Bending the Legend

Warriors of Stone

Kopaka didn't know what to think when he first spotted the five warriors from afar. Their green outfits and pale faces were too different from those he pursued. He also noted how quickly they all drew their fans after one warrior saw him. A second later, they lowered their guard, and one stepped forward to say an oddly familiar word.

Appa's deep roar forced Kopaka to return, the warriors following him to his companions. Everyone came to their senses, thanks to the interrupting 'firebenders' as identified by Katara (not 'Kataara' as he learned from the siblings' arguing). These warriors were no friends of Kopaka's enemies, but his gaze cut into them as sharply as his blade.

The warriors hastily turned, preferring to face the giant bison instead of Kopaka's cold gaze. The only exception was the warrior with the golden headdress who spoke to him, clearly their leader. "We're almost there," she said.

The journey from the shore was quick. Even Appa followed the warriors, thanks to Katara. Sokka (not 'Sohka') trailed behind with Kopaka to "watch for firebenders," or so he claimed. His grumbling said otherwise. Something to do with how their rescuers were similarly shaped to Katara. An oddity of the species, perhaps.

Nonetheless, the five warriors led them further into the trees, past the spot where Kopaka found them. Kopaka noted their tensed postures and increased heat signatures, even when arriving at some tiny clearing. A few more waiting warriors stood, each dressed in the same green garb and commenting about the newcomers.

"They're back so soon?"

"Wait, who are they? And what is that?"

"Forget about them! Is that a T-"

"Yes, he is," said the leader, giving a quick gesture.

Kopaka's gaze followed the warriors who stepped forward to switch places with the ones who had returned. The bison gave some pause, though. "It's okay. He's harmless. Well, mostly," Katara assured. Kopaka caught the others' hesitation before Katara joined him and Sokka. "Do you think we're safe here?" she asked her brother.

"For now," said the leader to the trio. "We weren't expecting company, but we can hold you here for a while. We'll have to move soon, so the Fire Nation can't catch us."

Sokka frowned with what Kopaka guessed to be skepticism. "Well, that's all good, but who are you? And why are you wearing that?"

"It's armor. It's what we warriors wear." A snort made the leader glare at Sokka. "Is there a problem?"

"No! There isn't," Katara said. Kopaka barely saw her shooting own glare at Sokka. "Thanks for your help. I'm Katara, by the way. That there is my brother, Sokka. Our friend here is Kopaka, and the bison in the back is... well..."

"Appa," Sokka said after his sister couldn't remember.

"Right. Sorry!"

"Well, it's nice to meet you. I'm Suki, leader of the Kyoshi Warriors," the leader said. What she said next made Kopaka peer at her closely. "And don't worry. You and your Toa friend can trust us."

Toa. Again, that word.

Besides Kopaka, Katara voiced similar thoughts. "Toa? Do you mean Kopaka?"

"Is that his name?" Suki asked a nodding Katara. "Well, yes. A Toa is what he is."

"Have you met others like him?"

"Well, we know one more. Except he's brown, not white."

That drew a groan from Sokka. "Brown? Great! First, that red fire guy, and now this!" Sokka glanced at Kopaka. "How many of you are there? A million?"