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Post by ukaleq on Apr 8, 2008 9:47:12 GMT -5
Qillaq was rather taken aback by the rough man's attitude regarding the situation. He pressed his lips together tightly, a hand coming up to stroke his chin and the beard which was greying in patches throughout. His dark skinned face was relatively smooth, but lined with wrinkles that marred his forehead and looked like deep gashes under his cheeks. His dark blue eyes glanced down to his daughter, whose own expression was one of confusion. He closed his eyes and sighed heavily, waving a hand briefly in front of his downward-facing face to clela the air, metaphorically. He kept his tongue about the Earth Kingdom undergoing constant assault. In the opinion of the Northern Water Tribe.. it was their own fault for not being able to fend off the assaults.
"If you wish, we will locate your armor and other belongings although you are free to go retrieve them if you wish. Simply tell us who has them. As for the furs..." Ukaleq had stepped towards the healer who had arrived, taking her soft muffler of white fur from her so that the woman might better work. The Healer was an elder woman, perhaps in her 50s or 60s. She was short in statue and hunched over, her greying hair bound up in thick braids that were rolled into buns on the side of her head. Her face was gaunt, and her skin the color of fallow. Her gloved hands worked quickly at located the points of damage chi in the man's limbs and torso, her hands glowing a brilliant, royal blue as the water formed puddles around her hand, seeping slowly into the damaged skin.
Arriving with the healer was the return of the watchman guardsman, a wolf head skin sitting on his head over his hair, the nose falling between his eyes. He carried with him a giant fur-parka. Resembling a poncho, it was pulled over the head and a wrap tied it around the waist so that the sides were not completely open but still allowed for movement of the arms. The young nobleman watched as her Father stepped aside, issuing a small gesture of his hand that toward the guard to take the furs to the man and assist him if he needed any help. She lowered her eyebrows into a more static expression, relaxing her tense shoulders as she turned back to watch the Healer's work. Unable to bend herself, she would never be a respected healer like her Mother and this woman, but she was happy with her place in life and her intended destiny.
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Post by pika on Apr 15, 2008 21:27:47 GMT -5
Pika Harta was doing his damnedest to avoid as much work as possible. Given the fact that he was being tasked to help repair a portion of the inside of the water tribe's prison...he was failing miserable. There simply weren't enough places to hide within the complex. Thus, he found himself making repairs to the evidence room. There wasn't all that much stored there at the moment. What was there, however...well, it was certainly interesting. His soft carolina blue eyes kept drifting to a strange set of armor. A rich green, detailed with yellow...metal and certainly not that of a water tribesman. A strange helm of similar make sat near to it. Judging by the size of the chestplate, surely it must be a giant that wore it. Bigger than any man he'd ever met, that was for sure!
He was freed from his boredom as a couple of the guards came in. They were arguing, griping about something meddling nobles ordering the little peons around. Apparently, they were sent to fetch the armor and return it to its owner. Here...was a shining opportunity for him to escape repair work, even if it was just to run an errand.
"Hey, I can take that for you guys."
It didn't take very much convincing, thanks mostly to the fact that Pika had always been a smooth talker...that and the guards were looking to duck work as well it seemed.
Moments later, a slender young man with pale brown skin was coming down the corridor. The strands of his bistre hair stood out starkly against his cornflower blue ao dai, at least those strands not pulled up and back into his wolf's tail. His arms were entirely full with the rather heavy armor and balanced precariously on top of it all was the strange armored helm. Pika was able to look out around the helmet, and spied a young woman standing outside of the cell he'd been directed to. Her face wasn't familiar to him, her gaze set on those within the cell it seemed. Judging by her dress, she was probably the daughter of a noble. He didn't tarry too long...mainly because the foreign armor was very heavy in his arms. There was a problem, however.
"Pardon me, miss."
The young woman was standing right in his path.
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Post by ukaleq on Apr 16, 2008 23:06:49 GMT -5
"Um.. Father.. I already sent.. for the armor.." The timid young woman would speak up, glancing up at her father from where she stood next to the healer who was quietly tending the wounds of the Earth Kingdom warrior. She bit her lip as she looked up through the strands of hair that dangled from her brow, curling down towards her cheek and jaws. It had been something Ukaleq had done on her own as her father had spoken with the General. The Guards that had been sent out by Qillaq to summon a healer had been stopped by her. She had quietly made the request for them to search for the man's armor.
She dropped her head quickly at her Father's arched eyebrow, a slight look of mild displeasure coming into his eyes at his daughter's independent movement. Hm... Qillaq would merely grumble in his chest as he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He did not know what to think of the warrior's request to mend this grevious error and found it.. rather.. childish in this time of war. Such a mistake should be forgiven. No harm had been done and the man was having his wounds addressed and his armor return. There was no need for anything more... "Pardon me, Miss" The man's voice caught the young woman off guard and she jumped in start. Her eyes rose upward for a moment, her body tensing for the briefest of moments until she settled, realizing it was just someone approaching from behind. She breathed a breath of relief before turning her head to glance over her shoulder. It was a demure look, just a glance of her Prussian blue eyes from under her dark lashes. There was the briefest reaction, a widening of her eyes for a moment before she bowed her head and stepped to the side, holding the Healer's seal-fur muff against her chest.
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Post by boragan on Apr 23, 2008 18:29:19 GMT -5
The brown intense eyes of Bora’s widened as the stranger that walked in had his armor. He almost teared in joy with the mere sight of it.
“My shell,” Bora whispered, then turned to the elder man, “Sir, my armor is a symbol of my status back at home. Please release me from this prison. I must fight the Fire Nation before they conquer Ba Seng Sei.”
Without waiting for an answer, he sat down onto the cold floor as the elderly lady finished healing his old wounds. All of the cuts were mended together with each other and closed. The bruises flushed with color as the sores gradually left his body.
“Even if you do intend to keep me here in prison, that is fine,” Bora grunted, “But I must have the armor present in front of my cell at all times. No offense, but I don’t trust any of your guards with my armor at all.”
The warmth of the giant fur parka he got from the elderly man kept him warm, which mentally Bora Gan was grateful for. He covered his bald head with the hood and tied his waist to keep warmth inside.
“Now, I have a question for you. You don’t have to answer, but it would better if you did. When did this second attack happen?” Bora asked Qillaq as he waited anxiously for the answer. He also kept glancing at his green heavy armor, making sure nothing has been done with it or any type of foul play.
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Post by ukaleq on Apr 23, 2008 22:04:30 GMT -5
Her attention returned to her Father and to the Earth Kingdom Soldier who now stood in a traditional Fur poncho-like parka, stripped of the decorations that often were seen on the woman's versions. Suitable for a warrior, very she thought as she nodded in her approval, her voice remaining silent. She brought one had up to stroke the braided loops that hung against her chest, loosely bound by dark ribbons just under her ears. Qillaq shook his head and raised one hand, his palm facing outward. "You are free to go, Major. We will not hold you and your armor is yours." The chieftain stopped short of apologizing. There was really no need for it since the Northern Water Tribe had acted in self-defense against a surprised guest it took as an intruder. He would however bow his head to him out of respect before he stepped back and motioned for the young man who had arrived to bring the armor forward. "If there is anything else you need.. I will make sure that it is taken care of to the best of my abilities."
The elder woman who had been silently healing the warrior stepped out of the cell, her feet shuffling on the icy ground as she stepped over to Ukaleq. Smiling at her, the noblewoman would bow to her and hand over the muff. A few quietly whispered words were said among them, the healer being a close acquaintance of Ukaleq's mother. The Healer then took her eyes, passing the warrior with Ukaleq behind her. Following the woman as far as the door, Ukaleq bid her farewell before turning her face back inwards, waiting her Father's business to finish up.
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Post by pika on Apr 24, 2008 9:46:29 GMT -5
Pika hadn't meant to startle the girl, his soft blue eyes widening a bit at her reaction. A smiled a little in silent apology as she stepped aside, before coming forward to enter the cell. His gaze immediately locked in on that of the armor's owner. The man certainly was a giant, standing nearly a foot tall than himself. The man's bald head had Pika a little puzzled. How in La's name could one keep warm with no hair on his head? Inwardly, the young man had to remind himself that the Earth Kingdom was a much warmer climate than the North Pole. As the man sat down, covering his head with the hood of the parka that had been provided, Pika kept his mouth closed, though he would love the chance to talk with the man, the one whom the older water tribe gentleman had called 'Major'. He'd heard a lot about the Earth Kingdom, due mostly to the fact that all of his brothers now worked with the family's merchant ships in trading. The name of the great capital of Ba Seng Sei had Pika wondering...was that where the Major was from? Or did he hail from elsewhere?
Pika stepped forward as Qillaq left the cell, engaging the Healer that had tended to Bora Gan's wounds. The boy's caroline blue eyes, which stood out so starkly against his pale brown skin, looked the Earth Kingdom soldier over...not critically, as the young man's curiousity was evident in his features. The young waterbender managed a respectful bow...well, as best that could be managed without losing his grip on the heavy armor and helm. The three braids and the layers of his hair that were retained in his wolf tail went undisturbed by the motion, but the layers that were loose spilled forward a bit, coming over his shoulder.
While he had been prudently keeping quiet...he felt the need to say something...over some sort of help to the man.
"Sir, my family handles much of the trading for the Northern Water Tribe. It should be possible to negotiate passage for you on one of the Harta's merchant ships. You would have to remain with us for a bit longer, as the ships are staying in port until after my sister's wedding."
Secretly? Pika hoped the man would take him up on the offer. Haukea was fascinated by the Earth Kingdom, her curiousity stemming from a set of books that their father had given a few years back. More than likely she would pepper the man with a million questions. He was curious himself, and was anxious to find out more about the Major, his home...the war as well.
"Arrangements can be made for you to stay with my family during that time."
...that last bit was a little presumptuous on his part. Though he knew his mother would not turn the Major away...she wouldn't be entirely thrilled at her son for speaking up for the famiily and bringing in a stranger from some foreign land into their midst. Pika was ever the charmer though...he'd smooth it out.
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Post by boragan on Apr 24, 2008 15:22:00 GMT -5
Bora listened to the old man as he made his remarks. He still felt angry with how he was treated.
“We shall see,” Bora replied to Qillaq’s generosity. After telling him so, he eyeballed his armor. With a second thought, Bora took off his parka and proceeded to put the armor on piece by piece. The armor had four main pieces: the lower leggings, the upper leggings, the torso, and the helmet. He first put on the upper leggings, which was the easiest part of the armor. All he did was detach then reattach the ends around his waist. He then had to sit on the cold floor to put on his lower leggings. The torso took a while to put on due to not having help. With the last piece, he smiled as he slowly put on his helmet. He drank it in as his armor was once again a part of him. It felt cold when he put it on, but took a little while for his skin to adapt to the armor again.
He then noticed the parka. It had a little bit less room with the armor on, but to still fit without hindering his movement. He then noticed the man that had his armor He looked at him in curiosity as he asked a few questions. He wasn’t use to many people asking him questions and was a little curious himself as why.
Then he asked that if he needed to passage, and would give him passage back to the Earth Kingdom. He then heard of the stipulation that was given. He hated being cold here in the North Pole, but he figured that cheap fare back home would be worth the wait.
“Very well,” Bora thanked, “I will accept your offer with the passage back home and…to stay with your family.” He had to choke out his last few words, but he did it well enough to make it un-insulting.
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Post by ukaleq on Apr 26, 2008 0:58:03 GMT -5
Qillaq turned to look as the warrior boy stepped forward. It took a moment for recognition to kick in but his dark blue eyes flickered as he took noticed the Harta boy. He lowered his hand from his thick beard, as he motioned a hand forward, placing a hand on the young man's shoulder. "Major.. this is Pika Harta. The Harta family is the finest merchant family in the North Pole. If anyone can get you back to the Earth Kingdom, they can." Qillaq patted the young man's shoulder, turning his wrinkled, wise face towards him. "That is kind of you to offer.. Of course, should Master Harta not be willing to house you.. You are welcome in our home, Major. My wife would be happy to have you."
A blunt lie, Ukaleq knew as she listened to the men talk. Her mother would be accepting of the Major... of any guest.. but such short notice would make the woman cold towards everyone, even her own daughters. She kept her mouth shut as she should. Women were meant to be seen, not heard. "As I said before.. you are free to go.." The chieftain would state, a pleasant tone in his voice as he considered the situation resolved. He rolled his shoulders, the white fur that lined his parka's hood brushing his square jaw and the thick man turned, intending to leave the Soldier with his new host. "Shall we go, Ukaleq?" Not expecting an answer. The daughter nodded, a very quiet and a very soft.. "Yes Sir" coming from her lips. She turned her gaze towards the Earth Kingdom Warrior, her raspberry colored lips turning upward in a kind smile. She was happy she had been able to help him... it did not seem right to have just.. left him when he claimed to be one of their allies in the war. His armor would have made him a frightful figure, if she had not seen him without it and wearing the same fur cloaks as the men of the tribe. Ukaleq too, turned and stepped out of the icy cold cell room on her father's heels.
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Post by pika on Apr 26, 2008 12:15:45 GMT -5
Pika had taken a respectful step back as the Major donned his armor. Some strands of his bistre hair had gotten caught by the curved leopard claws that pierced his lobes. His hand came up to brush them back, and he offered a glance over to Ukaleq and her father out of the corner. They both seemed familiar, though such a thing wasn't too surprising. Given the Harta's financial status, it was very likely that they had done business with this noble family. Compared to their garb, his simple tunic over just a plain pair of sapphire trousers, he probably looked rather plain. It didn't particularly bother him though. His gaze lingered on Ukaleq for just a moment. She was so quiet...and it was intriguing to him. Pika had always been attracted to the shy and quiet types...and while most boys his age were more interested in a girl's looks, Pika wasn't. Ukaleq...seemed to have a softness to her. If it wasn't for the fact that her father was standing right there, he probably would have offered a flirtatious smile her way.
“Very well. I will accept your offer with the passage back home and…to stay with your family.”
The words brought Pika's attention back to the Earth Kingdom Major.
"Major.. this is Pika Harta. The Harta family is the finest merchant family in the North Pole. If anyone can get you back to the Earth Kingdom, they can. That is kind of you to offer.. Of course, should Master Harta not be willing to house you.. You are welcome in our home, Major. My wife would be happy to have you."
Pika offered a casual smile.
"The Harta's would be happy to offer lodging to any who are against the Fire Nation," he offered, dispelling any doubts as to whether Bora Gan would be welcomed.
...again...he was presuming a bit much...but he had no doubts that his mother wouldn't turn the Earth Kingdom soldier away. He might get an earful that evening though.
His soft blue eyes followed the nobles as they left, before he turned his gaze back to Bora Gan.
"Sir, I need to stop by the guard room to retrieve my parka. If you could follow me, I'll escort you to my parent's home."
Pika paused only a moment to make sure the Major was following him, before he began leading the older gentleman through the prison. The only time they stopped was when they reached the guard room so the boy could don his parka. Soon, they were emerging outside into the sunlit city of Shai.
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Post by boragan on Apr 26, 2008 21:02:45 GMT -5
Bora without much of a fuss, followed Pika to the guard’s room to get his parka. He didn’t know this person and always were suspicious of strangers so he kept Pika at arms length.
They reach outside to Shai City. The wind of the land cuts through the poncho that he newly acquired. Bora, even with the new poncho didn’t feel too attuned with the land. He could see the breath he gave off each time from the cold.
All he could do is follow the boy back to his home. He didn’t know what to expect from this individual, so he was still wary.
“So,” Bora forcefully tried to start a conversation, “How much further is this place of yours?” He looked around the city at the wondrous city around him. All of the buildings were made of ice and snow as well as the streets. As he looked around in awe, he almost slipped on the ice he was walking on. He kept his footing and was careful not to slip again. He sees a few kids with snow forts in a yard, waiting for one another to pop out from behind one of them and throw snowballs at each other. It almost looked like a battle waiting to happen.
“Also, what is this family of yours like?” Bora again forcefully tried to start a conversation.
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Post by pika on Apr 26, 2008 21:34:33 GMT -5
Pika had been politefully quiet since they had left the prison. He was sure that this Major was tired and needed a good rest. It was uncomfortable for the normally very sociable boy though. So when Bora Gan asked his questions, forced though they may have been, he was more than happy to answer them.
"We should be getting there soon. My parent's home is in the upper west side of the residential district," the young man replied. "My older brothers...well, sometimes they can be a bit too serious about things, especially my oldest brother: he can be a real stick in the mud. My little sister, Haukea, is sweet as can be. I have to warn you: when she meets you, she's going to pepper you with questions till you're about ready to rip your hair out. She's fascinated with the Earth Kingdom and no doubt will try to keep you up all night appeasing her curiousity. She means well though..."
Thinking about his baby sister brought a smile to his face.
"My mother is very kind. She's incredibly patient...which is probably the only reason how she retained her sanity while raising all eight of us. And my father..."
The smile faltered a bit, before he continued, "My father is a good man."
The pair rounded a corner, leading them to a bridge that covered one of the numerous canals that coursed through the frozen city. Pika put his hands behind him, clasping his wrists just at the small of his back.
"So...you're from the Earth Kingdom? What part? I heard you mention Ba Sing Se. Is that your home?"
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Post by boragan on Apr 27, 2008 9:18:49 GMT -5
“Just great,” Bora thought in his mind, “That’s all I need from the residence; questions. Like I get enough of them already!”
Bora continued to look around as Pika continued to talk.
So…your from the Earth Kingdom? What part? I heard you mention Ba Seng Sei. Is that your home?”
A wide grin formed on Bora’s face with that question.
“No,” he replied, “In fact, that place is no place for a warrior like me. All of their politics disgusts me. Not to mention, that pompous ass director of economics believes that the war shouldn’t be broadcasted in the capital. HA! The Fire Nation is at their doorstep, and they just want to ignore it? HA! Pathetic is what it is.”
Bora kicked the snow from his side as he proceeded, “If I had it my way, my battalion would invade Ba Seng Sei and overthrow the Earth King, for he is weak and knows nothing of what is going on, except on how to play with his pet bear.”
He recalled Pika mentioning about his father, “Is your father a good man? Is he a warrior?”
He also recalled Pika’s sister, “So who is your sister marrying to? Let me guess, a fisherman perhaps? What does he do for a living? Is he a trader such as you and your family?”
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Post by pika on Apr 27, 2008 10:06:33 GMT -5
“No. In fact, that place is no place for a warrior like me. All of their politics disgusts me. Not to mention, that pompous ass director of economics believes that the war shouldn’t be broadcasted in the capital. HA! The Fire Nation is at their doorstep, and they just want to ignore it? HA! Pathetic is what it is.”
Pika chuckled a little at the response...but he was rather confused. Just how can one not notice a war being waged all around you? It had been more than apparent when the Fire Nation had come to the North.
“If I had it my way, my battalion would invade Ba Seng Sei and overthrow the Earth King, for he is weak and knows nothing of what is going on, except on how to play with his pet bear.”
...okay...now that had him a little nervous. Pika sincerely hoped that he was joking. The idea of harboring a potential criminal was not a pleasant one. Maybe he had been too quick to offer help-
"Is your father a good man? Is he a warrior?"
Pika looked ahead of him. Normally he was a pretty happy go lucky laid back guy...when it came to his father though. Well...things were strained between them. And a hint of the strain could be seen as his expression became a little more serious.
"No, my father's not a warrior. He runs the Harta's merchant affairs, traveling with the ships on trade voyages to the Earth Kingdom. He's...fair. I've never heard an ill word against his business dealings, but then again I doubt anybody would really say anything bad about him to me."
A smirk curved across his lips as he cut a glance over to the Earth Kingdom warrior at his side.
"If you're going to bad mouth someone, it's not exactly wise to do so in front of one of his kids afterall..."
“So who is your sister marrying to? Let me guess, a fisherman perhaps? What does he do for a living? Is he a trader such as you and your family?”
The pair rounded another corner. There were not as many homes that lined this street, but the homes that were there were steadily growing larger in size. There were few people walking up and down this section of the residential district, but it was apparent by their garb and their carriage that they were probably upper-middle class to possibly noble in stature. Strange glances were cast the pair's way, specifically towards Bora Gan. The Major stood out like a sore thumb afterall...it would be hard not to garner at least a few stares. Pika seemed oblivious to the attention, as he answered Bora Gan.
"The boy's name is Hebirei Dangan. To be honest...I don't know much about him or his family. They aren't merchants or traders...in fact Hebirei is a healer," he replied...and on that last sentence he frowned a bit.
Pika...well, it would be easy to read from his tone that he was less than enthuised about his soon to be brother in law. In all honesty, it wouldn't have mattered WHO married Haukea, because in Pika's mind no one would be perfect for her. Hebirei garnered more ire out of him by the fact that he had no combat abilities whatsoever. How the hell could you be a male waterbender and not know how to fight? And given the fact that the North had been attacked not once but TWICE in such a relatively short period of time, Pika wasn't pleased that Haukea's fiancee wasn't capable of defending his baby sister.
Like his sister...he wasn't one to wish to dwell on anything negative for too long. He shifted the conversation back to Bora Gan's statements before, eager to change the topic.
"So, you lead a battalion of warriors then?" he began, casting his gaze to the man beside him. "What part of the Earth Kingdom are you based out of? And can you tell me how the war is going over there? My brothers say that Omashu was taken. Is that true?"
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Post by boragan on Apr 27, 2008 10:27:35 GMT -5
The stare downs were something Bora got accustom to ignore. Back where he was stationed, he had a few stares coming his way for some time before the people got use to him. It didn’t bother him ever, even when they did do it. Still, getting stared at just by his size does somewhat bother him in a different country.
Finally, a question Bora would be proud to answer. A very wide smile could be witnessed behind his mempo helmet. He didn’t care of the stares he got at that point.
“Ah, my Thunderfist Battalion,” Bora sang, “The Earth Kingdom’s mightiest warriors. They have no fear of death. To them, death is their spirit companion. They know one day, they will meet death and get to know it better. Until that day, they instead make sure he’s gainfully employed.”
He balled his fist as he continued, “All of the warriors of the Thunderfist were trained to use that gift they were born with.”
Before he could go any further, Pika gave him the question on current events.
”What part of the Earth Kingdom were you based out of? And can you tell me how the war is going out there?”
“We were based in the outskirts of a town called Kei Lan. You might have heard of it. We just had a Lantern Festival there a short while ago,” Bora continued. The latter part of the question started to make Bora’s blood boil.
“The status of the war is bad for us,” Bora griped, “The Fire Nation is getting closer to the capital. I just got done fighting them. One of them stole my prized tetsubo. I plan on getting it back. My only concern is once Ba Seng Sei see the light on the situation, will they be strong enough to retaliate and could they in time?”
Speaking about it made him even more angry. He could almost feel the ice around him starting to melt.
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Post by pika on Apr 28, 2008 13:14:27 GMT -5
“Ah, my Thunderfist Battalion. The Earth Kingdom’s mightiest warriors. They have no fear of death. To them, death is their spirit companion. They know one day, they will meet death and get to know it better. Until that day, they instead make sure he’s gainfully employed. All of the warriors of the Thunderfist were trained to use that gift they were born with.”
Pika wasn't exactly sure what to think about the Thunderfist Battalion to be honest. While he had the upmost respect for warriors...it sounded more like these guys were brutes, savages, with little concern for themselves. What was it that they fought for that gave them such a brutal mentality, he wondered. Certainly not just for their Kingdom...for Pika's one taste at combat, he never thought once about fighting for the honor of the Water Tribe. He had been more concerned with fighting to protect his loved ones. And even then, he hadn't fought with a murderous or bloodthirsty rage. Because he couldn't relate to the warriors Bora Gan was describing, he wisely kept his mouth shut.
“We were based in the outskirts of a town called Kei Lan. You might have heard of it. We just had a Lantern Festival there a short while ago."
"Kei Lan...Kei Lan, Kei Lan," Pika muttered, trying to remember. "I remember my brothers mentioning something about it. I don't know anything about a Lantern Festival, but it sounds like it would be a blast..."
The air then seemed to grow tense, as the Earth Kingdom soldier at Pika's side related how the Fire Nation was drawing closer to Ba Sing Se. Bora seemed to grow angry at the mere thought of it. And Pika wasn't too sure he wanted to be around such a large man when he was angry...so...he sought to diffuse the anger as best he could.
"It's odd sometimes...how when things seem their darkest, there always seems to be a silver lining of some sort. We've been attacked twice now. The first time around, we were unprepared. I guess you could even say we were naive...arrogant. We just knew that we would win. And we nearly lost that first Seige. Had it not been for the intervention of the Avatar and the Ocean Spirit, the Northern Water Tribe would have fallen..."
Pika turned a corner. The road narrowed a bit, became winding. Up ahead was a culdesac of sorts, with several houses, similar in size and make.
"We learned our lesson, the hard way. We nearly lost everything. I suppose it was a good thing though. We learned that we weren't invincible. So when the Fire Nation came again, we were ready for them. We had nearly tasted defeat...nearly lost our homes, our families, our lives...and so when they attacked again, we knew what we were facing...and we won. Though the city was hit hard, we won."
Pika glanced over at Bora Gan, his soft blue eyes taking in the man's reaction.
"I think that once they realize just how real the danger is...that Ba Sing Sei will remain standing. Surely it's people won't just stand by while the Fire Nation endangers their families, right?"
His words sounded...well...naive...but what was to be expected? He was only 18...and had only seen combat twice in his life...real combat...not a simple sparring match.
And then Pika totally killed whatever insightfulness he might have displayed, with...
"Besides, as fierce as the Thunderfirst Battalion sounds, I bet those walking flame throwers will just give up and run home to their mommies," he said, grinning a little impishly.
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