Gut Feeling

-Maya's Point of View-

We walked into the heart of the forest for a few minutes. The whole walk to the secret hideout was quiet. Sokka kept stabbing stares at Jet while Katara kept on admiring him. Aang was just looking around, and I observed them all.

Jet suddenly stopped walking and then he said, "We're here." I looked around but there was nothing but tall trees ahead. "Where? There's nothing here." Sokka contradicted. Jet suddenly pulled out a rope that had a tied loop on its end from behind a tall bush. "Hold this" Jet said to Sokka and then he handed the rope to him. Sokka grabbed the rope and asked, "Why? What's this do?"

Just a few seconds after asking that, Sokka got pulled upwards by the rope and into the tree leaves. "AAAAHHHH!" he shouted. "Sokka!" I shouted as well. "Relax Maya, he's fine. Our hideout is inside the trees. That's our way to enter" Jet assured me. A wooden platform with ropes tied on its corners came out from tree leaves above us and there they loaded the wooden cart they'd brought from the fire nation camp.

Jet then grabbed another rope and then he offered it to Aang. "Aang?" he asked. "I'll get up on my own," Aang replied and then he used air bending to climb up the trees. Momo flew along with him.

Jet then offered the same rope to me. "Here Maya," he said. "What about Appa?" I asked him first. "The tree leaves are dense enough to hold a bison's weight, maybe he can rest there for the meantime during your stay in the hideout" he answered. "Then I'll just fly on top of the trees with Appa," I said, refusing the rope. "Why don't you go on ahead Katara?" I continued.

Jet looked at Katara before tightening his hold on the rope. He then slowly offered his hand to Katara and said, "Grab hold of me Katara." I looked at his hand confusingly before looking back at Katara.

Why didn't he just offer the rope like he did with Aang, Sokka, and me?

Katara held on to his hands and after that, he spun Katara closer to his body before being pulled up by the rope.

Wow, talk about cringe.

I looked away from that scene and hopped on top of Appa's head. "Let's go up that tree buddy," I said and then we flew away. We safely landed on top of the big cluster of trees and what do you know? Jet was right, the leaves were dense enough to carry Appa's weight.

Appa laid his belly on the leaves and then I patted his head. "Stay here for a while buddy. You sure you'd be okay all alone?" I asked. He then slightly growled an answer. "Don't worry buddy, we won't stay long in this place anyway" I said as I prepared myself to climb down from his head.

"If ever you feel hungry just go ahead and eat the lea—AAAAH!" I shouted midway through what I was saying because as soon as I leaped off of Appa's head, I slipped through the leaves. Guess it wasn't clustered enough to support a person's foot.

I was falling through the leaves and the small tree branches were slapping my face. It went on for a few seconds until finally inside the trees revealed the hideout of Jet and his freedom fighters.

It looked really amazing. I was in awe for a second there but then I remembered, I was still falling.

"AHHH! HELP!" I shouted and as soon as I said that, someone suddenly grabbed onto my torso and carried me on his shoulders. "Maya, are you alright?" the guy who saved me said. "Aang? Oh, thank goodness!" I replied. It was Aang who had caught me and broke my fall. He flew to one of the tree houses and landed me there safely. "What was that?" he asked as soon as we were down. "It was nothing. I just slipped through the leaves while leaving Appa on top of the trees." I answered.

"Oh thank goodness you're okay!" I suddenly heard Sokka shout. He hugged me for a good two seconds before asking, "What was that about? Why were you falling from the leaves?" I was about to answer but I got interrupted.

"Maya! Are you alright?" Katara suddenly appeared with Jet beside her. She hugged me as soon as she got close. Once she broke off from the hug, she asked the same question as her brother. "What happened?" Katara asked. "It was nothing guys, I swear! I just slipped through the tree leaves that's all" I answered.

"Be careful next time." Jet said and then he placed a hand on my shoulder. "Yeah..." I replied.

As if there would be a next time. We're never gonna visit this place again once we leave. I've got to admit, you have a nice hideout and all, but I still don't trust you Jet.

------------------------------------------------------

-Zuko's Point of View-

I was in the middle of practicing my fire bending when my uncle suddenly went out to the deck and walked closer to where I was.

"You have been practicing for quite enough. You should go ahead and get ready to rest, just a few more hours from now the sun will start to set. Why don't we call it a day?" he said.

"Not yet," I replied and continue on with my fire bending. Even when I was running out of breath I still went on and on; shooting fire blasts from my fists and my feet. I was about to give out a huge fire blow when I suddenly felt dizzy and lost my balance.

I knelt down on the ground and Uncle Iroh rushed to my side. "You've strained yourself. That's enough. If you keep on with this you'll pass out." he said. I slightly pushed him away as I slowly stood up. I was about to continue with training when my uncle suddenly grabbed onto my arm to stop me.

"I said enough Prince Zuko" he sternly said. I breathed heavily before pulling away my arm and replied, "Fine" and then I started walking inside the ship.

"You might not be telling me, but whatever it is that is bothering you, I am willing to listen." he suddenly said making me stop in my tracks. "I'm not the one who's supposed to be telling anything," I answered. "Don't you have anything else to tell me, uncle? Something you're hiding?" I continued as I faced him.

He looked at me with his eyes narrowed, and I stared back. "Don't you?" I asked once more. "Whatever it is that you're talking about I---" he said but I cut him off. "DON'T PRETEND THAT YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!" I yelled. "I am already aware of your lies. I know that Master Anika had a daughter, and that daughter of hers is Maya; the water tribe girl traveling with the Avatar." I continued.

Uncle sighed, "How did you find out?" he asked. "Does it matter?" I briefly answered. We stared at each other for a while. It was such an intense staring contest. "Why did you lie to me, uncle? What is it that you're trying to hide?" I asked; breaking the silence. He didn't reply to me and he just looked away.

"You're not gonna tell me anything are you?" I asked again. He looked down and didn't answer. I turned my back on him and then I said, "Forget it" and then I started walking away.

I took a bath, wore my robe, and went to bed. The sun has already started to set and I started feeling the fatigue in my body from all that non-stop training. I recalled the conversation I had with my uncle. I knew very well he won't say it. Either way, whoever that girl's father is, I don't think it has anything to do with me. I was just bummed out that my uncle lied to me. I can't believe he would be able to do that to me. I was just disappointed in him that's why I vented out. But this whole issue behind Maya's life, I don't give a damn anymore. My main focus now is the Avatar, and I will do anything to regain my honor back.

Still... Why is it that I have a gut feeling that my uncle is hiding something from me... Something big.

Ugh, my head is pounding! I should probably stop all this thinking and get some rest now before my mind explodes.

-------------------------------------

-Maya's Point of View-

As the sun was setting, a small banquet was prepared by Jet and his freedom fighters in celebration of their victory against successfully conquering a fire nation soldier camp, as well as to welcome us in their hideout.

We were gathered at a low dining table when Jet suddenly stood up and started his speech. "Today, we struck another blow against the fire nation swine!" he shouted, and then all the freedom fighters cheered, even the ones on top of the tree branches. Aang and Katara applauded him but Sokka and I were quiet and still.

"I got a special joy from the look on one soldier's face when the Duke dropped down on his helmet and rode him like a wild hog monkey." Jet continued. I was casually sipping tea when I suddenly felt the table move because the Duke suddenly stood on top of it and circled around while pumping his fist in the air. Everyone was cheering him on while he was doing that.

"Now, the fire nation thinks they don't have to worry about a couple of kids hiding in the trees— maybe they're right?" he said and then he sipped from his cup. Every other freedom fighter suddenly yelled, "Boo!" continuously. Jet finished gulping and then he placed down his cup. "Or maybe— they're DEAD WRONG." he sinisterly concluded his speech. Every one of the freedom fighters cheered loudly as Jet made his way to sit down next to Katara.

"Hey, Jet... Nice speech" Katara said as Jet sat down next to him. "Thanks," Jet replied.

Yeah right... That speech neither enticing nor was it encouraging at all.

"By the way, I was really impressed with you and Aang. That was some bending I saw out there today." Jet suddenly said. He was facing Aang and Katara obviously keeping Sokka and I out of the picture.

"Well, he's great... He's the Avatar. I could use some more training." Katara replied. Oh so, now we're just randomly revealing Aang's identity? Katara! You're letting your feelings cloud your judgment!

"Avatar huh? Very nice..." Jet said. "Thanks, Jet!" Aang cheerfully said. Sokka was intently staring at them while I was trying to just be calm and listen without looking.

"So I might know a way that you and Aang can help in our struggle." Jet suddenly continued. Sokka snapped and he suddenly stood up. "Unfortunately, we have to leave tonight," he said and then he walked away. "Sokka! Where are you going?" I shouted as I stood up and followed behind him. "Let's start packing," he said and then I nodded my head as an answer.

We were already a distance away from the dining table when we suddenly heard someone behind us. "Sokka, you're kidding me! I needed you on an important mission tomorrow" Jet suddenly said making Sokka stop in his tracks. Sokka turned around and so did I. "What mission?" Sokka asked.

Jet stood up and then he walked closer to where Sokka and I were. "I heard fire nation spies were heading out into the forest. They were said to be hunting down the freedom fighter's hideout. I was planning on ambushing them, and I figured you could join." Jet answered as he placed his hand on Sokka's shoulder. "You'll be able to beat fire nation butts during the whole mission. What do you say?" Jet asked.

It took a while before Sokka could answer. "Fine. I'll join you. But only because I'm concerned about the other kids living in this tree house too. We did owe you by saving us, so this is the least I can do to pay back." Sokka answered. "Great answer Sokka. I'll be seeing you tomorrow morning." Jet replied and then he went back to the dining table.

"Hey, Sokka are you sure about this? How do we know he's just not making things up?" I asked Sokka in a whisper. "I have no idea if he's lying or not, but if I join him, maybe I can find out what he and his troops are hiding," he answered. "Then I'll come with you! I can fight!" I pursued. "No Maya. You stay here. If you are right and Jet is really steaming up something dangerous then it's best that you are here in the treehouse away from harm." Sokka contradicted. "But—!" I tried to push it but he was stern about it.

"No more but's! You will stay here where it is safe," he said and then he walked away. "Why do you always treat me like a child," I mumbled to myself.

"What am I supposed to do in the hideout then? Play tag?" I said to myself once more, a little bit loudly this time.

"If you're looking for something to do then maybe I can teach you archery."

I suddenly heard someone say and when I turned around, it was Longshot leaning his back against the tree trunk.

"Longshot! How long have you been there?" I said with a faint panic in my voice. "Long enough to hear your tantrums," he answered. "Ahh... you heard that..." I awkwardly replied.

"I saw your shot back there at the fire nation camp. It was as good as perfect." he suddenly said. "You, saw me?" I asked. "Yeah. Though things could've turned into a disaster with your eyes closed," he said. I let out a faint awkward laugh at what he said.

"You've got skills. I think you'll be able to catch up quickly with the basics." he continued. "Thanks" I shyly said while looking down. Geez, I'm being showered with praises. Also, he's quite talkative now that we are alone together.

"So, what do you think? Will you join me for a few teaching lessons?" he asked. I looked at him and replied. "I will!" I saw one corner of his lip curl up and then he said, "Great. I'll see you first thing in the morning." and then he walked away to his sleeping tent.

Archery huh? It's the first time I'll be trying a long-range combat skill, will I be able to do it?

--------------------------------------------

-Sokka's Point of View-

I woke up early in the morning. The sun was just rising. I hurriedly freshen up, got myself ready for that— whatever mission Jet was talking about and went outside our sleeping tent. I made sure Katara, Aang, and Maya didn't notice so that they wouldn't be woken up.

As soon as I went outside of the tent, I saw Jet and his freedom fighters discussing something on one of the treehouse platforms, a few meters below where I stand. They all suddenly looked up at me and then I started making my way down towards them.

"Good morning Sokka! You sure are an early bird." Jet greeted. "So, what's the mission?" I asked abruptly. "You're in such a rush! It's still too early, we were just discussing about other things." Jet said, not answering my question. "What other things?" I tried to pry. "Things you're not concerned with." a girl with a husky voice said. "Smellerbee, give him some slack. He's just curious! Anyway, you don't have to worry about it Sokka, it's just some internal matters." Jet clarified.

I have a gut feeling that they are scheming something else, and it is something big.

The sun has risen, strokes of sunlight started passing through the small holes created by the cluster of leaves, and Jet suddenly ordered his men around. "Alright, today's another day to fight for our freedom from these fire nation scumbags. Let's get on with the plan," he said.

"Long shot and Pipsqueak, you'll join me and Sokka on our mission to meet up with these fire nation spies about to head our way. The rest, I'm counting on you to deal with the internal matters of the hideout." he continued.

"Sorry." Longshot suddenly said. Jet looked at him and then Longshot continued, "There's something I have to do." he said.

Jet faced him and then he said, "Seems like it's something important for you to talk it out." he teased. Longshot didn't answer back and he just bowed his head down.

"If Longshot can't come then--" Jet said but he was cut off. "I'll go Jet!" Smellerbee interrupted. "Works for me. Then let's get going." he agreed and then the four of us headed out.

Let's see what Jet does from here on out.

---------------------------------------------------------------

-Maya's Point of View-

I woke up and noticed that Aang and Katara were still fast asleep, but Sokka was nowhere to be found. Perhaps he's already left with Jet for that special mission they were talking about last night? AH-! Speaking of last night, Longshot promised he'd teach me the basics of archery!

A stroke of sunlight caught my eye and then I realized that the sun has already rose. I hurriedly freshened up and went outside of the tent. I took a look around and I saw no one.

"Huh? Where did everyone else go?" I asked myself. "They all went to perform their own duties." I heard someone say from beside me. I looked to my left and there I saw Longshot approaching.

"Longshot! I'm sorry I just woke up!" I greeted him. "It's fine." he timidly replied and then he pulled out a rope that was tied to a tree branch. "Grab my hand," he said. I looked at him shortly before finally grabbing onto his hand.

He pulled me closer and then he wrapped one arm around my waist, while the other was securely holding on to the rope. "Hold on tight," he said and then he jumped off of the wooden platform we were standing on. I hurriedly wrapped my arms around him and we stayed that way until we reached the ground.

Once we were down, I asked him, "So are we training here?" He tied the rope to a tree trunk and then he looked at me. "No. Follow me," he said and then he started walking away. I followed behind him and together we walked deeper into the forest. I don't know where we are going but my gut tells me that I can trust this guy. I hope I'm not wrong.