Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ Doppelganger ❯ Phoenix of the East ( Chapter 8 )

See previous chapters for disclaimer

 

Doppelganger

 

Chapter 8

 

. . .

 

“Here are the recounts for today, Lieutenant.” The young man handed me a slab of rock chiseled with digits and names. I nodded and looked over the information. Everything seemed to be in order.

 

“Good job, Corporal.” I said and handed the information back to the soldier. He gave a crisp solute, which I returned, and walked out of the room. I let out a long, slow breath and sat down with a loud thump on my chair. The room was small, a makeshift command room, and retrofitted to be my quarters during the siege. I reached to the glass on a small table next to the chair and picked it up. The dark liquid in the cup swirled around as I lifted it to my lips and sipped the contents. I didn't even have a chance to relax when somebody else entered the room. I saw who it was and stood up erect, snapping off a salute. “General, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

 

The old general eyed me and smiled. “Please, you don't have to salute me, Kayal. At ease.” I relaxed my stance and lowered my arm. “Well… is their any news from the front?” I picked up a sheet of rock and scanned it.

 

“The fire nation still has two regiments on the north side; as well as three on the south and east. Their main force is stationed west of us. They keep sending small invasion forces at random times. We have still managed to stop the invasion forces, but we cannot get reinforcements from Omashu to get past their line. We are completely surrounded.” The general rubbed his bearded chin and sighed.

 

“It's been like this for nearly two years. Isn't there anything we can do?” I looked over the report again and tapped the stone with my finger. There was a sure fire way but… extremely dangerous and extremely difficult.

 

“There might be a way…” I mentioned. The general looked up.

 

“You have a plan?” He asked expectantly. I shook my head.

 

“No, but it might be our only chance. We cannot break their line or lessen their numbers. But we might be able to lower their moral.” The general sat down in another chair, on the other side of the table.

 

“What do you have in mind?” He asked, resting his chin on his hands. I flattened a stone slab on the table with a wave of my hand.

 

“The fire nation has troops on all sides of Ba Sing Se, correct?” The general nodded. I drew lines in the stone with my fingers. The lines depicted the outskirts of the city and the positions of the enemy troops. “They have two regiments here… and three here… and here.” I placed small symbols where the troops were in the diagram. “Their largest force is here.” I motioned west of the city. “The enemy general is most likely with the main force.”

 

The general eyed the map. “You mean to assassinate the fire nation general.” It was not a question. I nodded. “Yes, that might work…” He looked at me in a scrutinizing fashion. “Who do you suggest for the mission? Somebody skilled in stealth and combat, surely.” I agreed, and looked over the Special Forces roster. In actuality, there were few people suited for assassination missions. I tapped a name.

 

“What about Fuat?” I handed the slab over to the general. He looked over the name and information and shook his head.

 

“No, he is too young. We need experience for this mission.” I narrowed my eyes to the elderly general.

 

“Who do you suggest?” He placed the stone slab on the table.

 

“I suggest you, Lieutenant.” I didn't move for a moment. “Do you not wish to?” I stood up and saluted.

 

“Sir, if you order it, I will do it.” I declared. The general stood and held his hands out.

”Please, Lieutenant, I do not wish to order you. By all rights you should outrank me! I simply think that you would have the highest chance of success.” I breathed slowly and looked over the map again. I snapped off a crisp solute.

 

“Yes sir. I accept the mission to assassinate General Iroh.”

 

. . .

 

Iroh paced back and forth in the command tent; his commanders in front of him. They were discussing their most recent plans to sack the city.

 

“I say we send in our fresh recruits we got in last week. They will soften up the defenses for the more experienced troops!” One of the commanders declared, slamming his fist into the table. Iroh shook his head in disgust.

 

“No, we must not sacrifice any needed troops. The smallest wind can grow to the largest hurricane. The private of today can be the general of tomorrow. We must think of another way.” Iroh sat in a chair, sighing deeply. “We have been attacking the city of Ba Sing Se for nearly two years now… I want it to end as much as the rest of you. But I want it to end with as little casualties as possible.” Another officer stood up.

 

“Then lets form an all-out assault! We will overwhelm them with sheer numbers!” Others agreed with him. General Iroh looked over the table a his so-called trusted commanders. They were all so eager to throw soldiers to death.

 

“That is not such a good idea. They have excellent soldiers as well. Their general is a talented earthbender. I have witnessed him silence many of our soldiers, at once. And let us not forget the Phoenix of the East. None of us have seen this Phoenix, but he is said to be great.” His officers were quiet. His speech seemed to have humbled them some. His newest commander spoke up.

 

“Then you should take on this “Phoenix”! The Dragon of the West should have no problem with a petty earthbender!” Iroh exhaled deeply and looked at the ground. His officers unanimously outnumbered him. There was no other way. The fire nation general looked up to his fellow soldiers.

 

“Very well, then. We will prepare to attack tomorrow.” Everyone around him nodded in agreement and left the room, leaving Iroh alone. He glared at the table, which had small models depicting fire nation troops as well as earth kingdom forces in the city. “What have I done?” He whispered to the silent room. Suddenly, Iroh didn't feel alone anymore. He acted in a flash. Iroh sidestepped to the wall, dodging a spire of rock that sprung up from the ground. He whirled around and faced his attacker. “Who's there?” Iroh called out. The seconds passed in silence, Iroh shifted his eyes from side to side. Then he saw movement. His assailant stepped out from the makeshift wall in the tent. Iroh raised his eyebrow at this person. He didn't look that old, maybe eighteen or nineteen. He had never seen this person, but Iroh somehow knew who it was.

 

“So… you must be the Dragon of the West, General Iroh.” The young man murmured, his long coat fluttering in the wind blowing inside the tent. Iroh nodded carefully.

 

“And you must be Kayal, the Phoenix of the East.” The intruder smirked and bowed his head. Iroh bowed in return and held his head out, ready to intercept anything. Kayal cracked his neck and slid his foot out in front of him, shifting into an earthbending stance. “How did you get past the guards?” Kayal smirked and flicked his wrist in the direction of the doorway.

 

“What, them? They were easy enough to evade. I just need to get rid of you. Nobody else needs to die.” Iroh nodded in agreement and breathed in slowly. This was going to be interesting.

 

Kayal sprinted forward, and spun around. He shot out his fist in a backhand to Iroh's head. Iroh blocked the attack and punched at the earthbender. Kayal anchored his foot to the ground and shifted his weight. Iroh's punch grazed Kayal's side, and the earthbender jumped up. Iroh stepped back and held his arms above his head, blocking Kayal's kick toward his skull. Kayal fell towards the ground. Iroh stepped back again, and slid his foot forward, sending a small wave of fire along the ground. Kayal rotated his arm in the air, and a pillar of stone shot out, connected with the earthbender, and knocked him to the side of the fire. He hit the ground and swept his leg out around him. Rock rose and spread out all around the tent. Iroh jumped up to avoid the rock and kicked out another wave of flame towards the standing earthbender. Kayal righted himself and brought his arms up. The fire splashed against a wall of rock that was brought up and Iroh landed nimbly, his hand held up yet again.

 

Kayal shook his head and glared at the firebender. He slid his foot forward and thrust his arms out in front of him. Iroh felt the ground rumble quietly. What was going to happen? Kayal exhaled and slammed his arms on the ground. Dust exploded from the floor and spread out from the tent, covering the close vicinity of the camp. Iroh was in close dust and dirt, he couldn't see. He brought his hand up but was stopped by a sweep from underneath him. Iroh fell and connected with the dirt. He gasped in pain as he felt a kick in his torso against the ground. He needed to get up. Iroh rolled and, hearing another kick against the floor next to him, pushed himself upright and jumped out from the darkness of the tent outside. Outside the tent he could see a bit more, as the dust had started to fall back to the ground slowly. Other soldiers around him were gathering to see what was happening.

 

“General! What is happening?” Others were yelling about an earthbender. Shouts sounded from everywhere as Iroh scoured the entrance to the tent for his adversary. He felt more rumbling and immediately jumped away. A rock spire appeared were he just was and started to diffuse into sand as soon as it had appeared. The sand fell from the figure of Kayal. At once, firebenders formed around the Phoenix of the East. “Hold it right there, earthbender!” One demanded, drawing his sword. Iroh watched the scene unfold. Kayal sighed and dropped his arms to his side, closing his eyes. Three soldier advanced, attempting to take the earthbender hostage. Iroh saw Kayal tense, and ran forward.

 

“No, don't go near him!” He yelled to his troops. It was too late. The earthbender opened his eyes, and sand from all around him shot out. The sand collided with every soldier close to him and spread out. Kayal held out a hand and flicked his wrist to the side, and the mass of sand threw the soldiers through the air to somewhere else in the camp. Iroh stepped forward and held out a hand, glaring angrily at the earthbender. Kayal scoffed.

 

“I didn't kill them, don't worry.” With that he dropped his hand to his side and trained his eyes on the fire general. The sand settled back to the ground. “Where were we?” Not waiting for an attack this time, Iroh thrust a fist forward, sending a powerful pillar of flames at the earthbender. The fire drew closer and sand rose up before the fire reached Kayal. The fire connected with the sand, spreading sparks and charred dirt everywhere. The smoke and dust settled, revealing Kayal, unscathed, with sand shifting around him eerily. Iroh swallowed a breath of air and readied himself for a eventual counterattack. Kayal smirked, showing his front teeth. “You gonna have to do better than that.” He taunted and flicked his eyelids. The sand roared forward and slammed down in front of Iroh. Dirt and dust exploded in front of the firebender. He brought his arm in front if his eyes and spaced his legs apart, breathing in as much as he dared. He pushed his arm away and watched as a pillar of sand careened strait at him. The sand collided with his arm and Iroh slammed into a tent behind him, collapsing it in a dusty heap. “Come on!” Iroh distantly heard. “This is the Dragon of the West?” Iroh stood up quickly and leapt into the air. He saw Kyle still on the ground and kicked out, sending a fire blast at him. He kicked out again, while falling, sending more fire after his last attack. Sand came up again, protecting the earthbender. Just how was he going to get past this defense?

 

Kayal finally moved and slid along the ground, bringing his hands up at the end. Iroh saw a solid wall of rock rise of a few meters away from him, no apparent danger. Kayal spun again, and waved his arms in front of him. More sand rose from the ground and pushed Iroh roughly into the rock wall, crushing him against hundreds of pounds of sand. Iroh fell when the sand ceased and lay on the ground, breathing heavily. He heard Kayal walking towards him. This could be his chance! The firebender pushed himself up on his hands and swept his foot around him, spreading flames along the ground. Kayal jumped up, avoiding the fire with sand trailing in his wake. Iroh straitened himself and held his arms behind him. Flames started to gather in his hand and, bracing himself, he thrust his arms forward; sending twin blasts of fire at the airborne earthbender. The flames reached Kayal and exploded. Iroh watched as the mass of smoke and dirt fell to the ground and collided. The smoke cleared after a few moments, revealing charred, blackened sand from the attack. The sand seemed to melt back to the ground and there stood The Phoenix, standing in a ready stance.

 

“I hear more guards coming. Any suggestions as to what we should do? My patience fore sparing their lives is wearing thin.” He muttered placidly. Iroh listened fore reinforcements. He didn't hear anyone. But somehow, he knew to believe the skilled earthbender. He crouched in a firebending stance.

 

“Then we will finish this now.” Kayal smiled and dashed at Iroh. The firebender clenched his teeth and brought his arms up. Fire exploded from the ground and rose a matter of meters in the air, right in Kayal's path. Sand roared forward and formed a solid shell around the advancing earthbender. Kayal ran through the flames and broke the shell of sand once past it. He drug his arm along the ground while running, gathering dirt and sand on his arm, and thrust his fist at General Iroh. The concentrated dirt and sand connected with the firebender and shattered his front armor plate. Iroh was flung backwards against a wall, and struggled to stand as quickly as possible. Iroh focused his eyes through the dust at his opponent. Kayal was kneeling on the ground, his fist in the topsoil. After a moment, he pulled his arm out, with dirt following around his hand. The dirt formed and solidified into the shape of a sword. The earthbender swung the sword around, slicing the air audibly.

 

“This is made from some of the hardest materials in the earth. Diamond… Quartz… It is nearly unbreakable.” He sliced it down, pointed at Iroh. “The siege will end. By my hands or yours.”

 

. . .

 

Kyle stared at the dark canopy of the trees beneath him. Appa soared south across the night sky silently with the four travelers as his riders. It would not take long to reach his house at this pace. The vampire growled irritably. He never did like sitting in one place for too long.

 

“Something wrong?” He craned his neck to see Katara looking in his direction. Kyle shook his head.

 

“No… just remembering past experiences.” He scratched his cheek. “Trying to remember things to teach.” The waterbender nodded and watched the passing clouds. A few minutes passed in silence then Sokka spoke up.

 

“Hey while where flying why don't you continue your story?” Kyle arched en eyebrow at him, although it might have been too dark to be seen. “After you escaped, I mean.” Aang and Katara looked hesitant, but curious. Kyle sighed and nodded. Clouds whipped around them softly enough to talk normally and be heard.

 

“Well, lets see… After firebending was earthbending. Alright then. After I escaped Victoria, I ran continuously. I ran for months and months, barely stopping to rest, for fear of being chased. I wanted to get as far away as possible from the fire nation as I could. That led me to the earth kingdom. About two years later I reached the city of Ba Sing Se. There I met the person who taught me my next fighting style.”

 

. . .

 

The streets were bustling with people. As it was one of the earth kingdom capital cities, it should be. Blending in here would be a snap. I smiled slightly as I walking with the crowd. There wasn't a sign of fire nation troops for miles and miles. Signs were posted on walls depicting random advertisements and information. I could hear dozens of heartbeats surround me and I grinned gleefully. Its perfect here… Maybe a house could be found in this city. Food would not be a problem. I placed a hand on my coin purse under my shirt. It was flat.

 

I sighed and found a bench to sit down. I exhaled and rested my back against a wall, watching the passing humans. I can get a house here if I had some money. I thought remorsefully. But… that's what I get for wandering for a year and a half. I felt somebody sit next to me. My first reaction was to hear the heartbeat. Human. I calmed down and looked out of the corner of my eye. At a half-glance, it was a young woman. Maybe nineteen or so. She had dark hair, reaching her jaw line. Her dark green eyes were focused on a paper she was apparently reading. I saw her glance at me.

 

“You don't mind if I sit here, do you?” I cleared my throat. I did, but politeness got the better of me.

 

“Of course not, by all means.” She thanked me and returned to her reading. I glanced at the sheet.

 

Attention earthbenders! Come join us at Rock Solid Brawl! An all out battle between the strongest earthbenders around! Winner receives 1000 gold pieces! Come and BRAWL IT OUT!!!

 

I looked away and scratched my neck. Victoria's mark had faded, but the old habit still remained. The itch was all in my head. This girl was reading about an earthbending tournament? I gesture towards the notice in the girl's hands.

 

“Are you an earthbender?” She smiled and looked at me. She was quite striking, I noticed. Her hair fit her sharp face nicely.

 

“No, I'm not. But I love to go see these tournaments.” She scanned over the sheet and looked back to me. “What about you? Are you an earthbender?” I smiled and shook my head.

 

“No. I would like to learn, though. I was thinking of going to that tournament. Who knows, maybe I'll find somebody who will want to teach me there.” The girl laughed lightly. Her laugh was crisp and lingered around us. Almost like an echo.

 

“Good luck with that. Everybody there is not the teaching type. They are mostly underground fighters who are overall not that nice.” I smirked and tapped the hilt of my sword.

 

“I have my ways.” The girl eyed my sword and laughed to herself.

 

“I'll leave it to you, then.” She folded the paper and started to stand. Suddenly the words blurted out before I could stop myself.

 

“So… maybe I'll see you there, then?” She froze and turned her head around. She looked me over, as if sizing me up and then smiled.

 

“You haven't even given me your name yet, stud.” I would have blushed, but I haven't blushed since I was human. I reached my hand behind my head and laughed slightly in embarrassment.

 

“Ah, yes, well… I guess your right about that.” I reached my hand out. “I'm Kyle.” The girl smiled and clasped my hand, shaking it.

 

“I'm Ellen. Nice to meat to. And sure, I'm sure we'll see each other there.” She released my hand and turned around. “Later.” She waved back at me and disappeared into the crowd. I stared after her for a few seconds and leaned back again. Why did I do that? I thought, closing my eyes.

 

Senea…

 

. . .

 

“Welcome, all, to ROCK SOLID BRAWL!!!” The announcer yelled. All around him the audience screamed and jumped up and down in excitement. Yep, this certainly is an underground tournament. And there was certain to be many earthbenders here, as well. I smiled underneath my mask. Should be easy enough to win the prize money. I shifted the carnival mask on my face and itched my nose. I am so stupid. I thought sarcastically. How can I meet somebody here and fight at the same time? This mask was to hide my identity if Ellen was here in the audience. Hopefully, I would meet up with her strait afterward. I stood beside the entryway to the ring to watch the first match.

 

“The rules are as follows. First, no killing. There is just giving up and ring outs. Next, earthbending only. And lastly, weapons allowed. That is all!” I felt the hilt of my sword at my waist. Well, I could get by without bending if I used my sword and fighting skills. Maybe I could even… fake some earthbending… My lips turned upwards and the first fight began. A rather large man wearing little charged at an equally large man. They connected, and stood in each other's grapple for a few moments. Tch… I scoffed softly. What is this, Sumo? Around them, dust and small stones rose up and swirled around the melee. After a few seconds, one of the fighters gained the upper hand and tripped the other. The winner of the grapple stomped on the ground and a large spike of stone erupted from below and jettisoned the loser out of the ring. Cheers rang out at the victory.

 

I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. I held a strand out so I could see it. Gee… my hairs getting long… I laughed to myself. Oh wait… my hair doesn't grow… that's right. I distantly heard somebody calling me from the side. I shook my head and turned around to see an official hailing me.

 

“Hey, your up.” A man with a slab of rock gestured for me to enter the ring. I walked through the entryway without hesitating.

 

“Now entering from the red corner… the Phoenix!” I heard my call sign announced and heard scattered cheers and applause. Anybody would cheer for a good fight these days. Well… a good fight I would try and give them. “And from the green corner… Rock Solid!” Contrary to the name, my opponent was thin and wiry. He twirled a staff around in his hands and pointed it at me. Ah well… should be interesting. The official rung the bell and the wiry man ran at me. I waited until he was close enough before I drew my sword out of its sheath into a horizontal slash. Rock Solid reacted slowly but still brought his staff up to block my blade. The thin piece of wood became two in each of his hands. The man jumped backwards and glared at me.

 

“What, do you want me to apologize for breaking your stick?” I scoffed and slammed my foot into the ground. The floor shook with the force I put into the kick. That should be similar to earthbending… thank you monster-strength. I smiled to myself and ran at my struggling opponent. I thrust my blade towards the man, not really trying that hard to hurt him, and he shifted to the side. The blade grazed his side and he fell to the ground, howling in pain. I stood above my victory for a second, watching the grown man scream. Tch… yea… really rock solid, you are. Cheers rang out and I bowed quickly before taking my leave. Well… that was uneventful.

 

More matches were similar to the first and mine. This was shaping up to be a boring tournament. Only mediocre earthbenders were competing. Or maybe they were mediocre because I was comparing their fighting skills to mine? Modest to the extreme… I smiled to myself. I turned my attention to the next fight.

 

The large man from the first fight was going against… A woman? Surely enough, his enemy was a young woman. She was wearing a mask similar to mine, colorful and used mainly for carnivals. It was designed to look like a cats face. Copycat. She wore tight fitting clothing, supposedly used as a distraction for the supposedly weaker sex. Needless to say, for this girl, it worked nicely. Her short, dark hair fit her mask nicely, making her seem like a fox, or something similar. I looked at the matchboard. I was exempt from the second fight due to a dropout… so I would fight the winner of this match in the finals. Bitchin'. I smiled and looked back to the ring. I didn't catch her stage name, I realized. Oh well, I would if we fought.

 

The bell rang and the large man charged blindly at the woman. The girl held her hands out in front of her, and stood still. She waited patiently for her adversary to almost have a hold on her, and then she went into action. The ground beneath her rocketed upwards, shooting the woman into the air. The large man struggled to cease his movement, but his momentum was too great. He crashed into the spire of rock that shot his opponent into the sky and shattered the rock everywhere. The airborne girl twirled at the apex of her jump and started her decent headfirst. The man was still recovering when she connected with him. As she fell, she thrust her legs down on his back. Dust exploded from the ground with a resounding clap of rock against flesh. When the dust settled, the woman stood there, firmly planted on top of the unmoving man's back. The winner was obvious. Cheers and applause followed.

 

I clapped slowly in spite of myself. Not too shabby. I'm going to have to compete against that… Should be fun. The victor exited the arena followed by the loser carried by a medical team. The woman passed by me on her way out and even though we both had masks on, we could feel our eyes on each other. I smiled underneath the mask.

 

“This should be fun.” I said to my soon-to-be opponent. There was no response. She continues walking to the water tank. There would be a fifteen-minute break until the final match, so the competitors could rest. I found a seat and sighed softly. I wonder is Ellen is in the audience? Well, she would see my victory then, wouldn't she? Then again… Why don't I try and look at the obvious? Could Ellen be this girl? I feel as though she could be. I tried to remember what she looked like. Short, dark hair. Same as this girl. Body size? It was the same. I laughed quietly. Of course… why didn't I see it before? They have the same scent, too. Did she notice that I was Kyle, then? Maybe, maybe not. I wasn't wearing the same clothes, but the sword was a dead giveaway. Ah well. At least we met each other at the tournament.

 

A notice bell sounded, signaling the start of the final round. I saw `Ellen' walk past me and enter the large ring. I followed at a safe distance. Standing in my red corner, I stared across from me at my opponent. If she knew it was me, then she didn't show it.

 

“In the red corner, you remember him, the Phoenix!” Cheers sounded at my name. Well, at least somebody likes me. I smiled underneath my mask. “And in the green corner… you know her, you love her, heeeeres EIN!” Ein? I cocked my head to the side. Ellen… Ein… I scoffed. Well… there we go. “Now begins the final match of ROCK SOLID BRAWL!” The bell sounded, and the final match began.

 

Nobody moved.

 

I didn't advance, nor did Ein. We were gauging each other. We were trying to figure out how the other would act. She was smart; I'll give her that. Ah well, might as well give these people a show for their money. I edged my foot forward, and Ein slid her own foot across the dirt. I felt the ground shift beneath my foot. Shit! I thought and dashed to the side before my thoughts had reacted accordingly. My instinct was right on. The ground exploded and numerous spikes of rock shot up, intent on piercing him from below. That wouldn't have killed me, but it would have stung. Ein slid her other foot towards me and the ground softened where I stopped. My foot sunk into the soft ground and the dirt hardened, trapping my foot. I looked toward Ein and witnessed her sprinting in my direction. I saw her reach behind her back and caught a flash of steel. I brought my hand up to intercept.

 

The knife Ein had thrust at me was caught. I had a strong hold on her blade. It wasn't a normal blade, though. The odd shape made it difficult to keep a steady grip on it. And the blood dripping from my hand didn't help much either. She came at me with a second knife. I shifted my head to the side and the blade nicked my mask. Alright, enough of this. I tensed my trapped leg and broke it free. I heard a soft gasp and she jumped back from our grapple, escaping from my kick. She had drug the knife through my clasped hand, lacerating the flesh further. A cut like this was nothing, though. I shook out my leg, ridding it of clinging dirt and rocks, and stood ready. Ein stood still for a moment, then held both her blades at waist length, ready for round two.

 

Taking a deep breath, I pushed off from the ground, dashing towards Ein. She put weight on her back foot, ready to intercept me. Before I came within reach of her blades, I drew my sword. Ein brought her small blades in the path of my sword and two loud clangs of metal against metal sounded through the arena. Her knives had blocked my sword and were tilted so that I couldn't move my blade above or below her defense. I was about to pull my sword back when Ein's front leg slid forward below us. Nani? The shifting earth pulled my leg back and I fell forward. My sword slid from Ein's defense, leaving her blades ready to strike at my head. She brought her blade down at my mask. I slid my leg that still had a grip on the ground around, purposely losing balance, and fell towards the ground quickly. Ein's knife sliced air and she thrust with the other knife at her target.

 

I couldn't dodge it.

 

The knife smashed into the mask and it shattered, showing my face. I kicked out and my leg connected with Ein's ribs. She jumped away and I breathed a sigh of quick relief. I couldn't feel her near me and I surveyed the damage to my face. Just a cut on my cheek, which was already starting to heal. Damn. Well, there goes my cover. Ein's reaction to my face would tell me if she was indeed Ellen. If not… then I'm sure she would notice from the audience. I flexed my hand, the one that was cut by Ein's blade. It was healed already. I looked back at Ein. She was nursing her side with one hand, a knife in the other. I picked up m sword and sliced it through the air out of habit.

 

“You might want to get that checked out. You should have at least a broken rib.” She looked strait at me and stood up strait, with some difficulty.

 

“I'll be fine.”

 

Same voice. I smirked. No doubt about it.

 

“So were you ever going to let me know who you were?” Ein didn't answer at first, but reached up and retrieved the mask from her face slowly. Sure enough, it was Ellen. “I thought you said you couldn't earthbend.” I pointed out. Ellen shrugged.

 

“I thought you said that you couldn't either.”

 

“I can't. I told you the truth.” Ellen raised an eyebrow.

 

“Then how did you make the ground shake during your last fight?” I smiled.

 

“Ah, you were watching, were you?” She nodded. “I'll just have to show you wont I?” Ellen and I braced ourselves. I chuckled. “I guess this is our first date then, huh?” I was answered by a large rock being hurled at me. I reacted instantly by drawing my sword and slicing the rock down the middle. The two halves flew past me and I brought my arm back in front of my face, blocking a kick from Ellen. She twisted around and kicked at me with her other leg, using the twist and a quick addition to her power. The kick hit me on the side of my head and I tumbled a few feet away. I saw Ellen land smoothly on her feet out of the corner on my eye as I skid across the dirt. I quickly pushed myself up and landed on my feet.

 

I brushed myself off and tried to consider my options. She's better than me at close combat. I couldn't use firebending, or I would be disqualified. I would have to catch Ellen off guard. She was good, though. Really good. I exhaled deeply. I had a weapon advantage when it came down to length. But she could use her short weapons as an effective defense. Can I win? I might have to use some `earthbending'. I smiled and sheathed my sword. Ellen looked at me curiously, gauging my actions.

 

“You wanted to see how I can make quakes? Well, watch this.” I took a deep breath and slammed my hands down into the ground with a resounding yell and thud. The floor shook violently and dust rose up from the ground, shielding the arena from view. I smirked to myself and concealed myself in the dirt shroud. Hidden as I was, I might gain the upper-hand against Ellen. But as soon as I started to track my quarry, the dust blew from the arena and in the middle stood Ellen, her arms lowered parallel to the plane of ground. I sighed in exasperation. She had her jade eyes squarely on me. “Well… that isn't going to work.” I said and drew my sword. Ellen's mouth twitched and she held her knife across her torso.

 

“Interesting…” She whispered to herself. My acute hearing picked it up, though. “So… why did you want to enter the tournament?” The question surprised me.

 

“I want to win the prize money.” I answered honestly.

 

“You didn't know I was competing, did you?” I shrugged.

 

“You said you weren't. I had no reason to doubt you.” She smiled and twirled the knife in her hand around, so she held the hilt backwards.

 

“Alright then, how about this. Dinner?” What? Dinner? What did she mean? My face must have shown my question. “You owe me dinner. Deal?”

 

“For what?” She smirked and threw her knife in my direction. I quickly sliced my sword out of its sheath and up, knocking the blade away from me. Ellen was in front of me in a flash and thrust her palm into my stomach. I tried to jump away but she spun around and thrust the same hand up into my chin. The impact would have shattered a human's jaw, but I was stronger than that. She knows that I'm tougher than a normal human. I noticed that she held her hand by my jaw longer than she should have. Now's my chance! I dropped my sword and snatched her arm, and crouching over, I threw Ellen over my body and out of the ring. Her body crumpled on the ground and mad cheers erupted from the audience.

 

I breathed a sigh of relief.

 

I had won.

 

Ellen stood up and brushed herself up. I caught her glance as the official dashed towards me, holding my winnings. She smirked and waved to me, then walked out of the arena into the competitor's room. She took a dive to let me win. I owe her dinner for her losing to me. Well shit. I grabbed my winnings and exited the arena after the official announcement.

 

. . .

 

“So, were shall we go?” I walked out of the stadium and sure enough, Ellen was there, leaning against the wall. I laughed shortly and stood next to her.

 

“You took a dive.” She shrugged.

 

“Yea well… I have no use for prize money. I just enjoyed our fight. Tell me, what did you need the money for?” I sighed and looked around at the passing crowd.

 

“I'll tell you while we eat. Can you suggest anyplace nice? Preferably away from lots of people?” Ellen got a strange look on her face. It reminded me of a cat chasing its prey.

 

“Oh, really? Why, do you want to be alone?” She snickered, tracing her jaw line with her nail. I grunted quietly, mumbling something about not liking crowds. Ellen nodded and grabbed my hand. “Sure, this way.” She led me through the crowds at a breakneck pace. I hadn't lied when I said I didn't like crowds. The complete truth was that many people gathered together drove my bloodlust out of control. So many heartbeats… So many pulses… I shook my head, ridding my thoughts of anything bad. After such a fight, I was getting hungry. I didn't want to hurt this girl in a desperate fight for a meal. After numerous shops we stopped in front of a bleak-looking store.

 

“Here we are. It's not much from the outside, but it's much nicer inside.” I nodded and was pulled in the building. As Ellen had said, it was very nice on the inside. Candles and lantern lit the interior and small tables littered the entirety of the shop. The atmosphere seemed wholly romantic. I arched en eyebrow at Ellen. She smiled in a cat-like fashion again and wrapped her elbow around mine. “Something wrong? The food here is really great”! I sighed. Well, I did owe her dinner. We were seated soon after and were brought food. I ate my food slowly, trying to blend in. I'm going to have to regurgitate this later. I thought as I chewed. Ellen wiped her mouth with a napkin and cleared her throat.

 

“So…” I stopped chewing and swallowed, getting the better of my gap reflex. “Why did you want to win the money?” I nodded and put down my silverware.

 

“Well… I don't really live anywhere.” Ellen folded her hands and rested her chin on them. “I've been wandering for the past couple of years and I kind of like this city. So I decided to settle here. So I figured if I won the tournament, I could get a place to stay with the winnings.” Ellen nodded and then gestured with her hands, spreading her fingertips.

 

“You just… decided to settle here after traveling for two years?” I chuckled embarrassingly.

 

“Yea…”

 

“Well… I'm not too sure you can find much of a home with just one thousand gold pieces.” I sighed and nodded. “But… if you're interested…” I locked eyes with Ellen. She grinned and leaned forward. “Do you want to learn how to fight?” I blinked and cocked my head.

 

“I… know how to fight.” Ellen sighed and her shoulders dropped.

 

“Yea… you know how to swordfight… But you don't know how to fight. I'm talking about hand-to-hand combat, here.” I thought about the offer for a minute. Maybe… I mentally shook my head. What the fuck am I considering? At this rate… she'll be another Senea. I shuddered at the thought. The incident was still fresh in my mind. The sight of Senea pierced with her own sword haunted my mind every day. I smiled and shook my head.

 

“My apologies, but I must decline.” Ellen's face fell.

 

“Why?”

 

I opened my mouth to answer, but my voice faltered. To tell her the reason… I would have to tell her everything. Would she believe it? Should I even tell her anything? A voice whispered in the back of my skull.

 

“She might be able to help you… maybe you could consider it?” My spine stiffened. What was that? Who was that? That wasn't my voice… it sounded almost like… I smirked and leaned forward. Ellen did the same.

 

“You wont believe me if I told you.” Ellen's face took on her cat-like visage again.

 

“Try me.”

 

. . .

 

Dust rolled across the ground, blowing my cloak around wildly. Other than the dust blowing, there was no moving thing for a long way. There was just a nearly endless expanse of rocks and dirt. I stood perfectly still on the solid ground, waiting for a signal; anything that would give her away. I knelt closer to the dirt, trying to expand my senses.

 

Where…

 

Suddenly, I felt a tremor. I was a slight movement, but it was there. I looked to the northeast. There was a canyon down that direction. Dying vegetation littered the ground and little wildlife, if any. Rocks waited to fall due to adverse weather or other reasons. It was a perfect place for an ambush.

 

Of course.

 

I sighed silently and set off toward the canyon, being sure to tread lightly. My skills as well as my unnatural traits aided me in sneaking, but my opponent was used to my tactics. It would be difficult to confuse her. Soon I reached the entrance to the canyon. I crouched behind a large rock and examined the setup of the environment. Alone the middle pathway, there was rocks lining the sides. As well as two cliffs along side, forming the canyon itself. She would expect me to come right down the middle, wouldn't she? I pressed my hand to the dirt, trying to locate my quarry. Concentrating, I felt a quiet thumping on the ground a few dozen meters north from my position. I smirked, my fangs showing. Bingo.

 

Creeping silently, I soon arrived a few yards away from the thumping. I drew my knife out of my belt, and twirled it around in my hand so the blade faced away from me. Checkmate. I inhaled and slid my leg towards and sound. Dust erupted all round me and I bounded over the rock I used as cover. I stood in a ready position for a few seconds but faltered when nothing happened. I lowered my hand that didn't have a knife and the dust around me settled to the ground as fast as it had come. I was alone on the small plateau. Alone except for a small stone that was rising above the ground, then falling back down repeatedly, emitting a soft thump. It took me a fraction of a second to realize that I had been fooled.

 

The ground started to shake as I looked wildly around. Shit, shit, shit! I fell for her trap. And she knew it. A spire of rock jutted up from below me and I jumped out of the way. Another pillar shot up where I was about to land and planting my feet on the stone, I braced against the force and was thrown into the canyon. I pivoted in the air and landed softly on my feet. Now I was in an even worse position than I was before. The cliffs above me trembled and shook violently. Soon after the shaking started boulders and rocks fell towards me from above. I cursed to myself and leapt into the air. The avalanche missed me by inches and I was safe in the air; or so I thought. As I reached the apex of my jump, I looked up to see Ellen rushing me in a jump of her own.

 

She had apparently planned all of this to get me into close combat. I was a better earthbender than her, but she still outmatched me in hand-to-hand fighting. The only way she could win was to lure me close enough for melee; or a knife. I had to take my hat off to her, she had done just that. Ellen threw a punch strait at me, which I received with my hand. The earthbender pulled herself closer with her trapped hand and tucked her other arm against itself, thrusting her elbow at my face. I shifted my head to the side, dodging her elbow, and tried to throw her down towards the ground. She grabbed onto my other arm and we circled each other, both of us attempting to hurl the other away, all the way to the earth. Still falling, I kicked out my legs and a giant slab of rock expelled from the cliff wall. Ellen and I crashed onto the rock at the same time and, releasing each other, we rolled apart and stood up.

 

Ellen faced me and massaged her knuckle, the one that I had clasped, roughly. “Not too bad, Kyle; you're improving.” I smiled and crouched into the position Ellen had taught me. She followed suit, and the fight broiled on. I took the initiative and slid my foot forward, forcing the rock underneath Ellen to spike into her feet. She dashed out of my attacks reach and thrust a knife at me. Sidestepping quickly, I dodged the blade and stomped on the ground. A dusk cover shot up from the ground and concealed both attack and defender. We traded blows under the cover of dust repeatedly only to have me thrown out of the cloud of dirt and down to the valley floor. Ellen followed me down and slammed her elbow into my chest the second I hit the dirt. There was an audible crack but I ignored it.

 

Tucking my legs, I rolled backwards and jumped back onto my feet. My opponent didn't give me a second to counter-attack; she rushed at me and aimed a low backhand swing at my knee. I slid backwards and swept out my leg as a counter. Ellen lost her balance and twisted her hips as she fell, rolling out of harms way when she hit the ground. I couldn't help but smile. This was just too perfect. Rooting myself firmly to the ground, I thrust my arms forward and clenched my fists. The dirt around Ellen rose up and surrounded her. Got her! I yelled triumphantly to myself and rose my hands above my head. The manipulated sand carried Ellen above the ground and hardened, effectively trapping the earthbender below the neck. Keeping one fist tightly clenched, I snapped one finger dramatically.

 

“Boo-ya.” I smiled happily. Ellen sighed, with some difficulty, and nodded.

 

“Alright, I give.” I laughed and relaxed my hand. Ellen's prison returned to sand and fell back down to the ground, along with her. I walked over to Ellen and helped her up.

 

“So, how was I?” I asked with a grin. She answered by grabbing behind my head and pulling me into a fierce kiss. She pushed me away as fast as she had pulled me in and smirked.

 

“Not bad. I don't know when you got better than me at earthbending, though. Have you been training behind my back?” I laughed and shrugged.

 

“Maybe.” Ellen sighed and we started walking back towards Ba Sing Se. As we walked we talked about things she could still teach me. I also had started to teach her about sword fighting in recent years, but she still stuck mainly with the knife. I glanced at Ellen as we walked. Over the past twenty years, she hadn't really changed all that much physically. Her face was still sharp, she still had short dark hair. The only thing different was she looked older. She was, in fact. She was thirty-three now. I had not turned her into a vampire. I was determined not to have another death on my hands because of my own feelings. I had told Ellen this years ago. She said that she understood, but I could sense her disappointment.

 

I could also sense something else. I could remember my lesson even though it was so long ago.

 

“Alright now, Koibito.” Victoria started, showing me a human, broken and bleeding, chained to the floor. “When you feed on a human for an extended period of time, they are known as `Blood Pets'.” She bared her fangs and sunk her teeth in to the human's arm. The victim whimpered in pain and tensed up in pain, not daring to move an inch. I felt my gums itch in anticipation. Victoria pulled away and licked her lips slowly. “Now… the main thing about what happens is as you are continuously taking the victim's blood, the body gets used to the change in body metabolism and… in plain and simple terms… the victim ages differently than normal.” My jaw twitched.

 

“What do you mean, age differently than normal?” I asked, not taking my eyes off the dripping liquid off the quivering human. Victoria walked over to me and traced her fingernail over my chest.

 

“I mean… that they age… well… faster than other humans. They don't show the change on the outside… but their body ages on the inside and they cannot survive for a long period of time. The most I have seen a Blood Pet live is twenty years.” I nodded and my eyes flashed back to the victim on the floor. Victoria smirked and raked her nails down my stomach slowly.

 

“Lesson… over…”

 

I shuddered and shook the image out of my memory. Will that woman ever get out of my head? Most likely not. Looking back at Ellen walking next to me, I could definitely sense it. She didn't have much time left. She was growing weaker by the day. I wonder if she could feel it? Maybe, maybe not. I could see the city of Ba Sing Se growing larger as we came closer. Ellen nudged me in the rib, getting my attention.

 

“How's you're chest? I heard it crack back there.” I pounded my sternum and grinned proudly.

 

“Already fixed. Not a problem. What about you?” Ellen smiled and sighed.

 

“A little tired, but fine.” I frowned almost unnoticeably. She didn't used to get tired from this much training. She must be feeling it. What I don't know is… how much longer does she have to live? Surely the time Victoria gave me was an average. There was no way to know for sure right now. I would have to just keep an eye out for any changes.

 

I felt Ellen hook her arm through mine as we entered Ba Sing Se.

 

. . .

 

Ellen's condition got worse over the next couple of days. On the fourth day she was bedridden. She couldn't even sit up strait. I talked to her and stayed by her all the time. She seemed so get older every hour. It was all happening too fast. I hadn't expected anything to happen this fast. It all landed on me like an avalanche. I wanted to cry for her, but I couldn't.

 

“Don't worry, Kyle.” Ellen said, smiling up at me from the bed. “I knew this day would come… I've been feeling it getting closer and closer for a long time.” I took in a shaky breath.

 

“But why didn't you say anything? I could have helped you!” Ellen shook her head slowly.

 

“I know that you didn't want to make me a vampire… and I respect that. You told me long ago that you didn't want for me to have the same fate as Senea.” I hung my head. She was right. I didn't want for her to die by the hand of Victoria. But was this better? “Don't worry about me.” Ellen whispered, reaching up and stroking my face with her skinny hand. I smiled and held her hand with mine. “Can you do me a favor, though?” I leaned forward.

 

“Name it.”

 

“I love this place. I really love Ba Sing Se.” I smiled, I did too. “I want you to protect this place. Use my strength to protect this place from everything.” I pressed her hand to my lips softly. I felt a tear roll down my cheek. Ellen wiped the tear with her hand. “Will you do that for me, my love?” I was silent for a few seconds, then I nodded.

 

“I will be honored to, Ellen.” Ellen smiled and shut her eyes.

 

“I'm going to rest for a little while. Alright?” I kissed her hand again and set it down.

 

“Sure, sleep well.”

 

. . .

 

“Ellen died two hours later, in her sleep.” Kyle said simply. Aang was holding his head down, looking sullenly at his feet. Katara shed tears silently to Kyle's left. Meanwhile Sokka had a neutral look but was clearly sobered. “I buried her and stayed in Ba Sing Se for a while. After about ten more years I moved from the city of Ba Sing Se to continue my wandering. But I returned once more as of yet. The Fire Nation Siege of Ba Sing Se.” Katara and Sokka looked up in realization. “The Earth Kingdom city of Ba Sing Se was under siege for six hundred days… nearly two years. I snuck into the besieged city and coordinated with the military to break the siege.”

 

“You forced the fire nation general to pull back.” Sokka breathed. Kyle nodded.

 

“Yea. The commander was the Dragon of the West, General Iroh.” Kyle smiled in the darkness. “The same man escorting our young banished prince around.” The air became still.

 

“So… that's what you meant… by dragon and phoenix!” Kyle nodded again.

 

“Yes. That's what my name was then. The Phoenix of the East. I earned it when I infiltrated the enemy camp and freed prisoners of war outside the city. I was the perfect candidate for assassinating General Iroh.” Katara and Aang leaned forward. “But… I didn't kill him. As you have seen, he is still alive. I snuck into the commander's tent, and fought with him. I beat him… but I couldn't kill him. Neither Ellen nor Senea would want that. So I forced him to retreat. And so ended the Siege of Ba Sing Se.” Kyle sighed deeply. “And so ended the Phoenix of the East.” His listeners peered at Kyle questioningly. “I let the Dragon of the West live when I was supposed to eliminate him. If I went back to the city, I would have been imprisoned for treason. That threat still exists now. There are still people alive that would recognize me. I cannot go back to Ba Sing Se for a long time.” Kyle sat back and stared up at the dark sky. Aang cleared his throat.

 

“Lets take a break. I'll stay awake first and fly Appa. That way we can fly in shifts.” Sokka and Katara agreed and got comfortable to sleep. “Do I just keep heading this way Kyle?” The vampire sat up and pointed to the left.

 

“We need to go that way.” Aang nodded and nudged Appa in the new direction. Soon Katara and Sokka were asleep. Aang and Kyle were silent as they scanned over the dark horizon. “At this rate, we'll be there in a day.”

 

. . .

 

Do I need to keep saying it?