Path of the Betrayed: Rebirth, Sanosuke's Story

[.:|FiresFury|:.]

Chapter One
The Beginning of the End

Sanosuke was wandering the halls of the Execution Squad HQ. The surrounding area was eerily silent.....he liked it. He walked on silently coming back from a mission ordered by the Fire Lord. It was actually an order to slay an important man of the Earth Kingdom and he completed it. But there was something wrong with the Fire Lord this evening. He kept repeating and insisting how good of a job he and the Squad have done in the past. He found it odd how he was repetitive saying and assuring the same thing over and over "You don’t know how much appreciation i have for what you have done for us Fires Fury....and the Squad as a whole. Thank you for your hard work." He contemplated it as he headed towards his room near the North West section of the base.

As he continued on he heard a sudden scream of pain as he turned his head down the hall to see multiple balls and waves of Fire being launched at him by charging Fire Benders. As he kicked his door open and launched himself in the room he caught a glance of something he never wanted to see. It was Fire Nation soldiers murdering his men. The nearest victim was a youngster of just 14. He was Kazuhiro Sasaki. He was being trained for the Squad and Sanosuke had grown a bond with the child. But the last view he caught of him was the screaming boy on the ground looking deep into Sano's eyes with blood streaked tears as a pike was thrusted through his stomach. Kazu thrashed in pain before finally staying in one place resting forever.

Sanosuke slammed the door closed and locked it. He ran over to his table and grabbed hold of his Fire Weaved Katana and strapped it to his back. "No wonder the Fire Lord had applauded me and my men so much...." Sano said sliding his demonic mask over his face. He grimaced at the thought of how many of his fiends were dyeing. He hook his head letting the thoughts flee his mind as he flipped around a corner as the door was slammed open in a burst of Fire.

Fire's Fury looked around the corner quickly to see three Fire Nation soldiers flock into his room blades covered in blood. The one in the back with the pole arm in his hands was the one that killed Kazuhiro. His chest rose violently as he breathed heavily suppressing the anger he had knowing the Fire Lord had ordered this. He stepped forward and placed a foot on the table launching himself around the corner at the surprised men as he slid his sword out of the sheathe and brought it down upon the first mans head at downward left angle. The man tried to raise his sword in time to deflect the sword but he was too late as the sword connected with flesh. The blade pushed through skull and skin as it sliced deep into the mans collar bone with his head barely held together. The other man screamed and charged as Sano quickly planted a foot in the dead mans chest and kicked him backwards to dislodge the blade from bone as he sidestepped the first attack. The second man took a downward slice with his pole arm and Sano moved to the side and caught the wooden handle and thrusted a Fiery Palm through the flexible wood and shattered the weapon. He turned around and ducked at the attempted neck slice and planted two hard palms into the mans chest as he flew backwards into the far wall making a small hole.

He then bent over rolling to avoid an attack by the last man....the one he had special plans for. As he acquired the broken top half of the Pike he kicked off the wall to add force to the throw and launched the broken weapon into the mans chest as he tried to collect himself from the wall. He let out a slight gasp as it entered his sternum before being silenced. Now there was only one left. On this day he will regret taking a job in the Fire Nation Army.

He stood and walked forward towards he man who was scared out of his mind dropping his weapon and pleading for mercy. Fire’s eyes seemed to glow with his burning hatred. "Did you give Kazuhiro a mercy?! HUH?! Did you?!" he yelled putting the tip of the blade on the mans hamstring. The soldier sobbed "Who....whose Kazuhiro?" he whimpered. Sano looked at him with disbelief "the kid you just killed!" he yelled as he pulled the blade slicing the mans hamstrings then bringing it up and back down into the mans ankle. The man screamed as he was cut open and stabbed as his bone shattered. "I...I...I'm sorry!" he cried. Sano stood up and looked at the man. "Oh you will be...." he seethed as he pulled he trigger on the handle of his weapon opening the flow of oil stashed in the hilt that was forced into a small pipe that led to the tip. He sliced at air as oil was strewn all over the man as looked around confused as to what sort of liquid he was being covered in.

Then it hit him....it was oil. He looked stricken with disbelief as Sanosuke lit a small ball of Fire in his hand. "No....please don’t.....please" the man sobbed. "Is that what Kazu said before you gutted him? I thought so..." he seethed pulling his fist back and launching the Fire ball at the man instantly lighting him in flames hat smothered his body. As the man writhed in pain and anguish trying to scream but the extreme flames were burning up his oxygen around him. He yelled inaudible yells gasping for air trying to move as his flesh was burnt and peeling. He then slumped as his body cooked. Sanosuke gave one last look to the man then turned to walk out the door.

He looked down the hallways and walked quickly to Kazu's body as he shook his head in sorrow. He didn’t want this to happen to this boy. The child’s eyes were still open in pain looking as though his small globes were crying out for his parents. Sano clenched his teeth as he looked down and forced his eyes shut. Then he heard footsteps as he launched up screaming tackling the coming person slamming him against the wall. He was just about to put a sword down the mans throat when he recognized the face. It was Ryumo. "Sir.....we have to go. Most of them are dead and dyeing sir. The other students and members are fighting for their lives in the halls." Sano looked past his pupils mask to see slight fear but also strong determination. He lifted his head hearing the screams and shouts of battle. "I was told to get you....get you out" Ryumo choked.

Sanosuke knew this must have been hard on the young man, his only friends being slaughtered in front of him. But he knew ryumo was strong and could push through it. Sanosuke looked at Kazuhiro's dead limp body one last time and closed the child’s glazed eyes that stared into nothingness. He looked away as he gently placed the child’s head on he ground and sheathed his sword. "We....must move quickly..." he said quietly almost at a whisper.

As they ran down the hallways they passed the battle. The dead lay all about strewn across the ground. It seemed as though all there eyes were fixed on him as he ran by looking away from the bloody carnage. As he looked away he knew he could never look back. Those men died for him and he had to repay them for their sacrifice. He silently said his farewells to them as he ran. He somehow hoped that Misery would Strengthen him as he said his goodbyes but it never came. So he ran on.

They almost reached the exit as a couple of his students were blasted into a wall in front of him and Ryumo. As they looked over with their charred broken bodies they reached for him and spoke "Master....why?" but their questions were silenced by flames as a wave of flame peeled off their skin melting their sad eyes as nothing was left but their hollow skulls.

Then suddenly a horde of Fire Nation Soldiers charged around the corner and saw Ryumo and himself. "Kill them as ordered by the Fire Lord!" one man yelled as they ran forward. Sano's guess was confirmed. Apparently the Fire Lord didn’t need them anymore but he was going to regret it.

Fire looked on as he charged forward at them as well yelling. As he stomped his front foot forward he planted it bringing in his palms creating a massive stored energy of fire between his hands. He looked forward and shed one tear that was soon evaporated ad he pushed his hands forward with difficulty from the pressure of the element but he maintained it.

He thrust forward as the soldiers stood wide-eyed as the massive blast of fire came at them. All of Fires anger was in that flame. As the fire came at them i enveloped the entire hallway a they were shredded from skin. None of them were allowed to scream before the flames grabbed hold of their lives. As the flames subsided in the cement hallways there was nothing left. The fire Nation Soldiers were disintegrated and the walls were charred black and slightly red from the heat still.

Fire motioned for Ryumo to follow as they ran towards the exit and he knew....there would be more waiting for them to fight up top in the streets. But Sano could not die now.....he needed vengeance and he would get it. The Fury of his inner Fire could ever be snuffed out, ever.

End~

[.:|FiresFury|:.]

Chapter Two
Blood In The Streets

Sanosuke was ready for the fight of his life. Though he didn’t know it was coming. He was sweating profusely and was hoping all of this was a dream. But he knew it wasn’t all the bodies were real all of the pain was real. He couldn’t avoid it. He had to run against his opponents at full force. He had to escape this place or all the sacrifice was for naught.

He straightened up his shirt and mask before him and Ryumo took to the streets. He didn’t know what to expect but he knew it would be something big. They had to make sure no one survived. And the Army was doing a good job so far already.

Fire looked over to Ryumo who seemed as though he was holding himself together. Fire shook his head and then looked up. "Are you ready for this?" he asked his faithful student. "......yes...." he whispered softly.”All right then.....let’s go." he said as he kicked the door open.

The moment the door was forced open by the momentum of Fire's kick they were attacked in an onslaught of flaming arrows and fireballs. Sanosuke did the signal whistle to Ryumo to break into action as Ryumo ran off to the side as Sanosuke took his fight to the roof.

He ran forward moving side to side dodging arrows by the tiniest sliver of luck as a couple of them tore through his clothes. He sweared as he flipped over a fireball planting his palm in the man’s face that shot it and released a hellish pulse of flame that boiled the blood in his skull causing instant death as his skin erupted with red. He then took a club to the ribs as he looked down to Ryumo to see if he was in need of assistance.

The force of the giant club connected with his ribs as he gasped losing all air in his lungs he felt ribs crack as he flew backwards a few feet. He shook his head standing looking up to see the First Lieutenant Colonel of the Fire Nation Himself, Sashime Kokume. Sashime laughed. "Is that all you got petty assassin?" he taunted as Fire launched up flicking his wrist as the sharp sword was swung forward connecting with the club in a block. But Fire just stared at Sashime through the mask as he kicked up a knee to be blocked.

Sashimi flashed a brute punch at Sano's face as he ducked turning and running up a nearby chimney then flipping off of it kicking downwards with a flame engulfed foot. As his kick collided with Sashime's club he was surprised to see his large chunk of wood shattered under the force and Sanosuke followed through with his motion doing another mid-air front flip pulling out his sword hacking down cutting deep into the man’s chest as his eyes widened.

Sashime screamed as his chest erupted in crimson liquid as other soldiers looked up to see their leader slain. Sanosuke withdrew his blade then walked over to the confused looking Sashime. "Don’t ever......mess with a enraged demon" he seethed winding back and launching a flame fist right into the Lieutenant Colonel's nose as he was launched backwards as he screamed falling the three stories to his death. His skull hit with a sickening crack on the hard ground as Sanosuke walked to the edge of the building as men pointed at him ordering for arrow fire at him.

He looked for Ryumo and saw him near the exit of the city as he was confronted with a large amount of men. Sanosuke leapt from the building head first as Fire Balls and Arrows were shot at him. He swung left and right slicing arrows in two and hacking through the fire putting it out. He tilted his body forward to land on his feet rolling to let some of the shock release form his body as he rolled up to a Fire Nation Soldier leaping up hacking upward with his Katana rotating his body then landing delicately on the floor as the body was dropped without a sound.

Fire saw as Ryumo held his own as he turned to see blades coming at his body from every direction. He bent backward evading a blade that nicked the nose of his mask to twist his body sideways awkwardly to avoid a downward slash then flattened out to evade another aimed for his legs. He panted slightly at the act as he laid on his back for half a second putting his legs in the air then twisting them around spinning on his back creating a small vortex of flame the cooked the men around him. He then easily rolled on his back up to his feet to bring his sword up and block an axe attack.

He then sheathed his sword noticing he was getting surrounded. He knew he could deflect and attack more opponents easier with two free hands. As the first attack from the axe man came again he hook swinged a palm onto the side of the axe blade pushing it away as he reached forward with a punch to the throat feeling the throat crunch as he connected. He looked behind him quickly to see one man attempt to throw daggers at him as he releases the deadly weapons. Sano grabbed the choking mans chest turning him into the way of the daggers using him as a meat shield as he then threw the body at another charging man knocking him over from the weight.

As three men came in on him he went into a flurry of blows deflecting and attacking punching stomachs sternums and ribs. He cracked ribs and broke pelvises as he snapped a pole arm in half with his knee swinging the broken weapon like a staff cracking skulls and knocking men unconscious hitting them expertly in the temple before the piece of wood broke down and splintered. He breathed heavily as the remaining man charged him with a sword. He swung the staff like weapon and hit the ground creating a broken sharp end as he ducked the swing of the man. As he came up and brought that point into the man’s lungs he saw the shock and surprise in the young man’s eyes. He was confused as breathe left him. He tried speaking but blood ran down his lip as words refused him. Sanosuke whispered in his ear "Screw.....You" he said twisting the weapon kicking the body over then stepping over the body running to Ryumo's side.

As he came to Ryumo's side he planted a hand on his pupils shoulder and looked at the soldiers. They seemed slightly scared as Fire's eyes glowed red with hatred. He punched the air shooting fire bolts one after the other that the men tried to halt with their measly bending levels. He punched one last time coming closer and closer feigning a punch that made the men flinch in defense and sweep kicked to send a wave of flame at their feet burning their legs and dropping them to the floor. He did a sort of sign language to Ryumo as he ran over to him kneeling with his back like a table as Sanosuke ran over and planted a foot on Ryumo's back kicking off of it above the men bringing both hands in and pushing hellish flames down upon them. They screamed for a millisecond before they were silent. Their faces were scraped clean of skin as the flames demolished their faces and bodies blasting off clothes and melting their daggers.

Sanosuke looked at one that seemed to stare up at him as he stomped the face in with a sickening thud and crack. Looking over to Ryumo he nodded as they both ran off into the night hearing higher ups shouting orders for finding the traitors. Fire knew him and Ryumo would escape. Now only one question remained: How many of the Fire Nation scum could they bring down with them?

End~

[.:|FiresFury|:.]

Chapter Three

The Border of Ones Soul

They were on the run. Ryumo and himself were making their way to the Border of the Fire Nation. Ryumo and himself had just fought their way out of the capitol. It was harrowing to the untrained eye, one who wasn’t accustomed to murder and death would surely have doubled over in sickness. There were bodies and flames everywhere left in the wake of the two Surviving Squad Members. The two gave no mercy to anyone. For they were not given it themselves.

Sanosuke ran up the hill then halted looking back at the top of the hill. He looked over the cities walls just barely. He looked down as he saw flames coming from where the Headquarters was located. He shook his head as his hair was brushed aside from the little wind. "Let’s continue..." Ryumo said to him as Sano nodded as they ran off once more.

Something felt weird. He felt the hair on his neck stand up as his eyes widened. He heard.....whistling. He abruptly stopped and turned, looking up to see multiple arrows raining down upon them. He drew his sword and sliced an arrow down the middle that would have connected with his face as the two half’s went off at an angle flying by Sano's cheeks. He also heard a chunk of chipped bone as he looked over to see an arrow push its way into Ryumo’s shoulder. He looked up at the five archers as his eyes glowed he reached a hand out to the side and snatched a stray arrow from the sky and snapped it in half with his hand.

The archers looked quite scared as Ryumo launched into action. Sanosuke ran and scurried up the wall clinging from brick to brick pulling himself over the side. As he came up he had to bend backwards as a sword brushed his nose barely missing it. He braced himself as he flicked his knee out and connected a foot into the man’s gut as he was flung from the edge of the wall. He let out a yell that was drowned out by a sickening crack as he hit the solid cement ground below. Another was trying to use the escape ladder but was not nearly quick enough. Fire looked down at him and smiled. Then Lone archer whimpered as Sanosuke lit the Ladder on fire and gave it a push backwards with his foot. As he turned the others were long gone. He quelled his rage as he dropped from the wall seeing Ryumo and a downed archer.

"SHUT YOUR MOUTH! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SPEAK!" Ryumo screamed as he stomped on the man’s chest. Sanosuke turned around and looked into the night sky not hearing the screams of pain and anger. He wondered if there was a star up there for him. He scanned the sky for one that might fit for himself and saw it. It was a blood star. They only appeared on certain nights and tonight it had very good timing. He smirked and nodded to it in agreement. He turned in time to see Ryumo torture the man. Stabbing his arm until it was severed as the archers vocal cords were being strained from the screams and tears. Sanosuke bowed his head. He then looked up with his eyes as he saw Ryumo pick the man up by the throat then releasing flame into the man’s body torching him into a burnt crisp.

Sanosuke knew that the events that transpired tonight had hurt Ryumo very much. There would be no way to recover what he had lost, a lifetime of friends, a home and somewhere to belong. Sano didn’t want this young man to carry all this burden himself for the rest of his life. He would help him. He would always be there for Ryumo and if he ever needed help he would be on call. They were in this together until the very end.

"Ryumo, your shoulder...." he said quietly but sternly. What came next is not what he had expected. Ryumo suddenly exploded in emotion. "I don't have time to deal with pain when all of my friends have been slaughtered from blood to sky! How can I think about pain when Mahura was decapitated, in front of my very…own...FACE!? HOW CAN I THINK ABOUT PAIN!? I would rather cut out this pathetic life source that I have the audacity to call a heart than see my family die again! I can't think about anything...." he yelled dropping to his knees. “And there's not a damn thing I can do about it. Not one damn thing...... I ought to burn in hell..." he said pounding his fists in the ground.

He was hurt. His heart could barely hold all of this and it finally came out. Ryumo was losing it. But Sano would keep him together....for a while at least. "You have a strong heart, Ryumo. I feel the same way, but we have to keep moving. You're injured and need attention. I know a woman who can help this wound. Let's go, Ryu."

They would get all this sorted out. Sanosuke will sew Ryumo’s cracked soul and there will be vengeance. The only obstacle was time. Ryumo was covered in blood as Fire placed an arm around Ryumo's shoulder to help him walk. But Ryu became more and more droopy. His knees then buckled as he fell forward and hit the ground. He was unconscious. Sanosuke was happy for this, at least this way at the time where he is unaware, he can truly be unburdened and all his problems can be melted away.

Sanosuke slowly picked him up and stopped the bleeding. The trip to this woman’s house was a good sized one. It would take about half a day now that he was carrying deadweight. The already spilt blood already soaked into Sanosuke’s clothing as he walked and he once again looked at the sky. He saw the stars and the moon. All of them were so far away. It reminded him of the distance between himself and the line of sanity that was almost breached. But he knew he could hold it together, for Ryumo's sake.

End~

[.:|FiresFury|:.]

Chapter Four
Inner Fire

Fire heaved Ryumo's dead weight body around his shoulders. The sun was setting as Fire looked over to the sight. He smiled a bit as he saw the blazing ball of orange and yellow disappearing. Clouds covered the area and there was just enough light to bounce off the clouds creating a pinkish haze around the area. And then darkness consumed him.

He was running in darkness as the sun disappeared. Although he didn’t have any problems adjusting to the dark since he had been introduced to darkness a very long time ago. He was running through a forest. The trees all looked as though their warped branches were reaching out to grab him. He jumped left and right to avoid trees as he ran as fast as he could. The knarled green bark of the roots that pushed up through the ground was crushed in his footsteps.

A slight breeze began to blow. Leaves fell down all around him as he ran through them. He felt nothing as the leaves were pushed out of his way by his mask. He heard Ryumo groan and he looked back at Ryumo. "Do not worry my friend we are almost there all we need to...." but his words were interrupted as he looked forward and met a fist that collided violently with his chest. He was lifted into the air as he collided with what seemed a giant of a man’s fist looking over his traits quickly before he was sent flying back.

The man was very tall about seven foot one. He was a hulking brute and had great strength. He had an eye patch on covering what looked like a destroyed eye. Fire then noticed that the entire left side of the man’s face where the patch was there was nothing but burnt peeling flesh that scabbed over and looked as though it had been there for years.

Hitting the ground he let go of Ryumo's body as it flew a bit farther than his own. He groaned at the pain in his chest knowing there were probably a couple broken ribs, but nothing he couldn't handle. He then heard something behind him as another man, smaller thought then the other freak of nature. Then to Sanosuke's dismay he picked Ryumo's body and started off into the dark. "NO!" he yelled leaping up and diving for the man sword drawn in a flash as the distinctive metal scraping against metal sound that he loved so much came to everyone’s ears. As he leapt he was suddenly stopped in mid-air. Confused he looked back to see the much bigger man had grabbed his ankle and he grinned swinging Fire like a mace and throwing him into a nearby tree.

Sano's body crashed against the bark creating a small crater in the tree hearing it creak wanting to fall over but holding its ground. Pieces of bark and the inner parts of the tree flew out covering the ground with debris as Sanosuke's vision blurred slightly. He shook the haziness away and a hand was placed on his chin and lifted. "Hey pretty boy..." the large man said sarcastically "Why don’t you yell for me? Just this once.....no one would know." he said with a twisted smile. Fire whispered something almost inaudible "what was that little man?" he said inching closer to Sanosuke's face. "Go.....to......hell!" Sano yelled grabbing hold of a larger splinter of wood and reaching back pushing his arm forward plunging the piece of sharp wood into the man’s only good eye. He screamed in pain and tried to back away but Sano held firm wrenching the eye out with the stick. He then rolled to the side and planted a firm foot into the side of the man’s knee causing a crack sound as his knee shattered collapsing him to the ground. "Well.....have fun trying to find your way out of darkness now....Little Man." Sanosuke said backing away from the bleeding sightless and crippled man running off in the direction of the smaller man. The last he heard of the man was the whimpered sounds as he desperately trying to find a way to brute his way out of blindness.

The Skinnier man was hauling off through the forest running as fast as he could with deadweight. “You are quite the unlucky one mister...they want you back for a public execution" he snickered only to get a groan in reply. As he on and on Fire climbed his way up trees leaping from branch to branch swinging off others to increase his speed he finally caught sight of the man. Luckily he was running in the direction that he needed to go so Ryumo's capture wasn’t all that unfortunate but still it didn’t sit well with him.

He smirked as he came just above the man. He timing his leap well enough and launched off a branch flying through the air coming down and tackling the man with a great collision causing a squeal of pain from the man. As they hit the ground Fire threw Ryumo to the side and twirled his body around creating a vortex of flame around the two. The man looked exceedingly scared and must have been quite frightened because he risked the heat of the flames diving through them burning his skin to get away. Fire laughed as he shot parts of the vortex his way in rays of flames not allowing him to get very far.

Fire jumped in front of the last ray of flames to propel himself forward at a great speed pulling out a dagger and colliding with the man planting his knees and feet in his chest pinning him to a tree with a quick motion Fire twisted the man’s arm up and planted the dagger in his pam. though it took quite a lot of force to push through the flesh bones and bark Sanosuke managed. "Who sent you!!" he yelled punching the man in the face. The other man just laughed “There’s no way in hell I’d tell you." he said spitting on Fire's mask.

Fire moved ha arm up and wiped away the spit smirking underneath his mask. "Good.....I’d hoped you'd be difficult" he seethed stabbing through his other hand into bark as he screamed in pain. He then took wire from his pouch and wrapped it around the tree and the young man’s body tightening it so it dug into the bark and sliced into the man’s skin. He positioned it so there were there were wires digging into the most sensitive parts of the body including the thighs waist and bridge of the nose shattering his cartilage. "This all you got you traitorous freak!" he yelled in obvious pain. "No......" Sano said reaching a hand up lighting small branches on fire. "Now.....you will die slowly. You will feel our hatred and it will....kill you. The heat will consume your soul and there isn’t anything you can do about it. Goodbye" he said calmly picking up Ryumo hearing the panicking sounds of the man desperately trying to get free. Sanosuke walked for a good 10 minutes before he heard cries for help. Fear almost could be felt drowning the words soaking them almost before all was quite. All that was left was a slight glow of light from the torched tree and the smoke that drifted into the sky.

Sanosuke breathed heavily holding his injured ribs trying to keep moving until at last he saw his acquaintances home. He walked up the short hill and leaned against the door pounding on it. At that moment a woman opened it. "Oh my......I haven’t seen you in a while. Any good reason...." she said eyeing Ryumo's limp body "For this visit?" she asked. "I am in desperate need of your help. He is the only one left other then myself....please help me." he said sincerely. The woman looking at Sanosuke with concern and Looked out the door to the left and right "All right come in....but I must work quickly" she said pulling him in the door.

And at that moment Sanosuke finally felt as though he didn’t need to run anymore. He felt they were safe. Although this feeling would only last for so long, he wanted to grasp it and hold onto it forever.

End~

[.:|FiresFury|:.]

Chapter Five
Endless Skies

Sanosuke tossed Ryumo's body on a small table. From what his friend said they had to do this quickly. He held down Ryumo's arms as the Mistress of the house pulled out medical tools. She pulled out a slender sharp looking knife ans inserted it into Ryumo and made a large incision in the wound. She ten thrust a tool to hold the wound open into it ans Ryumo's body twitched. "Uhhh....i'm not sure how much time we have left before he wakes up Lyrana" he said looking over at her. She tried to work more quickly working with water but Ryumo's eyes began to slowly open.

"Oh no! He's not supposed to wake up right now! Hold him down!" she said loudly as Sano held down his friend. Ryumo's eyes widened looking at the gaping wound. He thrashed about trying to get away but Fire held him firm. "Ryumo, stay calm. We're trying to help you!!" Sano said firmly looking into his pupils eyes flaring with anguish and physical pain. Ryumo started to thrash around more violently and Sano looked him directly in the eyes and said "Ryumo! Get ahold of yourself now! Just let it happen and you'll be fine!" and Ryumo seemed to collect himself and close his eyes concentrating on something other then the pain. Lyrana weaved her hands around creating a spiral of water twisting out the metal tip of the arrow that was broken off in his shoulder. She then threw it off to the side closing the wound and kissing Ryumo's forehead. "Sorry about your pain. My name is Lyrana. I'm an......old acquaintance of your master." she said.

The young woman was in her late 20's maybe early 30's. She had brownish hair that differed her from the other Fire Nation citizens on the region. she wore a basic pair of pants and a blouse that showed off her physique. She was slightly built but more tone then anything. She had a slender body with a pretty face and pinkish lips. Ideal for anyone who was insane enough to date her.

Years ago they had a.....run in. They met while he was on a mission and they had conflicting ideas about each other. So there might have been a fight for allegiance to the other. But that story is for another time.

Reaching behind her towards the counter she grabbed a container and poured it into a cup and gave it to Ryumo. He sniffed the contents after she spoke. "Take this. It will numb any pain you feel right now." she said. He gruffly thanked her and drank it slowly taking precaution against it. "He's been through a lot Lyrana. Maybe we should leave him alone for a bit, eh?" Sano said to her. "Is it okay if I talk to him just for a little bit?" she asked looking at his seemingly glowing eyes through the mask. He simply shrugged and left the room heading for the roof. He heard muffled words from them as he walked up the stairs and climbed through window and up the wall before planting himself firmly on the roof. He laid back and slid his mask off setting it aside.

He unstrapped his sword from his back and laid it down as well. Putting his arms behind his head and once more looked towards the sky. He wondered when he would be able to get his revenge. A picture of the Fire Lord appeared in his thoughts and he shook it off. There seemed to be less stars out this night then most. "Maybe every star counted for a soul on this planet...." he thought knowing it wasn't true. "Maybe.... the lack of stars were the released souls of his friends and pupils." he thought as well.

Sitting up he placed his elbows on his knees and put his head on them sitting upright. He then began to do what he hadn't done since he watched his mother beheaded before his very eyes. He cried. Tears flowed freely from his eyes in a silent sadness as he looked towards the sky. "Why.....why did this have to happen?" he sobbed quietly. If there was a god how could he let something happen to all that he loved and cared for? Now he was sure there was nothing. No God, no higher being. There was only man and their sins. He missed his friends. The faces of his smiling students popped into his head from a memory when he was training them in hand to hand combat making them look like fools but they all enjoyed themselves. He broke down once more before he straightened up composing himself. He couldn't let this happen again. He had to keep composure and let them go.

He looked down and pulled out a knife cutting his hand and clenching his fist holding it over the edge of the building letting it drip freely. This was his blood oath, he will make sure that those slain are laid to rest and he will exact revenge for the dead. "The Fire Lord will die by this bleeding hand.....this i swear to you all" he said kneeling over and picking up his sword and mask sliding the Demon face over his own slowly leaping off the roof and entering through the front door once more.

They will always be in his memories and he will always see their faces. The Execution Squad will flourish once more, and the downfall of the Fire Lord and the Fire Nation will be recorded into history's as endless as the sky itself. There will be blood.

End~

[.:|FiresFury|:.]

Chapter 6
The Path Never Ends

Sanosuke was standing on what seemed like a mountin. Though it was a large cliff he felt as though he could see the entire world from this point right here. Dawn was breaking through past the darkness of night. The Fire Nation to him was the most beautiful land in the world. And as of today he was no longer welcome there. The forests were green and the hills were covered in life. The orange sunlight was peircing every dark corner of the land and he was taking it all in. Breathing the fresh air of that cliff for possibly the last time. He knew he would come back but he didnt know how long it would take. He loved this country but it apperently didnt love him. But he would change all that.

Sanosuke looked at Ryumo and spoke "You know, later on we'll have to go back, right?" Ryumo looked at him with a questioning look. "Back? We just ran from them, why would we go back?" Sanosuke nodded. "I know, but they expect us just to dissapear out of fear. We need to take the Fire Nation back. This is our nation. We do not show fear." he said looking towards the night sky." I'm not necessarily afraid, just a bit intimidated." Sanosuke looked on and spoke softly. "There's nothing to be intimadated about. The squad will grow and we will be stronger than ever. Do you realize how deadly we are just by ourselves? Look at how many soldiers we killed back there, on the run nevertheless. If we can do that on the run, imagine how easy it will be to take them down on the offensive. We'll be unstoppable." He looked over to Ryumo as he nodded his head in agreement. "But.....what about....the Fire Lord?" Sanosuke laughed out loud and clenched his fist." What about the Fire Lord? I don't care how dangerous he claims to be, we'll take him down as well. And if he survives, we'll just kill him again." He laughed as with Ryumo. He felt as though at this spot they really had nothing to hide. The can say anything and no one will prosecute them for it. It was freedom.Then Ryumo spoke again. "I suppose we can do this. I'm always ready, you know." Sanosuke nodded and looked at him." Ryumo I've been meaning to talk to you about this. How has this been taking a toll on you?" He asked knowing that he himself was taking this harder then ever. He just hid it well." Since it was so unexpected, it's taking a very harsh toll on me. I would have never thought that selfishness could be so sudden. How about you?" Sanosuke nodded. "Same." There was a moment of silence before Sanosuke stood up. They both looked at the body of the assassin, lifeless and bloody. Her face was turned to the side, mouth gaping open and eyes glimmering under the sun as it rose from over the trees. He watched as Ryumo walked over to the body and checked for any supplies he could use. But apperently there was nothing. Just the blades in her sleeves and the sword lying a couple of feet away.

Sanosuke stood where he was and looked at Ryumo. "What is it, Master?" Ryumo asked. Sanosuke sighed. "You know what comes next right?" Ryumo sighed as he slowly realized what he meant. "We must go our seperate ways." Sanosuke nodded. "It's until I gather information and new recruits, since our other recruits are......dead." Ryumo cleared his throat before he spoke. "How long before we meet again?" Sanosuke looked at the ground in thought before coming up with an answer. "About ten months. Just to be safe. They don't know about Kun, so he's fine. We have a better chance of surviving if we split up so that if it so happens that one is caught, we can always have two more. Of course, that won't happen will it?" Ryumo smiled and shook his head. "No, Master. It won't." They both stepped forward and clasped hands. "We are no longer The Fire Nation Execution Squad. Just.....the Execution Squad......I'll see you in a bit, Ryumo." They both bowed towards each other. "As will I, Master." They nodded to each other and turned to walk away.Sanosuke didnt look back as he walked seperate ways from Ryumo. He knew that Ryumo would not look back either. Though he did hear Ryumo;s voice as he sang as he walked away. The song was uplifting and harowing at the same time. It was perfect.

This was were the Execution Squad ended and began once more. Sanosuke had to find his way to the Earth Kingdom somehow. He held his mask in his hands tenderly as he shook his head slightly hiding it in his shirt before walking off. He knew of a village not far from here. There were ships that sailed to the Earth Kingdom and he would take one. But he would need to buy baggage to hide his possessions first. In the Earth Kingdom he would begin his search and seemingly play out a normal life for the first time in his existance. It wouldnt be too hard.

As he came over the hill he saw the small village with smoke coming from chimmneys to keep warm in the early morning. He saw a group of poor looking clusters of familys and some people who looked like they had nothing. They all looked sad in one way or another. He looked away from them as he walked down the path and entered the village. This is where his journey would begin. This small village on the brink of nowhere. He saw a ship pull slowly into the harbor and he walked over the the ticket broker and waited for his oppurtunity to pay for his new beginning. "Here we go....."

End~

[.:|FiresFury|:.]

Chapter 7
All Aboard

Sanosuke kicked a rock around as he stood with his hands in his pockets as a bored sounding voice that he seemed not to hear said "Next....NEXT!" He looked up quickly to see him to be the next one up to the counter. He shrugged as he looked at her. She was a woman who looked as though she was in her fifties and had too much make-up on and looked quite horrid early in the morning. Truthfully she probably looked horrid no matter what time of day it was. He coughed as he stepped up to the window.

"I'd like a ticket to the Earth Kingdom please." he said trying not to look her in the eye. She zoomed in closer to him and looked him in the face quite close. He could smell the breakfast on her breath and his eye twitched from it. "What city....." she said stepping out of the way to show a map of destinations on the coastal regions of the Earth Kingdom. "Uhhh...." he said looking up slightly. "Ba Dou City will do fine." he said pulling out his wallet. "That'll be 3000 please." she said as though she really didn't like to say please but her job ordered her to. He flicked the cash to her as she stamped his ticket and he went off towards the dock and market area.

As he walked with the sword bouncing slightly across his back he looked left and right to see multiple shops being open. Owners sweeping nodded in his direction or pointed to the sale signs as he shook his head politely to show he had no interest in furniture or farm equipment.

This was all very new to him. He was used to stalking the shadows but he was walking in the light. He could hide in plain sight but he was being acknowledged by the public. It was......interesting. As he walked he passed some homes and saw children getting up groggily through windows trying to wake up enough to start their chores. Mothers making breakfast and fathers about to head out to make some money. It was a normal life. One he knew nothing about. But from what he was seeing he was understanding it a bit here and there. He knew he would have to pick up on it pretty quick to get it right.

Walking on he came to the dock and the smell of fresh sea water. He smiled as he had always loved the sea. He walked over towards the boat docked and ready to depart. He could see multiple family's with luggage and all belonging they could carry. He stood behind one of the family's in line hearing what they were saying. "Daddy....why are we leaving?" a little girl with pigtails asked looking up to the man that was holding her hand. "Because we need a new life sweetie....a new, fresh start that we could really use." he said looking down at her seeing her confusion and laughing it off. They were just like him, without a home and needing a new beginning. maybe he could learn alot in this journey for later life. He looked forward to it and looked up at the hulking man who was the ticket collector and he handed over the ticket to receive a stub back as he scratched the back of his head and headed up the path to the deck of the ship.

He looked reached the deck and walked to the bow of the ship and looked out towards the open sea. Endless adventure awaited him and he couldn't wait to start. But he turned around to a voice which belonged to the captain. "Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to The Navigator! Here is where you will start anew and begin a new life." as he spoke family's and individuals began to smile. His words put hope in their hearts and he listened on. "We are here to help you start that journey. So here we go. And we're off!" he yelled as he pointed towards the direction of the Earth Kingdom and the ship set sail. Sano simply turned and faced the ocean once more with a smirk on his face.

End~

[.:|FiresFury|:.]

Chapter 8
Red Anger on a Blue Sea

Sanosuke woke with a sudden jerk as he was almost thrown out of his bunk on the ship. He almost forgot where he was when it all came rushing back to him. The death of his friends the escape and now the boat. He sat up trying to regain his posture in the bed only to slam his head on the wooden ceiling above him and he came right back down rubbing his head swearing slightly.

Shaking it off he dropped from his top bunk and got dressed. He was lucky enough not to have to share a room with anyone, or rather they were lucky not to share a room with him. He reached into his bag and pulled out his clothes putting on his pants first. as he stood there he stretched only half dressed as a young woman walked into the room withe her head down. As she saw Sanosuke's feet she looked up to see him looking at her curiously scratching the back of his head. She looked at him up and down eying his toned obviously muscular body before realizing what she was doing. She blushed deeply and spoke bowing to him "I..I'm deeply s...sorry for the intrusion wrong r....room!" she said in a hurry stuttering and stumbling over her words as she rushed out of the room closing the door heavily behind her. He could hear her quickened footsteps rush down the hall and from the amount of steps she took he deduced that she was about two doors down to the right of him. Shrugging and shaking his head he finished getting dressed throwing a shirt on and headed out the door into the dimly lit corridor.

It was day three of his journey. Boats obviously didn't travel as fast as he had wished. It would still be at least two days before they made it to port. He yawned and walked up the stairs with his hands in his pockets trying to keep his balance form the rocking boat. He could see the cracks of light coming from the bottom of the door that led to the deck and he pushed it open to be blinded by the brilliant blue sky that pierced light into his unready eyes. He moved his forearm up to shield his eyes from the bright light until the adjusted and he dropped his arm.

Moving forward he looked up towards the sky that was spotted with white clouds floating around with no cares in the world. Birds flew about them trying to perch on the boat as small children pointed at them speaking to their parents that held them. The sun hovered in the sky and he felt its warmth blanket his skin. This was a perfect day. One that he wouldn't have been able to appreciate like this under the Fire Lords order. But he quickly shook that thought from his mind. He walked forward towards the front of the boat maneuvering around people as he tried not to bother them with their families. As he walked towards the front he was almost plowed into by 2 small children playing and enjoying themselves. They looked up at him and apologized then ran off. Looking back at them Sanosuke smiled a bit and came to his destination. He planted his hands on the edge of the boat that kept passengers from falling over and leaned on it.

The ocean sprayed a fine mist up every time they hit a wave and the water gently hit his face. It felt crisp and the air was clean. It was a perfect time to forget about your problems. But trouble could never stay away for very long. He turned around quickly as he heard one man yell "You dirty bastard! How dare you insult us like that!" as a crowd gathered around the two quarreling men. "Insult you?! I'm telling the truth! Your people are nothing but poor peasants who don't deserve to be on a boat with someone like myself" Sanosuke heard one more pompous man said smugly. Sano walked forward slowly pushing hos way to the front. He saw a rich looking Fire Nation man talking down to a poorer looking Fire Nation Citizen and his family. It wasn't something to be proud of his country about. He continued to watch as a small child from the poorer mans family came forward towards the rich man speaking "Please sir, leave my daddy alo..." the little girl was able to say before her words were met with a sharp powerful slap to the face that brought her up into the air as she landed on her side falling and crying. The poor man screamed as he came at the other for harming his child but almost had his head ignited. The rick man was obviously a Fire Bender. "Watch who you attack....lest you die. My name is Zhou Ming. remember the name that taught you manners" he said as he came at the mans face with a flamed fist.

Sanosuke stepped in and grabbed the mans wrist using his weight against him bringing this Zhou to his face. "Oi! whats your problem?!" he said scrambling to his feet. "You must want your ass kicked to!" he said getting in a fighting stance. Sanosuke looked at him glaring "Believe me......you don't want to start this. Turn around and walk away from this" he said calmly. "NEVER!" Zhou shouted launching a ball of fire at Sano. Sanosuke reached his hand up grabbing the fire from the air. If he dodged it it would have struck a onlooker. He couldn't let a citizen get hurt in this. He simply closed his fist diminishing the flame as Zhou looked surprised. "Ohhhhh another Bender. This should be fun!" he said as he came forward recklessly. As he came on Sano dipped his shoulder taking the man off his feet and knocking the air from his lungs. He stood over the man and delivered one heave right hand into his chin dazing him before creating a small ball of concentrated flame in his left and brought it down towards the mans chest.

He stopped just short of contact. He wasn't thinking. This move was used to obliterate someone. And he was on a travel boat with passengers who knew nothing about him. If he had killed this man his chest would have melted and exploded from the heat boiling the blood in him. It would be messy and he would be in deep trouble with everyone on board. Including guards who would surely try to apprehend him once they reached land. He instead dissipated the ball of flame energy and brought his left elbow into the mans nose knocking him unconscious standing up and looking at him. Zhou's nose was bleeding freely and he had a large purple welt on his chin. He was beaten and the crowd cheered for Sanosuke chanting for him, their savior from the man who would have surely killed one of their own. Putting the rich smug man in his place. They were all human beings and deserved to be treated as such. He looked to the family that had been attacked and the man shook his hand and he saw the girl that walked in on him.

He looked at her as she tried not to meet his eyes blushing once again. "A wife maybe?.....no surely a daughter." he thought seeing a older looking woman that matched the mans age. The man thanked him for minutes on end and Sanosuke simply shook his head "It was nothing, don't mind me." he said walking off towards the door towards the lower parts of the ship heading back to his room as crew members hauled the man off to the small cell in the bottom of the ship made for those who started trouble. He felt the girls eyes follow him all the way to the door until the closing portal blocked her eyes from seeing him. He then walked towards his own door and opened it then closed it right behind him leaning his back against it. "Well.....so much for being subtle and keeping out of sight."

End~

[.:|FiresFury|:.]

Chapter 9
Memories of Hatred and Love

Once again morning came, but it wasn't the jerk of the ship that awoke him this morn. His eyes popped open almost immediately as soon as he heard the knocking at the door. He turned his head towards the door and rolled out of his top bunk landing on his feet silently crouching as he landed. He crept over to the door and pulled out a butterfly knife from the casing that was strapped to his leg. He flipped the knife around expertly before the shining blade erupted from between the handle that encased it at first. He looked at the blade then the door.

He snuck up to the door as the light knocking rapped on his door again. He pressed his back up against the wall to the left of the door on the side far from the handle as he reached over and yanked on it quickly as the door opened in front of his face concealing him from anyone who entered. He heard the light taps of footsteps as a person came into the room. He pushed the door forward slightly before stepping out from behind it pulling back his knife ready to strike before realizing who it truly was. Once again it was the girl from before.

He quickly flipped the blade to a close and stuffed it in its case within a second before speaking in a soft tone, " And what seems to bring you to my door this morn Miss? It doesn't seem this entry was a accident this time." he inquired as she jumped at the surprise of him being behind her. She flipped around to see his half-naked body once more and as before she reddened deeply in the face and tucked her head into her chest clasping her hands in front of her sheepishly.

"Ummm....well...." she mumbled before looking up slightly then straight back down again. "I wanted to personally thank you for what you did for my father yesterday," she said "And.....well my father already accepted it and i wanted to know if i could be with you wherever you plan to live," she muttered softly almost at a whisper. Sanosuke looked at her then shook his head "I don't believe that this is the path you want to choo...." he began before being interrupted "But....i want to be by your side....." she said looking into his eyes.

Sanosuke looked right back at her in the eyes not tearing away his sight fro a moment. This was a chance. He could disappear from the world of darkness forever and accept this womens offer and live out the rest of his days with her enjoying life and what it was noticing the beauty of the world. Looking in this girls eyes he noticed how desperate she was for happiness. And he could give it to her. He did plan to live out a normal life until the day came that he needed to pick up the sword once more.

He looked at her deeply then looked down. " I have been in some very shady business, the world is basically after me and it would be better if you didn't come with me, hell it would be better for you if you didn't even know me." he scoffed before looking at her. "But i accept, i will allow you to accom..." he started to say before she rushed in a placed her lips onto his kissing him with passion wrapping her arms around him then pulling back slowly breathing heavily, then looking at him she flushed heavier then she had ever before "Thank you! I'll see you on deck we are almost at land!" she said stumbling over her words as much as she did her feet trying to rush out the door.

".....odd girl" he said to himself shaking it off walking over to his clothes. He threw on his shirt and started packing up his belongings. As he began placing all his belongings into the bags his mask fell out of its concealed compartment as it fell to the ground with a clatter. It stared up at him as though piercing it's un-caring eyes into his soul as he reached down carefully and picked it up off the floor feeling the hatred that resided within it. He had pushed all his memories into that mask hoping that the dreams and nightmares would leave him if he placed them withing this mask, but they didn't. The girl would learn of his horrors soon enough hearing him in his sleep and so on but now was not the time to think about it. He had to finish up or... "DING DING DING!" he looked up at the ceiling as he heard the ringing of the gongs that signaled that they would be landing in a few minutes. Stuffing his mask back into his bag next to his sword he closed the carrying compartment and shouldered it heading up towards the deck.

---

Aerith rushed into he room slamming the door behind her as her father looked at her confused as she dove onto her bed stuffing her face into her pillow. Her heart was almost beating out of her chest as she clutched her chest hoping for the pounding deep within her to stop. "I cant believe i did that...." she thought to herself. "What compelled me to do it?" she asked herself lost in thought. She squealed slightly before stopping herself excited and scared at the same time. "What if he didn't like it?" she thought biting her lip slightly. The girl had completely forgot that he had said he had been in bad business and such. The only thing that floated in her mind was the thought of her lips connecting with his and her accepting her confession and want to be with him.

She sat up as her dad walked over and sat on the edge of her bed and patted her shoulder. "So....how did it go?" he asked before being leaped upon as she wrapped her arms around him tightly hugging him. He placed his arms around her as well smiling "Aerith.....i am glad you have found a man to interest you, seeing that man,after all you are 18 and i know he will protect you with all his might until the day that you leave this world. Take care of yourself you hear?" he said to her lifting her head with a finger he placed under her chin "I love you" he said "I love you too daddy" she said.

He was not going to the same place as she was after this. She was leaving with the man who had saved his life and he trusted him to take care of his daughter. He was heading farther South hoping to make it to a small town known as My Lai far south. He turned his head and watched his daughter pack her bags and look back at him tears forming up within her eyes as she waved to him and blew him one last kiss. He himself teared up slightly as the memories of her when she was just knee high flooded back to him. He remembered when she used to tell him she would never get married and that she would stay by him for his entire life but deep within he knew that to not be true. He had to let her go, and on this day only the memories of her love would remain.

---

Sano stepped up onto the deck as he stared into the slightly grayish sky that threatened to rain but hadn't yielded any water so far and probably wouldn't or so he had hoped. But just in case he carried his cloak in hand ready for the downpour that might come. Birds perched themselves on the edge of the boat as it slowed to a halt coming up to the dock stopping completely. He stood at the edge looking into the clear water waiting for the girl to come out and join him. He saw himself in the water but then as he squinted he saw the man in the mask that was him before. One that killed at the order of the Fire Lord, but no longer would he be that man. He threw a that was perched on the railing into the face of that man and after the face of the same man came up but he seemed different, he seemed as though he was now his own man, not the Fire Lords lackey.

He felt a hand on his shoulder whipping around ready to drop the target before recognizing the face of the girl who would be living with him. She had no idea what he was deep inside, but it also seemed as though if she knew she wouldn't care. She looked at him and spoke "Well.....i suppose we can introduce ourselves....I'm Aerith Kaguya." she said bowing to him. He spoke up softly whispering almost as he spoke "I'm.....Sanosuke Ryuzaki." he said as he nodded to her. As of now it didn't matter if he told her his real name, since he didn't know his name when the squad recruited him they didn't have the name on record if there was record of them at all.

"So...shall we get going?" she asked him smiling sincerely grabbing his arm and leading him of. But before she was able to completely drag him away he looked once more at the reflection of him in the mask. He pulled out a gold coin and tossed it at the reflection that disappeared in a ripple of water "Good luck to you" he told himself.

As of now there were two memories being locked into the minds of two men, completely different but similar in the way that memories were daunting them in thought day in and day out. Sanosuke's was of hatred remembering his friends and their deaths trying to push them out, but then there was Mr. Kaguya. He was trying to embrace his memories, those of love for his daughter.

Sanosuke sighed as he let the girl grasp his arm as they walked together off the boat ready to start a new life in the port town of Ba Dou City. A home that was not his own.

End~

[.:|FiresFury|:.]

Chapter 10
A Home, or a Fortress?

Sano and Aerith walked through the streets of Ba Dou city, he had been asking around and wondering if there was anywhere that he could find somewhere to live. He had gotten some information out of a merchant that led him down the streets. He wanted something in the middle of living standards, he didn't want something that was overly exasperating but he also didn't want some small dismal home where they could barely walk around in. They strolled down the Residential District of the city looking fro a For Rent sign or something that could offer them shelter until he decided to move on.

As they walked Aerith was constantly talking and trying to find out more about him but he wasn't answering her much or listening to her at all. She looked at all the different sorts of houses and rated them to her own personal preference and he rolled his eyes. He stopped in front of one glancing at it, "How about that one?" he asked, "Oh no no no.....we cant live there." she exclaimed showing her obvious disliking towards the home. She pulled him along shaking his head "Women....." he thought. "Now this is something that we can live in! Its cute and looks great!" she said running in front of it turning towards him winking a bit. He smiled but inside he was screaming at her. After looking at hundreds of potential places hwy couldn't she have chosen one earlier?! But at least she finally picked one so he wouldn't have to worry about it anymore. He looked at the sign and noticed that the landlord was the next door neighbor. He told Aerith to take a look around the place while he walked to the next house to speak with the Manager.

He knocked on the heavy thick red door waiting for a response. The person who answered was a older looking man who looked nice enough. "What can i do for you youngster?"he asked. "I was wondering if that house next door is available to live in." he stated. "Oh yes, you wish to rent it eh? And from the baggage i notice that you just moved here. The first month is free so you can gain a foothold in the city so enjoy, I'll pop back next month for the rent." he said smiling tossing him the key and closing the door. "Well that was easy enough....." Sano muttered to himself walking back over to Aerith.

As he returned she looked at him with shy looking eyes afraid almost too afraid to ask about what had happened. Sano simply held up the key and she smiled and moved in to hug him but caught herself as she blushed turning away from him. "Well, shall we?" she said motioning her hands to the door. He looked at her oddly then nodded putting the key into the door opening it noticing that the house was already furnished with all that was needed to live. His eyes popped open surprised. He had expected to have to buy all this sooner or later but apparently Aerith had chosen the best house she could have possibly chosen. He shook his head in disbelief as Aerith walked into the open living room and spun flopping down onto a couch. "This is wonderfull....." she said. He wandered around a bit as she headed up the stairs to take a look at the upstairs.

He looked around at every possible place that he could set up defenses against intruders without her noticing that there was such a device in place. He saw a window that he could set up a trap. There was also the front door, he would have to rig it somehow without Aerith's notice. He then heard a slight girlish squeal as she came careening down the stairs flustered and holding her deep red face. "Whats the matter?" he asked. "Theres......only one bed." she mumbled. He raised an eyebrow looking at her. "Then i shall sleep on the ground or the couch" he said looking over at the couch. He wasn't able to see her obvious disappointment in what he had said. "Well i will be heading out to look for a job i suppose. We cant live without a stable income....Later" he said as he walked out the door. "b.....bye" she tried to say before he had left out the door but was unable to.

She had wished for him to maybe get a little closer to her in the time they had spent together but so far it was to no avail. She started cleaning and re-arranging things thinking while she worked. "I hope he likes me....what will i do if he doesn't? What if he sees me only as a friend?!" she said flushing falling face first onto the couch. "Oh what will i do? I know! I'll have a marvelous dinner ready when he gets home! Thats got to gain me some good points with him!" she said heading out the door locking it heading off towards the nearest Grocery Store.

---

Sanosuke was wandering through the streets looking for any For Hire sign he could find. This reminded him of the house searching he had just done. What was up with that girl? Her face was always turning red and she seems to stumble over her words quite often.....its odd. But he simply shrugged it off continuing on.

As he walked he stopped hearing a scream just as a man flew out from a bar to his left in front of him taking a face plant in the dirt. Looking down at the man he raised a brow then looked left to the entrance of the bar named The Cove. He saw a obviously drunk man come stumbling out of the door and he started speaking, "Stoopid *hic* bouncer....cannn *hic* hurrrrrt meeee." he said stumbling over his words. As he walked towards Sano and the downed man he stumbled forward knocking into Sano who simply grabbed his arm and flung him off to the side. "Watch where you are going drunk...." he said. "Whoozat to thiiiink *hic* theeey cannnn fight.....Meeeee, the Grrrrreat Beal...." he wasn't able to finish saying his name before he was knocked cold by a vicious punch to the temple that left the man unconscious falling in the dirt. "Pathetic...." he said dusting of his shirt.

At that moment the barkeep came walking out of the Bar looking extremely happy. "That was my 5th bouncer this week! Thank you for your aide! Is there any chance that you are looking for a job my friend?" he said with extreme happiness. Sanosuke smiled, "Why yes.....i am" he answered "Hired!" he said shaking Sano's hand. "You'll start tomorrow, heres a little something for helping me with that drunk thug." he said tossing Sano a bag of coins. "Thank you....i'll come back tomorrow." he said as he started walking back towards the house. Who would have though that his second profession in this life would gain him money by fighting?

---

Aerith walked her way through the market looking for something that Sanosuke might have liked to eat. "As a man he must like meat...." she thought. She entered the next shop seeing that it was a butchery. She walked in and looked at the selection. "Can i have.....a pound of Bear-cow please?" she said in a soft voice. "Sure you can my dear" the man said getting her order for her. "New around here? Haven't seen you before." he said. "Oh yes, me and my.....well we just moved here" she said looking down shyly. The older man just smiled "ahhh youth" he said as he handed her the bag. "How much will it be?"she asked "Awww don't worry about it, todays on the house for your arrival into our town" he said smiling at her. "Thank you" she said bowing then exiting the shop.

She walked to other stores getting the ingredients she needed for a stew. Stew just happened to be one of the couple things that she was excellent at making. As she gathered all the materials she would need for it she payed and noticed that she was running out of money. She hoped that Sano would find a decent job today. She bit her lip worried slightly but then straightened up. "No...he will do it, i believe in him!" she said to herself walking back to the house.

As she re-entered the house she began to prepare dinner. The house began to smell of food. The delicious scent wafted through the house and out the open window that she had propped open to let in some fresh air. "He will love this.....i just know it" she said giggling mixing the stew adding in some more vegetables.

---

Sanosuke was getting closer and closer to his house. He lifted his head sniffing the air and caught a whiff of a delectable smell. "Whoever is having that tonight is a very lucky person..." he thought to himself. He passed many houses noticing children playing outside running around kicking a ball almost hitting him in the face with it. They said sorry to him and their parents scolded them harshly and he insisted that it was alright.

The smell was getting stronger and his mouth watered a little. God how he was envious, he wondered what exactly was for dinner today. He didn't know how to cook and wasn't sure if Aerith knew how to either. He hoped that she did. As he came up to his house he nodded to a elderly couple that passed him out for a evening stroll. He looked up towards the sky seeing the sun lower more and more right before his eyes. He stopped just in front of his house as the world became darker. The sun had just gone behind the mountains and he could smell the night air.....and STILL that smell! He looked around to see where the source was coming from needing to know where. He then looked to see steam coming out from his own house. "No way...." he said as he walked up to the door and grasped the handle twisting it open.

Upon walking in he instantly was attacked by the immensely powerful foe of smell. The house smelled of vegetables and meat. He walked to the Dining Room just as Aerith had placed the pot onto the place holder setting out some bowls. She turned her head and saw him and her face instantly lightened up "Welcome back!"she said smiling. "I made you dinner i hope you like it....." she said looking down again twiddling her thumbs. He smiled and pulled out a chair for her and then sat down himself as she served them.

The moment that he took the first sthingyful of the stew his mouth exploded with delectable flavor. It was perfectly seasoned and the meat was tender. The potatoes were soft and easily blended in with the rest of the food. He shook his head in disbelief of this great meal and he dug in having more then one serving. Aerith looked up at him smiling to herself extremely pleased that he had taken a liking to her cooking.

As they finished she began to clean up. "Did.....did you like it?" she asked softly. "Like it? I loved it." he said smirking. She grinned and took the dishes to the kitchen where she began doing them. While she was washing she was suddenly shocked from behind. She was surprised and then heard Sano's voice, "Thank you for making thins meal for me." he said soothing the words smoothly. Her knees buckled almost fainting from the feeling of being embraced by him and she weakly replied, "It....it was nothing." she said. "Well....i am going to bed, this is for tomorrow nights dinner" he said tossing some coins on the counter. "Heres to hoping its something as good as tonights." he said smiling.

As he walked off to the living room she held her hands to her face which was extremely warm. She knew that she had gained some points with him today, maybe if this continues they can share something special. Or so she had hoped.

---

Sano layed down thinking deeply. "She cares for me extremely, this feeling.....what is it?" he asked. "It is very interesting, i have heard of the concept of love but.....surely not." he said smirking to himself closing his eyes falling into a deep sleep.

End~

[.:|FiresFury|:.]

Chapter 11
Normal Life, Hidden Agenda

Sano woke up at the flash of the sun peaking over the horizon. Apparently the couch was placed perfectly for the moment that when the sun came up the intensely bright light violated his eyes even closed. He rose up from his slumber shaking his head of the sleep that threatened to envelope him in its dreary arms.

As he stood he walked through the house moving from window to window. He noticed that all the traps that he had placed had not been touched nor had it seemed they were bypassed somehow. He then moved to the door and noticed that the safety measure he took on that as well was still intact. He sighed as he walked back over to his pack an pulled out some clean clothes dressing himself slowly. He decided that he might as well take another look around the city before it was time for him to come back to his new job.As he creaked open the door and closed it behind him silently locking it with a click he briskly walked down the street towards the harbor.

The morning air was chilly to begin with but as the sun grew steadily higher he could feel the temperature begin to rise ever so slightly. The birds blew above him playing gracefully in the morning light flying after each other.

As he walked further the amount of houses started decreasing as he moved out of the residential district. He was now coming across multitudes of shops and inns where most of the tourists and travelers stay. As he walked by his eye caught a fruit stand and he quickly stopped walking forward leaning back to stop his progress and moved backwards turning to walk up to it. The man who ran it was just beginning to open up when he looked up and saw Sano's face inspecting the plethora of treats he had laid out. "hmmmm....." Sano thought as he pondered over what he was feeling for. He kinda wanted something exotic, something he had never tried before. "Do you have anything that is....new? something i probably haven't been able to indulge in yet?" he asked to store owner. "Well.....have you ever had a Twisted Koi?" he asked Sano back as the man picked up a apple resembling fruit that was twisted and was blue and green. "No....cant say that i have" he said taking hold of it. "It has a perfect mix of sweet and tangy flavors in it. 2 copper." he said. "Perfect, ill take one" he said tossing the man 5 copper "the extras for your help, thanks." he said as he began to walk off giving a wave.

He bit into the Twisted Koi and a burst of flavor filled his senses. He took another bite savoring its perfect complexion of tastes. He'd have to stop by that stand more often apparently. He reached the dock and walked up to the docks edge and sat down letting his legs dangle over the side. He finished up his breakfast and looked out over the azure waves and enjoyed the view. It was one of the simple pleasantries in life that he hadn't been able to take in during his life in the Fire Nation. The smell of the salty air filled his nostrils and he intaked them deeply enjoying his time spent there. As he looked over to the side of him he could see the sailors of a ship getting ready to take off as they all carried supplies and other things on board.

He almost got lost in the time as he sat and enjoyed the view. He shook with a startle as he remembered that he had somewhere to be. He got up and started walking off towards The Cove, the local bar that he had just recently gotten a job at as a bouncer. As he found his way to the establishment he caught the owner and bartender just as he was unlocking the door. "Well hello there! Glad to see you this morn. The names Gauder, Treil Gauder." he said reaching forth a hand to shake it. "Sanosuke" he said firmly grasping his hand giving it a short shake. "Well, drinks are on the house as long as you stay sober and all you have to do is break-up fights and kick out those who are starting trouble." he said to Sano with a cheery attitude. "Done." he said back to him walking into the bar and taking a seat. "Anything i can get for you before they start coming in friend?" Treil asked him. "Fire whiskey." he stated bluntly as the man poured him some and he drank it upturning the glass.

Just then a gaggle of men stumbled through the door and started jeering at each other about how much better they were at whatever they were talking about. They all sat down and ordered their first of a very long list of drinks throughout the day.

As the hours passed he had to deal with a small handful of men here and there and it came to closing time. As the customers were herded out of the bar Treil and Sano began to clean up the place. "I'm guessing that you hail from the Fire Nation am i correct?" Treil asked Sano without looking up at him. Sano himself looked up though surprised and spoke, "How did you know?" he asked. "Not many men can handle Fire Whiskey that aren't Fire Nation son." he said chuckling. "So what were your reasons for leaving?" he asked tossing his rag down on the bar and began to order around the glasses. "Betrayal." he said simply and continued working with a closed mouth and slanted eyes. "Ahh. not the easiest thing to handle within ones self eh? I'm pretty sure they'll get whats coming to them eventually." Treil noted. "Oh....they will" Sano whispered to himself, his words dripping with malice and hate.

As they closed down they gave each other a wave and went on forth their separate ways. Sano decided to take another route home. On his way down the silent streets it seemed as though cheering and yelling came closer and closer the farther he walked. Then he stopped hearing it from down a alley almost as though from underground. He saw a small cellar door making its way into the underside of a building and moved towards it hearing the noise more clearly now. He gave the cellar double doors a tug but the didn't move until a slot was slided across and a pair of eyes looked at him. "Fighter, Spectator or both." he asked gruffly with a deep voice. Sano contemplated his answer for a heartbeat but his mind made up its own mind before he even really thought about it. "Both" he said smoothly wondering why he said that so innately. "Welcome to The Dragons Den, 1 silver please the man said as he opened the door holding out his hand. Sano complied with his monetary request and stepped inside seeing dozens of men circled around a cage where two men at the moment were fighting inside.

Sano stood and watched as he saw these men had obvious skill. He had heard about these kind of places back in his homeland. Underground clubs where people illegally fought for entertainment and profit. Perfect place for someone like him to hang out in the darkness of the night. Aerith would forgive him for staying out he was sure of it.

He watched on as the men expertly sparred, they were obviously not benders or else the crowd would never be so close to the action. But their martial arts skills were top of their class. Sure a little unorthodox but still highly dangerous to the weaker of beings.

He watched as the larger of the two men landed a vicious uppercut to the mans chin then planted a roundhouse kick into the side of his head. Almost instantly the fight was over and Sano's ears were overwhelmed with a mix of cheers for the winners of bets and groans from the loosers. His excitement grew as these people argued with each other from the excitement of the fight.

Suddenly he heard a call of challenge. The man who had won was standing in the middle of the ring yelling, "Is there NO ONE who can challenge me?! NO ONE who is brave enough to step up and get fucked up?!" he yelled as the crowds noise went into a dead silence. At that moment Sano heard his head screaming at him, he smirked and stepped forward.

---

A man knocked on the door that belonged to Sano's and Aeriths and was answered by the girl. "He is currently in some underground club and wont be home for a while, so i decided now was the perfect time to pass this on to you...." the man said as he disappeared as quickly as he showed up. She looked at the note and went back into the house and went to the stove stirring the meal that she was preparing for herself and Sanosuke.

She then opened the note and read it. As her eyes passed by the words left to right left to right, her face began to get more and more emotionless. After she was done reading she burned the note and went back to the dinner she had prepared and set it on the table, walking up the stairs and into the unknown of her room. She turned around and looked down the hallway as though someone was watching her and closed the door slowly, the darkness glinted in her eyes unmoving as it shut with a click of the handle.

The only thing that was heard from anything that was listening from the outside, whether it was bugs, or a ghost was the scrapes of metal against metal.