MAYA [Book 1 - Water]

Chapter 35 - 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.