Avatar: shackled earth

The world had descended into chaos.

The ground still trembled faintly from the aftershocks of the cave-in, a deafening roar fading into the frantic shouts of guards and the panicked cries of miners. A thick cloud of dust hung in the air, turning the already dim eclipse light into an oppressive haze.

Tomo crouched low behind the storage shed, his heart pounding against his ribs. Beside him, Ariya peeked around the corner, her eyes scanning the pandemonium.

"It's worse than we planned," she whispered, her voice tight.

Tomo swallowed hard, his throat dry from the dust. Jiro and Kael had succeeded in triggering the collapse, but it was clear they hadn't anticipated the scale of the destruction.

"Look," Ariya murmured, pointing.

Through the haze, guards stumbled over the rubble, their firebending flickering weakly in the dim light of the eclipse. One shouted orders, trying to rally the others, but the noise of the panicked miners drowned him out. Some prisoners seized the moment, dashing toward the perimeter of the camp, only to be intercepted by guards.

Tomo's hands trembled as he gripped the strap of the bag slung over his shoulder. "This is bad. They're everywhere."

"It's exactly what we need," Ariya said, her tone firm. "They're distracted. We stick to the plan."

They slipped inside the shed, the heavy door creaking behind them. Tomo's breath came in shallow gasps, his ears straining for any sign of pursuit.

The guard's silhouette still loomed in the doorway, his weak flame flickering in his palm. "I said drop the bag." His voice was cold, edged with authority.

Tomo froze, his mind racing. The firelight cast eerie shadows across the walls, making the small space feel even tighter.

Ariya stepped forward, her hands raised slightly. "We're just getting supplies. No need to make this harder for anyone." Her tone was calm, but Tomo could see the tension in her posture.

The guard snorted. "Supplies for what? Running? You think we'll just let you walk out of here?"

Ariya's eyes flicked to Tomo, a silent signal. She was waiting for him to act.

His stomach churned, doubt clawing at his mind. What if he moved too soon? Or too late?

But then the guard shifted his stance, his flame flaring brighter. "Enough games—"

Tomo lunged.

He slammed into the guard, grappling for his arm. The flame sputtered out as the two of them crashed into a stack of crates. Ariya darted forward, grabbing a length of rope from a nearby shelf.

The guard struggled, his elbow catching Tomo in the ribs. Pain shot through him, but he held on, his fingers digging into the guard's sleeve.

"Now!" Ariya shouted.

Tomo twisted the guard's arm, forcing him down as Ariya looped the rope around his wrists. The guard thrashed, but a quick blow from Ariya to the back of his head sent him slumping unconscious.

Tomo staggered back, his chest heaving. His hands shook as he stared at the crumpled figure.

"We didn't…" he started, but Ariya cut him off.

"He's alive. Focus." She grabbed the bag and started stuffing it with supplies: dried meat, water skins, tools.

Tomo nodded, forcing himself to move. His fingers felt clumsy as he searched the shelves, his mind replaying the fight in an endless loop.

They worked quickly, the tension thick in the air. Every creak of the wooden shed, every muffled shout outside made Tomo's pulse spike.

As they finished loading the bag, a noise outside made them freeze.

Footsteps.

Tomo exchanged a panicked glance with Ariya. She motioned for him to stay silent, her finger pressed to her lips.

The footsteps grew louder, accompanied by muffled voices.

"…collapse came out of nowhere. Someone must have set it off."

"Could be a distraction," another voice replied. "Check the storage sheds."

Tomo's heart sank.

Ariya grabbed his arm and pulled him deeper into the shadows. They crouched behind a stack of crates, barely daring to breathe.

The door creaked open, light spilling into the shed.

Tomo's muscles tensed as he heard boots scrape against the floor. A guard entered, his torch casting long, flickering shadows.

"Nothing in here," the guard muttered, but he didn't leave. His torch swept across the room, the light creeping closer to their hiding spot.

Tomo's chest felt like it might burst. He clenched his fists, ready to act if the guard spotted them.

But then a shout from outside drew the man's attention.

"Get out here! We've got runners!"

The guard cursed under his breath and left, slamming the door behind him.

Tomo exhaled shakily, his body sagging with relief.

"That was too close," he whispered.

Ariya didn't reply. She grabbed the bag and motioned toward the door.

They slipped out of the shed, sticking to the shadows. The camp was in utter chaos now, with guards scrambling to contain the miners. The eclipse had robbed them of their full firebending strength, and the prisoners were taking advantage.

But their luck ran out quickly.

As they rounded a corner, a shout rang out behind them.

"There! Stop them!"

Tomo turned, his blood running cold. Two guards were charging toward them, their torches blazing.

"Run!" Ariya shouted, grabbing his arm.

They bolted, weaving through the maze of tents and debris. Tomo's legs burned, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.

The camp was a battlefield. Miners running around and the soldiers trying to get them under control, clashing with guards in desperate skirmishes. Fires burned unchecked, adding to the chaos.

Tomo and Ariya ducked under a collapsed tent, narrowly avoiding a burst of flame.

"This way!" Ariya called, leading him toward the edge of the camp.

But more guards appeared, cutting off their path.

"We're surrounded," Tomo panted, his mind racing.

Ariya scanned the area, her eyes narrowing. "The fence. There's a weak spot near the north end. We can make it."

They sprinted toward the fence, dodging flames and debris. The shouts of the guards grew louder, closer.

When they reached the fence, Ariya dropped to her knees, pulling a small knife from her belt.

"Keep watch," she ordered, slashing at the ropes holding the fence in place.

Tomo turned, his eyes darting nervously. The guards were closing in, their torches flickering like vengeful spirits.

"Hurry," he urged, his voice trembling.

"I'm trying," Ariya snapped.

The first guard reached them, his flame flaring bright. Tomo stepped forward, his hands shaking as he grabbed a broken plank from the ground.

The guard swung his fist, fire trailing behind it. Tomo ducked, the heat singing his hair. He swung the plank wildly, striking the guard's arm and knocking him off balance.

"Tomo, now!" Ariya shouted.

The fence gave way, and Ariya scrambled through the opening. Tomo followed, his heart pounding as he heard the guards shouting behind them.

*******

A reader made a comment about Lian, he basically said her introduction and death seemed rushed. I went back and took a look and I had to agree, so I had to work on the chapter again.

If my lovely readers don't mind, could you read chapter 5 again and tell me what you think.