[private - Mai] Taking a break

[Chase Sato]

Chase listened as she spoke of the elements, agreeing with what she said completely. Water was definitely a very diverse element, like earth, even air. Fire was the only purpose was for destruction. Water can heal, and earth is what we live on, air we breathe. But fire is only found in nature with destruction. This showed in the fire benders personalities as well. Just think back to the 100 year war. "Control is a loose term. It's really easy to get out of hand if you don't know what you're doing, or aren't trained properly." even though he wouldn't want to admit it to Mai, he had hurt many people with his bending, his little sister included. Though it had gotten a lot better since leaving home, his temper used to be out of control.

Their food was brought to the table, but not by the same waitress that took their order. It was a man this time, and definitely wasn't dressed to be serving food. It looked like he had just came from travelling for a long distance. Something didn't feel right. As the food was being put down, Chase watched the man with his peripherals, not wanting to make it obvious that something had alerted him. Suddenly, the man's hand moved to his belt, Chase now noticing the head of a sword poking out from his belt line.

Reacting quickly, Chase turned and grabbed the hilt of the sword at the same moment the man was about to draw the weapon, pushing him back with his other hand. The man stumbled back, letting to of the sword, but it still drew, now in Chase's hand. Pushing him against a wall, Chase put the blade up to his throat, glaring into the eyes of the man who just tried to kill him.

His jaw dropped open when he saw his face. "Chen?" he said, his voice full of confusion. This was a boy from another of the noble families, he had grown up with him, they were the same age. Even though the man was in a compromising situation, he sill laughed "Chase, I see you haven't got rusty after leaving us all." he said, glaring at Chase. "What the fuck, Chen? I was going to come back! Why are you trying to kill me?!" this all was so confusing, this was his old friend.

"It figures your dad didn't tell you. It's been going on for years now, my family has been planning to over throw yours. We just needed a good opportunity. But you had to run away and fuck everything up!" Chase's face went pale. Over throw? Did his father know this was being planned? What happened to his family? Slamming Chen's body against the wall, he felt anger boiling up in him. "What did you do?" he screamed now, pressing the blade further into his throat. "Daddy dearest is dead" he managed to croak out, his throat still being constricted. "Leng and Hiyro are still alive though. We needed to make sure you wouldn't come after us if we couldn't finish you off." So his mother and sister were still alive. It was a relief, but a small one, considering they were being held prisoner. Chase knew that if he killed Chen, that they would kill his mother and sister, but at his moment he felt so tempted, the blade was right there, it would be so easy.

[Mai Toriko]

Mai was shocked at the turn of events and she up in a second, using the water near by to bend into her daggers and point in the enemy's direction in case he somehow slipped from Chase's control. she was amazed at how easily Chase had ,made that seem. However, she would be resorted to blood bending to help him in the process and keeping him in a submissive state, but there was too many people now staring at them to not draw suspicion if she used it. Instead she waited.

Mai's heart sank as she heard about the murder of Chase's father. His mother and sister were still alive though, it gives them hope. Mai didn't get that chance to save her family from that death and she'd be damned if she let another person she cared about suffer through it. The young woman moved so she stood beside Chase, giving him the same support he had given her when she nearly killed the man only an hour ago. "Chase...chase let him go..." she stepped closer and drew her arms around his chest, pressing herself against his back flush. "I know how easy it would it would be...I know that draw....but please..." she hands wrapped to lay on her chest and pull him against her. 'I don't want to lose you too' she thought, not realizing she had whispered it.

If he tried to kill this man, she would blood bend Chase..she didn't want to do that. "Please..."

[Chase Sato]

The room was now silent, everyone stopped what they were doing to watch the commotion. The radio in the back was even turned off. This whole situation was crazy, his head was spinning with different thoughts as he glared into the eyes of his old friend. How could this be happening? He Wished Chen would laugh in that stupid way he always did and say it was all a joke, but he knew that was a pipe dream. No, this was all very real. His father was dead, and he had to go back home to save his mother and sister. Even though that's exactly what they wanted him to do. They knew Chen wouldn't be able to kill him, and that he wouldn't finish off an old friend. They sent Chen to find him, so he could warn then when he was coming. Pretty simple plan, and even though he saw right through it, he was going to walk right into it. He wouldn't leave his sister and mother as prisoners.

His body gave a small jump as Mai slid her arms around him, hugging him from behind. She was right, he was letting his rage get the better of him. It was a huge coincidence this situation was happening so close to their similar encounter earlier. "You should listen to your girlfriend. If my father doesn't receive my messenger hawk by tomorrow, they're dead.' Scowling at him more, Chase lowered the blade, still keeping his grip on the shirt. "You're all dishonoring the fire nation." he said, the spite dripping in his voice.

Chen was about to speak, probably to say some smart ass remark. Chase didn't give him the chance, throwing him by the shirt across the floor. The orange haired boy grabbed his pack and Mai's hand, dashing out of the restaurant. Thoughts zipped through his mind, he needed to figure out what he was going to do. First they needed to get out of the city. Wait, what was he thinking? They? He wasn't expecting Mai to come with him, he would actually prefer if she didn't, it would be dangerous. His pace was fast, Mai would probably have to jog to keep up with it. "I'm going to save them." he said loudly, unable to even calm his voice. "Come if you want, I'm leaving tonight."

[Mai Toriko]

Mai made sure their pets were following them as she was all but dragged from the restaurant but her hand. She made him stop for the second and though about his offer. She could start a normal life with a job and secure place to live...or she could eave with Chase. Thoughts raced but one thing was for certain right from the beginning...she wasn't about to leave him now. She didn't let go of his hand, in fact she held it even tighter and met his eyes. "We can leave now for all I care..." she looked to their pets. "But first we should go to the apartment, I need to make some travel gear quick and if we're leaving the city we need some kind of supplies before we venture out." she gave him a tug, she need ed to be his voice of reason right now before there was no way he was going to be all there at the moment. Which was completely understandable.

Mai had Soru on her shoulder again as she held Chase's hand as they walked hastily back to the older woman's home. Mai simply explained a family emergency. She hated to quit in the same day but the woman seemed to understand the urgency. She aloowed Mai to use some fabric make some travel gear. She ended up with a crop top kimono and a pair of pants that were fitted down the calfs and split on the outer seems of her thighs, while she wore leggings underneath. She then had a cloak with long billowing sleeves and a hood, and she wore the same shoes, seeing that they were comfortable enough for travel. Tying her hair out of her face she looked to Chase and handed hi a cloak of his own. "Hood up,if you want out of the city without being noticed, I can get ya there." she knew the routes well enough.

[Chase Sato]

He didn't even think about leaving Zala behind. He knew she would follow him. She always did. Besides he had other things to think about. He couldn't think properly, there were just so many different emotions surging through him at once. His breathing was labored, muscles tense, jaw clenched. If he hadn't had left, maybe he would have been able to save his father. He knew this thought was going to haunt him for the rest of his life. But he knew there wasn't anything he could do about it now. He just had to save his mother and sister. He didn't know how he was going to get there, though. It was going to be a long journey, just like the one here had been. . Unless they could find a source of transportation, which wasn't very likely with their budget.

The sound of Mai's voice tore him from his wandering thoughts, unable to respond with words, and opted for nodding his head. He let her lead him into the apartment, standing by the window as she worked. He stared out into the streets, arms crossed, unable to sit down in the chair that sat right next to him. He was too restless. All he could think of now was what he was going to do once he got home. How he was going to confront the others. It had been 6 weeks since he left, but in that time his entire life at home had apparently changed. He knew nothing was ever going to be the same from now on.

Taking the cloak from her, he muttered a thanks, putting it on along with the hood, over his orange locks. "I don't care about being seen. I just want to get there as fast as possible. He didn't care how it happened at this point. He could think of nothing. "By foot would be too slow..." He eyed a passing Satomobile. No, that wouldn't work. They needed paved roads to drive those, and outside the city that luxury was rare, plus they were expensive, and required fuel. Another set back, he didn't know how to drive them, and he didn't think Mai did either. So that was out of the question. They needed a steed of some kind, one they would be able to take onto the boat across to the fire nation main land.

"We need something like an Emu Horse." he announced his thoughts. The fire bender knew exactly where to get one, and it was even nearby. It was almost too convenient. He had done odd jobs for the owners. He was against stealing, but this was a desperate situation. If he ever returned to the city, he would make it up to them, he swore to himself. "Come on. I know where to get one." he told her, darting off in the opposite direction they were waking in. After a while he approached a small barn that held 5 eum horses. Wrapping his hand around the lock on the stall, he heated it with his bending, the metal glowing red. He bashed it open with a rock. Going into the barn, he quickly came back out, riding the animal. "Okay, we have to hurry!" He called, offering his hand down to her. The barn owner had just woken up and didn't sound too happy.

[Mai Toriko]

Mai nodded and took his hand as she was pulled up onto the animal and clung to Chase's back, making sure both of their pets were safely aboard as Chase seemed to tear out of the barn yard in a blitz toward the city gates. The owner's voice was ringing it their ears as the left the barn yard and she couldn't help but laugh as she thought about how funny it would have been, it was something out of the funnies in the news paper. She kept her hood up, as they had to go through the southern part of the kingdom in order to get to the main roads. She hid her face in his shoulder to keep the wind or his hair from hitting her in her face as she held Zala and Soru in her lap. Soru was a little upset, simply not understanding the need for the frantic movements but eventually calming and wrapping himself up under her cloak with Zala there.

When they passed out into the country side and worked their way down the roads she took the chance to speak. "Do you know where exactly we're headed?" she wasn't sure how much to talk to him at the moment, worried he might turn on her with anger. "You can't just barge in there, they'll kill you in a second..." she wasn't stupid, she knew this would be dangerous but she was worried for his safety.

[Chase Sato]

As they trotted along, his mind was running over different scenarios on how this all may play out. He needed to figure out a way to sneak in and get his sister and Mother out. At first his mind went to a huge rampage of vengeance for his father's death, but he knew that practical. If he wanted to rescue what was left of his family, he would have to be stealthy and practical. Mai's voice broke him from his thinking. "They already know I'm coming, but they don't know how long it will take. If we get there as fast as possible and stay hidden once we get into the fire nation, we might be able to sneak in. I don't think it will be that easy though." he told her, his voice rough from not speaking for a while.

He still felt angry at the situation, but had definitely calmed down from his previous state. He was able to think a little more clearly now that the emotions weren't fogging his mind. "I don't know what I'm going to do..." he told her a little quietly, hanging his head. He had never felt so helpless before.

[Mai Toriko]

Mai nodded against his back as she held onto him tightly, trying to offer what support she could in times like these. The young woman was silent as they rode slowly through the country side, looking like any other travelers who had passed down those roads so long ago....the more she thought about it..the more she wondered why these paths looked so familiar. Mai looked about the surroundings and felt the pang of memories edging into her consciousness but she pushed them back. There was no time for such silliness. Gripping his shoulder firmly she made him look over the shoulder and she met his gaze with kindness in her eyes. She understood his pain and helplessness, feelings she was all too familiar with. "I know it doesn't mean much, but I'm here okay? You're not alone in this." she let her fingers lay on her blood stone again, "And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to save your family...I lost mine and couldn't do anything about it...I'm not about to let it happen again to someone..." she froze and didn't say the rest. She had planned to say, "to someone I care about," but never finished the words.

"We should travel at a steady pace, don't rush too mush or we'll draw attention. I can almost guarantee these people who have threatened you wouldn't just send your old friend...we could have followers and or watchers along the path." she whispered this quietly in his ear before settling back against his body. "Take it easy," She sighed and set her chin on her shoulder. As sad as it was, her life had made her good at comforting men. She was trained and taught to make them relax, she knew wear to touch. It didn't have to sexual, just warm and content to be close with her. She wasn't meaning to manipulate like she used to use it for. But she knew Cahse needed comfort right now and if she could grant him that she planned on it.

[Chase Sato]

He was actually glad that Mai was with him. Though he didn't like the aspect of her being in danger by coming with him, it was nice having someone there to go through this with. He probably wouldn't have been able to hold himself together for this long without her. Well, as much as he had been trying to hold himself together. Her words were comforting, it was good to know that he wasn't alone in all of this. "Thank you." he managed to say back, still surprised at how damaged his voice sounded. It was mostly from him holding back his tears. If there was one thing he didn't want to do, it was cry in front of Mai.

He knew that she was right, about everything she said. They couldn't rush, or it would be too obvious. And without a doubt there were others out here watching for him. He would have to make a habit of keeping his hood up at all times. He knew his hair would be a dead giveaway to anyone looking for him. He almost wanted to smear mud through it just to cover up the unique color, at least just for this journey. No, a hood would do just fine.

Though he knew that she was right, every part of his being was just telling him to get there as soon as possible. But he knew he wasn't thinking clearly. Again, he was thankful for Mai being there, keeping him thinking in the right path. He probably would have done something stupid already if it wasn't for her.

[Mai Toriko]

Slowly she felt the tension melt away from his shoulders and his breathing became more evening, setting her at ease as well. It was important to stay calm in these types of situations, no matter how hectic they could become if he lost his cool it could mean the lives of his family members being lost. Mai held his tightly and urged him to continue steering the odd creature down the path through the countryside. Eventually they came to the forest that the path traveled through. The shade was cool and gave them relief, and with the additional hiding Mai lowered her hood for a little while. She leaned her chin on his shoulder as they pulled off the trail for a little while.

The two were smart enough to travel fast but the journey was going to take at least a day and they needed to break for food and rest before continuing. Mai let him climb off the animal before he helped her down. She stumbled for a moment, her weight finally hitting her legs after such a long time made her knees give out and she ended up pressed against him. Like when they first met she was looking up into those kind but fiery eyes and couldn't help but be drawn in. He was going through so much pain behind those eyes, pain she knew and understood. Though glad he was allowing her close during this time, she couldn't help but want to be closer to him. She wanted him to smile, she wanted to see those eyes shine with something other than contempt and worry. Mai lost herself for a second and leaned up slowly...ever so slowly...and gently pressed her lips to his. It was the simplest brush, more like the kiss of a ghost. Mai wasn't sure why she did it, or if he'd hate her for it.

She pulled away and drew back, turning to the animal to get their canteens without another word on the matter.