[It Begins] Chaos

[Miracleist]

@eclipsehowls


The two captains, despite their squabbling and bickering, were competent in their own rights with nearly a decade's worth of experience. Preparations made significant headway as the two busied themselves, growing more eager as they approached departure. The crew, on their part, worked fluidly and in tandem with their captains. Even without their captains' explicit instructions, the reason for the eagerness was plain to them. So went the hasty pace as the ships prepared to set sail until eventually, the ship departing for Ba Sing Se was ready. As the ship left the docks, its captain was dancing with joy on the deck. The rival captain could only fume on his own deck watching in the distance. It would seem that his biggest adversary had won this time - his crew breathed a collective sigh of defeat. Theirs would be a difficult journey if this was how they would start. For the ship making for Ba Sing Se, it was a complete opposite as the crew moved with bright dispositions. The trip to Ba Sing Se from the Fire Nation would be a long and tedious one, but this would make an excellent start.


Meanwhile, in the cool depths of the ship, the other fire-bending prisoners were silent even as the obvious stowaway teen made his presence known, even settling down among them. Whether it was because they did not care, or simply because they were too fatigued - or perhaps both - no one could say with certainty. Regardless, their subdued forms greeted the teen with chattering teeth. Hunched up in a tight bunch, they did their best to pretend not to notice the teen, leaving him to his own devices. And so went a month as the ship made its slow journey to Ba Sing Se, the commercial powerhouse among the Earth Kingdoms. The crew never noticed the stowaway in their midst, often passing by without comment - at times even scrutinizing the teen to find nothing amiss. Aside from the occasional guard rotations, the journey was largely uneventful. However, as the ship approached Ba Sing Se, the crew started to express a subtle sort of cheer - a skip in their steps, an infectious optimism in their mannerisms. Even the prisoners could tell that they were reaching their destination.


As if to prove the point, the crew served them what was easily the most scrumptious they had seen aboard the ship thus far - one plain slice of bread to go with their gruel. The prisoners took the meal with a heightened sense of dejection, a stark contrast to the crew. As the ship began to make preparations to anchor down at the port, the tension in the cells became especially palpable. 







@MagicPocket


The High Monk Pashang was no stranger to the festivities that greeted him whenever he visited though he absolutely abhorred it. Still, formalities were formalities just as traditions were traditions - such were the mark of respect reserved for someone of such stature. High Monk Pashang was loathe to break away from the norms - at least, for now. He sighed inwardly as he regarded his entourage with a stoic gaze. They met his gaze and bowed low; they showed no expression other than that of stone-faced calm. Pashang nodded to himself - he would have it no other way. The air bisons continued to beat their tails as they swiftly approached the temple. This would be the last of the temples and perhaps the pivotal point of his journey. He shut his eyes, taking a brief moment to meditate. His goals and objectives were already clearly established - all he had to do now was set the wheels in motion. It would be a difficult path, but it was one he would take. As soon as he opened his eyes, they were upon the air temple. The air bisons made their landing as shocked junior and senior monks alike scrambled.


High Monk Pashang might appreciate formalities and tolerated it, but he would not conform to it. With a slight smirk on his lips, he hoped off his bison, flanked almost immediately by his most trusted. The group strode quickly towards the temple, past openly gawking junior monks and panicking senior monks who rushed to convene. The group's path into the temple was almost akin to one of destruction as their mere presence alone startled many of the monks enough that their preparations fell apart in haphazard fashion. By the time Pashang and his entourage stopped in the temple's main atrium, it was as if they had stormed through the temple and ripped a path open in their wake - the junior monks had mostly given up setting up and instead flocked around the main atrium where the senior monks would receive the High Monk formally - though the senior monks were still in a state of panic as they hurriedly gathered to regain their bearings. Waiting patiently in the atrium was the High Monk and his group, they stood as still as statues, almost regal in demeanor. 

 

[eclipsehowls]

@eclipsehowls


The two captains, despite their squabbling and bickering, were competent in their own rights with nearly a decade's worth of experience. Preparations made significant headway as the two busied themselves, growing more eager as they approached departure. The crew, on their part, worked fluidly and in tandem with their captains. Even without their captains' explicit instructions, the reason for the eagerness was plain to them. So went the hasty pace as the ships prepared to set sail until eventually, the ship departing for Ba Sing Se was ready. As the ship left the docks, its captain was dancing with joy on the deck. The rival captain could only fume on his own deck watching in the distance. It would seem that his biggest adversary had won this time - his crew breathed a collective sigh of defeat. Theirs would be a difficult journey if this was how they would start. For the ship making for Ba Sing Se, it was a complete opposite as the crew moved with bright dispositions. The trip to Ba Sing Se from the Fire Nation would be a long and tedious one, but this would make an excellent start.


Meanwhile, in the cool depths of the ship, the other fire-bending prisoners were silent even as the obvious stowaway teen made his presence known, even settling down among them. Whether it was because they did not care, or simply because they were too fatigued - or perhaps both - no one could say with certainty. Regardless, their subdued forms greeted the teen with chattering teeth. Hunched up in a tight bunch, they did their best to pretend not to notice the teen, leaving him to his own devices. And so went a month as the ship made its slow journey to Ba Sing Se, the commercial powerhouse among the Earth Kingdoms. The crew never noticed the stowaway in their midst, often passing by without comment - at times even scrutinizing the teen to find nothing amiss. Aside from the occasional guard rotations, the journey was largely uneventful. However, as the ship approached Ba Sing Se, the crew started to express a subtle sort of cheer - a skip in their steps, an infectious optimism in their mannerisms. Even the prisoners could tell that they were reaching their destination.


As if to prove the point, the crew served them what was easily the most scrumptious they had seen aboard the ship thus far - one plain slice of bread to go with their gruel. The prisoners took the meal with a heightened sense of dejection, a stark contrast to the crew. As the ship began to make preparations to anchor down at the port, the tension in the cells became especially palpable. 

A month on the ship was a harrowing experience when one was posing as a slave to get to a new land. The cold and water being poured onto the fire-bender prisoners that were to be sold as slaves in Ba Sing Se and possibly the other kingdoms of the continent wasn't the best way to get around but nobody gave the teen more than a glance, neither guard nor 'fellow' slave.   Although the cold made the teen shiver, his body protected Saber and Nidhug, the baby dragon growing six inches with the month that passed on the ship.  He ate the gruel, leaving the rest of the food he had purchased with the bit of money he had that his uncle had given him to his companions.  Whatever became of Azolan, Nan would never know though he hoped that his old friend had safe travels, wherever he might go.  Though there might have been a few slaves who noticed the teen, they didn't say anything and pretended he didn't exist, something that the teen would be grateful for always.  


Nanzing didn't speak to the other prisoners that entire journey, though he would catch mice that lurked among the bowels of the vessel, slipping them into the small hole he had hidden Saber and Nidhug in, allowing the two creatures to hunt the fresh meat  and in this way kept the mice population down, at least within the part of the ship.  As their destination became closer, there was tension among the prisoners while the guards and crew seemed joyful that their journey was in sight.  It wouldn't be long before the prisoners were loaded off of the ship and put up for sale though Nanzing wasn't sure if everyone would be sold here or if they would be split up and sold throughout the different kingdoms of the continent. Whether they were to be divided into groups of the different elements to provide....'variety'...to potential buyers or would they all be sold by nation, was uncertain.  Nanzing knew he was lucky that his uncle had been there to take him in after his mother and stepfather died, otherwise he might have been one of the real slaves sold on the ship here to some person of one of the earth kingdoms for the rest of his life.  The teen shook his head as he used the bread to mop up the gruel though the teen's hair was even messier than it had been, having lost a bit of weight with the poor excuse of a meal, though it was nothing to the prisoners who had been here since a long time; possibly the airbenders and waterbenders had been here the longest within the ship.   


Sleep was also hard to get here, the firebenders huddled together for some desperate sense of warmth, those in the middle of the huddle getting a bit more warmth than those on the edges.  He had slept some on the ship and eaten the poor diet, never moving from the hole he had found  except to give mice to Saber and Nidhug.  In this way Saber and Nidhug got to practice their hunting, though for Saber, it was more of keeping her hunting skills in shape as the cat had caught mice and snakes that lurked in the village.  Overhearing that they were near their destination was easy as the guards tended to chatter, and the sight of land could be the only reason for the skip in their step, the 'graciousness' of the guards to give the slaves a piece of plain bread to go with their poor meal.  Nanzing would need to figure out how to get his animals, weapons and bag but even a month on a ship with poor food and cold water being doused one daily could take its toll, and it had done so on the teenager.  He was uncertain if he would be able to fight off the guards of this ship or how to get safely off with his things when the ship docked.     @Miracleist

 

[MagicPocket]

Her friend Shin looked a bit shocked watched High Monk Pashang sweep through their temple with so little ceremony. His mouth was slighly agape, with a finger she tapped it shut. "Close your mouth," she laughed. "You look like you're catching flies."


He looked a bit distressed as he said, "If it wasn't the High Monk, I would say that was a bit disrespectful. What could be of so much urgency?" Jisoo shrugged her shoulders. She liked it when they neated up the temples for visitations like this, she thought the paper decorations were nice. But, thinking about it, that kind of attitude fit their philosophy. Air monks were to be modest without extravagance. Understandably this wouldn't be worth much but the effort to someone of Pashang's position.


Either way, she was eager to hear what he had to say. "Whatever it is it's important enough for him to decide to visit us, I guess." Again she shrugged and walked behind her peers into the main atrium. Senior monks, junior monks, and students alike were taking their positions in the atrium waiting to be addressed. When allowed the Western Temple nomads bowed and took their seats, folding their legs underneath them and hands clasped. Jisoo stared on intently in heightened curiosity.


@Miracleist

 

[Miracleist]

@eclipsehowls


The ship was due to dock at Ba Sing Se's Full Moon Bay, which meant the Serpent's Pass was a necessary checkpoint to cross. Already, the benders among the crew were readying themselves for the inevitable. The Serpent's Pass had earned its name as one of the most dangerous points to sail through - and for good reason. The serpent emerged from the water with a resounding roar, the waves rippling out from its emergence caused the ship to rock violently. "Formation, formation," the captain shouted as he directed members of the crew to the deck. This might be the most 'dangerous' point for ships travelling to Ba Sing Se, but it was also one so well-known that most trading ships desiring to visit would come prepared. This ship was no different, and even though the crew were largely comprised of Earth-Benders, they managed to fend off the serpent with their well-prepared supply of rocks and stones which were promptly molded into earthen walls that deflected the serpent's attacks. It was a nigh-impenetrable defense, but also one that made the battle one of attrition since they could not attack. Regardless, the captain and his crew were calm and collected as they continued to defend - this was just another day to them.


Down below, the prisons were now left unmanned as the crew worked to keep the Serpent at bay. The water-benders were already making their way down to the deeper part of the ship, incidentally where the fire-benders were. It quickly became apparent that the water-benders had been planning their escape for a long time now, even if they had kept up a facade of dejection. When they were fed their minimal supply of water, it seemed that someone had managed to ration and stash enough of it to both survive and make their escape. The serpent was a coincidence that gave them the opportunity. As they showed up at the depths with the fire-benders still imprisoned, it was like a spark of hope to the prisoners. Breaking away from their circle, they rushed the bars, clamouring for help. "Save us! Please, mercy," it was a cacophonous din they raised, but the water-benders walked by callously. The differences of the Water Tribes and the Fire Nations were not going to be done away with simply by virtue of a common circumstance.


Ignoring the noise the prisoners were making, they began to carve a hole into the walls of the ship. The fire-benders watched first with eyes pleading for help, for freedom; that plea turned into one of horror as they comprehended the water-benders' plan. The first spurts of water popping through the wall into the ship sent a wave of panic as the prisoners moved away from the water. That stream of water quickly became additional tools for the water-benders, who promptly used it to rip the hole bigger until finally, it was big enough for an adult to go through. The water-benders did not even shoot the prisoners a last look before they bent a bubble around them and made their way out. As soon as they stepped out, the water began gushing in, tipping the ship a little to the side. The panicking fire-benders turned out to be a good thing, as their frantic rushing away from the water happened to send them lurching into the wooden bars, which were already half-rotten. It would hold against the average person or a few of them, but certainly not an entire group of them rushing at it.


The bars fall apart as the fire-benders rushed up to the deck. It would seem that this was the perfect opportunity to escape... Though how would one escape the crew on the deck and the Serpent or the water gushing into the ship and filling it up from the bottom up.... That remains to be seen. 





@MagicPocket


The senior monks tried their best not to take their time, though it ultimately took them a lengthy period of time to settle down. The High Monk and his entourage waited patiently, standing so still they were like statues in the temple's main atrium. Eventually, the senior monks began to stream into the atrium, though any semblance of formality and dignity was tarnished by their mostly haphazard states of readiness. Pashang himself was stifling a bemused chuckle as he regarded the monks. One of the senior monks, the eldest, stepped out and arched his back forward in a deep bow. The other senior monks followed, and Pashang himself lightly bowed in kind. "Let us dispense with these formalities," Pashang said, stepping forward to raise the senior monk. With his hands on the monk's shoulders, he continued," I come today - ahead of schedule - to give you a message. Whether this will turn out to be a mere advance notice or a warning, time will tell."


The senior monks straightened themselves up as they listened in silence. The low murmuring that was previously audible from the chattering of the junior monks was now gone as the High Monk spoke. His was a deep and booming voice, echoing all around the atrium with a sort of gravitas that stunned nearly all his listeners. The High Monk had a small smile as he spoke, but it quickly faded as his expression darkened. "We, the People of the Air, have been far too fragmented for far too long. It has allowed for the existence of that which should not exist." He swept his gaze across the atrium, nodding. "Yes, the Air Pirates. The blemish on the tapestry of our People, the stain upon our very existence; for generations, we have tolerated their presence. We justify it claiming that they have never done our People no wrong, that their actions against the Water Tribes, the Fire Nations or the Earth Kingdoms were 'fine', were 'acceptable'." The High Monk stomped his feet on the ground, stirring up the air around it such that a whirlwind swirled around the atrium.


"I tell you now that just weeks earlier, one of our own, a young monk by the name of Sheng was brutally murdered. Beaten and bound, they threw him off the cliff. Were it not for his air bison, we would never have found his wretched mess of a body dashed against the ground."


A collective wince and groan was audible as the High Monk spoke.


"No more. We have tolerated their presence for far too long. Now, we will end their existence, we shall show them the way; we shall help them regain the spirituality that they have lost."


High Monk Pashang paused, looking at the senior monk before him. "We, the People of the Air, the Air Nomads, are that of peace, and so I shall depart with this message to you. I shall return in a day and when I do, I will expect an answer from you. Will you join me in my cause, or will you be an obstacle? Think hard, be wise; I--"


Before he could finish, the senior monk before him had grabbed his hands. "We will follow wherever you lead, High Monk," went the senior monk as the rest of the monks looked on with mixed reactions. Some were clearly stunned, others nodded; some had looks of disapproval, others blanked out. Regardless, it was the most senior monk that spoke for them, so they bowed low and went in unison. "We will forever wherever you lead." The chattering began once more among the junior monks as they began to actively discuss this latest revelations despite some of the senior monks' attempt to shush them. The High Monk was mildly surprised, but clearly pleased as he continued to converse with the senior monk, the contents of their exchange now masked by the cacophony of the junior monks.

 

[eclipsehowls]

The ship slowed and then came to a stop as unknown the prisoners that hadn't been to the earth kingdoms before, a great serpent rose from the lake's depths to accost the ship that dared to sail through its waters.  Whether this was just one serpent, one of many or worse a family of serpents, it was just another day for the earthbenders among the crew but the prisoners were beginning to panic and it was rippling through the respective elements, most noticeably the fire prisoners.   The teenager had been trying to sleep when there was a host of footsteps walking past and a cacophony of voices from the cell of the fire kingdoms.  None of this woke the teen who had fallen asleep, not until there was a tearing of metal and the teenager opened his eyes to see the waterbenders slipping out of a hole within the ship and a large gush of water come in which caused mass panic among the prisoners as they fled to the other side of the cell, throwing themselves at the weakened rotted bars in hopes of escaping.    


With a large crack, the bars of the cage splintered and broke, freeing the prisoners and they soon rushed out of the cell, Nanzing having slid from his spot guarding Saber and Nidhug who had also been sleeping within the confines of  the area they had been stuffed into a month ago.  As the ship began to tip Nanzing hit the opposite wall and smacked his head on the ship's hull, pain going through him and his vision blackening momentarily before fighting his way up towards the rushing water.    Practically crawling and staggering his way forward, the teenager reached the hole and grabbed the edge of it, snatching his bag and opening it.  "Inside both of you," he said to Nidhug and Saber, one who let out a confused squeak, the other a hiss of agitation, so Nanzing grabbed Saber and set him within the bag before grabbing Nidhug and setting the dragon within the bag as well.  Closing it, he grabbed up his traveling cloak and his dual swords, despite the water rushing into the hull.  It might have been a fool's errand to save his companions instead of himself but he wasn't about to let the dragon for whom he had nearly got his home burned down nor of the last gift of his sister to die within the waters.  They were his only companions, his only family on this journey...a journey that only led away from Lord Osha and recruitment into the army. 


Hurriedly putting the swords in place on the crossed sheaths on his back, he grabbed his traveling cloak and his bag in one hand before running towards the exit created by the other firebenders as the water continued to come in, unsure what he could do to stop the flow of water. Splashing through the water, he made it to the stairs and began to climb them,  up towards the deck of the ship where the crew and other firebenders had fled in hopes of getting away from the water.   As he emerged into the light, the teen staggered, shutting his eyes against the harsh sunlight after being away from it for a month and brought his free hand up to shield his eyes from the blinding glare.   A roar was heard from beyond the ship and Nanzing lowered his arm to reveal a large serpent risen next to the ship from the lake depths that was attacking the ship...though the attacks were being thwarted by the earthbenders among the crew with earthen walls.  Nanzing could only stare at the sight of the creature in shock but used the distraction to slip on his cloak  and his bag.   With his hands free he looked to the earth piled there and then back down below, not having seen the airbenders nor the earthbenders that were also prisoners.  Had the earthbenders managed to be rescued or the airbenders released from their ties to the roof of the ship or were they all drowned within the waters that the crew seemed not to notice?


The teenager looked around him at the chaos...panicking prisoners, a giant serpent attacking, and the crew with earth that was being used to defend the ship and attack the serpent in its own home.  Still the guards seemed to be busy and once the serpent was dealt with, would undoubtedly try to sail onward or sink to the bottom most likely since none seemed to be focused on the prisoners attempting escape or that an entire element had just disappeared.   Nanzing looked around him and ran towards the back of the ship, looking down into the water below.  He could jump into the water and try to swim to shore but he had no idea if he would make it or the serpent would turn its attention to the easier meal...or whatever the serpent ate.   As he had no idea how long it would take to defeat the serpent that was attacking and Nidhug wasn't big enough to fly, that left with one option as far as he could see...take his chances in the water.   Looking to the side of the ship he saw they were within an opening with steep sea cliffs rising near them on both sides.  Seeing that he was facing the eastern side of the ship, he climbed onto the railing of the ship and jumped into the water.   


Hitting the water feet first, the teenager was at once dragged under but somehow oriented himself so that he was facing up and emerged within the shadow of the ship's hull.  Coughing and spluttering, he could only hope his friends were alright for he took a breath and then dove back into the water, swimming for the cliffside path that wound throughout the area that many humans feared to cross for the serpent that lived within the waters, heading towards the eastern part of the path.   @Miracleist @Lava @ChimpMan @MagicPocket

 

[MagicPocket]

It was perhaps the very last train car that the two boys lucked into finding seats. It was a little more noisy back there probably due to the scraping of the rails in proximity to the two earth benders on the back, that being said it was a little less occupied than other cars. 


Ren fell into the stone bench and when he did his eyes strayed on something he couldn't quite believe and he jumped back to his feet.


"Yin?!" 


Her bandages looked fresh and for the most part she looked a little better rested than the moment they had dropped her off the night before. Ren slid into the seat next to her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders and gave her a quick squeeze before she could protest. While Han slid in a seat opposite smiling at the pleasant surprise. "We just went by your house, we wanted to see how you were doing, but were told you weren't there." He looked at her, she had a rucksack too and it was clear she was heading out of the city. Ren couldn't help but feel worried for her still, she was only fourteen or fifteen years old, where could she be going? "What happened, Yin? What are you doing on the train?"


Yin was standing out the window of the moving train, eyes glazed over. When she heard her name she jumped. That was Ren's voice! She looked up only to see him coming towards her with a hug. She was too surprised to respond right away, what were the chances she'd see them here? Han was behind Ren too, so they'd decided to travel together. They'd come to check on her, which was nice but the thought of that made her feel sick to her stomach. Does that mean they'd met her mother? That was a scary thought.


Already there were questions she didn't know how to answer. She didn't know how much they knew already from their trip to her aunties house. "I... uh." She suddenly became very interested in her feet "I want to get out of here, and see the world. It's the best way I could think of to learn and get stronger." That way nothing like what happened will ever happen again, although she didn't say that. She didn't know them that well. She liked to keep her answers short, it made her uncomfortable sharing information about herself with others. She didn't mention her mother. She didn't really want to talk about that. It was quite a sore subject. She decided to return the question "What about you two?" Maybe it would be a good idea to travle with them, depending on why they were on this train. She was still, admittedly, quite weak, as much as she liked to pretend that wasn't the case. Plus she was injured.


This time it was Han who spoke up first. "Well, my plan was always to leave Ba Sing Se today. Lets just say after yesterdays little adventure I wasn't going to drag my feet. Seeing the world, travelling, exploring, it has always been the plan. I can't just beat up meat heads for a living forever ya know!"


Ren shrugged. "As for me I thought it was time to give Ba Sing Se a break and go looking for some different opportunities while traveling. I understand what you mean, after all those fights it's pretty obvious I have some growing to do as a bender. I'm in need of a good adventure right about now. I haven't seen enough of the world yet." He glanced at Han. "We don't exactly have an itinerary planned or whatever. The first thing will just be getting passports so we can take the ferry across the--" 


Ren was suddenly cut off by a sudden sensation. They all felt it. Even through the rails of the car. A shaking of the train car. And the earthbenders doing their thing on the back of the train must have noticed to because the pushing sensation ceased and the train continued to glide Until it came to a stop. 


Ren lept to his feet and propped himself against the stone frame of the window, it didn't have any actual glass in it and was just open. He hung his head out and looked down at the streets and buildings below them. "What the hell! Are you guys seeinig this?" Ren exclaimed. Down the street he could see a crack opening up and civilians jumping out of the way. He was gaping. Of course they got quakes, but to have fissures opening up like that! That was unseen. The train tracks were built above the ground. "Are we going to be okay up here?!" He looked frantically over at his friends.  Out the back of the train the two burly earthbenders were conversing rapidly with each other. Ren watched them for a moment before he saw them nod to each other. What the heck was going on. When he glanced back out the window out at the ground the train ground back to a start, very slowly picking up a careful speed. Looks like the two had decided to move the train to the station in order to get the passengers off as quickly as they could in case the rails might have suffered any cracks or fatige to the foundations. The last thing anyone wanted was a train full of people crashing down into the streets on top of people. But this was also the Earth Kingdom. Quakes weren't necessarily unexpected and no doubt these Earthbenders and others wouldn't be able to deal with whatever would be thrown at them.


@Miracleist @Lava @ChimpMan

 

[Miracleist]

@eclipsehowls


The Earth-Benders and Air-Benders among the prisoners were initially perplexed at the sudden movements and rocking of the ship, and especially at the sudden increase in movement - some of whom were unfamiliar faces no less (the other prisoners). They would only realize what was going on when the ship began to tip even further from the water rushing in. Then they began to scream, shouting and crying for help. The crew on the deck caught on soon enough, some losing their footing only to be tossed overboard when the ship tipped. The captain cursed his ill luck but kept his composure. Having little choice, he split up half of his crew to plug the hole, ignoring the prisoners while the rest continued to engage the serpent which was now attacking the stranded crew members. All in all, it seemed to be a perfect opportunity for escape - no one seemed interested in re-capturing the prisoners. Whether it was the dismissal of their value, or the belief that they won't get far, no one could say. 






@MagicPocket @Lava @ChimpMan


The train would proceed on as per normal towards its destination, as if nothing had changed. Then again, in some respects, nothing has changed. The subject of the quake and the newly-formed cracks on the ground were a matter of enthusiastic discussion for all of ten minutes before it was dismissed. Just another day in the life of the average citizen. The train conductor and the earth-benders moving the train too ignored any and every attempt to engage in conversation. They too, were curious about the nature of the quake, but jobs were jobs - and they liked to keep at it to earn their keep. 


 

 

[eclipsehowls]

Nanzing continued to swim for the cliff side beneath the water which muffled the sounds of the ship tipping, the falling of bodies into the water as some crew members slipped overboard, the screams of the prisoners.   The fatigue of being held within a cold area of the ship, eating gruel for the past month and lack of sleep was contributing to his slowness at swimming...each stroke of his arms seeming as if he were lifting iron instead of bone, muscle and flesh through the water.  For the waterbenders, it would be a long journey back to the northern and southern poles and the airbenders, if they managed to escape,  would have a long journey back to the mountains in which they lived.  His uncle had shown him a map of the world even if Nanzing had never been in it though school mostly focused on the two kingdoms of what would be the fire nation one day.    The teenager didn't risk surfacing for air as he continued to swim, thankful that his uncle had taken him and his sister for swimming lessons when he was a child.   Even if the teen had gone back to the ship to help, he wouldn't have been able to do much in the water except cause the ship to sink faster.  


Seeing the rocks coming towards him he surfaced again, coughing as water dripped down into his eyes and down his hair into the water below.   The teenager removed his backpack and opened it to see a disgruntled feline and a bewildered dragon who were both shivering at the cold water but otherwise appeared unharmed...aside from his belongings were wet.  Nan had been focused on escaping that he had forgotten that his bag would become wet and everything in it.   Looking back over his shoulder he saw the boat and could hear the shrieks of the serpent, the shouting for help in the distance.   Closing the bag, he slipped it back on as he treaded water and made his way up the cliff side, grasping onto the rocks at the water's edge to pull himself up onto the path.   Once he was on stable ground, he stood and began running up the path, adrenaline still coursing through the teen, knowing he would likely need rest when he got away from the ship and found somewhere to hide.   There was a muffled hiss from Saber in the bag that the teen could barely hear and he knew he'd have to get a fire going so he could dry out his clothes and get some sleep.  


The path up the side of the pass he was on was steep, causing the teen to have to slow down halfway up the mountain to avoid risking falling backwards.   As he drew away from what was happening behind him, the screams and cries of the serpent were growing fainter with every step away from the water in which the fighting was going on between man and animal.   Nanzing continued on, pushing himself up the path and soon saw the top of the cliff before him.  Climbing up the last few feet of the hill, he halted to catch his breath, the adrenaline fading and leaving the teenager more exhausted than he had been when escaping the ship.  Looking forward, he saw that the path continued onward, another cliff towering ahead of him.  With a soft exhale, Nanzing began to descend the other side of the path, weariness showing on the teen's face as he walked.    @Miracleist

 

[MagicPocket]

Jisoo gasped in surprise. They were....going after the air pirates? And just how would they do that? The air monks led a peaceful life to go after others who had defected their lifestyle, she couldn't imagine those people coming back to them willingly. Would they take these renegades by force? She was disgusted by Pashang's story. Jisoo stared at the floor, ther hands clenching the fabric of her robes so tight it made her knuckles go white. Violence happened all over the world, but thinking about what those barbarians did to their brethren seemed unforgivable. She gritted her teeth. Whoever those barbarians were they wouldn't get away with it. Jisoo wanted to make what happened to Sheng would never be repeated. She looked over at her friends. MinHua had tears in her eyes, Shin looked speechless and in shock.


At the front of the room the senior monk bowed deeply, taking High Monk Pashang's hands in his and pledged support. Her friend's their expressions were nothing compared to that they showed only a moment ago when Jisoo rose to her feet. She had her staff in hand, as she hadn't a moment before to put it away, chatter was breaking out now but the airbender spoke louder over the noise, "I will forever follow where you lead." Her two friends gaped at her. A junior monk or two here and there looked up at her and also got to their feet, pledging their loyalty . "Please, High Monk," Jisoo continued, "What can we do to support your cause with you? How do you plan to assimilate the defectors and bring justice to those who have threatened our people?"


@Miracleist

 

[Miracleist]

@MagicPocket


 


 


Seeing the young monks stand to pledge their support, the High Monk Pashang was immensely heartened by it. He had no doubt his entourage was feeling the same and struggling to maintain their composure. Personally, besides feeling pleased and warmed, he was just as amused. He hadn't the faintest what to expect when he came, but it would seem he would be reaping what he had just sowed. It felt too soon to be doing that, but he'd gladly take all the help he could get. Looking to the first of the junior monks to stand, a young girl of about 19, he nodded and beckoned her over. His mind was already flowing with the possibilities for this girl, largely stemming from how impressed he was at her for having even the slightest bit of courage to stand out from the crowd - quite literally in her case - to address him when even the Senior Monks had not ordered her to. "That, my young Monk, is a matter of time. All will be revealed when you follow, should you follow, if you follow," Pashang smiled, a kindly demeanor radiating from him as he turned to return to his Air Bisons.


 


He glanced over his shoulders, giving Jisoo a look that clearly bade her to follow. Whether she did or not was secondary, after all, he would return to the temple in some days; what he really looked forward to seeing now was for the girl to follow just to prove that he was not mistaken in being impressed by her. As he began to stride towards his Air Bisons, he locked gazes with the Senior Monks once more and bowed to them who bowed lower in return. This temple was settled, allowing him now to move on with his plans. His heart was pounding from the excitement as his long steps brought him and his entourage back to their Air Bisons. 

 

[eclipsehowls]

Nanzing had traveled for a while along the forbidden area known as Serpent's Pass, a place that those of the varying earth kingdoms' feared to tread.   The journey was no long and nowhere near done but he hoped to find somewhere level hopefully to get a fire going so he could dry out his clothing and let Saber and Nidhug out.   There were no sounds of footsteps chasing him which allowed the teen to relax a little as he made his way towards the kingdom of Ba Sing Se.  His progress was slow and yet he was safely out of Lord Osha's kingdom and out of that earth kingdom ship that sold humans like cattle.   When he couldn't go any further he began to look for somewhere to camp out for a few hours, so he could get some rest and get his things warmed up though he had no food anymore on him, exhaustion beginning to settle in at a quick pace, making the teen smother a yawn.  


With nobody out here that he could see along the path and none of the crew of the ship pursuing him, as he saw a level place along the path ahead after walking for a few hours, he decided to stop there.    As his feet touched level ground after walking up and down the cliffside for what felt like a long time, he glanced up at the sun overhead and sighed.   What was he to do now that he was within the continent?   Should he head to the Su Wong Desert but if so then how would he get there and could Nidhug hide there within the sands and shadowy dunes as he grew bigger?  Removing his bag, he set it upon the ground and opened it,  Saber and Nidhug stumbling out.   The sight of Saber, his hair wet and fuzzy like a giant dust bunny, made the teen laugh outright.  A displeased hiss came from the feline who stretched out within the sunlight to warm himself and began to clean his fur.  He had hardly any money to buy goods and his money was fire nation coins which he wasn't sure about within the continent among the numerous earth kingdoms.  


Nidhug was shaking from the journey but on a quick inspection, both dragon and feline were in better shape than Nanzing, given they had eaten all the meat he had plus the mice he had caught in the fire prisoners' cell.   Once the two companions were out, he began to pull out his clothing and took off his boots, turning them over to dump the water out and let them sit away from him to dry, his clothing being laid out along the flat rock ledge on which they resided.  "Nidhug, Saber please don't go near the edge," he said to them both though he wasn't sure if they could understand him.    Saber just yawned and  continued licking his fur while Nidhug turned his head and extended a whisker, touching the teen's hand before following Nanzing around as he moved about, the teen trying to get some feeling into his legs which were shaking from the experience he had just endured.  


Allowing his clothes to dry beneath  the sun, Nanzing lay back on the rocky ledge of the pass, glad to be out of the ship.  Hopefully he would never have to step foot on another one, or at least if he did, not ride in the hold as a stowaway which had been a harrowing and frightful experience for the teen who had endured a bit of luxury growing up thanks to his uncle.   His uncle...he felt a pang of loss within him as he remembered the events leading up to where he was right now and hoped his uncle and Isoli were alright along with his master.  Nanzing was tired but wasn't sure it was worth sleeping in case Nidhug decided to attempt flying which he hadn't done when they had been making their way to the coast and it was of course impossible in the hole where the two animal companions had been kept safe by Nanzing never moving from the place.  Sleeping upright just created a sore back and sore neck in the morning when doused with cold water to keep one from using their element.


Nanzing waited another hour for his clothes and bag to dry, including the ones he had been swimming in to get to the path after jumping ship.  Once everything was dry and he was dressed again in the same clothing he'd been wearing for a month, the teen began packing up everything.    As they were alone on the trail, Nanzing figured it might be safe enough to let Nidhug walk outside to give the dragon room to stretch his legs after being cramped for a month.  "Nidhug," he called to the forest green dragon whom looked up at him.  "We're going to walk  more along this twisty path.  Just walk in front of me but don't go near the edge of the path."  Nidhug looked at his master and stared up at him with his golden eyes, the two thin forest-green whiskers on the sides of his nose waving in the wind that blew over the pass.  



*Squeak!* he said.  The teenager sighed and picked up his bag, putting it over one shoulder and then stooping to get his swords, Nidhug jumping up and down in excitement, causing an exasperated shake of the head from Nanzing who put his scabbards' on his back and slipped his swords into them as he stood.   As he began walking, Nidhug and Saber both walked in front of the teenager along the path, continuing their journey to Ba Sing Se, moving along the serpent's pass towards what would be just another event in an unexpected adventure.  @MagicPocket @ChimpMan @Lava

 

[MagicPocket]

The junior monk was met with highly offended and disapproving looks from her seniors at her sudden outburst. Having glanced over and seeing their reproach, she winced a bit on the inside. It did feel like a little cloud had passed in front of the sun that fueled her passion. She supposed she had spoken out of turn, though it didn't change her stance in the least. Her internal sun, like the one overhead, was a nearly unstoppable force; the sun would wane at the end of each day but it would return in full force the next morning. Jisoo, however, was humbled when High Monk Pashang acknowledged her outright and addressed her concern. She nodded once, respectfully. When Pashang concluded and smiled upon the Western Temple monks, his positivity was contagious and Jisoo couldn't help but grin back. Her fellow junior monks were smiling to in varying degrees of enthusiasm, but it seemed everyone couldn't help but shed just a small smile--even Shin who had looked just has offended as the senior monks at her outburst. 


The young woman was about to take her seat once more when she caught the High Monk's eye and her and he gestured for her to follow. Jisoo's eyebrows shot up in surprise. What? Her? He was looking at her right? She glanced behind her just in case. Nope. From the astonished looks some of her peers were giving her he had definitely just done that. Jisoo hesitated. 


"Well, go on!" MinHua said oozing excitement, gesturing to her with a 'shooing' motion.


"Wait--What do you think he wants?" Shin interjected.


"What does it matter!" One of their other peers interjected. The interaction had created quite a buzz amongst the junior monks and they were all tuned into the group of friend's conversation.


"Wh--Then you're seriously going then!" Another said.


"Oh, you're just jealous!"


MinHua took Jisoo's hand and urged her, "Go now!"


The young woman let out a restrained laugh at the erupting chatter. She nodded decisively and gave her friend a one-armed hug. "Thank you, see you guys later!" With her staff in hand she jumped and airbended just enough to puff herself over the crowd of junior monks milling about both from the new discovery and from the general assembly. Her yellow and dark orange robes rustled as she landed light as a feather a couple of yards from the High Monk and his entourage. "High Monk," she regarded, taking a few steps closer before bowing deeply. "It is my deepest honor. My name is Jisoo Yun."

 

[MagicPocket]

Swiftly following Ren's suit, Han stuck his head out of the train carriage window to see the city unfold before him, almost literally. The ground shook, quaked and roared, as if the bed of earth the great city was founded upon decided to come alive and devour all. From this height one could see the immediate scatter of the crowd. People who appeared the size of little more than ants scattered left, right, anywhere which was safe. If such a place existed for them. Han hoped for the best and prepared himself for the worst. Having to tear himself away from the scene of a main road being split in half by a large fissure revealing a dark and deadly descent into the earth for anyone unlucky enough to be caught in its clutches. 


What was going on? What did this mean? Why was this happening? These were questions which could be asked later. For now, action was more important. Fighting in the pits had taught Han that. The difference between winning or losing would be the split-second decisions. "Guys come on! We can't just stand and watch! Lets help those guys get this train moving faster." Said Han turning to the back of the train. It was perhaps the only practical thing the three could do to help their situation. 


Ren nodded. "Right!" The train sidled into the train station and the group of three dashed to their feet. Ren tugged his pack tight over his shoulders and rushed out behind his two new friends. "There! The exit!" He said, pointed over to the right. The ground gave a small rumble but it seemed like most of the action had been done. Ren glanced over at Yin to see if the girl was doing alright as she had been pretty seriously injured only the day before. It was then that a scream rang through the air. Up ahead one of the fissures had appeared and had cracked the foundation for a residential building. One side of the house was sliding into the gaping earthen hole along with part of it's roof. 


"Help!!" Someone yelled. The group ran up to the scene to find a woman running out of the house and standing near the fissure, though it was clear she didn't want to get close as it seemed like the ground near the edge could crumble at any moment. There was the sound of a man screaming from what appeared was from inside the fissure. "Help!! Please someone help!!" It appeared that her husband had fallen in and was stuck hanging on the wall. 


The roaring from the ground below was deafening. Yin moved to the window with the others and looked out in shock down below "We gotta do something" She had said to them both. Han took to action right away and Yin followed him immediately. The trio ran for the exit only to be met by the screams of a woman in a house down below.. Yin wasted no time running towards him. Her injury hurt quite a bit still but she didn't want to let it hinder her. That man could fall at any moment, her shoulder was nothing to worry about compared to that. She stomped her foot creating a slab of stone underneath the dangling man so that he could stand up "You're okay, just drop onto that!" Yin yelled down to him.


The panicked stranger did so obediently and Han reached down the fissure to help pull the man out and back to safety. "Thank you kids!" He cried out before sprinting off and embracing with his tearful wife. "We've got to keep moving!" Han said urgently, not wanting to wait and see if this area would be affected by the tremors once more. "Yeah, I'd rather not get sucked into one of those things, and I definitely don't trust the train not to collapse on us." Ren agreed. Together they ran through the city towards the exit, eyes wide and alert and hearts pounding. 


As they ran they came across another fissure. This one wasn't very wide but it was deep, but just wide enough that they wouldn't be able to leap over it. With a movement Ren gathered himself and earthbent a layer of rock over the top. It was pretty obvious that the fissure was still there because of the color of the rock so the city was still bound to fix it. So the group ran across and kept going.


@Miracleist @Lava @ChimpMan @eclipsehowls

 

[eclipsehowls]

Although there was fissure activity in Ba Sing Se, life went on as normal in the Serpent's Pass, there being no others upon the path heading towards countryside that would lead him ultimately towards Ba Sing Se.  The tremors that affected the city didn't affect the path the stowaway firebender was walking on.  Steep cliffs rose on either side, the trail itself being narrow and high, so that travelers...if they dared...would have to travel single file along the path.  Clouds drifted lazily overhead, the wind being calm and the sun shining brightly upon the world.   While his animal companions might have been alright after a few hours on dry land, Nanzing was still shaky, having remained mostly in one position for so long, in fact it was probably a miracle that he could move his neck and head at all while sleeping sitting up.   Nidhug was too big now to ride on the teenager's shoulders, having grown at least six inches during the ride, six inches to a foot he would guess.  



Approaching the now hooded teenager walked with just Saber, Nidhug having been put into his bag with his belongings.    Though it might be a cramped fit, Nanzing could hear voices as they approached the last hill of Serpent's Pass that led to countryside outside of Ba Sing Se, Saber walking ahead of him like had been done after reaching the level ledge they had camped upon.   "Merow, said Saber as they walked towards a level and wide path before a wooden gate, one entrance on the eastern side of the path.    Nanzing looked down at the cat as they continued descending, soon finding themselves on level wide ground again.    "Hush Saber," said Nanzing as he walked with his head down though he was a stranger here in these lands. Having no clue if the ship had finished battling the serpent or not, the teen was glad to be on level ground again that was wide enough to walk without worrying about falling off.


Making his way from the eastern gate of Serpent's Pass, pushing his way through the small crowd of people who were waiting for loved ones from other parts of the earth kingdoms or to take a ferry over, glancing at the sky to gauge the time by the position of the sun.   Nanzing estimated that it was a little after noon which meant he had been walking most of the morning then.    The voices of those in the harbor faded like the wind as he walked further away not sure how long it would take to get to Ba Sing Se at all but he would do his best to get there.  The time when he had been fleeing from the recruiters and making his way towards the fire nation coast had helped to build up his stamina and endurance for long walks, it was really the only way to get around after all.    Turning his hand over so that his palm was facing upwards, the teen summoned a fireball in his hand, though it was noticeably weak given the conditions in which he had been subjected to in order to reach one land while escaping from his homeland.   In his bag he felt Nidhug stirring and let the fireball die, opening the bag as Nidhug crawled out and fell onto the ground.  Letting out a squeak, the dragon looked around at his surroundings, seeing nothing but flat land ahead of him.  Nanzing closed his bag again, the dragon now too big to be carried either.     Stopping on the side of the road to examine his bag, he looked at Nidhug and then at his bag again,  before standing and rubbing the back of his neck.  "It seems neither of will fit in the bag anymore which presents some difficulty," said Nanzing as he looked at his companions.  


"Well, we need to figure out what to do now...or rather I do since you two can't help," said Nanzing out loud.    "Nidhug..." he started only to see the dragon standing in the middle of the path a short distance from him.  "Nidhug come here," he said sternly.  "Damn it," he swore as the dragon suddenly took off.  "Come on Saber," he said as he grabbed his bag and ran after the dragon with the feline running after him. Unknowingly they would be running right into some people who would help to shape the future of the runaway teenager.   


@MagicPocket @ChimpMan @Lava

 

[Miracleist]

@MagicPocket


The High Monk with his back turned to Jisoo was all smiles. He wiped the broad grin off his face as he turned back to the girl, a much more dignified smile befitting his status worn on his face as he faced the girl. "Jisoo Yun," he murmured the name contemplatively. He was attempting to connect the dots, to recall if the name ever surfaced in some form or another - the fact he could not recall anything only made him somewhat more excited. It was like unearthing a precious gem in the rough and finding one such as the girl was fascinating in and of itself. No doubt there was still much to put the girl through before he could be certain whether it was a mere character quirk or slip of the tongue. Even more so given the gravity of the task before them; no amount of air-bending will lighten that burden. "No, it is my honor," Pashang said, lightly bowing. He hopped onto his air bison, looking off into the distance. His entourage followed immediately, each one mounting their own within seconds of Pashang. "If you will," Pashang gestured to the bisons. "We'll be taking flight. If you have your own bison, fetch it and follow. I shall entertain your questions while we return to our encampment at that mountain's summit."


Pashang gestured to the neighboring mountain as he and his fellow monks took off. Soon as they did, they would fly in the direction of the base camp - a good 15 minutes of flight away. Even from the distance, the tents and random individuals were somewhat visible. It would not be too hard for anyone to miss. 

 

[MagicPocket]

Jisoo followed his gesture and looked out on the mountains. Sure enough she saw the tiny peaks of far away tents and the distinguishable movements of tiny people around the encampment. Idly she wondered why the group was staying off in the mountains rather than lodging in the temple. Surely they had plenty of space? Was such distance really necessary? Did they not trust the monks at her temple? But surely they were just being cautious, High Monk Pashang must have his reasons. Nethertheless Jisoo was ecstatic. "Yes! Yes, yes, absolutely!" She quickly cleared her throat and calmed herself down a notch. "Uh, yes. I will definitely do that. Meet you there, I mean. Yes." Jisoo bowed formally as the High Monk and his entourage flew off. Jisoo could barely contain her excitement--nervous excitement. Based upon the announcement she could only make guesses at the direction their discussion might take once she joined them.


She glanced over her shoulder for only a second before going for the ledge, glider in hand. Her peers were staring at her with open mouths. The young monk didn't blame them one bit, she felt like gawking herself. At the stables she whistled and called over Nabee from the herd and started dragging out his saddle. "Yip yip," she commanded once she'd heaved it onto his back and taken her place at the reigns. Nabee gave a groan satisfied to be taking flight again, and so they glided off for the mountain range. A personal invitation from the High Monk was such an honor, her stomach fluttered with a surge of flattery that she should be the one to represent her temple--her over, say, one of the senior monks. Whoa. What if they send her on a secret mission? Her eyes widened with the possibility. "Nabee! What if they want me to be a spy. I'd have to wear disguises and have to fake an accent or go by false names." Jisoo smiled, entertaining herself with the thought as they glided along. "Don't worry, you wouldn't have to wear a disguise. As much as I'd want to make you wear a mustache or a hat, you're safe!" The sky bison grumbled in reply.


In no time they arrived at the campsite. Nabee landed and Jisoo jumped off to lead him to the other bison. She walked over all smiles, bowing her head to various acolytes of the High Monk's group as she walked up to what appeared to be the main tent where she found Pashang. "I'd like you to have this." Jisoo said candidly before anything else. She removed a flower the chain she had draped across her torso and presented it with a slight bow. "The blue flowers grow all year long but they tend to grow in unusual places making them hard to track down sometimes. Despite that these are overwhelmingly my favorite. It is time consuming gathering them but once I'm finished I am always glad to do have taken the time to do so. They are very fragrant and once dried out make excellent tea. To say thank you for the opportunity to be here, it really means the world. I believe very deeply in the Air Nation and I wish to do what I can to contribute."

 

[Miracleist]

@MagicPocket


Pashang still fancied himself relatively young, even at the age of 50. His face might be somewhat wrinkled but it was definitely not that much worse than any of the more elderly Senior Monks. He smirked at what he immediately dismissed as a silly notion - thinking back to the girl. "Hm, wonders of youth," he mused to himself, finding a small sense of envy deep within him. He did, however, not envy what was to come. The thought made him sigh, the air he let out expressing a certain sense of inevitability and resolution. The joviality of the mood was quickly lost as he began to walk through his plans once more - after all, changes will not be effected by those who dally too much. He and his entourage reached the tent exactly as he had estimated - within 15 minutes. Soon as he landed, the monks forming his travel party gave him a collective but brief bow before resuming their business. He nodded and proceeded into the main tent where he conducted his business. Within the tent, there was a huge table placed in the middle on which several scrolls were placed in neat, tidy fashion.


As a stickler for orderliness, Pashang shot the senior monk-in-charge an approving gaze, sneaking a thumbs up at his waist to the monk's suppressed grin. He quickly moved past that, picking up a scroll which detailed the lay of the surrounding land. "Is the girl coming," he asked, looking to a member of his entourage. That member nodded, more than enough for an answer; Pashang returned to looking at the map laid out before him. Distinct ink markings were made on certain areas with only one red blot on a spot far off from where they were. He looked to it, heaving a heavy sigh as within the tent the mood became palpably somber. It was at this instant that the girl entered, like the light at the end of a tunnel. Pashang was caught somewhat off-guard while the monks forming his entourage were slack-jawed as they watched her present that flower. For them, the connections were rather clear; they looked to Pashang, each one gulping in near-simultaneous fashion.


Pashang looked down at the blue flowers, smiling as he took the flower. A wistful gaze upon it lingered but he quickly tore his eyes from it, looking to Jisoo. "Thank you," he said, sticking the flower behind his ear. It was an amusing sight of sorts, but he ignored the suppressed smiles from his entourage as he refocused on the girl. "I am heartened by your belief in our People of the Air, but take heed, my child - we are not a Nation. We will never claim any wealth nor shall we claim any lands." He gave the girl a kindly grin. 


"But we will make the claim to the hard work required to make our People one, this much I can say."


He nodded, mostly to himself more than anyone. "So here, we have the reason for our visit. We are here to bring the monks in this temple into our fold, but we are also here to convert these wayward People."


He pointed to the black ink markings on the map denoting the dispersed settlements of Air-benders who were not part of the Air Nomads. 


"You say you wish to contribute, so here's your chance," he pressed a finger on one specific settlement. It appeared to be relatively close to the camp, in the direction further away from the temple. Situated on the summit of one of the mountains, it was a significantly smaller dwelling than the others marked on the map. "I will have one of my monks accompany you, feel free to do as you deem fit - consider it a... A trial of sorts."


Pashang eyed one of the monks in the entourage. The monk stepped out, bowing low. "This is Wuming, our youngest senior monk, at 49," Pashang said, chuckling right after to the Wuming's ire. "In any case, get moving. I'll be here when you return, hopefully with a new member of our People."


Wuming glanced to Jisoo at that point. Despite being only a year younger than Pashang, he was significantly more wizened. Even without frowning, the creases on his forehead was evident - they became even more obvious when he did frown, and he frowned a lot. That was the expression he had when he looked at Jisoo. "Let's go," he said as he walked out of the tent, then stormed towards the bison when he was out of sight of the High Monk. Being a rather tall figure, his long strides easily brought him to his bison where he waited for the girl, already tapping his feet impatiently.