drunkenpandaren (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
drunkenpandaren) wrote2009-08-30 09:48 pm
drunkenpandaren) wrote2009-08-30 09:48 pm
Entry tags:
Power Rangers A.D.S. - Chapter 12 "Brother's Keeper"
A little shorter than the others but it works nicely.
Brother’s Keeper
“Going somewhere?”
Zuko froze halfway out the door as Doctor Toph stared at him, or rather off to the side but the intent was clear. The little girl was dressed in pajamas and fluffy bunny slippers without the soles but she still cut an intimidating glare when she needed to.
“Um… out for a midnight stroll?”
“Doubt it. By the amount of possessions you’re taking with a substancial amount of food and silver, you’re intending to leave.” Replied Doctor Toph.
“And that’s a bad thing?” grumbled. Zuko. “Look, I just need some space.”
“That space will destabilize the team,” pointed out Toph. “And I’m going to say it now that without me, your tech might start running wild again.”
“What am I supposed to do then?” growled Zuko. “I never asked for this crap to happen to me! I didn’t even know there was tech INSIDE ME!”
“And what? You’re going to give up? Run away? CRY about it?” demanded Toph. “I will seriously kick your ass if you run from your responsibilities now.”
“Since when did you resort to violence?” replied Zuko and he dodged to the side as a small rock flew at his head. “Okay okay! Geez, I’m going back to my room.”
“See that you do.” And as Zuko stomped back up, she added, “And stop stomping! And don’t even THINK about going through the window!”
“Rangers, it has come to my attention that we are in desperate need of a teamwork strategy in this time of stress,” said Doctor Toph, folding her arms. “You four need to work together.”
“It would help if you joined us on the battlefield too you know,” pointed out Zuko angrily.
Ignoring Zuko, Doctor Toph added, “Thus being said, I am implementing a little strategy that I learned in Alphabet Soup about teamwork. Hold out your hands people.”
Looking at each other, they raised their hands. Toph smiled innocently before she gestured. Without warning, two sets of shackles on a long chain clamped onto their arms – fastening Katara and Aang together and Sokka and Zuko together. “Like em? I call em “Helpful Shackles” or perhaps “Teamwork Fixers”.”
“… you handcuffed us together. WHY?” demanded Zuko.
“Two reasons. A) you need to work on your teamwork skills so we’re going to try a little exersize. When you can work together properly, I’ll break the shackles. Fair enough?” replied Doctor Toph.
“And the other?” inquired Katara.
“B mostly consists of keeping Zuko from running off on his own in a fit of angst.” Zuko glared at the Doctor who didn’t notice since she was blind. “Any more questions?”
“Yeah. Get me out of these cuffs. I need to go to the bathroom.” Said Sokka.
“Sorry Sokka, you gotta deal with that while cuffed.” Aang and Katara went completely red, Sokka groaned and Zuko palmed his face.
“This is stupid,” summed up Zuko as he lined up a shot with his cue. “How am I supposed to get anything done with you on my arm almost literally—will you QUIT moving your arm?!”
Sokka shrugged, tugging Zuko’s arm further away and making him miss his shot. Lining up his own cue, the other teen grinned. “At least you don’t have to deal with being chained up to Katara. She’d drive anyone nuts.”
“Can’t believe you trust her with Aang,” replied Zuko and Sokka missed his shot. “What?”
“What do you mean trust her with Aang?” inquired Sokka.
“Oh nothing. Thought that as the doting older, if stupid, brother you’d be worried about Katara’s virtue.” Zuko smirked at Sokka’s expression. “After all, they’d be in the same room together, sleeping together, eating together… going to the bath together…”
‘Oh Aang~!’ rang through Sokka’s mind and his jaw dropped to the floor as he fell over. Leaping to his feet, he pointed at Aang and Katara who were watching a movie on television and yelled “YOU TWO! MAX CHAIN LENGTH NOW!”
The pair blinked. “Do… you have any idea what he’s yelling about?” inquired Aang.
“No idea. Just ignore him.”
“Okay.”
“LISTEN TO ME WHEN I’M COMMANDING PEOPLE!” roared Sokka and the pair decided to ignore him. Zuko patted him on the shoulder but the Fire Prince was waring a sardonic smirk on his face.
Zuko 1, Sokka 0.
“This is humiliating,” said Zuko, his back to Sokka as the other teen splashed water over his head. “Can you at LEAST draw the curtain?”
“It just gets in the way of the chain,” replied Sokka. “Hand me the shampoo.”
Zuko growled low in his throat as he reached over and handed Sokka the shampoo with his good hand. “You just HAVE to take like 20 minute baths don’t you?”
“Newsflash Zuko: I’ve been tucked under an engine for most of the last five hours.”
“I know: I was under there with you.”
“So you GET what I’m saying. I need cleansing!”
“Just promise me you’re not going to do anything STUPID while we’re chained together,” grumbled Zuko.
“Sorry pal; got a date with Suki tonight.” Replied Sokka.
Zuko almost fell over. “WHY didn’t you TELL me about this?!”
“Hey, this was made before the Doc chained us together,” replied Sokka. “As it stands, I gotta make an excuse to why we have a tagalong.”
“Ugh. This can’t get any worse.”
“Hey do me a favour; wash my back? I think I’m getting a little dry back there.”
Zuko groaned.
Zuko 1, Sokka 1.
“I can’t believe you’re making this into a Double Date Sokka!” exclaimed Suki.
“Be reasonable Suki; I can’t get these cuffs open since its made completely out of earth AND I’ve got to put up with Zuko everywhere I go.” Replied Sokka.
“Hey don’t mind me; I’m as an unwilling passenger as Sokka is to me,” griped Zuko.
Suki sighed, palmed her face and said, “I’m glad you notified me about this BRILLIANT change in our itinerary. At least then I was able to convince a co-worker to come along for Zuko’s date.”
“Say what?” echoed Zuko. “Date?!”
“Well DUH, or it’d be awkward,” replied Sokka. “So who is she?”
“Behind you.” The pair turned and a girl smiled, bowing. She had brown hair and a soft smile. “Hi, you’re Zuko right? I’m Jin. Nice to meet you.”
Sokka leaned in and whispered, “Zuko! Psst! Roll your tongue up—it’ll make you more popular with the ladies!”
Suki 1, Sokka 1, Zuko 1.
“So you’re a prince?” inquired Jin. “I’ve never met a real prince before.”
“Yeah, well it’s not like I throw the title around but yeah. Prince of the Fire Nation.” Replied Zuko. “Or y’know, what’s left of it.”
Jin smiled. “I think you’d make a wonderful prince. And you already take steps to deal with the threats in our city. I think that’s admirable.”
Zuko swallowed nervously. “Y-yeah, thanks for that!”
Sokka leaned in and whispered to Suki, “I think they’re getting along.”
“You think?” replied Suki quietly. “I think they actually make a cute couple.”
“Where’d you find her anyway?” inquired Sokka. “She’s like so totally normal.”
“She’s a co-worker of mine,” replied Suki, stirring her drink. “Works in communications. We have lunch together.”
“So you work for the Dragons?” inquired Zuko as he sipped his tea. “How’re you liking it?”
“It’s different,” admitted Jin. “My parents are simple shopkeepers so I never really got a chance to stand on my feet until now. General Iroh is a wonderful man. You’re related to him right?” Zuko nodded. “He’s always looking out for his troops, and brings everyone tea in the morning.”
Zuko chuckled. “Sounds like uncle. I’m glad you’ve got a good job working for the Dragons. Most people don’t give them the credit they deserve for doing their part in defending the city.”
“Yeah, kinda sad. Everyone sees the Rangers and assume they’re doing all of the work. But they’re not. We’ve repeled a lot of invasions even before they showed up.” Jin smiled. “I’m glad you at least understand, being a Ranger and all.”
Zuko chuckled. “Well I suppose its in part that I never asked to be a Ranger until uncle pushed me to try out. They needed someone with a strong connection to fire, and most of the firebenders are in the service of the Dragons.”
Jin nodded. Sokka stole one of Zuko’s fish and remarked to Suki, “They are REALLY getting along well.”
“So I got you something today Suki, seeing how it was your birthday.” Sokka held out a small little box wrapped in green.
Suki took it and unwrapped it, gasping. “Oh Sokka! It’s beautiful!” Holding up a small chain, it was a hand-carving attached to it.
“Like it? I got a friend to help me with it.”
Ignoring Sokka, Zuko smiled at Jin and said, “Sorry, I didn’t get anything for you.”
“It’s okay,” replied Jin, patting him on the cheek. “I enjoyed our time together, and I got to know you. That’s enough for a first date, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Well well, isn’t this a charming little scene?” sneered Azula as she appeared with her platoon of Grinders.
Zuko and Sokka turned to Azula and as one, chorused “DO YOU MIND?! WE’RE HAVING A MOMENT!”
Azula snorted and smirked cruelly. “Well now that I know Zuzu and the pesky Black Ranger has loved ones, I can do my part and immolate the both.”
“Oh hell no,” snapped Suki. “You think you’re going to take advantage of us? Not a chance in hell.”
“That’s right,” replied Jin, startling Zuko. “You’re not just messing with girls you witch; you’re messing with two of the Dragons.”
“Dragons Shmagons. Grinders ATTACK!”
The robotic minions surged forth and Suki and Jin raced to meet the pair. Sokka and Zuko charged after them, going in different directions before snapping back and colliding loudly. “Ow! Watch it!” snapped Sokka.
“YOU watch it!” replied Zuko. But the pair had no more time to waste as they blocked two Grinders swinging their weapons at them.
Suki charged into the pack, vaulting an attack and spin-kicking the Grinder in the face. Bouncing from the impact, she dropped to the ground and swept two more off their feet before blocking the impact of another who swung its arm at her. Driving two hits into the Grinder’s chest, she concaved it with a vicious blow.
Dropping low, Jin leaped over Suki and fired a pair of pistols that she drew from her purse. Arms akimbo, she fired repeatedly into the crowd and the enemy scattered.
As one, the boys heaved the Grinders off them. “Look, we need to work as a team,” said Zuko as he blocked another strike and kicked the Grinder away.
“Fine, but follow my lead,” replied Sokka, punching another and subsequently hauling Zuko with his arm.
“Your lead?” demanded Zuko, pulling back to wrap said chain around a Grinder’s neck and ripping its head off. “This isn’t dancing!”
Sokka shoved a Grinder and then stabbed it with a broken pole. “And what’s THAT supposed to mean?”
Zuko pulled Sokka into a roll away from a pair of scything attacks and they hauled up their chain as one, tumbling a pack to the ground. “It means,” said Zuko, getting up, “You’re a lousy dance partner.”
Sokka snorted as the pair punched a Grinder as one. “And you SUCK at leading.”
“You think they’re okay?” inquired Jin as she stood back to back with Suki, her arms spread to the side as she fired in a circle, following Suki’s movements.
“I can’t tell,” replied Suki, crushing a Grinder’s face with her knee. “Do they look okay?”
Jin winced as Sokka was flung around by the chain by Zuko, Sokka’s feet slamming into several Grinders. “Well it depends on who’s asking—and who’s being used as a chain weapon.”
Dropping Sokka, the teen hauled on his end of the chain and Zuko’s feet left the ground. Driving both feet into the chest of a Grinder, Zuko asked, “Do you think the girls are fine?”
“I can’t tell,” replied Sokka as he bashed another Grinder in the head. “Do they look okay?”
Zuko glanced over at the pair who were trading spinning windmills in a well coordinated attack. Jin was STILL firing her lasers and Suki had found a discarded pipe she was using as a spear. “I’m gonna say they can handle themselves. That’s some girl you have.”
“Yeah, she’s great,” sighed Sokka moments before he was wrenched downwards to avoid an attack that would have taken his head off. “Hey, where’s Azula?”
Zuko looked up and swore. “DOWN!” Lightning blasted across the battlefield and he snarled, “I HATE LIGHTNING!”
Azula blew her fingers as she bent fire at them, and Zuko and Sokka rolled as one. She raised her hand again, the fingertips crackling but then Suki’s pipe slammed into her hand, knocking it clean off. “OW! MY HAND!”
“She’s not human is she?” said Jin as she shot a Grinder repeatedly who managed to get too close. Shoving it backwards with her foot, the girl fired at Azula who was forced to fire back fireballs with her good hand.
“Nope,” replied Suki as she hauled Jin backwards, flipping the girl over her back as Jin spun around, firing at Azula who dodged wildly. “She’s slipping through. Must be because you took her hand off.”
“Must be,” replied Jin.
The boys finally had enough of being separated as they charged through the ranks, keeping the chain taught. Grinders were caught in the forward tackle and they smashed them up against a building. Picking up a rock, Zuko threw it at Azula and it winged the girl on the head, causing her to reel with a whine of servos. “Whoa, never got a clear shot like that before.”
“Keep it up and we’ll get her beat in no time,” proclaimed Sokka.
Azula stood, growling. “This isn’t over!” And she vanished as with the rest of the functional Grinders.
“Yeah well good riddance!” exclaimed Sokka to the air moments before Suki glomped him. “Whoa!”
“You were wonderful out there!” exclaimed Suki as she pulled away. “You’re really working well with Zuko.”
“What, really?”
On the other side, Jin was inspecting Zuko for damage and he squirmed a little as she checked his sides. “I’m okay, really. I heal fast.”
“If you say so,” replied Jin, blushing a little. Tucking her pistols into the bag she carried, she added, “I hope you don’t think its weird for me to carry my service lasers with me but…”
“Oh no, I think it works out in the end,” said Zuko with a small smile.
Suki smiled at Sokka and leaned in when suddenly his Engine Cell Morpher beeped. She let out a sigh. “Work’s never done is it?”
“Nope,” said Sokka, clearly unhappy about being cockblocked as he popped his morpher open. Zuko did as well. “This had better be important.”
“Series Black, we’ve received a distress signal. Its weak but I think you may want to hear this. Patching it through.”
“This is Hakoda… sending distress signal… coordinates 24 long by 42… assist… captured…”
Sokka nearly dropped his morpher. “Play it again!” he demanded.
“I can’t. The signal degraded,” replied Doctor Toph.
“Sokka what’s wrong?” asked Suki.
“It’s my father. He just sent a distress signal.” Replied Sokka and Suki gasped.
“What about the signal?” inquired Jin and Sokka shook his head. “Oh no…”
“It gets worse,” replied Zuko and Sokka made a face.
“I REALLY hate it when you say that. When you do, it’s always BAD.”
“24 by 32. That puts them right in the middle of Fire Nation, beyond the Manigot Line. Sokka… your father is being taken to The Boiling Rock—the former maximum security prison of the Fire Nation.”
“I hate it when you say stuff like that.” Groused Sokka.
Brother’s Keeper
“Going somewhere?”
Zuko froze halfway out the door as Doctor Toph stared at him, or rather off to the side but the intent was clear. The little girl was dressed in pajamas and fluffy bunny slippers without the soles but she still cut an intimidating glare when she needed to.
“Um… out for a midnight stroll?”
“Doubt it. By the amount of possessions you’re taking with a substancial amount of food and silver, you’re intending to leave.” Replied Doctor Toph.
“And that’s a bad thing?” grumbled. Zuko. “Look, I just need some space.”
“That space will destabilize the team,” pointed out Toph. “And I’m going to say it now that without me, your tech might start running wild again.”
“What am I supposed to do then?” growled Zuko. “I never asked for this crap to happen to me! I didn’t even know there was tech INSIDE ME!”
“And what? You’re going to give up? Run away? CRY about it?” demanded Toph. “I will seriously kick your ass if you run from your responsibilities now.”
“Since when did you resort to violence?” replied Zuko and he dodged to the side as a small rock flew at his head. “Okay okay! Geez, I’m going back to my room.”
“See that you do.” And as Zuko stomped back up, she added, “And stop stomping! And don’t even THINK about going through the window!”
“Rangers, it has come to my attention that we are in desperate need of a teamwork strategy in this time of stress,” said Doctor Toph, folding her arms. “You four need to work together.”
“It would help if you joined us on the battlefield too you know,” pointed out Zuko angrily.
Ignoring Zuko, Doctor Toph added, “Thus being said, I am implementing a little strategy that I learned in Alphabet Soup about teamwork. Hold out your hands people.”
Looking at each other, they raised their hands. Toph smiled innocently before she gestured. Without warning, two sets of shackles on a long chain clamped onto their arms – fastening Katara and Aang together and Sokka and Zuko together. “Like em? I call em “Helpful Shackles” or perhaps “Teamwork Fixers”.”
“… you handcuffed us together. WHY?” demanded Zuko.
“Two reasons. A) you need to work on your teamwork skills so we’re going to try a little exersize. When you can work together properly, I’ll break the shackles. Fair enough?” replied Doctor Toph.
“And the other?” inquired Katara.
“B mostly consists of keeping Zuko from running off on his own in a fit of angst.” Zuko glared at the Doctor who didn’t notice since she was blind. “Any more questions?”
“Yeah. Get me out of these cuffs. I need to go to the bathroom.” Said Sokka.
“Sorry Sokka, you gotta deal with that while cuffed.” Aang and Katara went completely red, Sokka groaned and Zuko palmed his face.
“This is stupid,” summed up Zuko as he lined up a shot with his cue. “How am I supposed to get anything done with you on my arm almost literally—will you QUIT moving your arm?!”
Sokka shrugged, tugging Zuko’s arm further away and making him miss his shot. Lining up his own cue, the other teen grinned. “At least you don’t have to deal with being chained up to Katara. She’d drive anyone nuts.”
“Can’t believe you trust her with Aang,” replied Zuko and Sokka missed his shot. “What?”
“What do you mean trust her with Aang?” inquired Sokka.
“Oh nothing. Thought that as the doting older, if stupid, brother you’d be worried about Katara’s virtue.” Zuko smirked at Sokka’s expression. “After all, they’d be in the same room together, sleeping together, eating together… going to the bath together…”
‘Oh Aang~!’ rang through Sokka’s mind and his jaw dropped to the floor as he fell over. Leaping to his feet, he pointed at Aang and Katara who were watching a movie on television and yelled “YOU TWO! MAX CHAIN LENGTH NOW!”
The pair blinked. “Do… you have any idea what he’s yelling about?” inquired Aang.
“No idea. Just ignore him.”
“Okay.”
“LISTEN TO ME WHEN I’M COMMANDING PEOPLE!” roared Sokka and the pair decided to ignore him. Zuko patted him on the shoulder but the Fire Prince was waring a sardonic smirk on his face.
Zuko 1, Sokka 0.
“This is humiliating,” said Zuko, his back to Sokka as the other teen splashed water over his head. “Can you at LEAST draw the curtain?”
“It just gets in the way of the chain,” replied Sokka. “Hand me the shampoo.”
Zuko growled low in his throat as he reached over and handed Sokka the shampoo with his good hand. “You just HAVE to take like 20 minute baths don’t you?”
“Newsflash Zuko: I’ve been tucked under an engine for most of the last five hours.”
“I know: I was under there with you.”
“So you GET what I’m saying. I need cleansing!”
“Just promise me you’re not going to do anything STUPID while we’re chained together,” grumbled Zuko.
“Sorry pal; got a date with Suki tonight.” Replied Sokka.
Zuko almost fell over. “WHY didn’t you TELL me about this?!”
“Hey, this was made before the Doc chained us together,” replied Sokka. “As it stands, I gotta make an excuse to why we have a tagalong.”
“Ugh. This can’t get any worse.”
“Hey do me a favour; wash my back? I think I’m getting a little dry back there.”
Zuko groaned.
Zuko 1, Sokka 1.
“I can’t believe you’re making this into a Double Date Sokka!” exclaimed Suki.
“Be reasonable Suki; I can’t get these cuffs open since its made completely out of earth AND I’ve got to put up with Zuko everywhere I go.” Replied Sokka.
“Hey don’t mind me; I’m as an unwilling passenger as Sokka is to me,” griped Zuko.
Suki sighed, palmed her face and said, “I’m glad you notified me about this BRILLIANT change in our itinerary. At least then I was able to convince a co-worker to come along for Zuko’s date.”
“Say what?” echoed Zuko. “Date?!”
“Well DUH, or it’d be awkward,” replied Sokka. “So who is she?”
“Behind you.” The pair turned and a girl smiled, bowing. She had brown hair and a soft smile. “Hi, you’re Zuko right? I’m Jin. Nice to meet you.”
Sokka leaned in and whispered, “Zuko! Psst! Roll your tongue up—it’ll make you more popular with the ladies!”
Suki 1, Sokka 1, Zuko 1.
“So you’re a prince?” inquired Jin. “I’ve never met a real prince before.”
“Yeah, well it’s not like I throw the title around but yeah. Prince of the Fire Nation.” Replied Zuko. “Or y’know, what’s left of it.”
Jin smiled. “I think you’d make a wonderful prince. And you already take steps to deal with the threats in our city. I think that’s admirable.”
Zuko swallowed nervously. “Y-yeah, thanks for that!”
Sokka leaned in and whispered to Suki, “I think they’re getting along.”
“You think?” replied Suki quietly. “I think they actually make a cute couple.”
“Where’d you find her anyway?” inquired Sokka. “She’s like so totally normal.”
“She’s a co-worker of mine,” replied Suki, stirring her drink. “Works in communications. We have lunch together.”
“So you work for the Dragons?” inquired Zuko as he sipped his tea. “How’re you liking it?”
“It’s different,” admitted Jin. “My parents are simple shopkeepers so I never really got a chance to stand on my feet until now. General Iroh is a wonderful man. You’re related to him right?” Zuko nodded. “He’s always looking out for his troops, and brings everyone tea in the morning.”
Zuko chuckled. “Sounds like uncle. I’m glad you’ve got a good job working for the Dragons. Most people don’t give them the credit they deserve for doing their part in defending the city.”
“Yeah, kinda sad. Everyone sees the Rangers and assume they’re doing all of the work. But they’re not. We’ve repeled a lot of invasions even before they showed up.” Jin smiled. “I’m glad you at least understand, being a Ranger and all.”
Zuko chuckled. “Well I suppose its in part that I never asked to be a Ranger until uncle pushed me to try out. They needed someone with a strong connection to fire, and most of the firebenders are in the service of the Dragons.”
Jin nodded. Sokka stole one of Zuko’s fish and remarked to Suki, “They are REALLY getting along well.”
“So I got you something today Suki, seeing how it was your birthday.” Sokka held out a small little box wrapped in green.
Suki took it and unwrapped it, gasping. “Oh Sokka! It’s beautiful!” Holding up a small chain, it was a hand-carving attached to it.
“Like it? I got a friend to help me with it.”
Ignoring Sokka, Zuko smiled at Jin and said, “Sorry, I didn’t get anything for you.”
“It’s okay,” replied Jin, patting him on the cheek. “I enjoyed our time together, and I got to know you. That’s enough for a first date, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Well well, isn’t this a charming little scene?” sneered Azula as she appeared with her platoon of Grinders.
Zuko and Sokka turned to Azula and as one, chorused “DO YOU MIND?! WE’RE HAVING A MOMENT!”
Azula snorted and smirked cruelly. “Well now that I know Zuzu and the pesky Black Ranger has loved ones, I can do my part and immolate the both.”
“Oh hell no,” snapped Suki. “You think you’re going to take advantage of us? Not a chance in hell.”
“That’s right,” replied Jin, startling Zuko. “You’re not just messing with girls you witch; you’re messing with two of the Dragons.”
“Dragons Shmagons. Grinders ATTACK!”
The robotic minions surged forth and Suki and Jin raced to meet the pair. Sokka and Zuko charged after them, going in different directions before snapping back and colliding loudly. “Ow! Watch it!” snapped Sokka.
“YOU watch it!” replied Zuko. But the pair had no more time to waste as they blocked two Grinders swinging their weapons at them.
Suki charged into the pack, vaulting an attack and spin-kicking the Grinder in the face. Bouncing from the impact, she dropped to the ground and swept two more off their feet before blocking the impact of another who swung its arm at her. Driving two hits into the Grinder’s chest, she concaved it with a vicious blow.
Dropping low, Jin leaped over Suki and fired a pair of pistols that she drew from her purse. Arms akimbo, she fired repeatedly into the crowd and the enemy scattered.
As one, the boys heaved the Grinders off them. “Look, we need to work as a team,” said Zuko as he blocked another strike and kicked the Grinder away.
“Fine, but follow my lead,” replied Sokka, punching another and subsequently hauling Zuko with his arm.
“Your lead?” demanded Zuko, pulling back to wrap said chain around a Grinder’s neck and ripping its head off. “This isn’t dancing!”
Sokka shoved a Grinder and then stabbed it with a broken pole. “And what’s THAT supposed to mean?”
Zuko pulled Sokka into a roll away from a pair of scything attacks and they hauled up their chain as one, tumbling a pack to the ground. “It means,” said Zuko, getting up, “You’re a lousy dance partner.”
Sokka snorted as the pair punched a Grinder as one. “And you SUCK at leading.”
“You think they’re okay?” inquired Jin as she stood back to back with Suki, her arms spread to the side as she fired in a circle, following Suki’s movements.
“I can’t tell,” replied Suki, crushing a Grinder’s face with her knee. “Do they look okay?”
Jin winced as Sokka was flung around by the chain by Zuko, Sokka’s feet slamming into several Grinders. “Well it depends on who’s asking—and who’s being used as a chain weapon.”
Dropping Sokka, the teen hauled on his end of the chain and Zuko’s feet left the ground. Driving both feet into the chest of a Grinder, Zuko asked, “Do you think the girls are fine?”
“I can’t tell,” replied Sokka as he bashed another Grinder in the head. “Do they look okay?”
Zuko glanced over at the pair who were trading spinning windmills in a well coordinated attack. Jin was STILL firing her lasers and Suki had found a discarded pipe she was using as a spear. “I’m gonna say they can handle themselves. That’s some girl you have.”
“Yeah, she’s great,” sighed Sokka moments before he was wrenched downwards to avoid an attack that would have taken his head off. “Hey, where’s Azula?”
Zuko looked up and swore. “DOWN!” Lightning blasted across the battlefield and he snarled, “I HATE LIGHTNING!”
Azula blew her fingers as she bent fire at them, and Zuko and Sokka rolled as one. She raised her hand again, the fingertips crackling but then Suki’s pipe slammed into her hand, knocking it clean off. “OW! MY HAND!”
“She’s not human is she?” said Jin as she shot a Grinder repeatedly who managed to get too close. Shoving it backwards with her foot, the girl fired at Azula who was forced to fire back fireballs with her good hand.
“Nope,” replied Suki as she hauled Jin backwards, flipping the girl over her back as Jin spun around, firing at Azula who dodged wildly. “She’s slipping through. Must be because you took her hand off.”
“Must be,” replied Jin.
The boys finally had enough of being separated as they charged through the ranks, keeping the chain taught. Grinders were caught in the forward tackle and they smashed them up against a building. Picking up a rock, Zuko threw it at Azula and it winged the girl on the head, causing her to reel with a whine of servos. “Whoa, never got a clear shot like that before.”
“Keep it up and we’ll get her beat in no time,” proclaimed Sokka.
Azula stood, growling. “This isn’t over!” And she vanished as with the rest of the functional Grinders.
“Yeah well good riddance!” exclaimed Sokka to the air moments before Suki glomped him. “Whoa!”
“You were wonderful out there!” exclaimed Suki as she pulled away. “You’re really working well with Zuko.”
“What, really?”
On the other side, Jin was inspecting Zuko for damage and he squirmed a little as she checked his sides. “I’m okay, really. I heal fast.”
“If you say so,” replied Jin, blushing a little. Tucking her pistols into the bag she carried, she added, “I hope you don’t think its weird for me to carry my service lasers with me but…”
“Oh no, I think it works out in the end,” said Zuko with a small smile.
Suki smiled at Sokka and leaned in when suddenly his Engine Cell Morpher beeped. She let out a sigh. “Work’s never done is it?”
“Nope,” said Sokka, clearly unhappy about being cockblocked as he popped his morpher open. Zuko did as well. “This had better be important.”
“Series Black, we’ve received a distress signal. Its weak but I think you may want to hear this. Patching it through.”
“This is Hakoda… sending distress signal… coordinates 24 long by 42… assist… captured…”
Sokka nearly dropped his morpher. “Play it again!” he demanded.
“I can’t. The signal degraded,” replied Doctor Toph.
“Sokka what’s wrong?” asked Suki.
“It’s my father. He just sent a distress signal.” Replied Sokka and Suki gasped.
“What about the signal?” inquired Jin and Sokka shook his head. “Oh no…”
“It gets worse,” replied Zuko and Sokka made a face.
“I REALLY hate it when you say that. When you do, it’s always BAD.”
“24 by 32. That puts them right in the middle of Fire Nation, beyond the Manigot Line. Sokka… your father is being taken to The Boiling Rock—the former maximum security prison of the Fire Nation.”
“I hate it when you say stuff like that.” Groused Sokka.