[Advanced] The Pro-bending Incident IC~ (Suspect & Nightmera)

[Nightmera]

An early morning practice felt good. Especially being able to beat up her team mates in a friendly one on one match. Even now, the two were laying on the ground sprawled about and panting their heart out. After stretching her arms, Jacinta walked over to her team leader, playfully kicking him against the leg. “Come on guys, you really can’t be that tired?” She teased. Glyph raised his head, giving her a look. “Yeah, later in the day we would have been fine. But someone had to book us an early spot.” He said accusingly, finally standing up. That was Glyph, the Team leader and the earth-bender of the team. He was pretty much serious all the time, and level-headed. The other, who was still on the ground was Abel, their water-bender. More of a care free type of guy and always seems to be happy.

The fire-bender stuck her tongue out at him. “Well, you said it was my turn to get a spot. And so I did.” Meanwhile Abel pumped a fist into the air. “Yeah! Early practice rocks!” He basically shouted, earning him a raised eyebrow and a look. “What?” he asked, finally getting up. “Besides, at least we now have the rest of the day off. So enjoy!” Jacinta continued, grabbing her bag before leaving. Her other two team mates glanced at each other. “Do you think she just planned this to torture us?” Glyph asked dryly. Abel just shrugged.

----------

With practice out of the way, she felt like she didn’t have to worry anymore. Today was the day of her gymnastic competition. So really, she had a purpose for booking practice at like, six in the morning, not that she’ll let the others know that anyways. Taking a deep breath of fresh air upon exiting the building, Jacinta made her way down three blocks, taking a right towards a gym like building. Already there seemed to be a flood of people entering, and it wasn’t even eleven yet, there was still three hours to go. But she had better hurry anyways.

Walking over to the crowd, she tried to push her way through only to be pushed out. Frowning, she stood on her tiptoes to see what was going on, but to no avail. Apparently these people were much taller than her for some reason, which only frustrated her more. Puffing out a cheek in agitation she decided to try a couple times more. But like before, she was quickly shoved out by the bustling bodies before she could even get past one person.So she decided on a different tactic. “Excuse me! I would like to get through please!” She said as loudly as she could. But no one seemed to have heard her, too preoccupied with whatever was going on. “Excuse me!” She tried once more but with the same result. Really, at this point, she just wanted to fire-bend the whole lot and send them scattering away. As it was a good idea in her mind, she knew that she could get disqualified in the competition for doing such a thing.

Throwing both her hands up in the air she gave up, rolling her eye’s and sitting down cross-legged onto the ground. She placed her elbow on her leg and leaned her head against her hand. Jacinta was just going to sit here and wait until someone came to get her, or the crowd started dissipating away.

[Suspect]

Li was up early this morning, the defeat in the pro-bending match was really on his mind. He was in his room, staring out of the window, arms folded over his chest. A soft sigh escaped through his parted lips as a knock came upon his room door. It was his mother, whom he loved dearly and cared for, no matter what. "Li Lang, your friends are here to see you." Li dropped his arms down from his side then went over to his bed, grabbing his olive and wheat colored robe, putting it over his brown colored skin, tying the rope. He left his room and went outside, where Jiao and Hiro were standing, talking amongst themselves. "Well, someone is not a morning person." Hiro laughed after speaking that then let out a huff. "What's wrong?" Jiao asked Li, who was standing in the middle of the doorway, brow raised. "What's wrong? What's wrong?! You ask? How dare you!" Rocks were crumbling under his feet as Hiro and Jiao were trying to calm him down. "We lost against a team, that was easily defeatable then you two come here like nothing has happened." Li's mother came up behind him and spoke in a sweet tone. "Would you boys like to come inside? I have just prepared some bread."Li looked back at his mother then back at his teammates. "Actually mother, they were just leaving." He said while turning heel and walking back into his home. Before shutting the door completely, Hiro yelled. "Wait! One of our potential competitors is a gymnast and she has a meet tonight. Want to tag along?" Li nodded then closed the door as he went over to the table, his mother cut off a portion of the bread and sat it down on the plate.
__________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

After eating and walking back to his room, Li sat down on his bed, thinking about going to the gymnastic meet or not. He shrugged his shoulders then rose up from his bed, going over to the bathroom, where he took a quick shower and brush his teeth. After that was done, he dressed himself in a green top and white colored pants, along with green shoes. He was now ready to go. It seems as though Hiro and Jiao didn't think that he was going, since they didn't bother to show up and get him, so now, he must travel alone. He kissed his mother goodbye then left the house.

After traveling a mile, he saw the building up ahead. Before he walked into the building, he heard female cry out. "Help! Someone help me!" His eyes, along with everyone else shifted towards the helpless female. "He has been attacked, bending taken away!" Li shrugged his shoulders then continued on walking into the building, where he seen Jiao and Hiro. "Oh, surprise you made it." Jiao said as they went off to find there seats and sat down, Li patiently waited for the meet to begin, even though he really didn't want to be there.

[Nightmera]

Unfortunately, Jacinta's plan didn't work very well, as it turned out she was dozing off and half asleep. Thankfully a sharp cry and shout jolted her out of her sleepiness, the fire bender on her feet in matter of seconds as she looked around for the source. There was none that she could see, and shrugged it off, yawning before looking over to the crowd. Again she puffed out a cheek, crossing her arms before noticing that there was now a small opening. Finally, she could get through. Taking the chance before it got whisked away, this time she shoved herself through, forcefully pushing others out of the way as to make her point to move. It turns out, as she got into the clearing, it was her Gymnastics instructor, Asari, talking with the press. She didn't look too happy, a fist on her hip in a sassy posture as she answered their questions. The way she was answering, though, it didn't seem like she was mad at them, more like something had happened that made her upset.

Jacinta was about to just walk in when she overheard a question, her eyes widening and dread settling in the pit of her stomach.
"As I heard, one of your gymnasts will be unable to participate today. There are rumors that she had disappeared, can you confirm this?"
Her instructor narrowed her eyes, about to open her mouth but Jacinta interrupted them. "Who?" She asked, scowling at the reporter. A sudden flash blinded her. Blinking, she realized what she had down.
"Your a member of The Devil's Hounds, Phoenix!" The reporter excitedly said, taking another photo of her. "How do you feel about the upcoming match? Must be hard to manage being both being a pro-bender and gymnast, how do you do it?”

Questions began to flood, a lot of the reporters pushing there way to get a better shot or try to ask her more questions. Scowling, she answered. “Sorry, but I got a meet to warm up for. Maybe some other time.” And before they knew it she was through the door with her Instructor close behind. Jacinta turned towards her once they were safely in. “Who was it?”
Asari thought for a moment before sighing. “Terra. Yesterday, her parents called late asking if she was still here at practice. I told them she left hours ago.”
“I hope she’s okay.....” She said, thinking of where she could have gone. Terra was only fifteen, so she wouldn’t have gone anywhere else besides home.
“We’ll just have to wait to see what the Police force finds, anyways hurry on and get change, you have thirty until show time.” And with that Asari left, leaving Jacinta to make her way to the locker rooms.

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

Alright, the final move She thought to herself. Doing a hand stand on the bar, she swung herself down and forwards, going around the bar three times and twirling with one hand gripped onto the bar with her legs straight up in the air. At the highest peak she let go, doing multiple backwards flip with a straight body and landed standing on the pad. She threw her hands up, smiling as the crowd cheered and clapped at her performance. Her team ran up to give her high fives, congratulating her as she aced the move.

The announcer’s voice boomed over the speakers, ending the meet and that the judges were now tallying up the points. That was the cue as the six other teams came out to wait. To Jacinta it felt like forever until it finally seemed that they have decided. Announcing the results.
“The third runner up is......The Wild Owl-swallows!”
The crowd clapped, the other teams along with them in support. Once they stepped up to get their trophy, they posed for a quick photo before stepping back. They announced the second and first runner ups. Jacinta’s team haven’t gotten called yet, which meant they either were the winners or didn’t even place. Nonetheless she felt excitement well up in her stomach as they waited for the judge to announce.
“And the Team with the best performances and points, winning the overall competition are..... The Dancing Foxes!”
It didn’t seem to register with her for a moment before her team erupted into cheers and screams. She got caught in the moment, her heart beating wildly as they have finally won a meet. Once their pic was taken with the trophy, they left back into their locker room, shouting in excitement and talking animatedly with each other. They fell silent as their instructor walked in, a smile forming onto her face. “We are going to Dracel’s Bistro to celebrate! On me of course!” She said with a booming voice, earning her with more cheers.

-----------

Jacinta watched quietly with a smile on her face as they sat down at the restaurant, her friends still talking in loud excited voices. They began ordering of course once the waiter finally came over. Picking her choice, she sat silent once more, glancing towards Asari who was seated next to her. “I hope they find her...” She started, looking back at her other team mates who were oblivious. “Me too. I’m worried, but for now enjoy the moment.” We both knew that it wasn’t fair that she couldn’t be here to celebrate as well. Which started to now make her feel guilty. Eventually, the excitement quieted down when the food came, Jacinta digging into her own meal.

[Suspect]

Li wasn't really feeling the gymnastics scene. It was boring, lame and kind of confusing. He shook his head then Jiao pointed out that one of the gym instructors were upset about something. Li's eyes went towards the irate gym instructor then seen the girl they called Phoenix appear right behind her. He rose a brow then looked over at Hiro and Jiao, speaking a low tone. "Something isn't right. And we have to find out what." Hiro and Jiao looked at each other then busted out laughing as some spectators shushed them. Li had a serious look placed upon his face as he just simply shook his head, again. Those two took nothing serious for real, Li guessed this is why they made him team leader.

__________________________________________________ ___________________________

The meet was coming to a close and Li sat there, still wondering what exactly was going on. On the other hand, Jiao had Hiro in the headlock, something candy but Li was ready to do some hardcore investigating. He looked over at Jiao and Hiro then told them to break it up before he breaks them. As soon as the meet was over, he saw that the Dancing Foxes won the whole competition. "Of course they were going to win, one of their teammates went missing." Jiao said as Li glared at him then turned back to see the celebration ceremony begin. Afterwards, Li quickly got up, leaving Hiro and Jiao behind as he followed closely behind the teams, seeing where they were going to celebrate at. When he approached the restaurant, he seen that the place was flooded with happy gymnasts and their parents. 'Disgusting.' Li thought to himself, then his eyes were placed on the Dancing Foxes. He walked over there towards them then spoke. "I'm sorry to interrupt but if I may ask..." He gulped hard seeing their gym instructor as he smiled and nodded towards her then looked back at the teammates. "What has happened to your guys other teammate?" He asked while sitting down now, Hiro and Jiao came bouncing right on in. "Whew! There are some ladies up in here tonight!" Jiao yelled while Hiro spotted Li. "Hey Li!" He shouted, Li face-palmed himself as he got up and turned around, speaking to them both in a low tone. "Look, I'm trying to find out what is going on. Now, go mingle somewhere else." Hiro raised a brow then waved at Jacinta, walking past Li, towards her as he sat down at the table now. "Well hello there. Aren't you precious."

Li rolled his eyes then looked over at Jiao, who was trying to flirt with a member of the other team. "Hiro, can you please excuse us?" Hiro got up and threw his hands at Li. "Man, you just want them all to yourself, that's all you had to say." Li had an apology look placed upon his face as he sat down once again. "Sorry about that. Now, back to my question." He said while a waiter came over but Li put his hand up and shook his head no, meaning that he didn't need anything right now. "Please, I just want to help." Li tone was serious, his voice was sincere. 'Please.' He mouthed towards them.

[Nightmera]

Jacinta turned to face towards the guy who came up and asked about their team mate. Unfortunately he decided to sit right next to her, as there was an empty seat. She scowled, her team mates giving him a puzzled look. About to answer, they were interrupted by his two friends. Looking at all three of them together, they seemed familiar, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. He stood up to go talk with them, but one walked right past, heading towards her and sitting down in the spot his friend was just in."Well hello there. Aren't you precious."

That caught the attention of the whole table. A few of her teammates bursting into giggles as her scowl deepened. It had clicked, and now she remembered who they were. So then that must be Li who asked, the team leader, while the one hitting on her was Hiro and the other Jiao. When Li shooed them away he sat down again, asking the same question. Once more the others looked puzzled, finally someone asking what he meant. “What happened to who?”

Jacinta glared at Li. “Thanks Genius, they didn’t know.” She hissed. The only reason she knew was because she was there when the reporter asked Asari. Her instructor had told her not to tell the others yet as to not worry them and to try and keep it under wraps. Then this bone head had to go sticking his nose into where it didn’t belong. “It’s none of your business.” She spoke, louder for everyone else to hear. Asari sighed pinching the bridge of her nose. “And really, why would I say anything to you? I remember who you are, Your Lin the team leader of The Naturals.” Upon hearing that he was a pro-bender, the others began talking animatedly. “She’s right! It is him!” Some of the others confirmed, now crowding around him and others asking for his autograph. Some of the other customers over heard and joined in the fray, the large crowd now getting ever larger. What he said earlier becoming lost and forgotten.

Knowing that was her cue to skedaddle before anyone recognized her, she got up, bidding Asari farewell who was trying to hold in her laughter from Jacinta’s scheme. “I do have to say, that was a brilliant idea.” Her instructor called. She bowed as if just finishing a performance act, a wild grin on her face before walking out. Half running, half walking, she hurried to get as far as she could before he could catch up with her or find her. Otherwise, the whole point of the distraction would have been lost. Glancing over her shoulder, she ducked into an alley way after about three blocks, slowing down her pace to enjoy the evening. Besides, she didn’t want his help. He was a rival to her pro-bending team, and he shouldn’t be interfering with her, which meant them.

[Suspect]

Li placed his hands over his mouth, not knowing that the other teammates didn't know about their missing and unexplainable disappearance of the other teammate. He let a soft sigh then rose a brow. "Well, I didn't know, you should have told them. It's important that they know." He said while looking at Jacinta in the eyes then looking over at Hiro and Jiao, chuckling softly at the childish behavior. He then heard Jacinta speak to him, once again, saying his name loud as he placed his index finger over his lips. "Shhh." But that was to no avail, soon, everyone was coming up to him, asking him for an autograph. "Thanks!" He yelled out towards her, looking directly at some of the children, women and men. He put on a fake smile and went to signing autographs, Jiao and Hiro acted like nothing was going on, as they just continued on flirting with the gymnasts.

After Li was done signing autographs, taking pictures, having a little meet and greet, he wished that Jiao and Hiro be safe then bid them good night as he left the restaurant. His eyes scanning for the gym instructor and Jacinta. He knelt down towards the ground, placed the palm of his hand down then closed his eyes, concentrating on their steps. It was an ability he was taught by his master. He opened his eyes up, his lips curving into a slight smirk. He got up from his knelt position and started walking in the direction, where he felt that Jacinta went. He slowed his pace down a little bit, since he didn't want to be so obvious that something was going on. Li definitely didn't want no one following him. He came across a corner and stood there for a moment, seeing the gym instructor walk away, then Jacinta glance over her shoulder. A soft gasp came from his lips as he stood there, breathing a little heavy then looking back around the corner, seeing her duck down into some alleyway.

He ducked down as well then made a light gallop towards the alleyway. He scanned his eyes down the premises then got up off the wall with ease and started walking behind Jacinta. "You know, you words were very mean back there." He spoke in a middle outdoors voice tone, he took a rubber-band that was tied around his wrist and tied it around his hair, leaving the bang over his right eye. "I just wanted to help but.." He then took a fighting stance then smiled a little bit. This is what he has always wanted, the battle between Jacinta, whether there were no witnesses or not, really didn't matter to him. He just wanted to see just how fiery she was. "You couldn't see that, could you?" He stayed in that stance then got out of it, laughing to himself. "I don't fight girls outside of the bending arena. We will have our time."

With that said, Li shrugged his shoulders then turned heel, walking slowly as he hoped that she would stop him, since he really was just trying to help. His mind was already worried about the next tournament match they had coming up, so yeah, the missing teammate thing was the last thing on his mind. He snapped his fingers then turned back around, eyeing Jacinta. "Oh, by the way, nice performance. You guys are good." He complimented then turned back around while continuing on walking, back towards civilization.

[Nightmera]

Jacinta had thought she was in the clear, that is, until she heard footsteps behind her. She stopped spinning on her heels to see who it was, but it turned out to be just Li. How did he find her so fast? Wiggling her nose, she crossed her arms, listening to what he had to say. "You know, your words were very mean back there." He began, taking the rubber-band off from around his wrist before using it to tie his hair up, leaving his bang that hid his right eye. "I just wanted to help but.." He took a fighting stance, a small smile forming on his lips. Jacinta raised an eyebrow. He was challenging her? Before their match next week?

"You couldn't see that, could you?" He continued keeping his stance for a bit longer before straightening up, laughing to himself. "I don't fight girls outside of the bending arena. We will have our time." And then he started walking away, slowly she might add. As if he was such a big shot. She could feel her blood boil, a scowl forming on her face. He didn’t fight girls outside of the arena? Who did he think he is? As if that wasn’t enough he snapped his fingers in remberance turning back around and eyeing her. "Oh, by the way, nice performance. You guys are good." He complimented then turned around to continue.

That was it. “Hey!” She shouted after him, stomping a foot. “You think you can challenge me like that then just walk away? Especially after saying you don’t fight girls outside of the matches?” Okay, he complimented her, but she didn’t know if he was actually being serious or if he was messing with her. Whatever, she didn’t really care. Catching up to him, she stopped in front, putting a hand on her hip and pointing a finger at his chest. “Your on.” She said, accepting his challenge. “But if I win, you have to leave me alone about the whole missing team mate thing. Sound good to you?”

Crossing her arms, she raised an eyebrow, waiting for his answer. She knew that he would want something in return if he won, but instead waited for him to voice his. Not that it was all that hard to guess really. Besides that, Glyph wasn’t probably going to be too happy about this if he found out about this small fight. Neither will he standby if he knew that one of her gymnastics team member was missing as well. He would want to help search for her, as well as Abel. They were good friends that way, but she didn’t want to burden others with her own team problems. They already had enough to worry about with pro-bending and all, especially with the championships coming up.

[Suspect]

(( Sorry for the short post. ))

'Hey!' Was what Jacinta shouted as Li stopped in his tracks as his eyes followed her as she came by his side then in front of him, pointing her index finger at his chest. Did she just accept his challenge? And why was she so hot, really. A slight smirk curved among his lips as he stroked his chin then nodded towards her. "Alright, but if I win..." He paced back and forth in forth in front of her then knew exactly what he wanted. Something that was risky but worth a shot of giving her the chance. "I want you to drop out of the tournament." He stood there, brow raised, arms folded over his chest. He knew that he had her exactly where he wanted her. Cornered. In a situation on top of a situation, sort to speak.

Li laughed a little evily while scoffing to himself. "I'm waiting..." He said in a sing like voice as he knew that was probably going to back down now. After all, Li was well-known around these parts as being one of the best benders out there, even if he just lose one tournament match.

[Nightmera]

As she waited for his answer a slight smirk curved among Li’s lips, stroking his chin before finally nodding towards her. "Alright, but if I win..." He began, pacing back and forth in thought. "I want you to drop out of the tournament." He stopped, folding his arms with a raised brow. Jacinta, flinched but smirked nonetheless. She figured he would come to that conclusion, but it sounded worse hearing those words spoken.

"I'm waiting..." He said in a sing like voice. He probably thought she was going to back down now. It was a risk, one that would get her yelled at by Glyph if she lost. But she wasn’t willing to back down now. “Deal” She finally decided, holding a hand out for him to shake and make it official. Jacinta was in a whole lot of trouble if her team found out. Funny thing is, they always seem to somehow, like they stalk her something. Actually, she wouldn’t be surprised if they did. Those two always worried because she was a girl by herself out in the big bad world. Even though they know she was fully capable by herself. Everyone else were fine, so why did they think she wouldn’t be?

Right, because she always goes off and does something stupid or crazy. Like she was doing right now.

[Suspect]

Li saw her hand and extended his out to shake hers, that smirk coming back to his face. 'And the trap snaps shut.' He thought to himself then dropped his hand back by his side. "So, when do you want to do this little fight?" He asked while standing in front of her, hands behind his back. He waited for her to answer but jumped a little when he heard a muffled scream, that faded off into the night. No one was really on the streets, especially on this side of town.

Li ran past Jacinta, not really waiting for her to answer as he came to a screeching halt, seeing a pair of Air bender beads, lying on the ground. A tear twinkled in Li's eyes as he leaned down to pick them up, examining them, then placing them close to his heart while whispering. "Hiro." He started to sniffled, hoping that Jacinta didn't follow him to see this. Li dropped to his knees, about to cry aloud but just kept it bottled all up.

Hiro was the closest to Li. They knew every little secret about each other and who they liked and had a mini-crush on. He got up from his knees, tears still in his eyes as he turned around to see if Jacinta was behind him.