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Rila looked over her shoulder seeing the smoke up in the distance, they were now outside of the village as she limped and followed shortly after Ryuu and Hikaru. She looked down at her sprained ankle it still hurt pretty bad, and she needed to get off of it as soon as possible. "If anyone was dumb enough and forgot to take their wet clothes off of their clothes line outside of their home we can simply take them." Rila suggested, right now she wasn't above stealing and getting a new set of clothes she really did want to get out of these prison clothes as soon as possible.

As they entered the village Rila looked at the old man who stared at them, she wasn't sure about the man but remained fairly quiet now as she crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against her makeshift walking stick. "We might as well stick together for the time being." Rila suggested, and stared at the man who approached them, it seemed he was either really stupid or saw something in them. "Happen to have a place for all of us, to rest and lay low for a bit, and a change of clothes to?" Rila asked, she wasn't trusting enough to give her name yet to the complete stranger.

Hiroyuki grunted out an agreement. They needed to get out of the clothing quickly - it was the first thing that made them stick out like a sore thumb. Even without the injuries, they would be pinpointed the second someone glanced to their direction. Rila had a point, however, and they could simply steal from someone. While he personally didn't like stealing, they were few options that would end with them alive and well. It would only be a few articles of clothing, harmless really.

As they entered the village, most simply passed them by. Hiroyuki would have felt a bit at ease if not for the fact that there was one man who stared at them. He must have recognized their uniform. He tensed up. Would he alert the guards and send them their way? They couldn't fight well in their condition. It was lucky enough that they managed to escape, he wasn't sure if they could do it twice. "Sticking together is the better option." He seconded. They could split up later, if they so wish, but they needed to get far away from here first.

The man closed in and quickly offered up a place of residence. He then followed up with a name after Hikaru had asked it - proving that he was unafraid with letting his name go. But could they really trust the man? Were they really lucky enough to find an ally in the village? They wouldn't have much of a choice either way. If they didn't accept his offer, they might end up with struggling to find clothing and a roof above their heads to hide from the soldiers. If they did accept the offer, there was still the possibility of being betrayed and handed over to the guards on a silver platter. He simply kept quiet about it, looking towards Rila as she offered up questions to the man.

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"These villagers are from the Earth Kingdom," Jia Li said as they walked. "Most of them hate the Fire Nation - they've probably lost friends and family to that prison," she finished. Of course, there were also ones who would not hesitate to turn them in for the reward money, but she was choosing to have an optimistic approach to all of this. However, her theory was going to be quickly put to the test, as they got closer and closer to the village.

Seeing the old man, Jia Li hesitated for a moment. Was he a member of the resistance? Did he know her teacher? "Takuma... Do you play Pai Sho?" Jia Li asked him, knowing it was a code that had built up use. She nodded at the others, in agreement with their decision to trust the old man for now and she walked forward after him. Her nose still hurt a bit from the events that had happened earlier, but she chose to ignore it for the moment. If she was right - and her gut told her she was - he might be able to help them out... a lot.

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Yumiko glanced around at the village. If they were Earth Nation and hated the Fire Nation, then this may be the best place for her. "Well, we have that in common then." Granted, Jia seemed....all right compared to other Fire Nation people she has met, but it did not mean she trusted her. Even if she was sent to jail, what's to say her loyalty to her country was broken?

And she did not know the others, so sharing a place with them, even to lie low, seemed annoying, but she could not pick and choose. A place to rest so she could work on her arm would be great. And, she supposed, if she could manage it, help heal the others who needed it. "Change of clothes, a place to rest, and my arm to not be broken would all be great. Can we get a move on before they send people looking for us and torch this place to the ground?"

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"Oh? Do you play as well?" Takuma responded, giving Jia Li a bit of a smile. Hikaru was a bit confused as to what it was that they were going on about. Pai Sho? That was a game of sorts, a few of the older monks played it back at the temple, but that was about it. She knew absolutely nothing about the game, and wondered what was so special about the game that a Fire Nation girl would want to play it, or even ask about it with some random stranger like that.

"Come, my home is not far from here, and you will be able to get some fresh clothes and hopefully be able to deal with a few of those injuries," he continued, before he started heading down the street from them. Ryuu was a bit skeptical of this man, but they were at a point where they had no real choice but to trust him, at least somewhat. They had nothing that they could do, they needed help, and this man seemed to be willing to help them out. Jia Li had asked Takuma a peculiar question, that much was obvious, but he figured it would be best not to ask any questions.

"He seems a little weird..." Hikaru said softly, glancing over at the others and wondering what it was that they were thinking. She glanced over at Jia Li, a question started forming in the back of her mind, and she couldn't help but ask it. "Um, if you don't mind me asking... But why did you ask about Pai Sho? Isn't that just some game or something? Bit random to be asking about that don't you think?"

"He may seem a bit strange, but he is willing to aid us, so that is all that matters, let's go..." Ryuu said, as he led the way after Takuma. He couldn't help but wonder the answer to Hikaru's question, but there were more pressing issues to deal with than asking about some game. They eventually reached a somewhat small house, it wasn't too big, but it seemed like a nice little home. Takuma motioned for the group to enter, and inside, Takuma was pulling out some bandages of sorts to help aid with the injuries.

"These should be useful, if you will wait a moment, I will see about pulling out some clothes for you, you can't go around wearing Fire Nation prison uniforms after all," he said with a smile, before he left the group again.

"...That guy is definitely strange..." Hikaru said as Ryuu found a chair and set her down on it. She was grateful that Ryuu had carried her the entire way, but a little surprised that he had managed to do it rather easily.

"Well, at least he's willing to help us out, even if he is a bit peculiar..."

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Rila was still pretty surprised that Takuma was so willing to help them out, looking over towards the others she really did need to find a nice comfy spot and rest her sprained ankle. She was feeling the pain now wincing ever so slightly as she followed the older man through the town. Occasionally making some eye contact with the locals that were there, Rila did raise an eyebrow when Jia Li mentioned something about the game Pai Sho. Rila remembered that her grandmother played that game so much, whenever she did end up visiting her and her older friends would always come over sometimes.

"Thanks for the help." Rila said simply as soon as they got to his place, and limped her way into the house spotting the closest seat Rila plopped herself down, dropping her makeshift cane on the floor. But it was close enough to be reached, it was true that they were in the Earth Kingdom and the Earth Kingdom did really and truly hated the Fire Nation. Rila then looked towards the others, as Takuma turned and left the room to get some clothes seeing the bandages there. "So, we should probably think of our next action right now." Rila said looking towards them. "Any ideas on where to go next?" Rila asked, she wasn't sure if everyone was going to go their separate ways after this or not.

Hiroyuki had followed the group and Takuma as the latter led them to his house. He looked around with only mild interest, keeping his ears open to the conversation. So these were Earth Kingdom citizens. No wonder they didn't care much for their sudden appearance nor the fact that they looked like they had just broken out of the nearby prison - which they did. At least he knew that they wouldn't have to worry about someone spilling the news that they were here unless they were threatened. They could deal with that when the time comes.

His head snapped back when Jia Li had mentioned something about Pai Sho and Takuma had replied affirmatively. Hiroyuki had heard those questions before among the revolutionaries - mostly those who were older. Hiroyuki never quite understood what it was for since it was never taught to the other revolutionaries - him included. But hearing it here confirmed some suspicion that it was likely a hidden message between people. No matter what it was, it seemed like there might be a reason why Takuma was so welcoming.

Hiroyuki entered the house and looked around. "Your help is appreciated very much, Takuma." He had offered the gratitude as he gave them bandages. Right, he still had to tend to the burn that he had acquired. He didn't have to use any sort of healing waterbending on it at least. He just had to cool it off with some water and it should be fine. "Odd yes, but he seems genuine in his want to help us."

He had taken his place on the wall near the door. "I have to get back to the revolutionaries, or at least back to my Tribe." Hiroyuki replied to her inquiry. He supposed that it would be alright to share what he had planned after his escape from the prison. He had a family to come back to, but he just couldn't help but feel like he still needs to do something for the revolution. "If any one of you wants to join, you are welcome to." The more people, the better. Besides, they managed to break out of a prison from the inside. That should be enough to convince anyone they can be an asset - even if some were firebenders.

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Jia Li practically beamed, hearing the man assent that he played. She doubted it could be a coincidence. He played Pai Sho and he was there to help them. She heard Rila's question and she glanced at her, wondering if she could trust her, but then Jia Li kicked herself mentally. They all had been prisoners of the Fire Nation. They had broken out together, made a pact, and Takuma was speaking freely.

"My master played Pai Sho - as does a resistance group against the Fire Nation," Jia Li explained quietly. She trusted them, but also was worried that someone nearby may overhear and learn the secret. Takuma belonging to the group gave her hope. They could join up with others with the resistance and use their abilities to bring out real change. The Fire Nation was her homeland, yes - but it had been twisted into something perverse and she intended to restore it to what it should have been.

"I am going to ask Takuma if he knows where we can find the Order of the White Lotus," Jia Li told the others. "Just as with you and your tribe, anyone is welcome to come with me who wants to."

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Takuma may have been aiding them but it was a small slope from aid to betrayal and Yumiko knew all too well that it could go either way. All Takuma had to do was sell them out for the promise of being left alone or having a favor from the Fire Nation. I mean they had a slew of prisoners here that just escaped. The reward for them would be great.

Her arm was still broken. And the others spoke of joining their individual tribes or groups. Yumiko just wanted out of there. "All well and good, but I just want to be as far from the prison as possible. At least for a bit. Then I might come back and burn it to the ground. Not sure yet. Either way, I don't trust it here. As soon as my arm is healed I'm gone."

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"He seems nice enough to me..." she said, rubbing her arm slightly. This wasn't something that she was used to, being with a group of people who actually knew about her bending powers. Or really being on the run from the Fire Nation quite like this. Everything was a bit strange to her, and she nodded slightly at what Jia Li said. She had heard about the resistance group once or twice, she had thought about asking them for help even, but hadn't known where to even start in finding them.

"I've heard about them, and I'd happily join them in order to put an end to the Fire Nation's attack on the world. If they are planning to try and end this war, I'm all for joining up with them," Ryuu commented, glancing over. a moment later, he grabbed the bandages that Takuma had left and made a splint of sorts for Hikaru's leg, before he went over to Yumiko. "May I?" he said simply, before he went and bandaged up her arm, "I know that some water benders can heal others, but I figured since it didn't seem to work so well for you earlier, you might want to wait a little while to try again..."

A few moments after he had disappeared, Takuma came back out into the room, carrying with him some clothes for the group. He set them down on the table, before he walked over to the window, glancing out slightly, his eyes growing wide. "Now would not be the time to make a move to leave the village quite yet," he said, and he was quite right. There were what seemed to be like dozens of Fire Nation guards wandering the village, asking questions to the other villagers. However, none of them seemed to recall a group like the one that they were describing, so the escaped prisoners were safe, for now. After observing the scene somewhat, Takuma shut the windows of the home. "So, it sounds like you are a friend of the White Lotus then?" he said, looking at Jia Li.

"The Order of the White Lotus has many members, throughout all of the Nations. We even have a few members who are higher ranking officials in several different groups, including within the Fire Nation army itself. It helps us know where and when the Fire Nation plans to strike, and do the best that we can in order to help those in its path. We use the information that our many allies obtain for us in order to better combat the Fire Nation. I myself am a simple man, just a farmer here, however I use that to my advantage, and do the best that I can to help escaped prisoners, such as yourselves, make it to safety away from her. And those who wish to join us in the fight against the Fire Nation may do so if they so wish."

"So, you are saying you'll be able to get us out of here, or help us reach wherever the main group of sorts for this Order is if we want to help out?"

"Yes, that is exactly what I am saying."

"Sounds like fun, I'm all for helping out the group, need to take down the Fire Nation as quickly as we possibly can before this war takes even more lives."

"Well, the choice is up to the individual, and I will happily accept whatever decisions you make, and will aid you to the best of my abilities. Now, you might wish to change out of those prison uniforms rather quickly, should the soldiers choose to knock on our door. There are a few smaller rooms you can use," he said, pointing to a few doorways down the hallway.

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"I'll help the order however I can." Rila said shrugging a bit, she wanted to go and help in however she can as well as try and prevent the war that was going on right now. She then turned her attention towards Hikaru for a moment, biting her bottom lip for a moment she had to ask anyway. "So, just have to ask are you the Avatar, being an airbender and all?" Rila asked since the Fire Nation started the war by attacking the Air Nomads in the first place and destroying their temples. She then looked over towards the window seeing there were some Fire Nation soldiers just outside.

As Takuma came back into the room seeing the clothes that he had brought back, listening to him as he explained and nodded slightly as the window was closed shut. "Once we change we should burn the prison clothes, make sure that they aren't found." Rila suggested as she got up, and grabbed the clothes and then headed over to the closet room and quickly got changed and came back out, limping her way back to her seat.

He listened intently to Jia Li as she explained the deal about Pai Sho. It was a brief explanation but it revealed so much for Hiroyuki. That meant that the elders of their revolution were part of this resistance group? It would make sense that they were just a small detachment of a larger party. It was good to know that this seemed to be a more widespread organization.

"Some of my colleagues may be part of this Order. Perhaps I can get some news there..." Hiroyuki said to alert them about the fact that he would be going with them should they choose to search for the Order of the White Lotus. Perhaps he would join as well if need be. Any resistance party is somewhere he's willing to work with. It would seem that the other waterbender does not seem to be too keen in joining the resistance - which also made sense.

As Takuma re-entered the room, Hiroyuki had turned his attention back to him and his eyes turned to the clothes. As he mentioned something about not being the right time, he peeked out as well before backing away quickly. Indeed, there wee guards everywhere. As the attention shifted back to the talk of the Order, Hiroyuki had moved over to the table to grab some clothes for him to wear before turning back to Takuma as he went on to explain what he was doing there.

So it would seem that their guide was indeed part of the Order - and that his role was to help convicts such as them. Fascinating. It was quite a strategic position. They were soon pointed to hallway where they could change. With only a nod, Hiroyuki quickly made his way down to one of the rooms to quickly change out of the prisoner outfits and into more civilian clothing.

With that finished, he headed back to the room with the clothes bundled up into an incospicious set of red fabric. "So bunch these up somewhere and burn them right?" Hiroyuki said as he waved the fabric in front of him with one hand.

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Jia Li couldn't blame Yumiko for not wanting to stick around. It wasn't an ideal situation to be in and not everyone was ready or willing to take a stand against wrongdoing. It would have been all too easy to be annoyed with the water bender, but Jia Li instead just nodded slightly at her. This path was not for everyone - and there were many hardships ahead that they would face. She knew it was likely that they would die or be imprisoned once more, but Jia Li was willing to pay that price. She could not help but wonder if the others were as well.

Jia Li bit her lip as Takuma peeked out the window and announced the presence of Fire Nation soldiers. It was to be expected, but it still caused the blood to start pumping and for her heart to pound with terror. If they were discovered now, they would put this entire village in danger. They would be taken again and Takuma would be imprisoned for helping them. "Yes, I committed treason against my country for the Order," she answered the man.

She took the clothing offered to her, glad to hear that others were willing to help. Heading to one of the spare rooms, Jia Li changed quickly and used her prison garments to wipe off any bits of blood or sweat in an attempt to make herself more presentable. She then fixed her hair, putting it back up, and she headed out into the main room. "I can burn the clothing," she said simply.

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This was all coming to a point Yumiko hated. She did not want to be in anyone's debt, but she was not about to turn down aid when it was offered, especially since she had already botched her previous attempt at fixing her arm. "Thanks." She mumbled out as Ryuu bandaged her arm. She would try again later, but for now, she would let natural medicine run its course.

And it gave her time to think, what with everyone talking about joining the resistance movement against the Fire Nation. She had her own goals, but she had only ever done so alone. This White Lotus group may have more means than she had previously had. But it would mean being under someone. Yumiko had no qualms about being imprisoned again. Or captured. So long as the end justified the means.

She hated to admit it to herself, but it might be her best interest to see this through. "So how do we go about finding this Order then? And can we do so quickly?"

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Hearing Rila's question, Hikaru turned to look at her. It was a question that she had expected, after all, the Air Nomads were essentially wiped out during the start of the war. Of course any Air Nomad found alive would be asked the obvious question. She shook her head slightly, "No, I'm not... I had expected that question, but you see, the next in the cycle only occurs once the previous Avatar has died. Avatar Roku died 13 years ago, in 12 BG, so his successor was born that year. I may be young, but I'm not that young..."

"Do you know who the Avatar is then? Or have you met them?" Ryuu couldn't help but ask as he looked through the clothes that Takuma had given them.

"Yes I do... I met him a few times when he was travelling with Monk Gyatso from the Southern Air Temple... The two generally did a lot of travelling. Of course, that was before I found out that he was the Avatar. I found that out when I ended up travelling over to visit the Southern Air Temple... He's the youngest air bender to ever become a master of sorts in the art you know... Anyway, he disappeared, not too long before the Fire Nation attacked the temples..." the memory of the attack on the Western Air Temple still scorched her mind, and it was not something that she could easily forget. Falling silent, she went and grabbed some clothes, before wandering off to another room to change into them, more of limping really. It was definitely not something that she really liked talking about though, after all, everyone she knew was basically gone now.

Hikaru came back a few moments later, having changed into the clothes that Takuma had given them. The clothes were a little big for her, but she didn't really mind it. Ryuu followed suit, leaving and coming back in a new pair of clothes. "So, how do we find this order?" Ryuu asked Takuma, repeating essentially Yumiko's question.

"The main base is located in Ba Sing Se, however there is another base closer, in the city of Tachi Dai... That would likely be the closest and easiest of places to reach them, there are those who are friends of the Order who likely can help you along the way, but be warned, you must be very careful. The Fire Nation has many spies, so trust no one, unless they would agree to play a game of Pai Sho with you, as many find the game boring or out of place. The Fire Lord does not know that it is the signal of the Order of the White Lotus, so no spy would likely play the game with you..."

"So, quickest way out of this village without attracting unwanted Fire Nation guard attention?"

"Oh, that'll be the more simple part, you must simply just walk out. They don't expect anyone in this village to aid escaped prisoners, knowing the risk. Just keep calm and you should be fine. Oh, and one more thing," he said, before he handed each of them a cloak "It is still fairly wet outside, so these can help you to blend into the crowd and keep dry and warm at the same time, in order to hopefully stop the suspicion from arising, so do not worry. Oh, and little Air Bender, I'd recommend wearing a pair of gloves to hide the tattoos on your hands, as those are a dead giveaway of who you are," he said with a kind smile, before handing her a pair. Both Hikaru and Ryuu put their cloaks on, and Hikaru also pulled on a pair of gloves.

"Thank you for your help Takuma..." Ryuu said, before turning to look at Jia Li. "Burn the clothes quickly and let's get out of here..."

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Rila turned to look over at Hikaru as she answered her question, and nodded slightly she had to ask since she knew that they next Avatar would have been the air nomads, and Hikaru was the only living breathing one that she actually has ever met. "I'll make sure you are protected regardless." Rila said giving her a slight smile as she reached for the bandages and started to wrap her ankle as tightly as she could. Rila looked at Takuma as he started to grab some cloaks for everyone as well, and gave the man a friendly smile as she accepted one of them and started to put it on.

"Thank you again." Rila said, as she rubbed the back of her neck slightly she hated to ask for anything really. "And hate to ask, is there any money that you could spare, we might need some to at least get by while traveling." But there would always be a way to get some bit of money, but they were essentially broke right now.

As Hikaru explained the situation with the Avatar - whom the rebellion were all looking to for possible help - Hiroyuki had reached over for the bandages to wrap his burnt arm. It wasn't anything bad, thankfully. The case of the Avatar disappearing, however, was another thing entirely. It would have helped if he were to suddenly appear before them, but they couldn't keep on hanging onto that hope anymore. They would have to operate how they always have.

"Thank you." He repeated the gratitude that so many have already given. He had accepted the cloak and quickly put it on before running a hand through his hair to fix it. Tachi Dai - that was their next destination it would seem. And just like with Takuma, they were to question those that they needed help from if they wanted to play a round of Pai Sho. If not, leave immediately. He waited by the door, prepared to leave when it is necessary.

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Jia Li took all of the clothing that needed to be burned and held it in her hands. She created a small but controlled flame, burning the items until nothing but ash remained. It felt cleansing to burn the remnants of that horrible place. The prison - although her stay there had been brief - was not filled with fond memories. Her countrymen hated her, thinking that she was a traitor... but she rebelled in order to save the nation that she loved. The first nation that the Fire Nation invaded was there own. Not very many people remembered that.

"The Avatar is too young at the moment to help, no matter if he survived the massacre or was reborn into the Water Tribe," Jia Li pointed out. They couldn't rely on the Avatar to restore peace and balance. With the large loss of Air Nomads, there likely never would be proper balance to the four elements again. She then put on her cloak that had been offered her. "We should pick new names and make sure we all know them, just in case we have to say who we are... Call me Lei Ying - Jyun Lei Ying."

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As if all of this wasn't enough, now there was talk of the Avatar. Granted, it seemed the little wind tribe girl was not one, but that would just be what this group of escapees needed was the one person that the Fire Nation would target. As that was not the case, she need not worry. All of this talk was not getting them farther away. Burn the clothes and be done with it.

"If we are doing the fake name business, just refer to me as Song. Or don't bother talking to me in general. The less conversation, the better. Now can we get moving already? My arm is killing me." She wanted nothing more than a hot bath away from the Fire Nation.

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Takuma gave Rila a smile, before he walked over to a desk of sorts and took a pouch out of a drawer. "This should be more than enough to aid you to get to Tachi Dai... Maybe even a bit more than that, it likely will be good to have and help you on your way, and beyond," he said, handing it to Rila. Felt like the pouch had quite a bit of money in it, so it should last them a while if they don't lose it.

"Okay..." Hikaru said, nodding her head at what Rila had said to her. It was a bit reassuring, though they all probably should be looking after each other if they were going to be traveling together for some distance. The city of Tachi Dai wasn't a short trek down the road, it was going to be quite some distance along. Not to mention that they had to worry about getting out of the village without being caught by the Fire Nation. "Thank you for your help Takuma... and call me Ruka, it is the name that I used before I got arrested..." she said towards the others.

"Yes, thank you... Now, hopefully we can get out of here without causing any problems," Ryuu said, heading for the door now. He peeked out the window, and luckily, there wasn't any Fire Nation soldiers near them, it looked fairly calm outside at the moment, so this was their window of opportunity at the moment, and they'd have to go or wait for who knew how long and risk discovery. 'I suggest we go now before the Fire Nation comes knocking at our door. And I don't need a new name, I can just use my brother's in a pinch."

Hikaru nodded her head, glancing over at the others, figuring that they probably would want to get going as well. She really wish that she had her glider, but that was long gone by now. All they could do was move as quickly as possible to get out of there. Though it was going to be a bit slow for them, since two of them had leg injuries that could cause some problems, but with her leg bandaged up, she was willing to hurry as quickly as possible to see what happened.

"Let's go," he said as he opened the door quickly and quietly, and headed outside. There was still no sign of the Fire Nation soldiers, and he motioned for the others to follow him as he headed along down the street. Hikaru followed after him quietly, not sure what the others would do, or if they would even follow. She was still limping slightly, her broken leg causing some problems for her as she followed along.