The pirate ship was rowdy as Tadashi and his crew sailed the Earth Kingdom waters, training with the Kyoshi Warriors on board. In fact their appearance aboard the ship helped disguise them further, most if not all earth nation ships that passed didn't even spare them a glance as they noticed the familiar garb of the Kyoshi Warriors. Suki, the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, has taken to training with Tadashi often. The battle between sword and fan excited the crew who watched in anticipation, making bets over who would win the latest bout. Such bets were commonplace between the crew and other warriors, despite the scrutinising eyes of Aki as she attempted to keep the men in line.
"Nice try!" Suki said, dodging a swing from Tadashi's wooden training sword.
The female warrior used her fans to block each blow, taking several steps towards the young boy with each swing. Tadashi couldn't help but smirk, always excited by the prospect of fighting a good opponent.
"I'm not done yet." Tadashi smirked as he leapt onto a railing, using the height to flip over Suki and score a hit on her shoulder.
The spectators roared in approval, even the Kyoshi warriors were impressed by the use of terrain. Those that watched made sure to give the combatants plenty of space and those that were working the lines couldn't help but glance every other second. Even though Tadashi had hit Suki a bump on the shoulder would not count as a win. In fact Suki didn't give the boy a moment to rest as she twirled, used her foot to knock Tadashi over and hold her fan below his chin.
The fight was over.
"Nice try, but next time don't leave yourself so open after a big move, ok?" Suki said, offering her hand to Tadashi.
"Yea, I guess I could." Tadashi chuckled, grasping her hand.
As everyone departed to go about their business Suki sighed, staring out into the ocean.
"It's weird, only a few days ago I would have had doubts about training with males but ever since….well Sokka certainly changed my mind." She spoke quietly.
"Who's that?" Tadashi asked, tilting his head ever so slightly.
"Oh!" Suki looked about nervously. "Well I told you about the Avatar. Well he's the water tribe boy who's travelling with him."
"Ahh I see," Tadashi said, "So you like him?"
"What!?" Suki spluttered, "Where did you get that idea?"
"So you don't?"
"It's not that I don't….but I hardly know him."
"Hmm, well you can't let that stop you. A chance to find true happiness may slip away if untaken." Tadashi spoke in the wisest voice he could muster, rewarding him with a chuckle from Suki.
"I didn't know an ex-fire nation turned pirate could be so wise?" Suki replied.
"It's not age that teaches wisdom but what one goes through as they age." Tadashi retorted, "My Uncle used to say something like that all the time."
"You must have had a wise uncle."
"I guess…." Tadashi frowned, his shoulders suddenly feeling very heavy.
The two stood there for a moment as Suki picked up on Tadashi's sullen mood. She didn't know whether it would be best to physically console him or not but decided another approach might work.
"I know what it's like to lose family." She spoke, her face almost emotionless. "I might have grown up on Kyoshi Island but my family would often visit other villages and town to offer aid and help the wounded. My mother used to be a Kyoshi Warrior and my father was a fishermen who always caught more than he needed."
Suki had a soft smile as she turned her thoughts to the past.
"One day they left to go and help out a mining village that had recently been taken over by the Fire Nation, I must have been 10 at the time. They insisted that they'd be fine since they were both non-benders but that day was the last I'd ever seen them."
"I'm sorry…." Tadashi said his mind trying to shut out all emotions.
"Don't worry about it, but since that day I devoted myself to Warrior Training so that I could protect those that I cared about. I'd almost forgotten that reason but seeing the Avatar and his friends has given me strength and the resolve to do what I should have done years ago."
"That's amazing. I didn't think our stories would be similar," Tadashi replied with a soft smile, "I lost my mother a few years ago and I think my father has hated me for as long as I've been born."
Tadashi realised that he was sharing thoughts that only Naoko knew about but for reasons he couldn't understand he trusted Suki enough to speak anyway.
"I see, well us warriors and you pirates are one-of-a-kind in this world. We need to stay strong on the road ahead to defeating the Fire Lord."
"Yes….." Tadashi said weakly.
"I'll also be looking forward to your next attempt at beating me." Suki smirked.
Tadashi chuckled, unable to hide the smirk that was growing on his face.
"Don't worry, I'll certainly win next time," he retorted.
During the two days they had been at sea Suki won the majority of the battles, even though Tadashi had been taught by Master Piando himself the Kyoshi Warrior simply had more experience and used her martial art experience to overcome the tight swordplay of the young boy. In terms of fighting ability, without the use of firebending Suki would win most fights but if he were to utilise his own style of bending there was no doubt the tables would turn and Suki would have a hard time winning.
Whenever the warriors were training by themselves Tadashi would continually study reports coming from the Fire Nation. He had already warned any dispatch beforehand to delay messages by a week in case they were caught by any of the Warriors. However their personal Hawk, an Earth Kingdom variation was allowed to move freely between their base and the ship, using an encoded language that looked like mere Pirate jargon to any who looked into it. In accordance to the reports that Tadashi had been receiving the Avatar was making his way to Omashu for reasons unknown. Zhao was still troubled by the ongoing war, having to support several generals by giving aid to land battles by sea. Zuko's whereabouts were surprisingly vaguely unknown, however Aki had suggested that after an unsuccessful battle he'd go to the nearest safe port to rethink their strategy. But both quickly came to the realisation that the banished prince wouldn't go to that particular port, especially because the man in charge there would most definitely report to Zhao the prince's whereabouts.
The night before the pirate ship landed Tadashi proposed they sail to General Fong's base, an Earth Nation port that was close to a key spot in their naval defences. Aki immediately rejected the idea, stating that it'd be too dangerous, especially for a Fire Nation prince. The others on-board also agreed but Tadashi continually suggested that it was the nearest they could get to Omashu without raising too much suspicion. In the end they decided not to go there and instead drop the Kyoshi warriors off at a small port that was 2 days away from the city by foot.
Just as they docked, cries of panic started to spread amongst the villagers that the Fire Nation were invading. Tadashi internally swore, a mixture of panic and confusion welling up inside him as he knew that no Fire Nation movement should be reported around here for at least a month. Tadashi looked about nervously as he eyed Aki who hid a similar expression. The Kyoshi warriors were already in alert, the exchange they had with Zuko still fresh in their memories.
Aki walked up to Suki with a grave face, motioning to the area where plumes of smoke could already be seed.
"We'll go first, find out what they want. The Fire Nation often deals with Pirates but they're not too friendly with Earth Kingdom warriors. If possible, stick to the shadow and get ready to attack at a moment's notice."
Although it was more a suggestion than order, the idea put the minds of the warriors at ease who had begun fostering doubts that the Fire Nation and Pirates were working together.
"And if anything doesn't happen?" Suki asked carefully.
"Then we should count ourselves lucky." Tadashi cut in, walking ahead of the group, followed by two crew members who hurriedly jogged to his side.
All the Kyoshi warriors who had boarded the ship were now following Tadashi and Aki's crew at a distance. There were 13 of them, sticking to the shadows and keeping an eye out for the enemy. As they sneaked around Suki was left in deep thought, staring at the young boy who confidently walked with the other pirates. Her mind just couldn't justify such a young boy with pirates, already respected by all of them. In fact the way they had treated him was more respectful than a simple captain, as if they owed him their lives. As these doubts fostered she forced them aside, her heart telling her to trust him, seeing a soul that is merely seeking attention. She had almost missed the interaction between the Pirates and Fire Nation when they finally met.
"So….what do we have here?" one of Fire Nation soldiers turned to face Aki with a sly grin.
A group of similarly dressed men were close behind, all bearing the heavy armour indicating that they were facing a group of firebenders.
"Pirates, nothing more, nothing less." Aki simply said, "Are we interrupting a mission or something?"
The man was stunned that Aki could ask such a question so casually but kept his temper in check.
"No, nothing of the sort. What's it to you anyway?" he asked coldly.
"As I said before we're pirates, we often trade with all nations so we came to this port to restock some of our equipment but with all the commotion it's rather hard to find a trader willing to deal with us."
"Hmm," The man said, looking Aki up and down. "Well I'm sorry to disappoint but we're taking over this town."
The other firebenders slowly started spread out, their faceplates intended to be intimidating but having the opposite face to the Pirates who saw such things every other day. Tadashi had almost stepped out to berate the man but Aki was quick to talk again.
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"And on whose authority are you working under?" she asked, remaining calm, "From what we hear there is not supposed to be any Fire Nation around here?"
The leader of the small grouped scoffed in indignation and pointed towards Aki.
"Look, I don't care who you are or what you think you know but we're doing things our way. We're sick and tired of being treated like worthless pawns, sent to the front lines only to die. We left the main army to seek our own future, to take what we want, when we want it and without anyone telling us what we can or can't do. So if you think you can just waltz up to us and act all high and mighty you got another thing coming!"
After shouting the man was left breathing heavily, his small speech was met by the approval of those around him who raised their fists in agreement and roared. Tadashi didn't realise it but he had sighed in relief, thankful that he wasn't about to take down his father's men simply to keep his cover intact. The Kyoshi warriors were still hidden but Tadashi could feel their presence, the heat they gave off wasn't terribly strong but over the past couple of days he had gotten used to them.
"So that makes you deserters right? Meaning we can claim the reward money that comes with handing you back to the Fire Nation? I'm almost glad we stopped here now….." Tadashi spoke aloud, everyone turning to look at him.
"Who invited the brat?" The man asked, only noticing Tadashi now.
"Brat, am I?" Tadashi growled, gripping the sword by his side in mock anger.
The others sensed the situation and got their weapons out, the earth bender in position whilst the Kyoshi warriors were already behind their opponents. The first person to make a move was one of the Pirates. With a broadsword he flung dirt into the eyes of the nearest deserter, blinding him as he ran into the man with his elbow extended. The others quickly reacted and started chucking fire towards their opponents, the flames were hot yet nothing special, showing that they had received standard military training and were not a proper threat.
Suki, leading her warriors, took out two of the firebenders before they even realised that the Pirates weren't alone. The others were also faring well having recently fought Zuko's soldiers, who were actually better trained than most would think, able to anticipate blast of fire and using their fans to strike their enemies. Tadashi noted that the Kyoshi warriors fought a lot harsher than expected, he grimaced as one easily threw a soldier into a nearby wall without a second thought.
Aki, as one of the best fighters amongst the intelligence group, easily fought off the leader of the pack leaving Tadashi to deal with the grunts nearest him. The boy sighed in defeat, hoping he would have a challenge rivalling the duels he fought with Suki than amateurish bending not worth dealing with. Using only basic forms the fire nation troops were quickly pushed into a corner and forced to give up, those that wanted to go out fighting were quickly incapacitated by the Kyoshi warriors and the rest surrendered without a second thought.
Tadashi had the Earthbenders form handcuffs around the captives whilst the Kyoshi warriors quickly set out to aid the villagers, assuring them that they were here to help. Before the end of the day the captives were placed in the ships hold where chains could be used to bind them and they wouldn't be able to escape. Suki had already told Tadashi her plan of travelling from town to town giving aid to all those that needed their help, without too many words he wished them luck, both Aki and Suki giving each other a respectful handshake before turning to deal with their own comrades. Tadashi couldn't help but smile softly as he watched the Kyoshi warriors leave, their presence a welcome change to the monotony of fire nation officials, generals and other boring people.
"So…..you liked her didn't you?" Aki popped out from nowhere and asked.
"I guess…wait, not like that!" Tadashi protested quickly amidst Aki's laughter.
"I so if you had to choose between her and Naoko, who would it be?" Aki asked teasingly.
"Neither," Tadashi responded quite seriously. "Naoko is like my best friend, you know I never knew what a friend was until she became my servant so it's hard to see her as anything else. Suki is great…..but I like her as a rival, nothing more."
"Oh….so what about your ever-so-loyal captain then?" Aki asked, although teasingly her voice became quiet.
Tadashi suddenly felt an intense amount of pressure, but tried to respond as honestly as he could.
"Um….well you're Aki. I think we're too alike for something like that, not to mention I think it's a bad idea for a boss to enter romantic dealings with his underlings."
"Eh? I'm an underling now?"
"What!? I didn't mean it like that…." Tadashi protested as he turned to Aki who held a sly grin on her face.
Tadashi sighed in relief, still getting used to Aki's more playful side.
"I swear one of these days you're going to say something and I won't take it seriously even if you are being serious."
"That would be quite the day…." Aki chuckled darkly.
"Plus….I thought you'd like someone like Hideki? He's young but older than you, smart and has a well-paying job?"
"That stiff?" Aki snorted as she replied, "I'd rather date a broom, rather than that guy. I mean sure he's a well-respected member of our division but as a man…..no."
The two continued to laugh and joke about with each other as one of the Earthbenders approached Tadashi and coughed awkwardly.
"We've already finished preparations to depart, we just need a bearing."
"Hmm, I'm kind of hungry. Can we find someplace to buy food before going?" Tadashi asked Aki thoughtlessly.
"As if you need to ask me." Aki chided, nodding to the Earthbender in approval. "Fine, we'll take an hour's break to get the crew refreshed before departing again. As much I hate to suggest it I think Whale Tail Island will be our best bet of avoiding Zuko and depositing our captives at a good place to collect the bounty."
"But if we go to the prison rig we could use your….feminine charms to get some more gold?"
"Over my dead body!" Aki immediately protested with a slight blush behind her angered face.
Tadashi laughed as the Earthbender tried to stifle his chuckles despite the glare Aki was giving both of them. Before they knew it everyone had eaten and was ready to depart with Whale Tail Island as their destination, meaning they could not chase the Avatar on his way to Omashu and would have to start listening to rumours again.
By the time Zuko had reached the Prison Rig the Avatar had left. He did not intend on stopping there for the boy himself but to refuel on coal as their supply was starting to run low but fate decided to intervene as his men were practically forced to help the warden and his men fix damages to their rig, of course all at his Uncles suggestion.
"But Uncle, the more time we waste here means someone else can catch the Avatar!"
"Prince Zuko, you need to be more considerate. Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves. Not to mention I doubt many will be able to catch that young boy." Iroh mused aloud.
Zuko sighed, knowing that once his Uncle was like this there was little that could be done to change his mind. However luck shone down on him in the form of a bracelet that he picked on the rig, instantly recognising it as a Water Tribe trinket.
"I guess Uncle was right…" Zuko murmured, half annoyed yet glad his time wasn't completely wasted.
With the majority of the work needed to be done quickly completed Zuko insisted on interrogating the warden, wanting to know everything about the Avatar's visit. However the prince was shocked to discover that the warden didn't even realise the Avatar was on board until it was too late.
"So what do you know?" Zuko asked, throwing his arms around in a frustrated way.
"Well um….before the revolt another person came asking about the Avatar's whereabouts." The warden stammered as he tried to look for an avenue to escape.
"Who was this person?"
"He didn't give us a name, only that he was working for Fire Nation Intelligence, the captain said something about a royal leading them."
Zuko stood back in shock. He was smart enough to understand that the royal who was leading this group must have been the same royal that left the Fire Nation for reasons unknown. Coming back to his senses the prince looked back at the warden with a cold look.
"How do you know it was a royal? What did they want with the Avatar?"
"I don't know why they want the Avatar!" the warden admitted, "The captain only told me that to defy her master was to defy the Fire Nation. Only royalists and the nobles make that sort of threat. I also heard rumours that the Fire Lords second son had left the capital….."
The warden quickly became silent as he saw the look Zuko gave him. The prince wasn't sure how to feel at first, first an overwhelming sense of anger nearly overcame him as he thought that Tadashi was trying to prevent him from reclaiming his honour. But the longer he thought the more he remembered all the times in the past that Tadashi would help him and the idea have him small amounts of hope. If he really was chasing after the Avatar they would meet eventually. Zuko decided that it was best to worry about things when the time came, otherwise he'd drive himself crazy thinking of all the possibilities, in fact the only comforting thought was that it wasn't Azula who would be relentless and incredibly difficult to deal with. Iroh, who had been listening to the whole exchange, sighed hoping that there wouldn't be another generation of hate between brothers, knowing that Ozai could care less for him or his children.