The Northern Air temple (main plot thread)

Rika was watching the avatar as he slept. He had hair, due to being away from somewhere to shave it for six months. He was so innocent looking, Rika felt a sisterly need to protect him. She had a lot of thinking to do. This boy was dangerous. If he were to fall into the wrong hands... he could be used for something bad. Those people who had tried to kidnap him wanted him for a dark purpose. But, the boy didn't need to be used that way. He was kind enough to lose all control when she was injured. He wanted to help her. He was an innocent and kind boy. Rika would want him to choose for himself, not have someone force him to use his powers.

She had a new goal. She would protect him until he woke up. There she would ask him what he wanted to do. If he wanted to train and save the world she would gladly help him. They could get strong together and once he mastered air she could teach him water bending.

With that in mind Rika stood up. She needed to go find Rozu and Nuka. She cared about both very much. Even though Rozu was a new friend she had a deep sense of friendship for him. The young woman stepped out of the avatar's room and headed down the hall. A young airbending boy ran past her. "Airships are coming to the temple!"

Rika growled. So they were going to attack an innocent temple for the Avatar? Not on her watch. She ran to her room to grab her gourd. She grabbed her weapons and items just in case. Then she rushed outside to meet with the enemy. One airship had landed while two more were landing.

She caught sight of the man who saved her. "What's going on? And what was your name by the way? I heard someone say Saleh?" She was headed towards the ships and as she finished what she was saying she caught sight of Nuka. The beast ran towards her and growled at Saleh, protectively. Of course he didn't like other men that were around Rika. He'd just gotten used to Rozu.

There were some men that were fighting a lone fire nation guy. Rika gasped when she saw Rozu in the midst. He was yelling about a girl. Was he talking about her? Either way he needed to cool down. Rika used some water from her gourd and splashed it all over Rozu. "Calm down dumbass! I'm fine, healed, adn safe! What the hell is wrong with you!? Saleh makes a better knight in shining armor!"

Saleh was prepared for the worst, ready to draw his sword if need be. He stood just outside of the temple entrance, guarding it when the first ship docked. A lone figure leapt from it, accompanied by the shirshu. Saleh was confused- why was the shirshu with this kid? Then he came rushing in to attack and Saleh was already prepared. The shirshu was a bit behind, but was too far to attack when the kid sprung into the air and launched a whip of fire at Saleh. By manipulating the air currents with his left hand, Saleh easily dissipated the attack, sending a shower of sparks upon him and the adjacent air benders. When the teenager was about to shoot a large flame from his hand however, it was suffocated by water that seemingly came from out of nowhere. It was the girl whom he had saved earlier, and she looked as though she had never been wounded. That was when the girl shouted some things at the boy who had attacked, while at the same time calming the shirshu- it must've been hers.

"Calm down dumbass! I'm fine, healed, and safe! What the hell is wrong with you!? Saleh makes a better knight in shining armor!"

Saleh still had no idea what was going on between the two, but they appeared as though they knew each other, and weren't enemies, which was a good thing. However, the couple's moment would be interrupted when two more ships appeared over the horizon. "Say, you wouldn't have hijacked that ship would you.....?" Saleh waited for Roxas to tell his name before continuing, "Yeah, okay.... now no one else is traveling with you? Because if not.... you were followed. What were you thinking? Leading them straight to the temple like that?!" A tinge of anger escaped the airbender's lips, but he retained it. "No matter, you'll just have to help us clean up." and with those words, Saleh walked closer to the harbor where the next two ships would dock, his cloak billowing in the wind, his hair swaying with the breeze. There would be no resistance by the monks until the ships landed, as the temples don't possess anti-ship weapons, as they're the ones that have the ships. Saleh dropped his backpack that contained his journals and pens to the ground, and once again prepared for the REAL attack.

Edit: I CALL GETTING TO ATTACK THE SHIP WITH HUSAIN ON IT!!!! YES!!!

(Sorry Reizo didnt see your edit there XP already did it)



Rozu knew he was in a bad situation but he didnt care, his anger blinded him. From out of nowhere he was covered in water his fire died out instantly. Rozu was so caught off guard he felt like this was a dream for a quick moment, but the chills from the water instantly reminded him this was no dream. "Ri..." He said so surprised couldnt even get the words out, then he looked around and saw what he had done and the situation at hand. He just attacked like a wild animal blinded by rage and furry, he saw the eyes of the airbenders some of them met his own. His hair was soaked kind of covering his eyes, used his hand to pick up his hair he looked kinda silly for a moment.

Rozu's train of thought was interupted by one of he airbender's words. "Say, you wouldn't have hijacked that ship would you.....?" "Yeah, okay.... now no one else is traveling with you? Because if not.... you were followed. What were you thinking? Leading them straight to the temple like that?!" "No matter, you'll just have to help us clean up."

Rozu's anger risen again by this guy words, it made Rozu look like an idiot which he was being at the moment. He was gonna reply but he stopped his words would be useless, cause the airbender was right. Off the bat Rozu knew he wouldnt like this guy, and put the pieces together and figured he was Saleh the name Rika said.
Rozu did lead them here just like they wanted. Rozu sighed again because of his anger the worst happened, Rozu had built himself to stay calm and serious but once his anger has risen he was blinded. Rozu brushed his wet hair over his head and saw the two airships. He let out a silent sigh again and palmed his face, he did this and he knew it. This was all his fault.

There was no bother to ask the temple if they had weapon's they were peacefull people something Rozu should have remembered before following them here. His back now facing them, he said nothing his pride was struck and he had to redeem it. Fighting was the only way how, and fighting is what he did best.

One of the two airships docked themselves on the edge of the temple where Rozu landed. Rozu said nothing now was the time for action, he ran fast having a spinning disk of flame form in his two hands. He powered it up more and threw it at the ship that was still in the air it hit and it was successfull he hit the airships propeller attempting to cut the the fleet's number in half. But Husain was on that ship and with a powerfull leap he got off along with more other people in black that used ropes to hang from the edge. The ship was destroyed and fell down. Rozu hissed he was hopping no one would make it off that ship.

Husain landed on the ground creating cracks and splits on the earthen floor, he of course had a wide grin. His black hand members got off the ship that landed and started there attack. Another figure was on the ship it was a girl and she was tall her face was calm and beautifull. Husain looked at her. "LAYLA!!!" these are your people! fellow airbenders!! How does that make you feelllll." Husain grinned wildly.

Layla looked forward her face showed no emotion what so ever. Her long hair flowing with the wind. "Makes me sick..." her words uttered.

"Say, you wouldn't have hijacked that ship would you.....?" Saleh waited for Roxas to tell his name before continuing, "Yeah, okay.... now no one else is traveling with you? Because if not.... you were followed. What were you thinking? Leading them straight to the temple like that?!" "No matter, you'll just have to help us clean up.

Rika gasped. He was right. What was Rozu doing with the airship? Had he gone traitor? No no, he coudln't have. He probably just stole it. That was quite a feat to steal an airship. Rika shook her head and listened to what Saleh had to say. He was quite the looker. His longish hair was held back with a headband. She found that pretty nice about him. He was also tall and older. Rika liked older guys. Rozu was closer to her age though he was good looking too. He was more of a friend to Rika.

The last sentence Saleh uttered made Rika's heart leap. She would do her best to help him fight off the intruders. Nuka would help, she knew that. She wasn't sure if Rozu would. After all, he had just attacked this temple. Did he really want to defend it? She was glad he was okay though. She felt an overwhelming urge. She wanted to hug him. He was okay. Wait? Why was she acting liike a baby? She was so strong? He wasn't anything but a friend... unless.... no he was a friend! That was why she wanted to hug him and why she was so worried. That was all!

Rika ran up and hugged him as he turned away from them. "You're really stupid you know that? I'm just glad that you are okay," she told him with a sigh of relief. As the airships docked she quickly let him go. Saleh really looked like a knight in shining armor with his hair blowing in the wind like that ready to fight the intruders. Rika almost melted.

As Rozu went off to attack the first ship Rika went after the second. But she was sure to say something flirtatious to Saleh, "Saleh! If we survive this you owe me a kiss!" She then tore off after the second ship with Nuka next to her. Saleh would most likely go with Rozu on the other ship. That left the idiots and grunts for Rika. Fun fun!

Another woman was on the other ship. She looked like the woman in charge. Fun... Rika could test her skills. As the ship opened up and the soldiers came out Rika ran up and through the opening. She used her water and ice spikes to attack people in her way. Everyone dropped every time Nuka's tongue touched them. That tongue was going wild!

Rika had other air benders helping her fight the black hand as well. Though she didn't know they were called that. She wanted to test her skills with the woman. Rika smirked and carried on with the battle. Nuka at her side the whole time. The shirshu was worth five airbenders. He took out even more men then the airbenders did. And he did it without killing.

Rozu couldnt pretend her words didnt have some effect on him, not her words to him. But her words towards this man Saleh Rozu has never been the jealous type, infact he didnt think he knew what jealous meant. Most times he was oblivious to girls atraction to him he has had girls in his past, but those were past time. Rozu caught himself distracted from whats going on for the first time in his life, did he have feelings for Rika he quickly wanted to dismiss these thoughts relplace them bu the only thing he could replace them with was anger and his anger led to more trouble. Rozu had his pride hurt he felt stupid, and now he didnt even know his heart was hurt.

Rozu continued this battle nonetheless his thoughts was distracted but his body just reacted on its own sometimes. He was taking out groups of the men in black burning anything in his path his face showed no emotion no need to make sure Rika was save Saleh would do that he was a better knight in shinning armor. Rozu had these thoughts fly through his head and sometimes his bending reflected that it was either too weak or too strong. There was no connection to his breathing at all, and he was getting tired way more faster then usaul. But he kept fighting nonetheless. He spotted Husain with a grin on his face, he instantly went to go get his rematch.

Rozu used his leg and sent a arc of flame towards Husain, he blocked easily with a wall of earth that he sent towards Rozu with a fist. It was the same as before Rozu knew this, he used his jet propulsion lauching him back avoiding the pole of earth coming from the ground, and used hands having a lash of fire break the wall. He used the flame from the lashes and created a large spinning disk that went towards Husain. Husain grinned and used his left hand to bring up another wall that would be his mistake the wall blew apart and the fire of disk reached his arm burning it. Husain's face twisted in anger Rozu smirked wiping blood from his mouth, he didnt know why he was bleeding but now wasnt the time to think about it.

Husain grinned and took off his jacket. "So me and you boy! But I dont know you seem distracted anything on your mind!" Husain slammed his feet to the ground having the floor crumble towards Rozu to mess up his footing. Rozu black flipped towards the back, wanting to give him and Husain some space. Rozu was distracted but he wouldnt say anything about it. While still flipping he grabbed a tree branch, and used that to send a lash of fire from his feet towards Husain. Rozu then used the branch to have him leap off, and sent large arc of fire from his feet. Husain blocked the two attack sending two rocks at them he ran in Rozu's direction and slammed his hands on the ground having two poles come towards Rozu.

Rozu used his jet propulsion to go inbetween the two poles and realized his mistake. Husain brang his arms together and used his poles to slam Rozu inbetween. Rozu ached in pain, but couldnt let this be the end, he had a lash of flame come from his feet hitting Husain back. It was a direct hit, sending him back a few feet. Rozu dropped to the ground his arms and chest hurt bad. But he still had to fight injures like this he jus had to get over.

Word count: 1,659

RUP: 2

Saleh still didn't have a full grasp of the situation within the group- the girl, who appeared to be the one named Rika, seemed to have a crush on him, although Saleh failed to see why. He never actually tried to do.... much of anything outside of studying, so he had no idea what she felt was so enchanting. Either way, Saleh pushed the thoughts out of his head as the two ships docked. Saleh was about to take out the first ship when the firebender shot out disks of fire that cut the ship down, leaving only a few survivors. Saleh was somewhat impressed at his resourcefulness and use of his bending, but it seemed like the ones that survived were the important ones- the squad that had given pursuit, and the man who appeared to be the leader. Saleh suddenly lost any respect that he had previously gained for the firebender when he recklessly charged forward at the leader, and although he was able to keep up for a short while, he was crushed between two earth pillars and left almost unable to fight.

Rika, on the other hand, went to attack the other ship. She appeared strong and capable, so Saleh didn't worry much about her, especially since Merric and a couple other air monks were with her. The scholar turned his attention back to the leader and the squad. The squad was already advancing upon the temple, cruising through the weaker airbenders. Saleh had seen enough- as peaceful as he was, he refused to let the bloodshed carry on further. Saleh drew his rapier from its scabbard and shifted into a starting position to dash at them from. From there, it was all too easy. Manipulating the air around him, Saleh could barely be seen- a mere flicker- and he had cut down the squad of 5. He was moving so fast that he was ahead of where they were in the air, with Saleh continuing with his speed towards Husain (the squad was just beginning their airborne descent). Saleh went for the stab to the chest- allowing him to live, but at the same time causing shock and pain. However, the distance could not be covered quick enough, and Husain's eyes were able to pick up Saleh's movements, just barely side stepping the lunge. That was when the Earth Bender decided to make things complicated. Saleh managed to stop by leaping against and then off of a wall, but Husain planned to stop his movements all together by creating a "quicksand"-like substance to trap Saleh and go in for the finishing blow.

Saleh, however, was quicker, and managed to bend a solution- two balls of air beneath his feet, allowing him to constantly be just above the surface (2 inches). Husain, however, was very arrogant and haughtily called out, "You thought you were quick, huh? But no one escapes the might of Husain! Ahahaha!" Husain then caused a boulder to rise from the ground, setting it to a point so that it would pierce anyone foolish enough to stand in its way before hurtling it towards Saleh. His sword already in his hand, the airbender had an easy plan to protect himself and still not move. Running his left hand down the flat of the blade, holding it vertically, Saleh would then control the air, close his eyes for a split second and whispered in an inaudible tone, "Aircalibur!" vefore performing a downward swing- the air slicing straight through the rock, both halves ending up flying past him,

Husain was a bit impressed by the move, and figured the only way he could end Saleh's life was by completely restraining him and going in close range for the kill, and so he begun his advance. "That was a neat technique you had there, and I must say it was unexpected, but this will end with your death." Saleh showed no signs of fear, even smiling a bit at the Earth Bender's naive comment. When Husain was no more than a fathom away, Saleh would strike, blasting Husain with a concussive blast of air as he attempted to restrain him in an earth prison. Husain was on his ass, and had the wind knocked out of him, but appeared a bit humiliated and especially angry, preparing to destroy Saleh, however he would not have it that way, and Saleh would dash forward once more with his enhanced speed, which he had always had active, and punched him square in the face with his left hand (the hand that did not hold the blade). The force was powerful enough to knock the Earth User back a good 60 feet, as well as smash his nose and probably knock him out cold, although knowing Earth benders, he was probably still conscious.

Saleh couldn't take the time to check however, and prioritized the safety of the firebender and Rika. Saleh rushed to the aid of the fire bender, making sure he wasn't damaged too heavily before summoning a clergy that had been on standby to take care of the teenager. If he accepted the assistance, he would be in peak condition in no time. Saleh had exhausted himself- he had never been in actual combat and was amazed at how much bending in a real situation fatigued him, and he himself needed to sit down and take a breather.

Total Word Count: 1298

Techies:

Rika was fighting her way through the grunts. She couldn't waste her energy and stamina on the small fry. She was almost to the top of the ship. The green haired airbender was with her. He and her together fought their way through the rest of the grunts and were able to make it to the top of the airship by the small door that led to the top of the ship.

Once Rika was on top of the ship she was blasted back with an air current and if it weren't for Merrick she would have been blown off the ship. The woman, Layla, smirked. An airbender would be hard to face. Rika began her water bending moves. Her hips swung as she used the water from her gourd to attack the woman. She sent two heated balls of water as the woman. She smirked and hit the water with two projectiles. But as the water splashed onto her she was burned.

She screeched and glared at Rika. "You are DEAD!" The woman then continuously sent air attacks straight at rika. Rika had to put up an ice shield to protect herself. Merrick began using air bending to get her back. They were just negating each other's moves. Rika was finally able to launch another attack at the woman while she was dealing with Merrick. She gasped as the projectile ice spikes headed towards her but she dodged easily enough.

Rika realized she would have to hold the woman down. So when Merrick distracted her again, Rika used water tentacles to hold the woman's arms and legs so she couldn't bend. Then Nuka, the Shirshu licked the enemy making her unconcious. Rika smiled triumphantly. She was sure the woman had underestimated her and she DID have help from Merrick, who was a strong air bender himself. Though Rika was still fairly proud of herself.

Saleh stood over the collapsed body of Rozu and had other airbenders and medics look after his safety and well-being as he went back to check on Rika. "Don't move, you'll just put yourself in more pain. I'll go check on Rika in your stead." Saleh would say to the firebender, and he headed towards the second airship to help Rika. He knew he wouldn't be able to do much in his exhausted state, even if he could only do a little, he would find someway to help. He didn't doubt his senses- that Rika was a strong woman and could handle the situation herself- but he wouldn't forgive himself (and he knew the teen probably wouldn't) if anything happened to her. Saleh left, but he wasn't so sure how Rozu would react, although judging from his last attack on the air temple, he would probably try to stop Saleh from going, but Saleh would go regardless of what he said or did. If he really cared about the girl, he would let Saleh go.

When Saleh stepped foot on the second ship, the first thing he saw was bodies- tons of them- yet no one appeared to be dead, simply unconscious or semi-conscious. Their groans filled the air, and there was a heavy miasma- Saleh knew something was wrong, and he alone couldn't bear the weight. He rushed to the top of the ship, carefully avoiding the bodies that littered the way. Amongst the tens of bodies that were of the goons, a handful of airbenders were amongst them. Saleh reached the top just as the airbender fighting for the Heishou (though he didn't know that was the name of the group) was ensnared by Rika. Truth be told, Saleh had forgotten about the Shirshu, and was surprised to see it take her out. The woman was beautiful, there was no denying that, but there was also a mad look in her eyes- the wildness creating an incentive to fear her, and want to run away. When her eyes were closed and she slumped to the ground, Saleh proceeded to greet Rika. "The firebender is under the care of medics, and although he might have some broken bones and bruises, he appeared to be in stable condition." Saleh came as an informant, and if need be he would've assisted alongside Rika in the fight. He didn't want this encounter to be anything more than that. Saleh looked at Merric in silence as an understood thanks, and Merric nodded and left the room leaving the two alone. Saleh was admittedly a bit uncomfortable in the situation, and wanted to get out of it as soon as possible, but he felt that he had to apologize to the girl for rushing to make sure that she was okay- he lacked the confidence that she could actually pull off the victory. "I'm sorry I didn't have as much confidence in your abilities to see this through to the end, but I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if anything happened after you had recovered so soon." Saleh realized the wording he had just provided, and decided that it didn't quite fit what he meant- he didn't want the girl taking it as affection, as it wasn't that, so much as an offering of being a guardian. "What I mean is that the other two wouldn't forgive me if something happened to you and I wasn't able to do a thing about it." He wanted to get out of the 1 on 1 situation as he wasn't a people-person, and simply sought to tell her of the other's condition and leave. Saleh was referring to the young boy who was in a comatose state and the wounded firebender. The scholar put his hand behind his head and affably smiled at the girl and closed his eyes for a brief moment to gather his thoughts. "We should probably head back to the temple to check on them, and to notify everyone of your safety." Saleh would say after a few tense moments [regardless of what unfolded], and would begin to walk back down with the girl if she obliged. Saleh felt the need to ask a question that had been bothering him since he saved the boy and her. "Why are they hunting you three? And just who, exactly, are you?"

Total word count: 1964

New Posting Order: (Do not break unless you have permission)

Reizo, Kenkura, Rika, Rozu.

Something felt...bumpy where his back was....and yet something very soft and furry could be felt within his shirt. The boy known as Ken was staying in a single position on the air temple bed, still asleep. He had now just gotten up, and rubbed his head wondering where he was and how he even got here.

"Wait is this the air temple....?" said the boy as he got up and felt a quick scratch on his stomach.

"Damn...what the hell was that?" Ken had said as he reached down his shirt, jumping back as soon as a small hand had groped his. He pulled it out, and it had turned out to be the lemur that had took great care of Ken while he was in the Spirit World. It had climbed around his arms and to the top of his head, making a nice little bed of his hair which it had laid upon.

"Oh it's you...since you seem to stay around, want to be my pet?" asked Ken in a yawning tone. Of course, the pet had nodded with an eager screech as it patted his head.

"Oh then I'll call you...Haruchan." the two had began to walk outside and saw the whole messed up situation everywhere. Ships there and people in strange clothing in the other...what happened?

twc: 226

Rika had been holding onto the woman with her water tentacles when the boy, Saleh, joined her. He told her that Rozu was in the care of medics and that he was alright. Rika was sure of that since they had allies this time. She was glad for the monks' help. "I'm sorry I didn't have as much confidence in your abilities to see this through to the end, but I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if anything happened after you had recovered so soon."

Rika blushed at what he said. At least now she'd proved herself to him. She could be a strong woman. She wanted to be. She wanted people, especially cute guys like himself to notice her and respect her. "What I mean is that the other two wouldn't forgive me if something happened to you and I wasn't able to do a thing about it." Rika's blush died at those words. She kind of hoped he had liked her in a certain way. But he was just doing it because he was a nice guy.

. "We should probably head back to the temple to check on them, and to notify everyone of your safety." "Why are they hunting you three? And just who, exactly, are you?"

Rika wasn't sure if she should tell him that the kid was the avatar. "I'm Rika. The fire bender is Rozu. And I don't think the kid ever told us his name, but he's the avatar. It's why they were chasing us." she told Saleh.

She sighed and headed towards Rozu. The guy seemed to be concious now. She would go to see if he was okay and then she'd go check on the avatar with him.

Saleh felt a bit guilty about what he had said when he noticed Rika's blush fade away. Truth was, he didn't feel any special connection, and chances were that he never would. He didn't mean to hurt her feelings if he did, and wanted to make it up to her somehow. That was much easier said than done, of course, and Saleh failed to find the words to apologize. Then Rika said something that would change Saleh's life forever. The boy, whom he had been guarding the whole time, wasn't Rozu. Rozu was the firebender that had recklessly charged in to attack the group's leader. What was even more important is who the boy was, not so much who he wasn't. He was the avatar- the one whom had stolen all that was dear to him; his family, his home, and almost everything he love perished on that fateful day four years ago when the avatar set the entire block ablaze. Saleh was lucky to be with Merric at the time of the disaster, and was physically unharmed by the incident, although it would leave him mentally scarred. The boy whom he had searched for in vain to exact revenge upon was before him, yet he simply couldn't bring himself to do it. From the start Saleh wasn't one to hold grudges, but the boy seemed so innocent as he slept, it seemed as though any sin or any disaster that he caused could be forgiven. Saleh stood petrified at Rika's words for a moment, but snapped back to reality when he noticed Rika's departure.

"That explains a lot. Still, why would they be hunting the avatar? And.... why are you with the avatar? I don't want to come across too straight forward, but..." Saleh gulped as he couldn't believe what he was about to say. "I can help you. I can be the boy's air teacher. After all, the lad still needs to learn his own element!" Saleh had used the word lad. It was such an archaic term and yet he had said it, knowing it would seem out of place and cause him to appear much older than he was. Saleh then placed his right hand on Rika's shoulder to comfort her. "We can get through this together and overcome those hunters." It was about this time that they had gotten to where Rozu had been, yet he wasn't there. Saleh was bewildered- the kid was in no condition to move, and he had told him to stay put. A seed of anger sparked in Saleh, but he suppressed it as he was taught. Saleh pulled his bangs back with one hand in despair and confusion when an older monk came up to the couple and said, "The boy was taken to one of the healing chambers, I can direct you if you want." Saleh replied that it wouldn't be necessary, as the trail of blood was more than enough to locate the injured firebender. The trail led to a nearby tower in the temple itself, and when Saleh opened the door to walk in, a musty smell filled the room. It wasn't exactly the ideal place to heal the wounded, but then again it probably didn't need to be used very often- only recent events had brought activity to the room. The firebender could be found along the left wall towards the center. The room that he was housed in was adjacent to the room that held the avatar, and Saleh would be sure to check on him after he had made sure that Rozu was in stable condition.

All the while Saleh had been trying to think of something to say to Rika to ease his own guilt, yet nothing could come to mind. Perhaps later he'd be able to think of something, once his mind was able to process the events that had unfolded over the past 4 hours or so, and he had finally cleared the mysteries surrounding the avatar and the group hunting him. The leader- whose name seemed to be Husain if Saleh could correctly recall- had already fled with what remained of his crew. Husain seemed far to ambitious to have been convinced to leave, and Saleh assumed that his desperate crew had dragged him aboard the remaining airship to flee, shortly after Saleh and Rika had gotten off.

Merric was among the many supervisors in the room and approached Saleh with an article of clothing in his hand. "The members of that syndicate were wearing this uniform," he told Saleh, bringing the hooded jacket and gold medallion to his attention. "I couldn't find any defining features that would tell us the group's name, but from what we've seen, they don't have welcoming intentions." Saleh wanted to tell Merric that the boy they were hunting was the avatar, but felt that that type of information was best left alone and secure with the group. Saleh did decide to tell Merric something else, however, "Merric, I want to tell you something. I've decided to follow in your footsteps and become a mentor as well." Saleh figured that Merric would ask who his student was, but he respected Saleh's decision and didn't question him any further, simply nodding and smiling, placing his hand on Saleh's shoulder- something that could be seen as Merric "passing the torch" to the next generation, entrusting the scholar with teaching the new generation of airbenders. Saleh grinned, and headed to check on the avatar.
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Total Word Count: 2881

The lemur had launched off of Ken's shoulder, and he had expected the various people that had been laid upon the ground. Ken had joined up with the creature to make sure that he would not get them in any troublesome activities, which was probably a good thing considering these people didn't seem like your good neighbors. Ken looked a bit more and saw that the rest of the people that had saved him were there, and someone else who Ken didn't know was Saleh.

The Lemur had walked and climbed upon Rika's shoulder and playfully nibbled on her ear before jumping off and returning to Ken's side. Hep petted the small animal before he had stated some words to the group.

"What the hell just happened while I was asleep?" said Ken as he stretched and released a loud yawn that could be heard for miles.

twc: 373

(OCC: sorry for a short post, been making up a LOT of posts today on multiple sites X_x )

"That explains a lot. Still, why would they be hunting the avatar? And.... why are you with the avatar? I don't want to come across too straight forward, but..." Saleh gulped as he couldn't believe what he was about to say. "I can help you. I can be the boy's air teacher. After all, the lad still needs to learn his own element!"

Rika gasped at this and he put his hand on her shoulder. He would teach the avatar? Well they did need a teacher for him and Saleh seemed like a good enough guy. "I don't know why they want to hunt him. There really isn't any logic for it, but their actions speak loud for them. We sort of... found him... Well Nuka did. We used one of his child toys that had his scent and just followed it. I think he'd accept you as his teacher Saleh."

Rika gasped as she saw the trail of blood. Her face turned pale as the man said he was in the healing chambers. She wanted to help.... but... She couldn't heal. There was no way she could do that. There was the old healing woman from the northern water tribe though. She hoped that she was treating Rozu.

Once in the room Rika sat by his bedside. She caressed his hair because whoever had healed him had obviously given him something to make him sleep. That or he had lost consciousness. She felt bad for leaving him alone, though she'd hoped Saleh had protected him. He hadn't, and she felt slightly bitter at that. She tried to shake it off though.

"What the hell just happened while I was asleep?" The avatar had followed them into the room. Rika jumped a bit when the lemur pounced on her but it jumped back to it's owner's shoulder. She turned to him while Rozu was asleep. Merric had left the room a while ago and Rika began to explain to the boy what happened.

"Saleh, the airbender here had picked the two of us up and brought us to the air temple. Rozu followed us." She skipped over Rozu's accidental betrayal. The Avatar didnt need to know that. "Those men followed us and attacked the temple. You sort of slept through a battle. Long story short Rozu was probably the worse wounded. Most people had minor wounds. So it's all fine for now. I've only told Saleh that you are the avatar."

Nuka was outside getting something to drink. Rika took a moment to think. She didn't want to scare the kid off but he'd been in meditation for six months. "I know you're just a kid but... I need to ask you to make a decision. Will you help us bring balance to the world? We're in the middle of a war and teh only person who could really stop it is you... Will you help to bring balance?"

Rozu was treated well, and taken care of nicely. A small smile came upon on his face, he looked at peace finally. His injuries were going to be fine, although he would have black problems for a while. That knife was in for too long, and too deep. He did have alot of blood loss.

As Rika was talking to Ken his eyes would slowly open. The first thing he saw was Rika's blue colored hair it was something about her presence that made things seem ok. He got up slowly, his covers fell off and he had nothing on his body other then bandages on his stomach and chest. His athletic build was showing, all muscles showing and in place rightly defined through years of hard work and intense training. Rozu looked up at Ken this was the first time he had seen him this close and actaully got a good look at him. He was a small guy, very innocent looking. Didnt look like a avatar to Rozu, but he never judged books by their cover.

Rozu's yellow amber colored eyes kind of had a small spark. He noticed what situation he was in, he was hurt he placed his hand on his back to feel the scar. He sighed in dissapointment, trained so hard just to be one of the only ones hurt in battle in a fight. Trained himself face and handle any situation, given him but here a situation faced him and he failed. His pride was hurt, he threw the covers off and stood up. He was dressed in some training shorts, he didnt even bother stretching and walked out the room sayinf nothing to nobody. He just needed some time to himself, to gather his thoughts and decisions.
Still debating whether travelling with Rika and the avatar was the best idea. So far he has done nothing but bring fights, failure, destruction, he was not needed and he knew it.

Saleh turned around as he had been facing the exit of the room where he had seen Merric off, and almost bumped into Rozu. He shouldn't have been walking already, his wounds were too grave, and Saleh grabbed ahold of him with his firm hands placed on the teen's shoulders. "What's up? Ever since they arrived you've been acting odd. I mean, I know I've only known you for a few hours, but I can tell something's up. What is it?" Saleh said, trying to be friendly. It was apparent that the boy was distressed about something, and Saleh was curious to find out what. It was obvious that he was trying to prove himself- he charged straight into a crowd of soldiers and earthbenders and tried to burden everything himself. "You don't have to take the burden of doing everything yourself, that's why we're here. There's no reason for you to prove your loyalty or your ability- we all know what you can do, just stop trying to take on these challenges alone." Saleh was basically reiterating words that Merric had once told him 4 years ago when his family perished unintentionally at the hands of the avatar. He still hadn't forgiven him for his actions, but at the same time he did not seek vengeance on the boy- he had no control over his actions.

Saleh tried to make eye contact with the firebender, and would shake him if he decided not to. Saleh was worried- they'd need a firebender to train the avatar when he'd mastered the other elements. Not only that, but Rozu was from the fire nation- a very proud nation- and chances were that his own pride was hurt. Saleh would try to reassure and console the boy, but it would do nothing if he wouldn't accept it and cooperate. If Rozu decided to shake Saleh off, he would let him go out on his own.

Saleh hadn't even noticed the avatar walk in until Rika said something. He looked shorter than Saleh remembered, but that may've been because he was asleep. He looked so innocent, and Saleh couldn't find a way to actually be upset at the boy for his actions. Saleh removed himself from Rozu if he hadn't left already, and would go introduce himself to the avatar. Once Rika had finished, he walked up and said, "I'm Saleh, and if you'd be willing, I'd like to be your mentor for airbending. I know the events that have transpired may be difficult to swallow, but you'll understand in due time." Saleh then glanced at Rika. He knew that they both knew that there was no other option but to teach the young boy airbending.

Total Word Count: 3333

Well it seemed that some horrible shit had been going on at the time. It wasn't the normal peaceful background that had usually been spread about the area, but a violent attack that had been brought down onto the people of this temple. And, it was because they had been trying to capture him, Ken, the Avatar. Oh why did being the Avatar have to mean he had to keep getting fights and all that thrown at him? Hell, he didn't even feel like being a bender, he'd just want to be a normal average day citizen that could roam the streets as a average boy that didn't have to worry about this shit.

The boy had sighed and just told himself that most of the people would be okay. Luckily, these people that he had not known more than a few hours had actually protected him, preventing the evil people from successfully capturing him and using himself for their evil plans. But still...Ken wondered a bit on who they were. Why would they attack him, would there be any reason to? Or were they just egotistic brats that wanted to see if they could be better than the person of legend? Oh well, the matter still remained that all of this was troublesome...very very troublesome.

"I know you're just a kid but... I need to ask you to make a decision. Will you help us bring balance to the world? We're in the middle of a war and teh only person who could really stop it is you... Will you help to bring balance?"

Oh god...the word that could sum this up...the worst word ever created by man....work. Yep that's right, this whole thing was just leading to a whole bunch of work that the boy didn't want. Oh man why why WHY did this have to happen? The boy only sighed as he thought about her statement. Did he want to help? Well no, he actually didn't. Did he know that there was a war going on, no he did not. Was this a surprise, yes it was. But was he going to help anyways, oh well he had to.

"Oh man...why do I always have to be given work to do....?" said the boy as he released a sigh.

"But I can't necessarily decline since you guys risked your lives to protect me, for the intent that I would help." said the boy as he cracked his back and his neck.

"I'm Saleh, and if you'd be willing, I'd like to be your mentor for airbending. I know the events that have transpired may be difficult to swallow, but you'll understand in due time."

"Well thanks for the offer...it's to much work for me but I guess I'll just deal with it....but we better head to somewhere else, somewhere farther away so they won't find us back here."

Oh yes he knew it...somehow, somewhere he was going to get work...a large amount of work that would will him with distress....lord knows how this would all turn out in the end.

twc: 897 (don't care enough to write a longer post to get a RUP ._. )

(End of Topic)

OOC:

Basically what I want right now is for Reizo to finish training Kenkura his main element. That should be done at the temple. Basically we'll have it that they all made plans to get out of the air temple after he finished his air training. That gives us time for Oirarana to attack kenny while he is with Reizo. It can help with his training if he wants.

Rika will talk to Rozu and the two will go off to train. They can do some major training and character development. Then once everyone is done training and fighting Oirarana we'll all make a topic that is of us together again unless Reizo doesn't want to come with them.