The Tale of Kotori (LOK)

Chapter 3: Men in Uniforms

Chapter 3: Men in Uniforms

     As time went on, Kotori continued to live with Jett's family and the hat business increased. Kotori even had a good amount in her savings. But all organizations either grow or decrease, and Amon's group was growing. With benders disappearing right and left, there were less people to stand up for the benders. Soon, more than half the city was along with the equalists, all the benders in hiding could do nothing. Bending was talked about less, pro-bending merchandise was no longer sold, and they were making bending a thing of the past.

     Soon, Kotori could have sworn she was being watched, every day. The stalking feeling got so bad; she was ready to go underground, literally if necessary. After a day of work, Kotori came to talk to Jett. "Hey Jett? Have you had that feeling that you're being watched? Nearly every day?" Kotori asked. "Yes I have actually. It's been getting stronger as the days go by. Mysterious figures and people standing outside the shop, costumers asking irrelevant questions, the whole thing. Do you think Amon is onto us?" Jett asked. "Us?" Kotori asked. "I meant you!" Jett corrected. "I don't know. But I think I should take off. On my own. I don't want your family getting hurt for something they didn't do." Kotori sighed.

     "Then let me go with you." Jett asked. "No, you don't have anything to do with me; you shouldn't have to pay as if you did." Kotori answered saddened. "Isn't being your friend enough to do with you?" He asked with a smile. "I guess, but you can leave at any time you are no longer willing." Kotori gave up. "We'll leave tonight. Just let me tell my family good bye." Jett said.

     They got home, and Kotori went straight to the guest room set aside for her, while Jett talked to his mother and father. "Dad? There's something I need to do." Jett started. "I'm leaving the house. Amon is watching everything. It's not safe for me to be around you. Kotori is an Earth Bender." Jett explained. "Well it's not just her, you're a-" "Mom, I know. We'll watch out for each other. And I promise I will come back when it's safe." Jett interrupted his mother. "Alright. Just promise you won't be caught." His mother pleaded. "I promise."

     Kotori was already at the door with her belongings she had collected over the months of staying in the house. Jett ran upstairs and packed a small bag of things he might need, along with money. After they stepped out of the door, they saw two silhouettes coming towards the house. They ran around the corner so they wouldn't be seen, and waited and watched. When the figures were close enough, they saw the symbol on their uniforms. They were some of Amon's men. They banged on the door and Jett's mother answered.

     "Where is the earth bending girl? We got a tip she was staying here!" One demanded. "Kotori? She's not here. She took off with my son without telling us and we don't know where they went!" Jett's mother faked. "Please if you find them, send my son home!" She "pleaded". "Once we capture the earth bender, we will be sure to send your son home. Let's go." The second said to the first. Kotori and Jett had stuck their head out, but pulled them back with their hearts beating fast. Soon they could only see the shadows of the men and Kotori and Jett stepped onto the edge of the street and started off in the opposite direction.

     They didn't have much of a plan, but they decided since they were already in danger from Amon, and not much worse could happen to them, they would search for the disappearing benders. On their way, they chatted a lot, and pretty much knew almost all there was to tell about each other after two weeks of hiding. They had searched, but they had no luck, and while searching they had made several close calls. They had heard lots of news of Amon and the Avatar, but they were losing hope. They never talked about it, but deep inside, they both had the feeling they would be caught and Kotori would lose her bending. And they didn't even know what else Amon would do to them.

     A rainy day, Jett and Kotori found themselves in an alley. They hadn't run into any real trouble yet. They ran into a couple thugs, but Kotori just pulled solid ground from around them and trapped them, nothing they wouldn't get out of in a hour or so though. She used her bending as little as she could. As they were walking down the alley way, Jett stopped. He stuck his fists together in front of him as he closed his eyes, and spun in a circle. Kotori felt a small rush of heat for some unknown reason. It had stopped raining, but the ground was still wet. When Jett was finished, he opened his eyes. There was fear in them.

     "What's wrong?" Kotori asked. "Run." He stated. "What?" Kotori asked. "Run!" Jett shouted, grabbing her wrist and taking off running. "What are we running from?!" Kotori asked, barely keeping up. "Amon's soldiers." Jett answered turning a corner. "But I don't feel-" "but I did. They’re on some air craft and they almost jumped onto our heads." Jett cut Kotori off. "But how?" Kotori asked. "Save your breath." Was all Jett said. Then it happened. Kotori felt them. They had jumped from somewhere and were not far behind. Jett was right.