can just..." Kyakou paused for a minute. "Well...you know!" The white-haired boy began to blush slightly about the subject they were talking about.

His eyes looked back to the other boy who began wandering over to the pools of water. He had dipped a hand in one of the pools before yelping slightly at how hot the water was. The room was filled with a good amount of steam from the springs which made it rather warm, even for Kyakou. "Ummmm..." He began trying to think of some way out of their current situation. "Maybe...you should tell them? Or...you could...ummm...I don't know." Kyakou's voice trailed off as the boy called over to them with his shirt already removed. "Come on you two!" He yelled as the splash of water echoed in the chamber. Kyakou returned his attention back to Avelen. "I mean...you can if you want...I won't...look...but umm..." Kyakou shifted nervously for a moment obviously slightly uncomfortable with the situation. His eyes kept to the ground as he shifted back and forth. He wondered what she had thought about him the time they spent alone from each other. Was she still ok with him or did she not even want to talk to him anymore? Maybe...she would talk more now that they were...wait! They still needed to get out of the situation they were in already. He didn't want the auburn haired girl to be uncomfortable...especially...well...in such a setting that would...require...well...clothing removal...yeah. Kyakou's face flushed red even more as the moments ticked by.

[Avaleen]

[[OOC: This is a Joint Post between Kyakou and Avelen]]

Her stomach did a little flip as the ground gave way and they began descending. Kyakou’s name had been on her lips but she quickly reconsidered for it was fairly obvious that he hadn’t wanted to be around her and …well this situation wasn’t exactly dangerous…just exceedingly embarrassing. “Look..Shiatsu…”

“Hey call me Shee. It’s what everyone else does. Man I am looking forward to this. I love getting a good long soak in. How bout you?” The boy smiled at her.

Just as she was about to respond, a flutter of white caught her attention and Kyakou landed with a solid thud onto the sinking pad of granite. Her whole body relaxed at his arrival and she exhaled in relief. She looked over at the older boy, her cheeks warming in embarrassment.

When they reached the lower level, Avy stood in awe, totally amazed by the glowing golden rocks which looked like stars all about them. “Oh my..” she sighed. Her eyes now alight with wonder she noted the steam rising off the pools of dark water. She swore she could smell lavender and honeysuckle in the warm mist. The water bender heard Kyakou ask for a moment alone with her as he tugged her over to a small niche.

"What exactly are you doing down here? I mean...its not like you can just..." Kyakou paused for a minute. "Well...you know!" The white-haired boy began to blush slightly about the subject they were talking about.

Avy’s eyes widened and her mouth opened for a second and then closed while her face flushed an even darker shade of red. “No! I didn’t know!“ she whispered huskily. “He wouldn’t listen...I tried everything I could think of to tell him I wanted to see you..”

It was at that moment that she saw Shee take off his overcoat and she let out a small squeak. Spinning about, she ran her hand through the hair. Avelen listened as Kyakou stuttered through a few suggestions. The fact that anything had shaken is rigid demeanor had her turning to look back at him. 'Tell them?' He was probably right . She only wished that it was Mata she was revealing herself to and not a strange boy.

"I mean...you can if you want...I won't...look...but umm..." Kyakou shifted nervously for a moment obviously slightly uncomfortable with the situation. The auburn haired girl gaped and looked down at the ground not sure how to take his statement. ‘Am I so ugly ..that he doesn’t even think of me…like that?’

“Hurry up Avat or I’ll have to come and throw you in!!” the young boy called out with a chuckle.

“Kyakou…How do I tell him? This is soooo embarrassing!” she mumbled letting her head sink to her chest. “ Wait! Maybe…maybe you could keep him busy while I slip in over there…where that rock is. If you keep him on that side, I can ..enjoy the bath and he won’t even find out! “ Avy exclaimed her aqua eyes lifting to meet his troubled gaze, and she was surprised to find his cheeks a bit flushed.

Kyakou pondered the suggestion for a moment as he watched Avelen's face gaze at the ground. He couldn't help but feel uncomfortable with her...not that he didn't think she was attractive but it just wasn't...the time to think that way. He blocked out any other images that may have come to mind as his face was nearly all red now, the steam from the spring didn't help either of their cases. "Ummm...well I can...try." He whispered back glancing at the boy calling out to them. Kyakou leaned over more to her ear. "Do you really think its a good idea to keep this a secret from them?"

“No but …” she began in a hushed voice only to have the ground heave them both upward and into the steaming water with a rather large splash. Avy sputtered to the surface first. “Kyakou?!” she called out while wiping the water from her eyes. Just when she thought things couldn’t get much worse, a pair of hands grasped her arms and spun her around. “Hey Avat! You were taking far too long! Hurry up and take those fire nation cloths off!”

“Shee! What do you think you’re doing? LET GO!!” she ordered while trying to pull free.

Kyakou blinked for a moment as he began to listen to his companion's thoughts about what he had just said, however he felt his body being lifted up into the air. "Wah!" He yelled slightly in shock as the ground sent them both spiraling into the air and into the water. Kyakou quickly rose to the surface of the warm water which was rather relaxing. Blinking his eyes clear of the warm water. "Avelen..." He muttered slightly still confused over what had happened. His eyes quickly focused on two figures, one which he immeidatly distinguished as Avelen. The other boy who placed his hands around her and encouraged her to remove her clothing. The resistance that Avelen put up was quite clear that she didn't want any part of it. Kyakou waded over to the duo before pu shing the boy away from her, his spiky wait hair still dripping with water. "Hey...don't touch my friend...he's a bit...nervous about personal space."

Breathing heavily from her struggle, Avy reached out to touch Kyakou's shoulder, giving him squeeze to confer her appreciation.

“Oh...ah I seeeee.." the shaggy haired boy replied giving Kyakou a strange look before looking the same at Avy. Her eyes narrowed as she thought on his words and then his meaning finally revealed itself to the naive girl.

"NO!! I mean.. .." She growled in frustration. The young girl could not let her disguise cause people to think such things about her friend. Pulling her hands upward, she rose slightly above them atop the heated water and swept over to edge of the pool where the liquid set her gently down. "I'M A GIRL OKAY!!" she sputtered, standing dripping wet before them.

Kyakou felt the gentle touch upon his shoulder as Avelen showed her appreciation for coming to help her out. Of course the boy who was also in the spring was as bit confused at the sight. He still seemed a bit skeptical of the two, however Kyakou kept his gaze on the boy. Not a threatening gaze, however just a simple 'please' face to let him know.

His sparkling emerald eyes turned to Avelen for a moment to make sure she was okay. He could tell she still felt uncomfortable about the situation and soon she blurted out against everything she was trying to hide. He jumped back in the shallows for a moment as he heard her frustrated voice. Avelen slowly waded to the rock edge of the water and clambered out, sitting on the edge. She had finally admitted to her disguise. Her voice probably even echoed up to the floor they had been on previously. Kyakou stood stunned as a drip of water dropped into his eyes.

There was silence as the only thing that could be heard was the breathing from the three in the springs. The boy who had accompanied Avelen down to the springs blinked his eyes confused for a moment, squinting at Avelen before his eyes widened realizing she was telling the truth. "Oh...I..I'm terribly sorry about what I did. I didn't mean to force you down here." He slowly waded to the edge of the rocks before climbing out, gathering his belongings and a spare cloak to dry off. "I'll let you two be then. Just yell when you want the elevator back up." He nodded to the two before leaving the way they had come in.

Keeping her eyes averted, Avy listened as Shee apologized and hastily left the chamber with the rattle and shake of the ground. She stood there for a few moments in the silent chamber refusing to look at Kyakou. 'How could he ever want to be around her after what had just happened'. “I’m ..sorry.” she said huskily. “I really didn’t …it just sort of…” She paused for a moment to lift her eyes to meet the white haired boys’. “The water felt good though..” Her words ended in a small sigh.

Kyakou kept silent as the boy left them alone with each other. His ears perked up slightly as he heard her apology in a low voice. Kyakou stood still in the water before clambering out next to Avelen on the edge of the hot springs. He didn't know what to say to the girl. She seemed confused and scared a bit. The white-haired boy withdrew his white haori which was now drenched in water. It was weighing him down quite a bit so he tossed it to the ground at the side. "It's fine Avelen...I know everything is hard right now. Its...hard for me to." He paused for a moment thinking a thought over. "Avelen...if you want to clean up...you can go behind the wall of rocks over there." Kyakou felt the blushing return to his heated face.