ATLA: Book Three: Fire [Makki]

Chapter Six

Chapter Six: Cheats and Scams

Makki |~|

Once we figured we were far away enough from that psycho metal man, we settled just outside of a small Fire Nation town. Aang went on a spiritual journey yesterday, and learned of Avatar Roku and Fire Lord Sozin's past together. By the end of it, we were all holding hands, thinking about how Aang explained how friendships can last a lifetime. But today, things have already gotten a little heated. As Aang was training today, Katara and Toph got into a fight.

"I can't believe her! It wouldn't kill her to just apologize for once..!" Katara exclaimed as Aang, Sokka, and Toph ran into town.

I shrugged, "Everyone's got their quirks."

"What, are you taking her side then?" Katara yelled.

"Uh, no, calm down," I stepped back from her. "I'm just explaining that everyone's different. You're more responsible than she is and she's more laid back than you are. Both of those things are can be good or bad in certain scenarios."

Katara sighed, "I guess you're right."

"Now, come on, we've got some responsibilities to attend to," I said.

Together, Katara and I completely made camp and started on lunch. We were almost done by the time Sokka, Aang, and Toph made it back. Each of them was carrying a large basket of goods, and laughing.

"Where did you guys get all the money to buy this stuff?" Katara asked after they tossed the baskets at us.

"Toph got us money," Aang smiled. "She scammed one of those guys in town who moves the shells around all sneaky-like."

"She used earth bending to win the game," Sokka added. "Classic."

"Ah, so she cheated," said Katara.

"Hey, I only cheated because he was cheating," Toph defended. "I cheated a cheater. What's wrong with that?"

"Besides, Katara," I said as I examined the baskets. "They only bought food. They didn't go on a shopping spree, buying things they didn't need. We were running a bit low on food anyway."

"I'm just saying, this isn't something we should make a habit of doing," Katara frowned.

"Why? Because it's fun and you hate fun?" Toph asked.

"I don't hate fun," Katara said before putting Momo on her head. "See? Fun."

"...Katara, I'll personally make you an Avatar promise that we won't make a habit of doing these scams," Aang bowed after uncovering his arrow.

[~][~][~]

I should've known that they were going to continue the scams...

Day after day, Sokka, Toph, and Aang would return to me and Katara with even more items and bags of money. It was starting to seem unhealthy.

"Guys, I think these scams have gone far enough," said Katara. "If you keep doing them, something bad is gonna happen."

"Could you for once stop being such a sourpuss and just lighten up?" Toph said in exasperation.

"Oh, I'm sorry. You think I should be more like you?" Katara glared. "Like some wild child?"

"Yeah, maybe," Toph smiled. "Maybe then, you'd see how great we have it. I mean, look at us. We're traveling around the world, making easy money, having fun, with no parents to tell us what to do."

"Ah, I see. You're acting like this because of your parents," said Katara.

"Whatever."

"They were controlling over you, so you ran away, and now you act like your parents don't exist. You act like you hate them, but you don't. You just feel guilty."