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THE SHANGTAN ESCAPE: Collapse

(@Mizos @Superpiggeh @RoranHawkins @Fieryfly )
With the Boar-q-pines only wounded, Shun out cold, and Ming and Yun holed in one of the smaller side-caves created by Shun, things weren't looking too brilliant for the Shangtan team. Shun's antics managed to attract the attention of the followers, and the footsteps come ever closer, cracking in the ringing ears of those still actually fully conscious. Two short, murky figures skidded around the corner in the darkness, raising their weapons and...

...Pushing right past Shen and Jinhai, a long length of lead pipe smashing into one of the Boar-q-pine's tusks with a horrid crunching noise. The two attackers were a girl and boy not much younger than Ming, but where Ming seemed to be a bit more lithe and agile, these two are built like trucks. It's so clearly obvious that they've built themselves up to be the 'beaters' - lined in scars already, with filthy bandages and short hair to keep it out of their face. The girl laughed cheerily as she took her own weapon - a construction hammer - and brought it down on the other Boar-q-pine's thick skull violently. "You know," she called irritably, "When Ming said she wanted back-up I didn't think you were stupid enough to charge into a Boar-q-pine den!"

The boy waved his length of pipe threateningly, up against one of the walls, as the beast snorted angrily, squealed and charged straight for him. A massive grin crept across his features as he dived out of the way, skidding on gravel whilst the thing's flank collided with the wall, making it shake ominously. "If the support beams take a little bit of a beating, Xiau, we might be able to crash the whole thing down again..." he spat, wiping sand off his face.

Xiau, the little girl, looked around blindly for the support beams. The boy might be some kind of earth-bender - thick, metal poles are arched around the structure of the gave, allowing the loose dirt pockets above to fall in, but not letting the main brunt of the rock collapse; if they weren't located under the rock (clearly placed there by earthbenders) then Shun's little fireworks explosion would've surely brought the whole place crumbling down. "Fine, whatever. You deal with the beams, I'll deal with the oinkers...COME ON THEN YOU SNOTTY RUNTS!"

Xiau stomped her feet, waving her arms in the air and making loud noises. The two Boar-q-pines, enraged beyond the point of reason, let loose a gruttal, spluttering roar and charge after her peals of exhilarated laughter. The boy ignored the danger of his little friend - his gaze settled upon Yun and Ming, the unconscious Shun, up to Shen, and then at Jinhai. "You guys better keep better care of her than THAT; she's quite a handful even on her good days." he remarked jokingly, jerking a thumb towards the semi-conscious Ming, who seemed engrossed in trying to pick off her bandages.

"Now...Stay outta Shangtan!" he shouted, sending his bare foot onto the ground. There's an indistinct rumble - Shen would notice two outcroppings of rock denting the arches supporting the roof, no more than a metre behind the group, as the boy turned and fled. Large chunks of rock slam into the dirt with dull thumps, and then there's a crunchy tumbling noise as the rest of it falls in - pebbles, bits of grit and sand, and a cloud of dust spreading out and rumbling towards the group, getting dangerously close to Yun and Ming's side-cave.

The silence afterwards was thick, and heavy, and was then broken with Ming's little chuckles of laughter.
 
Shen was perplexed as the two strangers revealed themselves to be some manner of associates with Ming. Admittedly, Shen cared very little about who they were so long they were not hostile - which they clearly weren't. Better yet, they focused on the boar-q-pines, effectively taking the heat off them. Though the same cannot be said of the crumbling tunnel. That was the initial plan - to seal the path behind them as they went. Yet as much as it came a full circle, from being initially unable to do so to now being able to with the aid of these people, Shen could not help feeling more bemused than pleased. The past few days had been rather fortuitous. "Damn, I better pay the bloody den a visit again the next time," Shen muttered as he turned back to Yun and Ming's little cave further behind.

The rocks falling from the ceiling approached them but came to an abrupt stop at Shen. Holding his arms out, he circled it around, his feet steady on the ground. The crumbling earth swirled with his motion, returning back to the ceiling, this time filling the small pockets of air that made it loose. When Shen was done with it, all that remained of the once open path back from which they came was now a dead end. Shen stomped his feet once more, quickly assessing his surroundings once more with seismic vision. "We should be alright now, though it'll be nice to see the sun for a change," Shen said. He went over to the unconscious Shun, picking him up carrying him like a sack of rice over his shoulders.

"Let's not waste any more time here," Shen muttered as he went to Yun and Ming.
 
No words were going to explain what just happened in what seemed to be a span of seconds, Shun was unconscious after blowing things up which Yun was still surprised he survived. Two strangers who apparently knew Ming had run in to help them stopping the creatures and sealing the way back in the process, something which Yun's heart was still breathing rapidly in his chest over, seeing as that was pretty close to getting buried alive. He wasn't sure what to do about what just transpired, or how he should act, but what he did know was he was still alive, more than likely thanks to Shen's efforts as well.
He was a tad tired of life-threatening situations today so hearing the two inform them not to return to Shangtan Yun mumbled a response.
"Gladly."

He looked over at Ming seeing she was moving a bit, she wasn't standing so he figured he still needed to move her. Though seeing Shen carry Shun over his shoulder he was tempted to ask if he had room for another, but seeing as he had been working the whole time they had walked in he would have felt guilty not pulling at least a little weight. Not that he intended on throwing any punches anytime soon but carrying an injured Ming he could do, unless Jinhai wanted her back which he wouldn't fight against.
"Agreed let's keep moving," Yun said nodding at Shen. "At the very least the sky can't fall on us and I'm all for some fresh air right now."
Yun turned to Ming and flexed his hands a bit, she had chuckled earlier and moved so he was stuck at what he should do right now, he had to move Ming but he didn't want to touch her if she was aware of his presence now, but if she wasn't and he just walked away that would look pretty bad especially to Jinhai.
Dealing with one angry Ming or dealing with Jinhai and possibly Shen...neither option seemed to outweigh the other but were equally awful.
Deciding he was thinking too much about it he reached out, moving his arms under Ming's legs and the other to her back he lifted Ming into his arms holding in a grunt just in case she was awake before standing up fully.
"Ready when you guys are."
 
[fieldbox=Shun Min, orange, solid]

The world was upside down and hobbled uncomfortably. A throbbing pain in his stomach quickly formed the shoulder of Shen as Shun opened his eyes. He was being carried by the short muscular guy. A weird experience. Usually he was never carried by anyone. If he was, it was because he was caught, something that rarely happened. Breaking free from the man's grip, he dusted off his coat and ran his hands through his hair. Some charred points fell out and he felt that the skin on his neck was slightly blistered by the heat of the explosion.

"That went better than expected. Where are those people who chased us? Anyways, follow the guide!" Shun said as he ignored the questions in the eyes of the others. He didn't remember losing consciousness except that an explosion occured, and he was quite surprised by it. He usually didn't lose consciousness either. Perhaps it was the fact that he was in a cave, or perhaps he was just getting older? Who'd know?

"Look, I'm not all too eager to wait untill the next pair of grumpy bowlingballs with spikes comes running down the cave. Let's get moving."


[/fieldbox]
 
[fieldbox="Jinhai Su, peru"]

Jinhai was really regretting his choice to come to these tunnels. Not because he was scared - he didn't really do scared - but rather because everything that happened really made him want to pullh is own hair out. Shun knocked himself out. Fucking dimwit. Their pursuers were actually Ming's friends who could have come up way earlier and told them it was them instead of making things difficult for them. The tunnel was still collapsing and Ming was chuckling. He would have hit those two kids on their heads for their rude behavior (despite the fact that they had probably, possibly saved their asses), but they were gone before he could even properly open his mouth.

Jinhai tried to keep his calm.

It almost worked until Shun started babbling. "You," he pointed his finger at Shun, "Shut up. We are going to do this nice and simple. You will lead the way 'cause for some unknown reason you know the way. But besides that you shut up. We are going to get out now." He shot a look at Yun and his tone changed to something a bit less annoyed. "You okay with carrying her? Tell me if it gets heavy. We don't want her to drop on her head again."

With that Jinhai pushed Shun forwards so that he would be in front of the group. "Get us out." He said. It was not a question.

[/fieldbox]
 
THE SHANGTAN ESCAPE: Freedom
(@Mizos @Superpiggeh @Fieryfly @RoranHawkins)
The cave wove on for hours in the murky, dusty darkness and a thick silence that reverberated across the glistening walls. The only noise came from the crunch of feet upon gravel, and the occasional complaint from those still conscious. Exhaustion starts to seep into even the strongest - a whole night awake is hardly going to make anyone's mood very better, but the added difficulty of the travel could begin to sour the moods and the health of team Shangtan. The only lifting aspect of the escape happened to be the splash of light at the end of the tunnel, which grew larger and larger as the weary (conscious) trio trudged tiredly towards their exit.

The result was worth the walk, however.

The team found themselves on an arching platform of bronze rock, and before them stretched out a beautiful tapestry of rolling golden plains - speckled with dark forests and villages, little streams of grey, whipsy smoke spilling into the deep blue of late morning in the Earth Kingdom. The sound of birdsong rung in the air, which tasted much sweeter after the mingled smog of Shangtan and the dust of the caves. A narrow dirt path sloped gently down towards the nearest village; the Mining Village.

This small settlement hasn't much improved over the upcoming years since its last appearance, around Aang's time. It has expanded but has become utterly engulfed and then spat out by tourism, leaving it destitute and rather solemn; nonetheless, its quaint charm and vague attempts at agriculture in the surrounding farms would make it something like a small haven compared to the sprawling chaos that is Shangtan City.

MING

Ming was still in rather critical condition, but the hardy little runt appeared to flourish a fair bit from the brief respite and rest. Pale, battered and bruised as she was, she found the energy to wake up again and make more sense; most likely because of her upbringing. Being able to get on the move again was necessary for survival, after all. The very first thing the girl noticed was that she was being carried by Yun, which was a surprise because she hadn't pegged Yun down as the clingy type. "Mornin' sunshine..." she murmured, smiling at him as she rested her head on his shoulder. She also whispered "Thank you." in a level of gratitude that one wouldn't have considered the rough brawler to be capable of. They didn't have to do this for me, but they did. was the first thought that was strung up in Ming's head. The realisation hit her harder than her assailants did - they're doing this for me.

Of course, she was once again struck with a realisation even more powerful than before as she escaped from the cave on the back of Yun and saw, for the first time in her life, actual freedom. The golden, snow-capped mountains, the endless stretch of blue sky and the villages - and forests, real forests. Things that she was only once told about in fairy tales and stories from an overweight old lady and a bunch of whores, now staring her straight in the face in all of their indescribable glory.

Ming tried so hard not to cry, but she trembled on Yun's back and looked over at Jinhai - her expression is an open book. She choked out an amazed laugh and turned back to the scenery, eyes drinking in every minute detail, simply lost for words.
 
Shen had trained himself hard. Night and day, endless beads of sweat; though he certainly didn't train himself to do an earth-digging marathon. Still, it was do or die, and he was committed by that point. Never would he have thought to see a day when his seismic vision would reveal no end in sight both front and back. So when he eventually sensed the end in metaphorical sight, he worked with renewed vigour - though it was not hard for the group to keep up regardless. The light that shone through nearly blinded him, but he found no complaints. Fresh air and a change of scenery did wonders to a tired mind overexposed to darkness and earth. Even more encouraging was the mining village in the distance.

.. At least, it was encouraging until the realization hit Shen. If this was the mining town, then they effectively dug themselves further away from Omashu. "Argh, guess I won't be home any time soon," he sighed as he turned to face the group. His stomach growled as the others approached, bringing a scowl onto his face. He would have spoke had he not noticed Ming's reaction to the sight before them. Only then did he remember what this journey had all been for. It was interesting, he realized, that he would have gotten himself into this. Already, he was finding himself considering the notion that this was well worth the effort after all. He only allowed himself a small smile as he looked over to Yun.

"You alright, son?"

Not that he was going to carry Ming anyway, he noted, so he quickly looked over to Jinhai and Shun before the boy could respond. "In any case, that village there you see, we should hurry. Girl may have knocked herself silly already," Shen chortled as he waved the men over. Keeping at the head of the group as he started on the narrow path to the village, he kept his worried face well out of sight. He could feel the weight of his pouch and it would hardly be enough to provide the medical aid that Ming needed and still feed all of them. Given Jinhai's recent predicament, he was unlikely to have enough as well... And Shun looked more likely to lose the money he had, if he even had it. Yun may have some, but even then... Would it be enough?

Shen sighed softly as he trudged on.
 
[fieldbox=Shun Min, orange, solid]

Finally fresh air! Nevermind how useful or handy underground caves and passages always were, he never really liked them. Not that he was claustrophobic or afraid of the dark, it was more some sense of being under tons and tons of rock that inspired, or even intimidated him a little. Nevertheless, they had survived. Mostly. Grabbing a sigarette and his lighter he rewarded himself with a good smoke, and followed the group going towards the Mining Village.

"Sure thing. I mean, if we're gonna travell, we'll need to get travelling stuff." He replied to Shen, ignoring Ming's current state. He might have given her rudimentary first-aid because she was wounded, but that didn't mean he suddenly liked the girl after she had attempted to intimidate him.

Following Shen towards the village, Shun enjoyed the walk through breathable morning air and whistled a joyful tune, untill the exhaustion set in. He suddenly wished he had slept some more the day before.
[/fieldbox]
 
Yun didn't know how he felt about their particular guide especially since he succeeded in almost blowing himself up, but since he didn't have much choice he followed after him. He was glad Jinhai spoke up pushed the man along, the sooner they were out of this place the better, he was tired of being surrounded by rocks and dirt. He missed grass in a way he never thought possible, and he made a mental note to avoid entering another cave, for the rest of his life if he could help it. When Jinhai spoke to him about carrying Ming he was tempted to hand her over to him but he just nodded at him as a response, he was already sucking it up the exit couldn't be that far away.

Yun was horribly wrong as hours passed and it seemed there'd be no end to the tunnel. He had moved Ming to his back at this point finding his arms getting tired and he started to wonder if following Shun was a bad idea, reviewing over everything they encountered along the way he started to sincerely doubt this man.
If he had to sleep in this cave, putting aside he didn't have any food on him in case they were stuck in here for days he was going to make sure Shun suffered right along side him. However he noticed Shen starting to work a little faster, he arched a brow at this until a blinding light hit him causing him to close one of his eyes and turn his head.
"Light! An exit!" Yun exclaimed filled with renewed vigor.

Once he stepped foot outside and felt a familiar crunch under his foot he took in a long deep breath before his gaze moved to the bright blue sky, a toothy grin forming on his face seeing the sky again. He never though he could miss fresh air so much, and even though he noticed the village in the distance he was focused on just taking deep breaths breathing in nature again. If not for Ming on his back he probably would have fallen to the ground and kissed the soil.
Speaking of Ming he felt her stir and noticed she was awake again, he arched a brow and started to see if she could walk on her own finally, but when she thanked him he just closed his mouth and turned his attention forward again.
"Well Shen saved you and Jinhai carried you most of the way, I'm just picking up the slack...you're welcome though," he said as his eyes moved to the village below. "You're pretty lucky Ming, I wish I got this kind of view when I set out into the world."

He glanced over at Shen as he questioned how he was but before he could answer his attention went to Jinhai and Shun. Yun's eyes twitched at him but he just sighed and started to turn his attention back to the village, at least until he noticed Shun start smoking.
"How can you smoke when we were just-" Yun started to question but stopped and just shook his head following after Shen. "You know never mind, I feel like your logic might hurt my head. If it's travelling stuff give me some time alone and I'll get some money, legally of course.
 
[fieldbox="Jinhai Su, peru"]

The wind was the first thing Jinhai actively noticed after the blast of sunlight he was bombarded with that made him close his eyes. The wind that blew the heat of the walk off him and brought some sweet releave for the sweat on his skin. In tugged on his hair and for a second stole his breath.

Then he could open his eyes and had to marvel at the sight. Now that was something, he thought to himself. The view was magnificent and Jinhai wondered how long it had been since he had set foot outside the city. Far, far too long, he realized. Huan had never seen the outside. He should take him and-

He cut his own thoughts off. Huan was out of his reach now. Huan and the bar. Both gone. His eyes fell on Ming who had managed to wake up again from her not so healthy slumber. If the sight was marvelous to him it must be at least ten times stronger for her. She, who had only ever seen one side of the mountain that loomed over Shangtan, must be amazed. Her smile was blazing and Jinhai just had to smile back. If anything, through all the hardship and all the loss, she had gained something here. That almost made it worth it.

They started on the path that lead to a mining village. Jinhai kept his eyes on Yun and Ming as they walked down. While she looked happy, she was not healthy, not by far. The village probably had a doctor, but how were they going to pay for it? His money had burned up besides the change he still had in his pocket.

"I suggest that we find a doctor as soon as we reach the town. Yun and I can look for a way to get money so that we can pay for both a doctor and some food. Shen, I am assuming you need sleep and Shun you look fucking pathetic to be honest. Please don't fall over, I'm not carrying you. Objections?" he asked the group.

[/fieldbox]
 
[fieldbox=Shun Min, orange, solid]

Giving Jinhai the evil eye for calling him pathetic, he had to give the man some justice. He did not look really impressive, not that he ever had to begin with. His hair was singed and his face was covered with powder damps. He had had the luck that his eyebrows weren't torched, not his beardc, because that would have been a ridiculous sight. His thick coat luckily was just fine and could take an explosion like that easily. So long you didn't throw it in puddles of alcohol and set the insides, and his gunpowder pouches on fire it was pretty fire-retardant and perhaps even resistant. That aside he felt great! The exhaustion aside of course. He had been mostly awake for the past two days.

"Well excuse me for having a job." He murmured angrily in response, knowing Jinhai wouldn't take that kindly because of his house, but the guy knew him well enough to see what he meant with it. At least he HAD money, unlike the others! His original plan was to silently sneak off inside the town, getting rid of these annoying extras and Jinhai, and to get himself somewhere far away from here with the money he had. However, the longer he thought about it the worse he felt about it. The girl definitely needed medical attention and he sure as hell could not care less about it, and those two other dweebs could take care of their own sorry asses, but he had, however much indirectly, ruined Jinhai's income and life. It would be cruel to leave the guy hanging with that monster of a girl he wanted to fix and those two dweebs. But what would he gain from travelling with those ... idiots?

He decided he'd tag along untill they were in the town. He could always still slip away. Nobody was going to guard him or anything, so escaping was always a possibility. He'd see how things'd go, and then he'd leave them, or stick with Jinhai. That being decided, he nodded that he did mostly agree with the rest of what Jinhai just said. Take a nice nap and let the others do the work for once.
[/fieldbox]
 
Shen was mostly absent-minded as the others spoke. He picked up what he perceived to be important, but he did not respond. Instead, he focused on the village ahead. The low-rise buildings, each one sporting their characteristic green roofs with yellow walls made Shen sigh. It was a tired architecture that he had grown used to seeing, having been born and raised in the Earth Kingdom. He glanced over his shoulders at the rest of the group before looking back ahead of him. The group needed first, medical attention... And fortunately for them, it seems the local physician was directly on the other end of the street they stepped onto - at least, going by the white-robed individuals walking about hurriedly with what appeared to be herbs and pots. "Looks like the place to go, you two," he said, waving the group over.

He took a few steps towards the building before pausing. A familiar face emerged from the building, startling the man. However, a wide grin promptly forms in place of surprise. "I'll be damned, you old fogey!"

The man looked in their general direction, and burst into raucous laughter. "You two-faced son of a whore," he exclaims loudly as he strode towards them. He had about him an aura of a worldly wise old sage. Perhaps it was due to his advanced age, or perhaps his long mustache and beard. Nonetheless, rather than hunch like most his age, he walked with remarkable posture, pulling Shen into a hug. "Now what are you doing here," he asks as he pulls away, his eyes wandering to the group behind Shen. Having only a shrug for a response was enough for him as he turned back and began walking towards the building. Shen beckoned the group over, explaining," You guys are in luck."

"The man's Ren. He can take care of the girl."

Ren laughs," Oh, I can do more than take care of her."

"Don't worry about it," Shen interjects. "His wife will keep a close watch."

"You son of a whore."

The two share a laugh once more as they lead the group into the building. On entering, the group is immediately assaulted by the smell of various herbs. It was a pungent smell, one that forced an instinctual wrinkle of the nose. The room was filled with people from all walks of life, young and old, male or female. Accordingly, it was cacophonous; children crying, old men coughing and housewives engaging in excited conversation. Ren leads the group past the crowd, bringing them into a room away from the masses outside. Within, an equally aged lady throws a glance in their direction. She looks away before turning back in surprise," Shen! How long has it been!" Shen smiles and walks to the lady and offers a hug.

"Well, you young 'uns, meet my wifey here, Xiao Hua."

"Please, that'll just be 'Hua' to you kids," Hua says as she turns back to the herb she was sorting. The room was clearly their resting quarters, yet there was a massive shelves that contained quite possibly the all the herbs they used. "But of course, I see you have injured, come, place her on the bed. Ren."

Shen chuckles as Ren rolls his eyes. A quick glare from his wife turns him meek as he walks sheepishly to the side of the bed.
 
Arrival to Viola
A collab between Sketcher and Alice

[spoili]Staring in the distance, Mei saw the city. Slowly becoming bigger than a spot on the horizon, she was able to see more and more details. A smile crept on her lips as she was growing excited. Leaning on the rails, she squinted her eyes, trying too something 'special'. What? She had no clue, but she was on the lookout to see something that was 'typically' something of Viola. That was after all why she had set the name on her list. Viola, it sounded like a soft whisper that promised exotic and a variety of new things to see. Perhaps food that wasn't made anywhere else except there. People that dressed differently than any place in the world, to show how different the city and nation were.

"Getting some fresh air?" asked a voice from behind. Luca walked up next to her, mimicking her by leaning on the railings. "Ah... It's been really long since I've been there. I'm pretty excited!" The boy's blue eyes shone as he watched the great city grow gradually with the moving ship. "Do you have anything you want to do when we arrive?"

"Huh?" Mei looked over her shoulder as she heard a voice. But soon the smile came back as she turned her head to stare again at the city in the distance. "I don't know. It is just like the city of the Northern Water Tribe. It already looks so different than the place where I grew up." Mei thought for a moment on what kind of plans she could make. Places to visit or people to meet. "I sadly don't know much about it, but I do want to see if there is something special about it. You know," Making a gesture with her hand, she wasn't sure how to put it into words. "As snow is... for the Water Tribes?"

Luca thought for a couple of moments, looking up. "Hm... Well, I guess what's special to Viola would be art, technology and food," he said. "Though some cities would be more... specialized in certain ones. Woduhe has a lot of places you can get some high-tech gizmos. Stuff like pocket radios... I heard they're even trying to make a phone that you can carry around."

Frowning, Mei then let out a brief laughter. "Don't be so silly." She told him, not believing that there was a possibility to make such things. Pocket radio's? Her own family wasn't even wealthy enough to own one radio. Their neigbour had one, but she couldn't imagine something as a box that made sound into her pocket. And he just told her that there were men and women trying to make something as a pocket radio? The world was apparently full of crazy people. "What are your plans actually?"

"I don't have many plans. Perhaps just walking through one or two cities in Viola and then heading south. I want to go to the Southern Tribe to see some of my relatives there again," he said, smiling at the thought. "I guess, here, I could call my sister and apologize about the payment I made her make..."

Mei bit her lower lip. She still didn't like the thought that she had been able to get to Viola, because he had paid for her. It would've been different of course if she had managed to get more on her own towards the place. Just like her 'barrel ride' towards Shangtan. "Perhaps I can try to accompany you a bit longer. I kind of owe your sister some money. Seeing how thanks to her I'm able to visit Viola, right?"

Luca looked at her, surprised. "Sure! It gets really lonely when I'm travelling... I'd appreciate it if we could go together for some time more," he said, grinning widely. Just as he finished talking, the ship started to near the port. "Well... Looks like we're here. Let's get off quickly."

A bit surprised, Mei was glad that he didn't mind it. She wasn't sure yet how she would be able to repay Luca's sister, but she had now at least a chance to ask the question in case she wasn't too sure what she could do. Not that she assumed that she could pay back such a prize as Luca had paid for her to get to Viola, but perhaps a favor for a favor would be accepted. "After you." She told him, smiling as she was getting more excited with each passing moment. Within a few minutes, she would set step on ground. Ground on which Viola was build.

Luca nodded, rushing over to the stairs to get down to the lower level. As his foot slammed to the last step, he looked back, turning over to the way off the ship that had just now stopped, making the terrain shake a bit. Flashing a smile, he walked over to the edge and made a jump from next to the crowded two steps onto the pier and turned. "So... Food first?"

Following Luca, Mei didn't rush as he did. Keeping an eye on him, she now and then glanced at the port. It was much different than Fountain city. Managing to catch up with Luca, she managed to hear him. "Sounds good with me." Brushing a few strands of hair out of her face, Mei kept looking around. Trying to take everything she could see in.

Luca had a playful grin as he marched away from the port's building and onto the streets with some cars zooming past. The white and grey buildings that reached up, twisting, looked much more grand than they did from the ship. He turned to Mei, biting his index finger as if thinking. "Ah... Shall we walk around till we find a nice place? I don't know where we could get a bite here..."



"Did you see that?" Mei asked. She was in a great mood as it was clear in her tone and facial expression. Placing her hands in front of herself, Mei let out a soft laugh. She had a real good time in Viola as it was so much things she hadn't seen yet on her travels. Knowing that she was acting a bit childish, she slowly intertwined her fingers together and moved her hands over her head, to the back of her head. "I wonder if they have more of such nice buildings around. You know," She gained a cheeky smirk. "Perhaps we should try to see how they look on the inside or better! Get on top of them and enjoy the sight. Wouldn't that be cool if we could just do that?"

"Hmm..." Luca thought for a few moments as he looked up at the buildings. "There's obviously no way up to the top from here, but... I have an idea." A smirk curled up his lips as he ran towards an alley without another word, only expecting for her to follow. Last he'd read, Viola was making big announcements about its ameliorating slums. Perhaps they could find a construction site there...

Following Luca with a growing smile, Mei quickly looked over her shoulder to be sure that her umbrella wouldn't fall off the small holster. It was a really golden purchase she had made when they had entered the city. So far, everything in the city had been quite nice she thought silently. However she then started to notice that they were leaving the blocks with nice houses and buildings. "Luca, I don't think..." Mei started, growing a bit unsure about the direction they were going towards.

Luca took a glance back, giving her a reassuring smile. "Don't be such a worrywart! There are some large constructions going on here. If we could sneak on one of them, we could get a nice, high view of the city," he said before locking his eyes on one with all of the floors set. "Look how high up that thing goes. We could get to the top and see all there is to see!"

Feeling both a tad offended as challenged, Mei didn't utter another word of the worries that she had. Speeding up, she would stay however a bit closer to Luca. Glancing to the building he likely talked about, Mei couldn't help but finding the suggestion tempting. "Fine. But then let's get back to the more... civilized area?" She suggested, throwing a look over her shoulder. These kind of neighbourhoods weren't her favorite kind.

"Sure," he said with a cheerful tone before he found his upper body not moving forward as something impacted his face, making him fall on his back as if he'd slipped. While the boy groaned, holding his nose, his assailant walked out from behind the corner with a bat in hand, smirking. Three more men appeared from behind some run down buildings behind them. Luca tried to stand up, stumbling backwards and balancing himself, standing next to Mei. "Lookie what we have 'ere boys," said the attacker with a mischievous tone. "A bunch o' brats! Well, ye know the drill. All yer belongings. And don' forget that beaaauuuutiful parasol of yours darlin'."

Looking surprised, Mei then seem to grow worried as she took a step back. Glancing over her shoulder, she could count three more grunts. "Luca, are you okay?" Mei asked worried, her right hand slowly moving to her side. Spreading her footwork a bit out, she keep looking worried to Luca instead of focusing her attention towards the grunts.

Noticing the footing, the three other men's grins widening as two of them pulled out pocked knives, and the other one simply cracked his quite used, scratched up knuckles. "I'm fine," the boy grumbled. "We... We can take these guys, right?" At that time, his eyes had gone to look for a sewage entrance before looking down on the pad he was standing on. "Brave l'il brats, eh? I respect that," the leader said, laughing. "Beat the life out o' 'em." The brute with the fists walked towards Mei, his malicious grin widening. The other two snickered as they waited for the man to attack. "L... Let's move back a bit," Luca suggested, nervous, yet somewhat excited. The man swung his fist right at Mei as Luca finished his sentence, his stance that of a novice boxer.

Narrowing her eyes, Mei quickly stepped aside as she raised her hands. One hand grabbed hold of the wrist that the man's arm that he swung towards her. The other wrapped around his arm as she would use his momentum to lean backwards. As she leaned backwards, Mei moved her leg foot against the man's stomach. Within a few seconds the man landed hard on his back and Mei quickly got on top of him with a backwards roll. More out of reflex, the man raised his hands in order to defend himself in case she wanted to punch his face, but Mei's left hand sweeped towards his neck. In a few moments the man had gone from attacking to gulping and becoming silent, a dagger planted in the man's neck. Getting up, Mei looked worried back to Luca, another dagger in her right hand. "Move back? Got it."

The other three men glared at the girl. The two with knives charged at her, handling them with impressive skill for average street thugs. Luca turned his attention to his own attacker. "Um... Maybe we can make peace?" he suggested with a fake childishly innocent voice, his hands held up defensively in front of him, before the man moved forward to attack him. Gotcha. He flicked his wrists up and water seeped out from the manhole's lid under the foot that first touched the metal, quickly envolopping the man's foot in water and ice. He tried to take the foot out, but comically failed. "Wanna switch?"

"S...Sure." Mei replied. With the knife she was wielding, she evaded the stabs and strikes. Deflecting now and then a strike, but was more forced to move around as the two man tried to attack her from different positions. Ducking for a slash, Mei rammed the knife she had in her right hand in the foot of the man in front of her as she also heard a cry of pain. Rolling to the right, she would then raise herself while kicking the man that had stood behind her with a kick in the stomach. The attacker in front of her had been maimed at his arm during her evasive manouvre, but neither was yet taken out.

Luca turned around as Mei took his place against the guy stuck. Luckily for him, since she was fighting the other two a meter or two away, he had the chance to attack preemptively. He moved both arms in an arc from his side to his opposit shoulder, water following a larger trail from his bag and to the two villains in a thin line. One of them managed to duck, but the other wasn't so lucky. He tried to withstand the blow with his arms, which led to a cut appearing in his wrist, making him drop the knife and grab the wound.

When she swapped places with Luca, Mei was a bit surprised that he was a bender. But focusing on the fight again, she pulled out another knife. With the man, that had his foot trapped, not having his focus on Mei, she simply aimed for a second. Throwing the knife, she already looked for who would dare to approach them now, pulling out two knives - one for each hand.

Before the second man could move forward after the duck, Luca flicked his wrists, having the water return from behind the man's feet, taking him off guard and tripping him. The water made its way up to his bag's water pouch. Now out matched against the two, the two bandits left their knives behind and fled. "...Ow... My nose still hurts," the boy muttered after a few seconds of silent celebration.

Storing her knives back in their respective holsters, Mei glanced first at Luca. It seemed that he hadn't been hit or worse. "Seems somebody is a capable dancer." Mei joked as she went to gather her knives, unfazed by the result the knives had achieved. Cleaning them at the cloth of a dead bandit, she stored the weapons back. "Though I suggest we get out of here. Before we get in trouble."

Luca looked at the dead bodies pitifully. "Poor guys... I know they weren't really good people, but..." Sighing, he started to jog towards their original destination. "We got this far; we might as well climb that thing. I mean, we kinda did earn it," he said, glancing back. "The whooole city will be for our eyes to feast on!"

Glancing at the dead, Mei shrugged. She felt little remorse. They could've ended up like that and it was only done in the act of self defence. When Luca however stated that they could climb, Mei wavered again. But she didn't want to chicken out as the prospect of a nice view over the city was what she really would like. "I guess we did earn it with sweat and blood..." Looking to the dead body near her, Mei felt that it was just a few moments too soon for such a 'joke'.

Luca gave her a rather bemused look. He didn't really feel to comfortable with cadavre jokes... Before long they would reach a half empty construction site. "Hm... They use a sort of lift to get to the top. Maybe we could sneak on it," he said with a mischievous grin as he sighted the contraption that was moving down. With his body lowered, he started to sneak towards it.

Following Luca, Mei heard what he said. "Yes, cause we haven't broken enough laws and rules already?" Mei asked, sounding sarcastic, but she was in a good mood. Though she hadn't mind fending off the bandits, she hoped that they could use the lift without needing to use any sort of violence. It was exciting as she could feel the rush of adrenaline still being present in her body, causing her cheeks to fluster a bit reddish.

"Eh... I'd rather have done that without any killing," he said, grumbling. "But, it was self defense. Plus, that first guy hit me pretty hard." Luca looked over at the two workers standing in front of the lift's void. "See that pile of rubble right next to it? We'll climb it and jump on top. That way, they won't know we're there and when they get off, we'll be able to simply slide down into the lift and go up up and up!"

"I do." Mei replied, hearing what he had to say further. Though she coudn't argue, other than that he was suggesting to jump on top of a lift. Without being sure if it would support two people - Mei wasn't really sure if it would be a good idea. "Are you sure that it can hold two people?" She asked, sounding a bit worried.

"Eh? Of course! Those things are used to carry tools and materials higher up! Don't be a worrywart!" Without if she was ready, the boy snatched her wrist and ran towards the top of the lift. Before she could argue back, Mei yelped softly as Luca dragged her along. "I'm just more careful." She mumbled, more to herself than towards Luca. For a moment Mei wondered if it was going to be like this for some time. Luca was actually dragging her from place to place. The thought made her smile a bit, almost forgetting what they were going to do.

There was a loud thump as the two landed on the lift, just before it had started to move. The two workers tried to catch sight of what had happened but decided to ignore it. Panting, Luca whispered to her. "Hehe... We're almost there. I can't believe that actually worked!" Glaring at him for a moment, Mei replied back with a whisper. "Next time give me a warning. I can jump, no need to drag and throw me on a lift." She briefly glanced around. This was her first time on a lift and it made her feel somewhat nervous. "Are you sure that this is safe, Luca? What if the thing will break and fall down? Or explode?" Mei whispered.

"This isn't my first time on one, you know," he said, sounding a bit disappointed at her distrust just as the lift came to a sudden stop. Fearing for the worst for a moment, Luca looked down to see the two workers leave. His grin widening, the boy grabbed onto the ledge and let himself swing down under quietly.

Following Luca, Mei tried to glance behind her. She was worried that they would be caught and had to then explain what they were doing. Then she realized what he had said. For a moment she felt the need to ask him where he had been on a lift before. But it wasn't the time to ask him about his earlier experience with lifts. Trying to watch out where she stood, she hoped that nothing bad would happen.

He smacked the red button that was above a stop button, and the lift started moving up once more. "We're almost there!" Luca gazed at the enlarging scenery that had started passing over the slums they were at. "It's so beautiful even from here. Ah... I hope the sun starts setting soon. A good view of that scene.... Ohhhh! I'm so excited!"

Growing silent, Mei felt overwhelmed. If it was due to the fact that she wasn't too sure how safe it was to get near the railing, but she was speecheless. The height was a bit daunting, but the view was one she imagined birds would experience every day. "This is amazing." With Luca even mentioning the sun setting, Mei glanced at him. "How long do you think that will take?"

He looked over at her, flashing a smile. "Should be about... I dunno, 15 minutes? You know what would've been awesome? If we'd gone further west. Then we'd have been able to see the sun dip into the water!" Luca thought back to when he'd last sat and watched for half an hour as the sun slowly lowered. "A few more floors left."

"How will we get down if the lift will go down and.." Thinking about it, Mei wasn't fond of the idea of being stuck on the roof of the high building for the whole evening or night. And the fairy tail image of going down with her umbrella, slowly descending, wouldn't work either. Gravity had taught her in the past already that such fantasy didn't work out.

"We can call it up," he said, smiling, hoping she'd ease up a bit. "At worst, we'd just walk down. There should be stairs. Or we'd spend the night up there and wait until the workers come." The lift stopped at the very top. Luca made his way out of it gladly. "Let's goooo!"

Still afraid for what would happen if things wouldn't go as smooth as he explained it to her, Mei followed Luca. "Have you ever done this before?" She asked him. "Going with a lift and being on top of high buildings?" Briefly Mei felt like a silly peasant girl who had never been to a city. Only to remember that was actually the case.

He stood at the edge of the floor, a wide grin on his lips. "Well... I guess I did but never on a construction site," he said, chuckling. "This is something quite different. Everything is so open... You can see the entire city." He let himself fall on his bottom, swinging his legs on the ledge.

More cautious than before, Mei remained a few steps away from the edge. She wasn't that afraid of heights, but this was entirely new to her. "Is it really that safe at such a distance?" She asked, refering to where he sat. "What if you will fall?" Trying to not sound scared, Mei wavered about getting closer to the edge. Facing brutes was one thing. The prospect of falling from such a height... a totally different one.

"Ah... I never really thought of that too much," Luca said, laughing. "I guess I'd die? I don't really see how someone could fall off while sitting, y'know! Unless someone pushed me, I think I'd be safe!" He patted the spot next to him, lifting the dust. "Though if you stood, you might get a bit dizzy and, you know... fall."

Biting her lower lip, Mei slowly lowered herself. She found it a bit scary. Moving slowly, like almost if she was a snail, towards the edge. Narrowing her eyes, she held her breath. Grabbing Luca's hand, she trembled a bit as she found it terrifying to be near the edge like this. Finally, she sat like him. Holding her breath in for a couple more seconds, she then saw the view. "Given... If I fall to my death, it was sure a nice view at least."

The boy laughed as his face turned into a light tint of red. "The view is nice, isn't it?" He turned ahead at the city once more. "Ah... This kinda reminds me of home." He stopped for a few seconds, not moving or speaking before taking a deep breath. "I've been meaning to ask you... You said you come from the Fire Nation but you never really said why you left..."

Staring into the horizon, Mei was silent for a few moments. "Reasons." She calmly said. "Good ones." Looking to the right and then to the left, she sighed. "Why does this reminds you of home?" She then asked, looking at Luca with a curious expression on her face as she did so.

"Ah... Well, when I was living in Ba Sing Se, I got to see the city quite a bit from a... higher spot," he said, hesitating. "Um. In any case... I don't really wanna push this too much, but y'know, if you wanna talk about the reasons, I'm all ears. It can always help to just kinda... vent, I suppose."

"I'll remember that when there is a reason to vent." Flashing a smile, she looked back. Staring at the view, Mei found herself slightly more relaxing thann she had been before she had set on the edge. "Wasn't the sun going to settle soon?" She asked, looking for it. A smile crept on her lips as she pointed at it with her free hand. "I've never seen the sun settling down from a height like this. Have you?"

"Well, alright," Luca said as reassuringly as he could. "Hm. Nah, not really. I've never really paid any attention to stuff like this before." He thought for a few moments. "Then again, we did originally just come up here to get a good view. I guess it's a nice coincidence, isn't it?" He gave her a pleasant smile, his cheeks still a light tint of red.

"It is." Leaning a bit back, Mei stared at the sun that was slowly settling down. "I must admit that I've not paid much attention to the sun settling on my travels. I have always been more interested in people, culture and how things are." Finding it a bit hard to proper explain it, she hoped he would understand what she meant. "Know what would be great?" She said as her smile started to grow. "Being able to fly. Imagine how wonderful it would be to see the sun settling down while you're at the clouds."

"Well, if we ever get the chance, perhaps at Ba Sing Se, we could go on an airship, up high," he said, thinking. "I don't think they go higher than clouds, however. At least nothing on sale. Interesting idea, though... I heard some Air Nomads that have mastered the ability of flight live on something like a floating city! It's just an old legend, but think about it. They'd be able to see the greatest views all the time, watching everything!"

An airship? Mei thought about it. The legend he just mentioned made its way to Mei's fantasy. She could picture a floating city. Perhaps somewhat ancient and hidden away above the clouds. It thrilled her as she was trying to imagine herself able to visit such a place. "Do you think that something like that is possible?" Sounding rather enthusiastic, Mei hoped he could say yes. The possibility of such a place would make it to the top of her list.

"Ehhh.... Possible? Yeah, of course. Probable? Not too much," Luca said reluctantly. "It is rather interesting though. There are a few mentions of it in old history books and chronicles. Hey, maybe we could find an Air Temple and get some more information there? You know, all legends are based on reality!"

Mei's eyes widened as a glint appeared in the eyes of the girl. "Really? Really really?" She started to get excited. Looking back at the sun with a wide smile, Mei noticed that she was still holding on to his wrist. "Let's make a promise then." Raising her hand, that held his wrist, she released him. Hooking her pink with his, she spoke with a serious tone. "Let's promise that we'll find this floating city."

Luca looked at her, a bit surprised. A wide grin crept up his lips as he nodded, looking her straight in the eyes. "It's a promise! I'll definitely not be the one to break it, so you'd better do the same! I don't take promises lightly," he said with a cheerful yet quite sincere tone. "As do I. Good, that's settled then." Lowering her hand, she smiled at the sun that was going under. Already Mei was thinking on how they could locate or even reach a floating city in the skies. It sounded impossible, but it made it more attractive as a goal.
[/spoili]
 
[fieldbox="Aiko Hasewaga, chocolate"]

Walking down the street, Aiko was thinking about what had happened. The kidnapping of Hayate was prevented, but now it was clear that the boy wasn't safe. Pushing her hands into the pockets of her pants, Aiko let out a sigh. She had hoped for a more relaxing reunion. Perhaps with some ginger ale and some snacks, just taking it easy. It seemed however that something like that wasn't going to be the case.

With Hayate and Kaen going to find a place to sleep somewhere without fearing for any new thugs appearing to try to take Hayate away, Aiko was walking down to the market in hopes to find something useful. She had at least told that to the two, saying she was hoping to find something nice to eat and enjoying the fresh air.

Though it was tempting to chase down the thug that had gotten away. His life wasn't perhaps bounded to a contract, making Aiko thus hesitate about chasing him down and putting an end to him, she found it tempting. It could perhaps give them some time to sit down and plan a next course of action. Seeing a stand that sold fruit, Aiko decided to buy an apple.

A few moments later, she was chewing on a bite while thinking about what she deemed wise to do. It was in their best interest to get moving. But where? It was clear that there was some bounty on Hayate's head, so that meant they would need to know who wanted to have the boy hurt or else get dragged away to a place. Once they knew that, they could opt out where they should stay away from. Taking another bite of the apple, Aiko considered already something south as option. Perhaps the Southern Water Tribe? The thugs would probably think that they would go something more warmer. At least she hoped that they would think that. Chewing on the bite, Aiko half closed her eyes. But even so, she would need to figure a way to make Hayate talk or else they would be just running around as some chickens with their heads chopped off.

[/fieldbox]
 
[fieldbox='Hayate Kyozu, Navy']

After he and Kaen had found temporary lodgings, Hayate had decided to go out on his own for a bit of a walk, despite the warnings of his friends. He needed to be alone.

When his father's men had attacked them, Hayate had hoped that he would be able to just get away. His location had been compromised and he could no longer go back to the workshop... To the home he had built for himself. Sighing, Hayate kicked a small pebble in the street. Ronin curled up around his shoulders, making small sounds every now and then when Hayate would shift too much. Reaching up, he scratched the animal behind its ears, earning a very grateful purr in response.

"What are we gonna do Ronin?" Hayate asked the red howler, "We can't hide this from them forever..." Squeaking a response, Ronin nuzzled Hayate's ear, causing the boy to laugh and push the animal's face away. "Not now you little rascal. I'm trying to think." Kaen and Aiko had proven that they were willing to help, but Hayate knew how... persuasive his father could be. He didn't want to take that chance, nor did he want his friends to get caught in the crossfire due to him.

Perhaps he should just leave... run away and leave his friends. That way they would be safe, and there wouldn't be that fear anymore... Letting out another loud sigh, Hayate continued walking.

Kaen had tried to get the truth out of him, and Hayate understood why. His friend merely wanted to help, but Hayate couldn't help but be suspicious. He had been on the run for too long not to be. Biting his lower lip, he pondered his options.

Maybe he could get a disguise! Something that would fool anyone looking for him... He could die his hair, or... or maybe grow a beard! Rubbing his chin, Hayate shook that last thought out of his mind. A beard felt like it would be uncomfortable and messy. He could try wearing glasses... but glasses alone seemed like a horrible disguise. Anyone could see through that.

The hour was growing late, and Hayate decided he should probably head back. He hadn't reached a decision as to what he should do, but Hayate knew his thoughts would be clearer after a night of rest. One thing was certain, he couldn't tell his friends... it would only put them at risk. If they demanded to know then.... well then he would just have to leave. He could find his own way. Done it before, and he could do it again.

Beginning the long walk back, Hayate began humming a quiet tune. He wouldn't be alone this time after all. He had Ronin with him now. As if on queue, the red howler snuggled closer to his neck and purred again. "Thanks lil' buddy." Hayate whispered.

[/fieldbox]
 
Fang Lei
Plan and encounters?

The accommodation of the inn was decent. Not the best room that Fang had ever rented, but it had a bed that was nice and comfy and it was clean. Thus way better than to sleep in an alley. Droping his small bag with belongings on the bed, a sigh escaped the man's lips. Rubbing his neck, he glanced out of the window as he wondered what his next step would be. With the trouble that had transpired in Omashu, Fang knew that he had to watch his steps if he didn't want to traced down.

For a moment he considered taking up contact with his order. But after some more thoughts, he decided it would be best to wait with that. Better for his own hide, he would arrange some 'protection' and cover before he would get either hunted down or being pulled down in any kind of negative scenario.

Exiting the building, Fang threw a quick look to his left and right. Luckily the news didn't yet seem to have reached Viola of what had happened in Omashu. Meaning he had to be less cautious than he had been on the way towards Viola. Pocketing his hands, Fang decided to head down to the market. If he wanted to have some cover, perhaps he could try to find some fitting clothing. Chuckling, he had already the idea of the stereotypical image of a dashing rogue. Sadly enough, he wasn't considering himself to be a fitting type or person to fit the image. Though it could help if he would be able to find some different clothing or way to cover his features. Else it would be a drag if any possible bounty-hunters or pursuers would be having an easy time to trace him down.

Approaching the market, Fang calmly looked around. He had missed the city actually as it had been a long time ago that he had been walking around the market like he was currently doing. Taking a turn around a stand, Fang squinted his eyes as he thought he saw a familiar figure. "Is that ..."
 
Ling S. Manshu
Underground Fighting Championship (UFC) Match
"Ladies and gentlemen are you all ready for the main event of tonight's fighting championship!" An announcer yelled getting a massive amount of cheers from everyone in the stadium. "Well then without further delay let me introduce you to your challenger," he said sucking in breath as he prepared to announce this person. "Tonight your challenger shall be the rising fighting star that has quickly become a fan favorite you love to see him and the fighters love to hate him! Ladies and gentle men give it up for The Hot-blooded Maniac, Ling S. Manshu!" After he announced him Ling walked out into the ring smiling as the audience cheered for him on his way in. Then once he was ready the announcer started introducing the next person. "And allow me the honor of introducing the current champion of the underground circuit the baddest man to ever step foot into the ring below you with a the current time of holding the belt for 456 days! Now I want you all to stand up and welcome out the the UFC champion, "The Beast Unleashed" Rin Lee!" As the man walked out it seemed like the crowd got even louder as this giant of a man that stood about 7'2 and was stacked like a brick house just stroad down the walkway showing little emotion. "Now that our two competitors have entered the ring...let the fight begin!"

Ling got into a ready stance showing no signs of fear seeing this beast across from him, but was actually even excited to face someone this tough looking. "Whenever your ready big fella just come and get it." That line seemed to upest Rin as he just started charging him like a mad bull which Ling easily avoid by sliding between his legs and shot a ball of fire at his back that burned a large hole in his shirt. "Well well looks like this shall be a simple fight the fool can't control his anger, but if I get to close i'm afraid I might not be walking at all if he can get his hands on me." Just as he said that Rin had finally managed to get the fire on his back put out and turned around looking at him with a look that could kill before charging at him once more. This time instead of trying to be fancy Ling turned around and began to run seeing that tiring this guy out would make this whole fight a lot easier when he was ready to strike. He spotted Hotaru sitting in the front row as he ran by and waved at her speaking each time he made a trip around the ring, "Hey Hotaru...having fun...cause I know...I am...we should...team up...next time..it'll be...great."
 
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