Wandering Firebender

Eighty Nine: The Tragedy of Jona

"This is the only chance we'll have to strike back against the Fire Nation – to make them pay."

Sneaking into a Fire Nation ship was no easy feat. There was only one way in or out: the loading bay. To get in, you had to be a member of the crew – something that Jona was not – so boarding the ship would require several extra steps, each one increasing in danger as variables increased in number and unpredictability.

Step one: stealing a uniform off one of the soldiers. He managed to accomplish this while the airship was parked just outside of the nearest Fire Nation colony. During the day, Jona managed to catch a Fire Nation soldier alone in a restroom.

He ambushed him and stole his uniform.

Step two: boarding the ship without arousing suspicion. That wasn't too hard since standard Fire Nation uniforms came with helmets that had attached face plates. So that same day, later in the afternoon, Jona entered the ship through the loading bay, where he was only checked by a guard at the door.

"Coming in a little late, are we?" The guard commented.

"Uh...yeah, sorry. I think my food was a little under-cooked for dinner. I was in the bathroom forever, man. I'm honestly surprised I can still stand." Jona said, intentionally making the conversation uncomfortable.

"I didn't need to hear about that. Just get to your room before the captain sees you." The guard said in response.

"Thanks! I owe you big time." Jona said, pressing his hands together and pointing them towards the guard before hurrying inside.

Unfortunately for Jona, he didn't know what room the soldier was staying in. He didn't exactly get a chance to ask. So instead of making his way up to the living quarters, he snuck into the boiler room, where he hid out until the crew disappeared.

Once he was alone, he removed his helmet so he could breathe, scratching his head as he set it on the floor next to him. He sat down on the metal grated floor with his back against the wall.

Jona reached into his pockets and pulled out some small fruits that he had taken onto the ship with him. He bit into it with a crunch sound. He was surrounded by silence with only the hissing of machinery and the faint echoing of footsteps above to accompanyhim.

The dining hall was just above him, he figured that much. He would love to be able to go up there and get a real meal for himself, but that was too much of a risk for now, so he would have to settle for the food that he had packed with him.

Jona let out a tired yawn, resting his head back against the wall. That's when she appeared to him.

"Jona, my love." He felt a hand gently touch his leg. He shook in surprise, but his nerves settled when he realized who it was that found him.

"Anisa. You nearly gave me a heart attack." He said with a sigh.

"Sorry," Anisa said with a little smile, her green eyes scanning over him. "Stealing a uniform. Smart." She acknowledged.

"Yeah. I hate wearing this – it's disgusting." He commented, looking down at the armor with disdain.

"It won't be for long. And it it's any consolation, I always liked how you looked in a uniform." Anisa said, managing a smile.

"Thanks," Jona replied quietly, looking down with a flattered smile. "I didn't expect to see you in here." He spoke seriously now.

"I didn't think you would actually go through with this crazy plan of yours," Anisa said, brushing her brown hair out of her face. "Are you sure that your heart is prepared for what might happen?" She asked him now.