Sokka's Countermeasure

-Maya's Point of View-

As soon as I got on top of one of the hideout's platforms, I noticed Sokka storming off from one of the tents. I hurriedly ran up to him and asked, "What's wrong?"

"We're leaving," he angrily replied. "Right now? Where's Katara and Aang?" I asked further. "They're in Jet's tent," he timidly answered while still storming off. I quickly grabbed onto his arm and stopped him from walking.

"Calm down Sokka and tell me what happened," I gently said. He let out a big deep sigh before explaining. "Jet ambushed an old guy in the woods. I told Katara and Aang that he's a messed up thug but they didn't believe me!" he suddenly shouted. I stood there quietly— looking at him.

"Don't tell me you believe Jet too?" he suddenly asked. "No! I would never! Actually... I saw what happened," I hesitantly told him. "You followed behind us?" he asked. "No! I was with Longshot, he was teaching me archery when I overheard the commotion," I explained.

"I totally believe you Sokka, and I agree that we should leave... I don't feel safe around Jet. If he can do that to an old guy just because he's from the fire nation... What else would he do if he finds out about me?" I told him.

"We definitely should leave. Help me pack the bags," he sternly said and then the both of us went back to our tent.

After a few minutes of packing our stuff, Aang and Katara suddenly entered. "We can't leave now with a fire nation about to burn down a forest!" Katara shouted. Sokka and I stood up to look at her.

"Maya! You're here! Where have you been?" Aang suddenly asked. "Yeah, I'm here. I'll answer that later. Katara, what do you mean about the fire nation burning a forest?" I asked. "Jet said the fire nation is planning to burn down the forest— this very woods! He needs our help to fill the reservoir so that they can fight the fires. If we leave now, they won't stand a chance!" Katara answered.

We're not even sure if that's true at all. Can we really trust what Jet said about the forest fire?

"I'm sorry Katara. Jet's very smooth, but we can't trust him," Sokka strictly said.

"You know what I think? You're jealous that he's a better warrior and a better leader," Katara argued. "Katara, I'm not jealous of Jet. It's just that my instincts—" Sokka tried to explain but her sister cut him off.

"Well, my instincts tell me we need to stay here a little longer and help Jet. Come on Aang," she said and then she walked away. Aang silently followed behind her and then the both of them went outside.

Both Sokka and I were quiet for a few seconds before he broke the silence. "I'm sorry Maya, but it seems like we're going to have to stay here for a while," he said. "It's alright... I'll just make sure that no one will find out about me," I replied.

The night came and all four of us didn't talk to each other until we were all asleep. Everyone kept their distance from one another and the atmosphere was very heavy and awkward.

At the break of dawn, I was suddenly woken up by Sokka who accidentally stepped on my foot. I noticed him peeking from the tent's entrance before suddenly running off.

I completely went sober when I saw him leave. I woke up and secretly followed behind him. Turns out, he was spying on the freedom fighters who seemed to be on a mission to do something. They were carrying the barrels of blasting jelly in a wagon and they were headed somewhere.

Longshot was with them.

I followed closely behind Sokka, making sure that they don't notice me. We all arrived at the end of a cliff where the dam and a small colony village can be viewed. I stood on top of a tree branch a few meters above them all. Sokka was down there hiding behind the bushes.

Jet stepped on the edge and then he turned around to his freedom fighters. "Now listen... You're not to blow the dam until I give the signal. If the reservoir isn't full the fire nation troops could survive," he said.

He's going to blow off the dam?! He lied to Katara and Aang! This scumbag! He's just using them!

"But what about the people in the town? Won't they get wiped out too?" The Duke asked as he jumped off the wagon. Jet walked closer to him and he placed a hand on his shoulder. "Look Duke, that's the price of ridding this area of the fire nation," he answered.

He's a monster. He's a lunatic murderer monster! How could he even think of such a thing and not be bothered?! Sokka was right, he is messed up!

"Now don't shoot your arrow until I give the signal, got it?" he turned to Longshot while pointing at him and commanding him. Now I understand what has been bothering Longshot all this time. He wanted to tell me but he was too afraid of crossing Jet.

Longshot stood there and he gently nodded his head. I suddenly felt sick at all of them. How could they even go on with their lives knowing that they are about to kill hundreds of innocent people and children?!

They are all sick! I can't believe I trusted you Longshot.

"UGH-AGH!" I suddenly heard Sokka shout in pain. Everyone from the freedom fighters looked to where the sound came from and I quickly looked at where he was and there I saw Pipsqueak pulling on his ponytail and Smellerbee pointing a knife at his neck. "Where do you think you're going ponytail?" she asked in a taunting manner.

I covered my mouth trying to not make a sound. "Bring him here," Jet commanded. Smellerbee and Pipsqueak dragged Sokka to where Jet was standing and then they pushed him to the ground.

"Sokka... I'm glad you decided to join us," Jet said arrogantly. "I heard your plan to destroy the earth kingdom town," Sokka replied. "Our plan is to rid the town of the fire nation," Jet corrected.

"They're people living in there Jet! Mothers and fathers and children!" Sokka argued. "We can't win without making some sacrifices," Jet argued back. How dare he call them mere sacrifices?! He's crazy!

"You lied to Aang and Katara about the forest fire!" Sokka shouted while pointing at Jet. "Because they don't understand the demands of war. Not like you and I do," he said with a smirk. I swear I'm going to punch that smirk off his face once I get the chance.

"I DO UNDERSTAND! I understand that there's nothing you won't do to get what you want," Sokka angrily replied. "I was hoping you'd have an open mind... But, I can see you've made your choice," Jet said and then he suddenly hooked Sokka's wrists using his sword. "I can't let you warn Katara and Aang," he continued.

Smellerbee and Pipsqueak then grabbed Sokka and they tied him up. "Take him for a walk— a long walk..." Jet commanded. "You can't do this!" Sokka shouted. "Cheer up Sokka. We're gonna win a great victory against the fire nation today," Jet reprimanded. They then pushed Sokka and they started walking away from the cliff and into the woods.

"Longshot, Duke. I'll leave you two to handle things here. I'm going to go over the reservoir," Jet said and then he walked away. Longshot and The Duke then went to the dam along with the other freedom fighters.

Gosh, what do I do?! Where do I go?! Should I follow Sokka and save him, should I go after Jet and warn Aang and Katara, or should I jump in on Longshot and the others and stop them from blowing up the dam?

WHAT DO I DO?!

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-Aang's Point of View-

"Katara? Aang?" I heard Jet's voice from outside our tent. I looked around and I saw that it was only Katara and me who were left inside. Where are Maya and Sokka? Every time I wake up they are not around.

"Katara, Aang... It's time to fill up the reservoir," I heard Jet say. I woke Katara up and told her that Jet's there. The both of us went outside the tent afterward. "Good morning Jet," Katara greeted sweetly.

"Good morning. I'm sorry I have to wake you guys up this early, but the reservoir had to be filled up right now. I heard some fire nation troops saying that they are going to burn the forest at noon," Jet explained.

"Don't worry. We are always glad to help. Right, Aang?" Katara asked. "Yeah... Right. Hey Jet, have you seen Sokka and Maya?" I asked him.

"I just had a conversation with Sokka a while ago, he said he was sorry for the accusations he said about me," he answered. "Really? Sokka apologized?" Katara asked. "Yeah, I was surprised too. I got a sense that maybe you talked to him or something," Jet said to Katara. "Yeah, I did," Katara replied. "Well, I guess something you said got through to him. Anyhow, he went out on a scouting mission with Pipsqueak and Smellerbee," Jet continued.

"What about Maya?" I asked. "I haven't seen her around, but I bet she's just somewhere wandering around," Jet answered. "I don't know... I feel something strange about her disappearances..." I replied.

"Don't worry about her Aang, let's just focus on filling the reservoir for now. After that we'll help you look for her," Jet said. "Yeah Aang, maybe she just decided to join Sokka on the scouting mission. Let's focus on stopping the forest fire for now," Katara seconded.

"Alright..." I agreed to both of them and then the three of us went on our way to the reservoir. I don't know why she keeps on disappearing, but this has happened many times now. First, it was when the pirates almost caught us, then yesterday, and now this...

Why does she keep disappearing all the time?

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-Maya's Point of View-

I ended up deciding to help Sokka first before anything else. I wouldn't be able to stand a chance against the freedom fighters near the dam, and Aang and Katara might not believe me either, that's why I chose to go after Sokka. But of course, silly me, I managed to lose them while we were going deep into the woods. That's why here I am, wandering around trying to track them down.

I let my feet lead me to wherever running fastly, hoping that I would encounter them somehow. I was lost in my thoughts when I suddenly bumped into someone and then we both fell to the ground.

"Maya?!" I heard Sokka shout. "SOKKA!" I yelled and then I hugged him. "What are you doing here I thought you were back at the tent?" he asked. "I followed behind you when you were sneaking up on the freedom fighters," I explained as I broke off from the hug.

"Well, that's that... I'm just glad you didn't get caught just like me," he said and then he hugged me back. I quickly broke the hug and then I said, "We need to go back to the dam Sokka. We can't let Jet get what he wants to happen!" He held onto my shoulders as he looked at me sternly. "No, we won't stand a chance against him and the other freedom fighters," he said.

"We can't just sit by and do nothing!" I yelled. "We're not gonna do nothing. I have a plan," he contradicted. "And what's that?" I asked. "I'm gonna need your help, Maya. I'll explain as we run. We have to hurry up now," he said and then he quickly pulled me up.

The both of us ran through the woods. I have no idea where we're heading, but I trust that Sokka knows what he's doing.

"Listen, Maya, we might not have any chance of stopping Jet and his allies from blowing up the dam, but we can still save the people in the town," he explained as we run side by side. "How?" I asked. "We'll evacuate them before they get flooded," he continued.

"But there are fire nation soldiers in there Sokka, what if they don't believe you?" I asked. "They have to, and you're going to help me convince them," he seriously said. I just looked at him filled with anxiety, and then we both continuously ran.

After a few more minutes of running, we ended up in front of the town's gates and took a minute to pause. "Are you sure we're gonna be able to convince them?" I asked once more. "They will. Their lives depend on it," Sokka assured.

I looked around and saw that two fire nation soldiers were guarding the entrance. "We need to get past them if we're going to have to do this," I said. Sokka was about to walk up to them when I stopped him by pulling on his wrist.

"I'll handle them. Stand close by," I said to him. We both walked up to the two fire nation guards and they both pointed their spears at us. "State your business," one of them said.

I looked at them menacingly and then I pushed their spears away and kicked one of them to the wall. The other one was about to lunge at me but I was able to dodge him and kick him in the face.

"All clear. Let's head inside Sokka," I said and then I looked at him. "Why did you kick them down? I thought you'd handle them?!" he said with a confused tone. "And I did! Now let's get moving!" I shouted and then I tugged him inside. "You could've just talked it out!" he shouted while I was pulling on him.

Once we were in, we saw that there were a lot of adults, children, and elderly! These poor people will die if we fail here. "How do you plan on telling them?" I asked Sokka. "We need to get to the central part of the town where everyone can gather to listen," he answered. "The market!" I yelled.

Sokka nodded his head at me and then we both ran towards the town's marketplace. As soon as we got there, the two of us stood in the middle of the grounds and then Sokka shouted, "LISTEN EVERYONE OF YOU LIVING IN THIS TOWN!"

Everyone stopped what they were doing and they all looked at Sokka. Some fire nation guards even stood up and prepared their weapons.

"LISTEN UP! A GROUP OF VIGILANTE PEOPLE ARE PLANNING TO BLOW UP THE DAM! WE NEED ALL OF YOU TO EVACUATE THIS TOWN IMMEDIATELY!" Sokka continued. A random stranger shouted back at Sokka, "Who cares? That dam is drier than the land we plant our crops in!"

"You don't understand! They filled up the reservoir with water using the springs! You have to believe us!" I shouted back. "Nah, I think these are just some kind of scam or propaganda you guys made up. Get out of here!" another one of the villagers said.

"No please you have to listen! You guys could all be in danger!" Sokka shouted too. "Hey, you two!" We heard a fire nation soldier shout. "Sokka, let's just go back and stop jet! We can't risk getting jailed here. Let's go!" I whispered to him. "No. We will be late by then. We have to stay here and make sure everyone's evacuated to a safe elevated place," he replied.

"What are you two doing? What kind of blabber are you saying? A group of vigilante people blowing up the dam? Such nonsense," one of the soldiers said as he approached us. "Sir, you have to believe us. You have to help us convince all these people to evacuate or else we could all be in danger," Sokka pleaded.

Suddenly another fire nation soldier whispered something to the one Sokka was talking to and after that, he suddenly said, "You knocked down two of our soldiers who were on guard duty..."

My eyes grew wide at what he said... That... That was my bad... Sokka was right, we could've just talked instead.

"Apologies sir, we were just in a hurry to warn everyone and they won't let us in that's why we did that," Sokka lied. "Yeah right... As if we'd believe that. You two are definitely spies from the enemy side. Tie them up!" the soldier shouted.

"No! Please wait! You have to believe us! Everyone's lives are in danger!" I shouted as one of the soldiers slowly approached us.

"Wait!" we heard an old man shout. Everyone stopped to look at the old man who had stepped forward from the crowd. It was the very old man whom Jet had ambushed.

"Those kids are telling the truth," he said—taking our side. "Sir, are you being threatened by these kids?" the soldier asked. "No. I experienced it myself on the way here. A group of vigilante thugs mugged me in the middle of the forest and took my stuff, but these children were the ones who helped me," he explained

"They are not lying officer. I believe that those thugs who mugged me might also be the ones plotting to blow up the dam," he firmly vouched. The soldiers gave us a look and we looked back at them.

"Please believe in us..." I said. He squinted his eyes at us and then he shouted, "GUARDS!" while looking at his underlings. "Yes sir!" all of them shouted while giving him a salute. "Gather all the people of the town and carefully evacuate them to higher ground. Make sure that you get every single one. Is that clear?!" he shouted. "Yes sir!" they all shouted once more and then they scattered.

"You there!" the soldier pointed at Sokka, "Since this is your plan, you help on evacuating everyone," he said. Sokka stood up straight and then he answered, "Yes sir!" while saluting with his right hand.

He was about to run and help the other guards when I held on to his wrists and tugged him a little. "Sokka, I'm going back to the dam," I told him. "What? No, stay here Maya. It's dangerous!" he contradicted. "I have to at least try and stop them. You stay here and help them evacuate," I said.

"But—" he was about to contradict me once more but I cut him off. "Don't worry, I'll be safe," I said. He nodded his head at me and then he let out a sigh. "Take care," he said. I nodded my head back at him and then I ran away.

Last time I checked, they were still preparing the barrels, so I might still have a chance to stop them or at the very least lessen the impact of the explosives. Anyway, the final call is Longshot. I have to at least try and talk some senses into him.