Avatar: Cycles of Life (Closed)

[Armphid]

Sheng was scratching Appa behind an ear, the great monster making a thrumming sound that was like a purr. Well, like a purr in the way that the sound of a door shutting was like a thunderclap. He grinned at Sai's comments, "Just a girl you had dinner with, huh? All right, if you say so." He was sure that was exactly what it was, but he wasn't about to not tease the stoic painter. Even though it was against his better judgment to do so quickly, he liked Sai.

"Thanks, I learned from a cook when I was younger." He was often in the kitchens as a child. The process of turning raw food into a meal had a kind of magic about it, back then. One of the chefs had taken it upon herself to teach the young Prince a few things. She told him that it'd be useful when he wanted to get a girl to like him. Sheng, at that point, still regarded girls as an alien life form, and thus had not understood. Now, however, he appreciated that sentiment. "But I know what you mean. The last few days have spoiled me." When you traveled, meals like this were few and far between. It was usually cold dried fruit and jerky, maybe porridge or bacon if you had time and the extra energy to cook. "Nice thing is though, I get to cook so little, I still have plenty of spices left. Makes the chances I do get all the better, you know?" Of course, when he hunted, he had fresh meat. Mmm...spitted over the open fire...Damn it. He was going to make himself hungry again.

The girls returned however, one of them with an arm about the other. He thought it might be Fumiko, but it was hard to tell. By the now dim firelight, he couldn't make out which one had the tattoos as this distance. "Sure, ladies. I guess we do need to think about where we're heading next, huh? Let me get the map out..."

 

[HookerBoots]

"The map won't be necessary right now." Fumiko sighed, and ran a hand through her hair. "What we need to talk about, gentlemen, is the fact that we," she gestured to herself and Fukiko, "have been upfront about who we are and what we're doing."

Fukiko nodded. "But you two . . . haven't. And we need to know that whatever the two of you are hiding won't come back and hurt us." She put her hands together in her lap. "We aren't trying to pry into things that are none of our business, but . . . you have to see what we mean."

Fumiko stretched her legs out in front of her and braced herself up with her hands. "If we fail, we fail the world. And we need to know we can depend on you, if you're coming with us. All we want is honesty."

 

[Armphid]

"Upfront?" Sheng quirked an eyebrow with a slight smirk, "No offense, girls, but you haven't told us anything about yourselves. Just that you're the Avatar's daughters." Maybe that was a bit rough, but he didn't like talking about his past. He didn't want to. And why did it matter? The Avatar himself had vouched for Sheng. Wasn't that enough? "All we know about you is rumor, common knowledge, and the little time we've had to observe. Don't act like you've been any more open than we have."

He stopped tending the great bison, turning to face the girls, feeling irritated by this sudden questioning. "Do you want my life story? What can I say that will make me any more trustworthy than what I've done? I fought to protect you against fire spouting bandits, that's not enough to show my dependability?" He pointed at Sai, "He fought off two benders with his bare hands! Isn't that enough?"

He frowned, both not wanting to share and realizing that the twins point was valid. He just...he couldn't tell them. "But part of your point is fair," he grudgingly acknowledged. "And I'll tell you some more about me if it will please you, but not all. People have reasons for the secrets they keep." He closed his eyes, "And even if they're selfish ones, I think mine are pretty good."

He sighed. Sheng knelt by the fire, reaching over and putting a few small branches, and then a larger log on the coals. As they started to catch, he began to speak again. "My name is Sheng-Tu, given to me by my father to recognize the revival of the Earth Kingdom from the scars of war. It means 'Victorious Earth'. A bit grand for a wandering earthbender, but I like it."

He stared at the now rising flames as they licked hungrily at the fresh wood. "I'm the oldest of three children, my brother is two years younger than me, and my sister three. I was born and lived my early childhood in Ba Sing Se. My family was, is, nobility. I grew up around politics and scheming, plotting, attempted coups, the usual stuff in a kingdom that's gone through as much upheaval as we did during the war." He laughed, "Before I was ten I'd been used as a hostage by Dai Li remnants three times." Then the last time...he shook his head. He wasn't going to think about that. That was one of his secrets. "Every now and then, just when you thought they'd stop trying to take over in the name of that bastard Long Feng, another pocket would show up and do something insane. You probably didn't hear about it. The King and the nobles tried to keep it quiet. Didn't want the country to worry about it's stability as it tried to repair itself."

A smile came to his face, his eyes seeing older and happier memories. "I started learning earthbending when I was nine years old, I had a happy talent for it, and well-paid pompous instructors. I loved bending from the first moment I made a rock twitch, and though the forms were dull, when there was sparring...I felt alive like never before." Then he sighed again, "When I was ten, something happened. When it was over, it was decided that I shouldn't stay at home anymore. That was when I was taken to Sifu and became her student. I trained with her for three years. Good years, those ones, I think. Didn't always feel like it then, but looking back, I don't know that life was ever better for me." His smile became whistful, "I miss her, and those times. Anyway, when I turned thirteen, Sifu told me that it was time for me to find out who I was, and take a training journey. She took me to the place where she'd left home with the Avatar, and told me to travel. To wander as fate took me, meet people, and see if I could find myself. She told me to return when I thought I was a master earthbender, and she'd put me to the test."

"Since then, I've traveled." He shrugged, "I've been to the North Pole, and the heart of the Fire Nation, I spent two months lost in the Great Divide, and I've crossed the Earth Kingdom six or seven times." He looked up at the girls, "Sometimes when a strong looking stranger comes into town, folks come to you with their problems. So, I killed a few packs of wild boar-dogs, crushed a bandit gang here and there, escorted people through wilderness, that kind of thing, and people in some parts started looking at me like I was some kind of...hero, I guess."

He raised his eyebrows, sitting down beside the fire. "I don't know if that's enough, but...that's all for now. I don't mean to be rude or deceitful, but there's a lot of stories in all of that. Some are worth telling. Some I'll never tell you. But that's what you get. I hope it's enough that you can trust me."

 

[Ahren1]

Sai had sort of expected this, but he had to agree with Sheng. They really didn't need to say anything to the girls, after all, what did they know about them? Of course, they had the right to tell them to leave if they wished, but they hadn't expressed any annoyance with the presence of the two travelers so far. Sai had to wonder what Luna had told them. The most amusing part was Sai hadn't been dishonest, just careful in what he said about himself. He decided to remain silent while Sheng voiced his opinions, then went into great detail about his past. Sai had seen no indication that the Earthbender was lying, which was going to make it more difficult for him to respond just as truthfully.

When Sheng had finished, Sai placed his cup down that he had been sipping from occasionally and closed his eyes. "There's not much to know about me." He said at first before opening his golden eyes once again and moving them toward the twins. He would have to continue to choose his words carefully in order not to lie but not reveal too much either.

"I grew up with my parents and twin brother. My mother was very kind, but my father was strict and relentless in training us to be exceptional warriors. I went along with it at first, but my mother saw more potential in me, and taught me of other things, such as the artistic ability you've already seen me display...

My brother only wished to fight, and followed every one of father's footsteps. But I decided to pursue other talents as well. I even met a girl... Despite my father's attitude, for that time I was happy. Until Mother died, and my friend stopped visiting me... After that, I couldn't take living there anymore as Father was becoming more like a commander than a parent. So I left. I decided to travel and I have been at it for three years. I could name all the places I've been, but I already displayed that for you, and it would probably not compare to Sheng's list. You can understand if I don't wish to go into more detail. What I have been reluctant to say is a bit more important.."

Sai took a deep breath and looked between all three of his companions. "A.. reliable source has informed me that a high ranking officer in the Fire Nation military is going to attempt to start another war. Unfortunately I don't have many details.. or proof.. which is why I didn't wish to just blurt it out. I was actually traveling to see The Avatar and hopefully get his help, but I found you first. I thought maybe if I helped you, you would be more willing to take me to him personally. I apologize if you feel if I have mislead you in any way..."

 

[HookerBoots]

The twins glanced at each other, and Fumiko sighed again. They both had a point; they didn't know much about the girls, besides them being the Avatar's daughters. She poked her sister, who nodded.

"In the interest of fairness, I suppose." She smiled brightly and put her hands on her knees. "I'm Fukiko, and this is my twin sister Fumiko. We're the daughters of Avatar Aang and Waterbending Master Katara, both age 19." Fukiko pushed up her sleeves, holding her arms up in the firelight to show her tattoos. "I'm a master Airbender, and am at least at the same level as my father, in airbending. I'm also a vegetarian."

Fumiko grinned. "I'm a master Waterbender, at least at the same level as my mother - who was my father's sifu." She pulled a strand of water out of her waterskin and circled it around over their heads. "I'm also an apprentice healer, and I'm probably going to try to ride the Unagi tomorrow." The water formed into a mini-Ungai, snapping at the sparks that blew up from the fire. "We just found out our Uncle Sokka may be the father of one of Sheng's sifu's children, and we're excited to see Aunt Toph so we can tease her about it." She tucked the little water-monster away, and smiled at her sister again.

"This is our first time away from the Southern Air Temple without our parents," Fukiko continued, "and both of us are little intimidated by the importance of the task our parents gave us." Her expression became serious, and both twins looked at Sai.

"If you are certain, Sai, then we can take you to see father. But it might be expedient to send a letter in our names to both father and Uncle Zuko - I mean, the Fire Lord." Fumiko smiled a little self-conciously. "After all, if there is an uprising being planned among the Fire Nation military, Fire Lord Zuko will want to know, and he trusts us."

With a small frown, Fukiko added, "And there may be proof already. Lei Kung the Thunderer was supposed to accompany us, but his campsite was abandoned. And there were charred papers scattered around."

Both twins nodded, then looked seriously at Sai. "We'll leave that decision up to you, but if there is something getting ready to happen, we don't want to be caught unawares," Fumiko said.

 

[Armphid]

Sheng listened carefully to the others' stories. There was a lot Sai was leaving out, but Sheng didn't blame him. He'd left a lot out of his own story. But...it seemed to have satisfied the twins. For now, anyway. Fukiko seemed insatiably curious, and he was willing to bet that Fumiko wasn't dramatically less so. It was the information that Sai ended his story with that was most important.

He'd used his 'earth sight' during it to see where the youth lied or avoided the truth. There was an evasion there, but not about the war, just about the source. "That fits with what just happened." Sheng frowned. "If Fire Nation soldiers killed the Avatar's daughters, the whole world would rise up in anger. I don't know if Avatar Aang could convince them NOT to go to war...and I don't know that he would. From what Sifu says, he's got a real temper when it comes to people he loves being hurt or in danger." It was smart, simple, and brilliant. "What they did to the Thunderer might be trying to goad Avatar Aang too, since he was his first student...but they're sure to succeed if they strike at his family."

Sheng walked away from the fire a few paces, his arms crossed over his chest, thinking. "...Fumiko, Fukiko...I think you're right. Sending a message to the Avatar and to Fire Lord Zuko is a good idea." He then hesitated, and plowed on, "You also...you might want to take that message yourselves. I know that you probably want to continue this quest, but if you're being targeted...there's nowhere safer than with your father or the Fire Lord." He turned back, "I can keep searching on my own until this plot is ended, and then you can join back up with me." He didn't want to see either of these radiant girls get hurt. Protecting them from whatever came along was one thing. But if there were people after them...what if he failed?

"What do you think?"

 

[Ahren1]

Sai wasn't exactly thrilled with having to burden the girls with this, but he knew he had to give them some truth. If they had found out what he knew later on, then it was possible they would never trust him again for keeping it secret for so long. Though their reactions so far were surprisingly trusting in him, this wasn't going exactly as planned, still. Sai didn't want to just send a note. Why should anyone believe him? Besides, Sai wanted to deal with this himself. It was important to him that he faced his father on it personally, not just to send the Avatar or Lord Zuko to do his work.

"I'm not sure what to think, really. I learned this a few years ago, and so far I haven't seen any indication of a war. The man in question is also quite intelligent and trusted. For them to believe the word of some wanderer over his? I just don't see that happening. Maybe I was misinformed. I don't think we should detour your quest for it, since locating the new Avatar is quite important..."

Sai sighed lightly, glancing at the cup in his hand. "There's no saying whether or not those people who attacked were actual soldiers, or that the person who went missing who was supposed to go with you was hurt or killed. Going on speculation alone could possibly harm us more if it ends up being wrong. For them to start another war now? It would have to be very carefully planned. Especially since Fire Lord Zuko and The Avatar are close. Perhaps I should continue with you on your quest, and we can investigate both the rumors of the war, as well as search for the Avatar."

While suggesting such would detour his own goals, the more Sai thought on it, the more he realized his father was too smart and powerful. Just walking up to the Avatar and insisting on learning master Firebending from him probably wouldn't be enough. He would have to figure out another way, and at the same time, try and keep the girls out of danger, since what Sheng said made a lot of sense. Perhaps part of the plan was to hurt the Avatar's daughters. Maybe his father had been waiting for their quest to start just for that reason. Up until now, they had been well guarded, but now, they were on their own for the first time. Sai couldn't let anything happen to them, not after failing someone once before.

 

[HookerBoots]

Fumiko and Fukiko looked at each other for a moment, then shrugged. Fumiko pulled her knees to her chest and sighed. "While it's possible you're mistaken, or your source was mistaken, Sai, this is something we can't totally ignore. The last thing we need to deal with on this trip is another war starting around us."

"But," Fukiko continued, "we also can't afford a detour to check on something that may not happen." The twins shared a glance again, and shrugged again. "Tomorrow, we'll write a letter to our father, telling him about the attack and what you've told us. We'll make sure that he knows there's nothing definite, just to be on the lookout for suspicious things."

Tugging up a long blade of grass, Fumiko idly began twisting it into a complicated knot. "Father and Mother will recognize our calligraphy, so they'll know it's not a forgery, and we'll ask one of the Kyoshi warriors to carry it, so that it's secure." She sighed and pulled the last strand of the knot into place, then studied it. "Hopefully, that will be enough."

Fukiko smiled encouragingly at Sai. "Don't worry. Father knows Uncle Zuko well enough to know that the Fire Nation wouldn't sanction another war like the last one. Again." She stretched widely and yawned. "Well, I don't know about everyone else, but I think I might be tired."

"Smooth transition, 'Kiko."

"Shut. Up."

 

[Armphid]

Sheng laughed, "I'll take any transition that gets us off this topic. I mean, it's good to know about, but it's depressing." He smiled and shrugged, spreading his hands, "I mean, we just had a great meal after a nice, exhilarating little fight. Good times, you know?" He looked at the small group. Strange. He already felt close to the girls, and even Sai...well, not close, but he felt a bond with the quiet painter who fought like a warrior-born.

He reached out and plucked a long grass stem, sticking it between his teeth. "Sleep's a good idea though. We should be up early, and any traveler will tell you that you need to get all the rest you can." He stood up, lifting his hands as he did do. Around the fire, a foot high wall of rock cracked up from the ground. "You guys go ahead and settle in, I'm going to stay up and keep watch for a bit." It was a nice night. The moon was giving good light, and he could see the stars clearly. If you had to do a watch, there were worse nights to do it on. "I've got the fire too. Don't worry about a thing but sleeping."

 

[Ahren1]

Of course, Sai wasn't mistaken. He knew what he had heard. Even if he wasn't sure about that much, he knew his father well enough. Well enough to know that if there was a man capable of such an act like bringing the world back to war after it finally achieved piece, it was him. Having a connection to such a person put quite a pit inside Sai's stomach. What would happen if his newfound companions discovered this? As much as he didn't want to admit it, he was already feeling sort of an attachment to them, though especially Fukiko for a reason he couldn't quite put his finger on. Perhaps there was just something in her eyes that reminded him of the girl he once knew. It would make sense, considering she was born from a Water Tribe woman, also.

For the first time in a while, Sai was a bit conflicted on what he should do. Before now, it was all about learning from The Avatar, though now that he had run into the daughters, he felt rather compelled to help them by the invisible forces of fate. Maybe it was just that familiarity of Fukiko's eyes once again drawing him in, but there was more to it than that. On the other hand, simply by being there with them was putting them in danger for various reasons. They didn't deserve to get involved with his personal matters, and dealing with his father was something very personal for Sai. For now, however, there wasn't much he could do about it. He could only pray the note they were planning to send wouldn't spark something else... Perhaps there was a way to deal with that before it happened..

Sai glanced between his fellow travelers and bowed, picking up his pack. "I will locate a place for myself to rest, then. Have a good night..." He spoke softly, turning to head away and find himself an open area to rest under the moonlight. He was used to sleeping outside by now, so he honestly wasn't thinking twice about it, nor was he concerned about Sheng alone staying up to protect the girls. Not only was Sheng a powerful Earthbender, but the girls had proven themselves to be very capable fighters as well. Sai was actually eager to see just what else they could do...

 

[Armphid]

Sheng watched the nomad walk off to find a good chunk of ground, then lay down on it. He chuckled, he'd spent plenty of nights like that himself. But, he could also make shelters easier that just about anyone, so he'd spent a lot more nights protected and warm.

The black haired Earthbender stomped, lifting his hands. Two long, wide slabs of earth rose up near the fire, then fell toward each other, forming a triangular 'tent' of rock. "There you go, ladies. If you want to use it, one deluxe, twin model earth tent." He grinned, "All part of the service." It was close enough to the fire that the rock would be warmed, keeping them comfortable through the night if they chose to use it. It was a trick he'd used himself when it was cold out. "If you want, I can cover the ends too, so you have a little more privacy, and safety. Just give the word if you want that."

He smiled, waving a silent 'good night' and walked away to the very edge of the firelight. There was a lot he had to think about. This trip had suddenly taken on a whole new seriousness...and his talk of his past had brought up some old, bad memories that he needed to try and put away. They'd only distract him from his responsibilities. His hand reached up, rubbing at his neck. He could only feel the faintest of lines. The scar was almost gone now, practically invisible. Father had Water Tribe healers attend to that. But Sheng knew it was there. He'd never forget.

He looked up at the starry sky, "Mother," he whispered. What would happen when he saw her again?

 

[HookerBoots]

Fumiko and Fukiko exchanged another glance, and headed for the earth tent. With a sigh, Fukiko stretched her arms over her head, and turned on the ball of her foot, heading to where Sai was lying down. Sitting down next to where he was, she went easily into a full lotus and smiled. "You don't have to go this far away, you know. Since you've joined us, we trust you as much as we can."

Fumiko ducked inside the tent and stripped off the tunic she had over a thinner long-sleeved shirt, and stepped back out. Stepping lightly over to Sheng, she placed a hand on his shoulder. "I was out of line earlier. I . . . I'm sorry."

 

[Armphid]

Sheng felt her approach through the earth, idly wondering what she wanted. He half-smiled. Maybe she hungered for another kiss, then he sighed. Not likely after the way he'd blown up at her earlier that day. Sifu'd always said he had a temper like a Firebender.

When he felt her light touch, he looked back at her. His eyes took in the sight of her in that light fabric, clingy shirt, and he felt a very faint blush on his cheeks. She shouldn't be allowed to get him off balance like that. Her words were a surprise as well, but he shook his head. "It's fine, and you were more right than I think you meant to be. This is your mission, and your sister's. My input...doesn't really matter." Which sucked, but it was true. "I'm not the wisest of men, anyway, so it may good if you don't listen to me."

"As for the rest of it...well...I don't know what to say to that." He felt a surge of shame at the thought of it, "Other than that...as far as you knew at that point, it was an accurate statement." Okay, calm down. Don't mess this up. She came over to apologize and be nice. Don't get mad. Don't get mad. "Hopefully, what you say later made you reconsider." He managed to smile, that memory bouying his spirits. "And at some point, we are going to have a rematch, but...let's just drop it, for now, okay?"

He smiled again, a much softer smile, turning to look up at the sky. "Talking about...home tonight...I haven't seen the stars the way they are at Ba Sing Se in years. They're so different than they are here."

 

[HookerBoots]

Following his gaze up to the sky, Fumiko smiled. "Your input does matter, Sheng. You're here to help us, and we should listen to your opinions." The stars were clear and bright, and part of her was tempted to ask him more about his life in Ba Sing Se, but she could tell that he wasn't comfortable talking about his past.

Instead, she stepped closer and glanced at him from the corner of her eyes. "I can imagine. I've never been to Ba Sing Se, but they look different here than they do at home, and we're not that far." Even if she still felt some lingering resentment, it was tempered by the fact that he was willing to talk calmly about it, even if he was straining to do so. And he was so cute.

With a shy motion, she reached her hand out and slipped it into his. "You've already helped us a lot. It's possible we owe you our lives."

 

[Armphid]

His eyes widened when her felt her hand slip into his. He looked down at their joined hands with a sudden turn of his head, surprised enough that he had to confirm it. And there it was. Her hand was very warm and soft, smaller than his, delicate and fine. It felt very nice. His smile was more confident than hers, but it was more sheepish than he would have liked to think.

He gave her hand a light squeeze, "Nah, you guys could've handled them just fine. I mean, it was clear you'd never fought firebenders before, but you're a master, after all. I'm glad you let me play and have my fun with them." He was quiet a moment, "But, you're welcome."

They stood there together for a few minutes, watching the stars and listening to the waves on the beach far below. Then he looked down at her again with a roguish grin, "I may be pushing it...but I don't suppose my heroic rescue is worth a kiss or two?"

 

[HookerBoots]

She smile on her face was wry. "After telling me that we could have handled it on our own?" Fumiko looked back up, feeling almost hyper-aware of their joined hands. It was so unlike her to act this way. Maybe it was being away from home for the first time, but she tipped her head back and smiled.

"I suppose you've earned a reward, regardless of how well we could have handled things on our own." She turned to face him, her free hand moving up to his shoulder. "If that's what you'd like, I'm willing to take responsibility for it."

 

[Ahren1]

Sai glanced over from his spot in the grass at Fukiko and smiled lightly. It was nice that they were so trusting, as it had been his main concern that they wouldn't understand anything about him. While he hadn't exactly told them the whole truth, what he had mentioned so far was taken into consideration, and he was thankful they were looking at the situation openly. Truthfully, though, if Sai was in there position, he wouldn't really trust anyone, especially someone like him, but he supposed that was their nature as daughters of the Avatar. Giving people the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes that was unwise, but other times, like now, it was a trait to admire.

At least, Fukiko seemed to be very sincere in her trust. Like he had seen earlier, he assumed she was the bolder, more outgoing type. To think she had taken an interest in him, a simple wandering painter, made him realize her insights were probably a lot sharper than he had given her credit for. Obviously she saw something else in him, and after the battle earlier, they certainly knew he was more than just a painter. Did that mean he could tell her everything right now? Could he be totally honest, and she'd still accept him? Who knew, really? The Fire Nation had hurt a lot of people, including the Avatar. Who was to say what they truly thought of the Fire Nation right now, despite their fondness for their 'uncle' Zuko.

The chestnut haired wanderer turned to lean on his shoulder, facing Fukiko and giving her a subtle look over. He couldn't tell her now, at least not yet. It wasn't worth the risk. Maybe he could just enjoy spending time with a beautiful girl for once, without having to push them away for fear of harming them. This was the Avatar's daughter, who was a skilled Airbender herself. If there was any girl who didn't need protecting from him, or from what may follow him, it was her.

"I'm thankful you do. What I've told you is sadly the truth, at least as far as I know it. I'm also thankful to be traveling in your company. Not only because you are the Avatar's daughter, but your kindness and good spirit are traits I'm not fully accustomed to. People tolerate me at best, usually. Every so often when someone extends a generous hand, I can't return it for one reason or another. I hope I can change that by being of assistance to you in your quest. I'm not sure what I can do exactly, but I will do my best."

 

[Armphid]

Sheng shivered slightly as her hand came to rest on his shoulder. He smiled down at her, his free hand moving to lightly slide about her waist to the small of her back. "Willing to take responsibility? How sad...I was hoping it'd be something of a reward for us both." He leaned down, almost closing the distance between them. His lips were less than half an inch from hers when he added, "With time, perhaps. I'll have to work on that."

Then he kissed her. He started soft and tender, slowly increasing the pressure of his lips on hers. She was as soft and sweet tasting as he remembered, and the warmth of her breath on his face was a thrill and a delight in the cool air of night. After a moment, he felt bold enough to tighten the arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. The kiss broke, and he was had a smile that stretched from ear to ear. "Your kiss is as divine as you are, Fumiko," he said in a voice just a hair above a whisper.

 

[HookerBoots]

Fukiko smiled at Sai, leaning forward and resting her head on her hands as she studied him. "Well, you've already helped us. And I'm sure you'll be able to do plenty of things to help as we go, too." Tilting her head to one side, she started to toy with her hair. "If you've been to the Fire Nation in your travels, it will be a huge help, since we'll probably wind up there at some point."

~ ~ ~ ~​

The feel of his lips on hers was as wonderful as she remembered, and his arms tightening around her felt so strong and warm, that she almost felt like she was melting. Fumiko smiled back at him, more shyly, and blushed. "Thank you." She could feel her cheeks getting hotter, but still said softly, "Are you sure that's all you want as a reward?"

 

[Ahren1]

Eventually the wanderer sat up to face the beautiful girl beside him. She was so lovely and innocent, yet skilled and strong. It brought back many feelings of his past love, but they didn't sting him to think of, rather caused him to smile genuinely. She seemed sincerely thankful for his help so far, even if he didn't think he had done anything worthy of thanks. Perhaps she was just trying to be nice, but she had come over to speak with him personally, so that couldn't be all. Still, he couldn't deduce much while watching her, because his mind would wander easily. Her skin glowed divinely in the moonlight, and it gave her eyes the most mesmerizing shimmer. He felt he could watch the way she sat and played with her long, flowing hair for the rest of the night and never tire from it, even if they never spoke any more words.

He had tried to hard to not let beautiful women distract him from his goals, and he had been succeeding. Was he really succumbing to this one so easily? Granted, she was going to assist him in his quest, rather draw him away from it, but that wasn't why. It wasn't because she was the Avatar's daughter, either. Fukiko truly had something special about her, and he didn't feel foolish at all for recognizing it. Nonetheless... While she was special, he wasn't. All she knew was that he was some wanderer with some artistic and combat skill. It was foolish to daydream that she would settle for someone like him. He let his mind register the rest of her comment and nodded slightly. Of course he knew the Fire Nation, but he didn't let his expression prove that one way or the other.

"I see.. Well, admittedly not my favorite place, but I like to think I know my way around..." He said softly, playing with a few blades of grass between his thumb and finger before looking back to Fukiko. Maybe it wouldn't mean much, but did it really hurt to let her know what he was really thinking for once? "Actually I'm quite looking forward to this journey... It's.. not every day I get to travel with a woman as lovely as you."

 

[Armphid]

Sheng's heart beat faster in his chest, and his breathing was just a hair quicker than before. The shy eagerness in her eyes, the blush on those flawless cheeks, the teasing brush of the fabric of her light shirt on his tunic, all combined to make her the most alluring woman he had ever seen. "All that I want," he mused for a moment. No, no, it was far from all that he wanted right now. But he had to correct his earlier thoughts. This wasn't a woman, this was a girl. A girl he'd promised to protect on a long journey. He couldn't just go after her the way he wanted to.

He smiled, a happy smile with just a touch of regret, "No, Fumiko, it's not all that I want, but it's all that I can ask for. Anything else must be given, though I would so gladly accept it."

 

[HookerBoots]

With a blush, Fukiko smiled shyly. "Thank you, Sai." Then a wry smile curved her lips. "And now you get to travel with two." She was adventurous and headstrong, no doubt, but there was a moment of hesitation. "Are you sure you want . . . to sleep out here?" That wasn't what she wanted to ask, but she was afraid that if she asked him if he really wanted to go with them, he'd say no. "Sheng can make an earth tent for you, if you want. And you'll be close if anyone needs help."

~ ~ ~ ~​

Fumiko looked at him steadily, not entirely certain what was going on in his head. Did he not . . . no, he said he wanted more, but . . . . Was she being foolish? Maybe he wasn't sure that she wanted to? "Do you think I really did that because I felt as though it was owed to you?"

This was so complicated, dealing with boys. She wasn't sure if she wanted to go farther, or even what that would really entail, except in a general way, and if he wasn't sure . . . before he could answer, she leaned up, pressing her lips to his again.

 

[Ahren1]

Sai watched fondly as she smiled and blushed, things he quite enjoyed seeing a woman do caused by his words, but he hadn't really said anything especially charming. It was too difficult to say anything that was truly on his mind as he observed her lips, wondering how they tasted. It would be completely inappropriate to kiss her so soon. Even if she did seem to like him, he really had no idea how much. It was possible she didn't really care for him at all and was just being kind, and he could not risk endangering his mission because of his weakness to women. Still.. this wasn't just any woman..

"Yes, That's true..." He chuckled softly. There was indeed two of them, but Fukiko had caught his eye in particular to the point where Fumiko had barely entered his mind. Yes, they were twins so they were both beautiful physically, but Fukiko had a much fresher personality, and one that especially reminded him of his old love. "Though as much as I respect your sister, you have been more prominent in my thoughts thus far."

It took him a moment to realize how he had sounded, and he quickly glanced away. He wasn't really used to speaking without thinking, but he couldn't help it this time. "What I mean is..." He began, thinking he should cover his words, but eventually he just chuckled and shook his head, returning his golden eyes to Fukiko's. "It means how it sounds.. but do not worry, my reason for being here has been truthful. Though more reasons to remain don't hurt. As for sleeping out here, well.. I'm used to it, though I suppose it would be wise to stay close to the rest of the party..."

 

[Armphid]

Sheng took a half step back at her unexpected kiss. She'd moved with a boldness that seemed so different that the blushing shyness he'd seen so far in her about this. Whatever this was. Then, automatically, he stepped forward, bringing their bodies together. He released her hand, both arms going around her slender waist and hugging her to him.

As soon as the kiss broke, his lips met hers again. They pressed and danced together. He almost moaned as he felt her body shift against him through the thin fabric of her undershirt, and he tightened his arms about her. He wanted to let his hands go, to explore her, but he firmly resisted that urge. His hands slid up slightly to cradle the small of her back, but no further.

 

[HookerBoots]

Fukiko blushed and smiled again, and turned around so that she was leaning back on her elbows next to Sai. "That's very sweet of you to say. I . . . we never really had much contact with boys at the Temple, so it's good to know that we didn't grow up to look like platypus-bears."

With a sigh, she looked up at the stars and the fluffy swaths of cloud drifting by. "I don't want to force you to do anything you're not comfortable with, and I know that we're strangers, so you might not feel safe sleeping near us." Glancing over at him, she aded, "But I'd like to get to know you better, and it's hard to do out here."

~ ~ ~ ~​

It felt incredible, having his arms around her and his hands on her waist and back. Fumiko kissed him back deeply, her body pressing against his. She let her hands slide around his neck and stroked the back of his neck gently. As the kiss ended again, she rested her head on his shoulder for a moment.

Then she lifted her head and looked up at him. "I - I'm sorry, I didn't know what else to do, and . . . ." She sighed. "I guess I should, um, let you get back to whatever you were doing."