Avatar: TLAB (Still Accepting/Started) Owned by: Hotaru987

[~Demyx~]

As General Hanza explained the details to Kyo, he started to smile. Especially about the part of getting paid. Fnding a little girl and her small batch of puny friends should be easy. Of course, if it could be avoided, he could avoid killing any of the other weaklings following the girl. His parents had died to assasins, and since he was one now, it was obvious why he didn't want to kill anyone. Although, if it was for there own good, then he just may have to. He would show no mercy if it came to that.

He bowed once again to General Hanza. "Thank you General Hanza. I will pack any required supplies and equipment needed to capture the avatar. Thanks again" he said to him, forcing a fake smile and bowing before he walked out of the door of his office.

Once Kyo was in his room with the other soldiers, he thought. "[i]I guess I'm not his favorite soldier yet. But as long as he'll pay, I don't care what he thinks of me[/i]" he thought to himself.

OOC: I'm guessing that the soldier who will lead me to the "point" will be Kihomi.

[Hotaru987]

Izaria looked down as she adopted a shameful look. "Y-yeah...About that. Look I'm really sorry about what I said before. If you would still have me I would be honored if you would be my firebending teacher." She made a fist with her right hand, and turned it virtacle. Then touched the 'top' to the junction where were wrist and palm met on the other hand, which was straight up with her fingers pointing to the sky. Izaria bowed - silently hoping this will be the last time she'd have to apologize in a while. All these 'I'm Sorry's were really out of character for her. She stood up straight then said, "We really need to get moving now. If we stay here to long someone may spot us. If I had to guess, I would suspect my father to have already sent out search parties." She looked towards the sky. "He'll use whatever resources he has. Which means we'll have to becareful on both land and sea."

Izaria sighed, "Anyway, is everyone ready to go? We need to quickly get supplies from the city."

[Quiksilver]

"I doubt they'll hear us." Yun said. "I am master of an Airbending style known as Soundbending, or the bending of the sound waves." -Yun thrust a closed fist forward and pulled her other, opened hand back in a Airbender gesture, and the background noise from the village disappeared- "which means, among other things, I can alter sound waves so anyone passing by won't hear us practicing. And besides," Yun fell out of the pose, and noise promptly returned, "If you really do want to help out the Avatar, we'll have to fight against the Fire Nation eventually."

***

"I'm ready." Sun said, gesturing to his sleeping bag, which was now tightly curled around Sun's things and has been fastened to Luyo's back. "But I have a question. How are we going to reach Shingue City? I don't think walking is a good option. Luyo here could probably support two people, but three or more is out of the question..."

[Catterjune]

Kihomi nodded in agreement before offering a salute at her commander's request.

I assume since everyone jumps to the next day, Kihomi does too.

As it would be terribly dangerous to have an enormous practice in cramped corners, from chances of injuring people going up to, worst still, injuring the blimp and sending them all on a one way ticket straight down.

The 18 year old youth, teaching a band of battle hardened warriors, most much older then she was, seemed rather taken aback at having to serve under someone so young, especially someone so female.

One particular soldier made quite lewd remarks and insults towards Kihomi.

"If you believe yourself to be my equal..." she tossed the man a wooden sword, before picking up one herself. "Then let us where you stand on the battlefield."

When reminded that a long sword fight could injure the blimp or someone else Kihomi responded quickly. "It won't last that long."

And sure enough, 4 seconds into the match, Kihomi had struck the disrespectful soldier about 8 times. One in the head, a hard slap to the back, twice in the chest, once in the leg, and a hard hit to each arm, before she finally disarmed him.

"Your form is sloppy, your movements are too slow, your strikes are imprecise. Had this been an actual battle, your ego would not be the only thing bruised." she stated bluntly, a blank expression upon her face.

The soldier dusted himself off, his comrades snickering behind him as he rubbed the back of his neck. He stated how impractical fighting with a bladed weapon was, and how all he needed to rely on was his firebending. Not that Kihomi would know, since she was forbidden from learning, followed by an exaggerated laugh.

She raised a brow, but seemed not particularly vexed. "If you believe the Fire Nation nation is too good for swordsmanship, please take your concerns to Commander Hanza."

She turned her back to the man, as he took a deep breath. Kihomi's eyes narrowed at the sound, knowing the man was preparing to firebend. Her own firebending was never all too great, knowing only the basics of the basics, all she could do was turn quickly and try to defend. Her bending was enough to get the fireball he through her way to direct towards her wooden sword. With the sword aflame, she took two quick steps forward before lunging, striking the man over the head delivering a fierce burn and singeing the top of his hair.

She watched as the sword burned to ashes, stopping short of burning her fingers due to the metallic gloves she wore. Still showing a lack of empathy, she shrugged, leaving the grunt area, towards her room, WAITING FOR THE BLIMP TO LAND! [Hint hint]

[Asriel Dreemurr]

Akihana nodded towards sun as he voiced his concerns about reaching Shingue city on foot, a quiet laugh escaping her lips as her eyes darted briefly to the aforementioned Luyo. She gave a motion for them to follow her as she began to make her way off in the direction of the shoreline, not seeming to care that she was about to be stepping through the marsh.

"Your apology is accepted, Avatar Izaria," She said, as she stepped over the first crooked root of one of the seemingly infinite number of trees throughout the area, "And i would be honored to be your fire bending teacher. First things first though, we need to find a way to get to Shingue city relatively quickly without exerting ourselves too much. We don't want to look suspicious, after all."

[.:Blu:.]

((@Ty, not exactly, I was just going to have a random soldier escort you. @Pika, no need to be so direct with your hints >.<))

The blimp, after about ten or so hours of constant flying, finally arrived at the first stop area. It was an area just outside of Shingue City where Fire Nation blimps frequently land to go into the city and stock up on supplies. Being part of the Fire Nation's militry has its advantages like the fact that everything is free to you, though you have to prove yourself a fire bender first along with wearing the proper military attire. As the blimp landed, Hanza rose from his seat and walked towards the exit of the blimp where the other soldiers are waiting.

Reaching the exit, Hanza stood firmly staring at the soldiers who should be in proper formation. "Open...." Hanza spoke plainly, prompting one of the guards of the blimp to open the large metal doors of the blimp. Walking outside, one could see a few other Fire Nation blimps in the area. There was also a dock nearby for Fire Nation ships. Hanza was the first to exit, following promptly by the other soldiers in formation.

"We've reached our first destination, Shingue City. We'll spend a couple of days here in order for Kihomi to teach you how to use a sword properly. Now, half of you will follow me into the city, and the other half shall stay here with Kihomi to learn sword combat. You three, follow me...." Hanza said, pointing to three of the six soldiers. "The rest of you will stay here. Kyo, you will be escorted by the guard over there to the rendezvous point...." Hanza explained as one of the blimp's guard walked over to Kyo and saluted him.

"When I've finished with my duties, I will be back to check on the training. Kihomi, make sure to teach them well, and make sure that they're not lazy. If they are, make sure to report to me the details. Now, all of you can proceed with your tasks...." Hanza said before walking towards Shingue with the three soldiers. "Shall we get going?" the blimp guard asked Kyo.

-Meanwhile-

Kin gave a sigh as to the last thing Yun said. "Yeah I know that.... Alright, alright. Since you have so much heart and determination to help the Avatar, I'll let you in on a little secret spot that we can use for our battle. Besides, we can't possibly fight in my house. My things would be ruined." Kin said before walking towards the door and opening it. Kin was about to step outside but then walked back in. "Just one thing though. When you're outside, you need to make sure that arrow of yours is hidden well, or else, you know." Kin said.

[Hotaru987]

Izaria frowned noticing the problem they now faced. A cool breeze blew by causing her to shiver. Her clothes were completely ruined, welps from Akuanzaku's whip burned through the part covering her chest, and her pants and sleeves were burned off showing the burns on her skin. "I will need to get some salve for my burns....Or they'll scar really bad." They still hurt everytime she moved but she didn't really have a choice but to bear through it so she didn't bring it up.

"Do you think Luyo could try? We really need to get to the town as quickly as possile, and with Luyo it'll only take about 5 hours to get there." She asked Sun. "We'll stop as many times as needed if Luyo gets tired, but right now we need him to get us there as quickly as possible." They really didn't have a choice. If they tried to walk then it'll take an entire day to get there. Not only they but Izaria wasn't sure how far she would be able to walk without the pain from her legs would force her to stop.

And after they get what they need from the town, Akihana can start the teaching. Izaria put a land on Luyo's head smiling at the Eel hound with a fond, and loving expression.

[~Demyx~]

As the blimp came to a stop, Kyo had finished packing his stuff. Most of his small weapons and binoculars and all the other spy supplies were in his backpack. His backpack was very small, and it seemed like it couldn't carry his supplies. He got up from his small bed and walked in the formation with the other guards. When he walked out of the blimp, he saw Shingue City. "[i]The avatar may be here...[/i]" Kyo thought. Then, he glanced at General Hanza, giving the orders. Kyo listened closly when his name was mentioned.

After his orders had been said, Kyo was supposed to follow a blimp guard to the point. Then, he would leave me and go back, and he would be all on his own. Then, the blimp guard asked if he was ready to go. Kyo nodded his head. "Of course" he said to the blimp guard. As he watched the figures of General Hanza and three other soldiers depart, the blimp guard turned around and motioned him to follow. Kyo started to follow him, and he looked back at his fellow soldiers. It could be possible that he may not see them again. "[i]There's no time to think about that now,[/i]" Kyo thought, then quickly turned his head and followed the blimp guard.

[Quiksilver]

"I dunno..." Sun frowned up at Luyo, sizing him up. "He might- and I say might- be able to support our weight. Especially if Ms. Formal over there weights as little as she looks..." Sun patted Luyo on his hide, and the Eel Hound responded with a wet lick. "Let's see how strong you are, eh, buddy?" Sun laughed, wiping the lick off his face and out of his curls amicably.

***

"Fantastic. Lead the way." Yun said, eagerly starting to follow Kin. Then she heard his other remark and stopped flat. "Oh..." she said, as though she hadn't though about this. "Hm, this will probably work..." Yun pulled the rice hat onto her head, carefully sloping it so that it covered her forehead. "How's this?" she asked, turning back to Kin.

[.:Blu:.]

((@Ty, I'm pretty sure that they don't have binoculars in the Avatar world ))

The blimp guard led the way for Kyo to the rendezvous point. Along the way, the blimp guard had a rather friendly attitude and spoke to Kyo with respectas a higher up. "So Mr. Kyo, looks like this will be a pretty important task for you huh? Personally, I don't know the full details of your mission but I know that if it's General Hanza we're talking about then it's always important. By the way, I had that you're a great spy and assassin. Probably your mission involves getting rid of people huh? Hahaha, sorry about my blabbering. I'm just always curious about things like this. Anyways, we're almost at the rendezvous point." the blimp guard said.

They were approaching a heavily forested area. "Well I don't know about you Mr. Kyo, but I'm sure glad I don't need to go on any dangerous missions. What I really want is to go home to my family. It's going to be my son's birthday soon. He's turning nine, but I'm afraid I won't be there to celebrate it with him. I hope this war ends soon so I can finally be reunited with my family." the blimp guard expalined.

-Meanwhile-

Seeing the large hat, Kin turned arounf and covered his mouth with his left hand, trying to hold back laughter. "Yeah, it's great." Kin struggled to say while still struggling to not laugh. "(That's gotta be one of the most ridiculous looking hat's I've ever seen! Ha!)" Kin thought before walking out. "Hold up for a minute." Kin said to Yun before walking off to the side of his house. A brief moment later, Kin walked back, now he seemed normal, not struggling to not laught anymore. "Umm, so yeah, like I said, I've got the perfect place to have our match, let's go." Kin said.

Before they could walk off however, they were approached by three Fire Nation soldiers. "Oh great, we've got company. Just trust me on this alright." Kin whispered to Yun before turning around to face the three soldiers. "Brother Kin, going out for a morning stroll?" one of the soldier asked casually. "Yep, that's what it looks like? That's how it is." Kin responded casually. "Hehe, always the joker. By the way Brother Kin, who's that girl, and what's with the ridiculous-looking hat?" another soldier asked.

"Oh her? Well...." Kin said slowly as he placed one of his arm around Yun's shoulder. "She's my friend if you know what I mean." Kin answered with a raise of an eyebrow. "Oh and this hat. Well, it's a famous hat from where she comes from and she's very in touch with her hometown. I don't mind it at all, I think it adds to her charm." Kin explained. "Oh I see. You know to tell you the truth it realy does add to her charm. Well anyways, we gotta get back to town. Have a nice day Brother Kin." one of the soldiers said before walking off with the other two.

After the soldiers have left, Kin gave a sigh of relief. "Whew, was that a close one or what?" Kin said with a relieved tone of voice, all the while his arm was still on Yun's shoulder.

[Hotaru987]

Izaria looked at Luyo for a long while before sighing in defeat. "No...You're right. He might not be able to carry all three of us. We should just walk." She looked at Akihana. "I hope you don't mind. We may not be able to rest that much though so we can get there as quick as possible." She patted Luyo's head once again before begining the trek to Shingue, expecting Sun and Akihana to follow behind her. "Sifu Akihana - is it ok I call you that - maybe while we're walking you can tell me some stuff about firebending. Like...How does it feel? Do you feel the fire and heat? Or does it feel cold to the bender?"

Ooc: @Blu&Silver: when you get finished with your battle I will go to the next day.

[~Demyx~]

OOC: Guess that means no high-tech cameras or tracking devices.

As Kyo listened to the blimp guard complain about the war, he thought. "[i]The avatar will need to come into the city eventually for food unless she wants to eat dirt. She may be headed here right now. If I'm correct, she was either hiding in the caves or in the thicket of the forests. Either way, the closest place is Shingue City, and she'll probably be going there sonner or later. And so if I can just catch her, then I'll capture her. Pretty easy, but-[/i]" he thought, but he realized that the guard had just stopped talking. He looked at me, but before I could answer something to him, he looked forward, and he realize dthat this must be the rendezvous point. Before he could ask for an answer to whatever he was saying, he said, "I guess we're here. You should go back now to Kihomi and the rest of the soldiers. You remember your way back?" he asked him, and he nodded. He smiled, then turned back and walked away, his figure soon out of his sight. He was alone, and on his mission. He looked around, and stealthly started to walk.

[Asriel Dreemurr]

Akihana offered a smile to Izaria as she was joined by the Avatar in her walk off through the forest on their way. At the question of how firebending felt, she remained silent for a long moment, as if gathering her thoughts. They would have walked perhaps a dozen paces before she finally managed to put her answer into words.

"Firebending is most directly linked to tapping into the emotions within oneself. How it FEELS is dependent upon the emotion which one focuses on to call the flames to their hands, or feet for that matter. Essentially, the sensation is that of allowing the emotion to flow through and overwhelm you, whilst not losing control of it. One thing that you must never do as a Firebender is allow the emotions to control you, as the outcome could very well be fatal."

[Catterjune]

As I, OOC-ly, have no idea about the first thing about swords fighting, yet my character is a skilled sword fighter, this may become a bit of a problem.

In any case, the fearless and clearly excellent swordsman did her best to train the others of the platoon. There were a few problems at first, insulting her age, her gender, her lack ofbending prowess, but these were quickly subdued with a threat of informing her superiors.

This continued for about 5 or 6 hours, with only a quick break inbetween.

[Hotaru987]

After Izaria had asked her question she waited for a while for Akihana's answer. But seconds ticked by and turned to minutes. And before long mintues turned into hours, and Izaria thought that maybe she wouldn't answer her question. Maybe she asked a bad question. She wasn't quite sure how much longer she had to wait but finally Akihana had answered her question. By then the sun had travel a great deal, and it was about an hour before setting. They had been walking for almost 5 hours straight.

"So your feelings are directly in tuned with your bending?" She questioned. "If so, then I should use anger to fuel my firebending. From what I've seen that always bring about a strong fire." And when you say fatal...Uh what do you mean? Does the fire turn on you, and burn you up instead?"

[Quiksilver]

Yun remained blissfully unaware of the effect her hat had made on Kin and had faithfully walked alongside Kin. When the Fire Nation soldiers had approached, she had stood calmly still, though her hands had tightened on the edge of her sleeve. The only time Yun had shown surprise throughout this entire ordeal was when Kin put her arm around her, to which her eyebrows raised in an expression of surprise. When the soldiers finally left, Yun breathed out in relief and shrugged Kin's hand off her shoulder. "Not until we know each other better, 'friend'," Yun smiled and began to walk ahead of Kin. "And, if you're wondering," Yun spoke over her shoulder, "The reason I'm wearing such a big hat is because it doesn't make my butt look so big."

***

"Wait up! Geez, why does everyone in the Fire Nation walk so fast?" Sun, panting heavily, caught up with Akihana and Izaria. "This talk of Firebending is cool and all," Sun gasped, "but now that we are getting somewhat close to Shingue City, we need to find a way to procure some disguises. That's right- I know how to use big words like 'procure'." Sun laughed slightly, which quickly dissolved into a pant.

[.:Blu:.]

Within Shingue City, Hanza was taking his time investigating and interviewing the citizens about the Avatar. However, no one has seen the Avatar. Hanza, however, is not the type to easily give up. He knew the Avatar would go to a city one of these days and it most likely had to be Shingue considering the fact that the Avatar and her group couldn't have gotten far away with limited supplies. Hanza later arrived back at the blimp to check on the sword training. When he arrived, he noticed everybody was pretty tired from training. Hanza then walked towards Kihomi. "Status report." Hanza said bluntly.

-Meanwhile-

When his arm was shrugged off, and he heard the statement from Yun, Kin smiled. "Heh, you know I had to do that so we can get out of trouble. I risk some things too in the process." Kin joked. "Anyways, most girls usually faint when this handsome devil puts his arm around them." Kin proclaimed. However, that is never the case as all girls in Guangshang despise Kin for his evil deeds, and the only girls that would actually like Kin only would like him because of his wealth. However, maybe Kin's charisma is a different story. Hearing Yun's proclamation about why she wears that hat, Kin kinda scoffed at the idea. "Believe me, even without that basket you call a hat, you wouldn't really be Miss Big Butt of the year." Kin said, referring to her small figure.

"Though, that's not something bad." Kin quickly said with a smile. Soon, Kin and Yun reached the beach. "Well, we're half way there." Kin said as he walked onto the sand. "Come on, we're almost there. I can bet that if this place is not the most secluded place in all of Guangshang, my incredible good looks will be ruined." Kin boasted. "Alright, now to get to this place, we'll have to take this across the ocean." Kin said pointing to a small row boat. "Well, hop on. Not literally because you're big butt might sink us." Kin joked. "Ahh I'm just kidding. Come on, get on." Kin said.