Middle Ring of Ba Sing Se

The droning noise of rock pounding upon rock was all that could be heard by Kong Shi Yang as she rested on the makeshift Metro-Rail system of Ba Sing Se. Up until now she had been sitting alone on the tram with her eyelids concealing the green irises that sparkled ever so gently when exposed to the sun. Slowly she opened them upon the announcement that she and the other passengers would soon be arriving at their end destination, looking out of the portal window at one of the male Earth Benders who was habitually kicking and pushing his right leg to fulfill his responsibility of helping to propel the stone train. The knowledge seeker watched as his braided ponytail swung violently in the air, and then silently found rest hanging down the backside of it's host as the ride had come to an end.

As the chain of command would have it, Kong was the second individual to exit the holding chamber of the tram; she followed behind an older Nobleman who was traveling down to the Middle Ring to inspect a new annex recently constructed for the use of the Ba Sing Se University. Half of the people after her were normal Middle Ring citizens, just coming from a visit with the king, and the other half were citizens who had gone to schedule appointments to see the king - the minimum wait time was a month at the least. The only child to Mr. and Mrs. Shi Yang marched toward the exit of the terminal with both of her hands tucked into her sleeves. Her chin was held high, and the emblem on her topknot glistened as the stealthy Earth Bender took her first steps into the sun, and into the hustle and bustle of the Middle Ring.

Maneuvering her way through the mass crowds gathered in the streets was a tedious task, but Kong kept herself mentally occupied by replaying the happenings of just earlier today in her mind. She was essentially reminding herself of why she had come down in the first place. Kong had already traveled to the Middle Ring once, simply to observe the life of it's people on a daily basis. This time, the inquisitive adolescent came in an effort to quench her thirst for cultural knowledge. She had visited the library of the Upper Ring that morning in search of a textbook on the Northern Water Tribe. The sweet, nice, middle-aged librarian apologized for not having the book in stock, and then promised to order the book for the young lady standing before her. All she needed was a last name to store the book under. "Shi Yang, ma'am." The nice woman's demeanor then underwent a nasty metamorphosis, and the creature now standing before Kong told her that if she wanted the book she would have to go to the Middle Ring and get it herself. To add insult to injury, the newly transformed bigot then exclaimed that the Shi Yangs belonged there anyway.

Kong abruptly ended the show in her head, realizing that she had walked right past the library! Perhaps she could turn around and still make it, rather than be swept away by the current of pedestrians and have to round the block once more. Going against the flow of traffic proved to be difficult, and the sixteen year old girl accidentally knocked chests with another Ba Sing Se citizen; a strong and tall man of nearly thirty. He glared down at Shi Yang, knowing that he must bow down to the higher ranking caste member. But he didn't appear to want to. To his surprise, Kong bowed down (something completely out of custom). "Forgive me," she calmly stated before continuing on her way against the flow of traffic and eventually climbing the stone steps of the library. A doorman, upon seeing her attire and assuming her status, open the door for her.

The Middle Ring

The pain in his head steadily decreased, and eventually Tenshio was able to focus again. He looked up and once more stared out at the crowded city streets. Almost immediately, however, the young man lowered his gaze. It would be better not to go out into that mess again any time soon. In fact…he was at a library. Why not utilize the resources it provided?

That seemed easier said than done, however. The Waterbender hadn’t failed to notice the man steadfastly guarding the door. He didn’t look like he would let just anyone in. If Tenshio wanted to gain entrance to the building, he would have to have a good reason for it. It probably didn’t help that his clothes clearly marked him as a foreigner. He looked down at his blue robe and pants. They didn’t appear that menacing to him, but with the war going on, everyone seemed to be incredibly paranoid. If he tried to just walk into the library, they’d probably think he was going to blow it up or something.

He chuckled. Who was being paranoid now? Still, the fact remained that he probably would not be allowed to enter the building freely. What he needed was a distraction; something to occupy the doorman’s attention for just a short time. Not that he was expecting one. Distractions didn’t just walk up and present themselves.

Or maybe they did. Tenshio watched, amused, as a girl emerged from the street and approached the library. As she climbed the steps to the entrance, he stood and began to follow her. She slipped through the door, and he was right behind. Then, however, he came to a sudden stop.

The interior of the building was amazing. The library was huge, and it housed row after row of books on probably every subject anyone could ever wish to study. It was unbelievable. Tenshio knew he could spend an eternity looking through every volume he could get his hands on, but decided to hold off on that idea. Now that he was here, he knew exactly what he wanted to learn.

The young man looked around and, spotting a woman standing behind a desk, made his way over to her. ”Excuse me? Can you tell me where I could find books on Waterbending?” The woman looked up from whatever she was writing, and, after a moment’s hesitation, turned and pointed to a section of the building near the middle. Tenshio muttered his thanks and set off. In just a few seconds he found himself in a section completely devoted to the Water Tribes. Sighing with happiness, the Waterbender began browsing the shelves. Soon, he was immersed in a book detailing all sorts of Waterbending techniques. He couldn’t have been happier.

Middle Ring of Ba Sing Se

The youth had heard, rather felt the vibrations, of someone entering the edifice immediately after she herself had walked through the giant pair of double doors. His weight and size distribution as she had interpreted it made him appear to be a male in his early twenties. She purposely stepped over to the side, allowing the young man to step in front of her so that she could see his face and confirm her estimation; she could tell that she was off by a couple of years.

Since Kong had already stepped over to the side, she chose to skim over the covers of a few brochures that had been placed inside of a wooden rack under a sign that read "Free." Some promoted local merchants of the Lower Ring and others were informational publications telling all about the Ba Sing Se University. Inquisitive, she almost picked one up - but this was not why she had come.

"I'd like to find a book on mythological tales of the Northern Water tribe," was what the technically considered noblewoman said as she approached the library's main information desk. Respecting custom, the attendant lifted herself from her seat, telling the young woman that she would lead the way to the section of books she so desired. Finally, Shi Yang would get to take yet another sip from the fountain of cultural knowledge. She followed the elderly librarian, silently walking by college students who were presumably studying for examinations that were worth a considerable amount of their final grade. Kong imagined that she wouldn't mind spending a day walking a mile in the scholars' shoes.

Kong stopped as the woman extended her arm toward the aisle of literature Kong had inquired about. Kong bowed down as a thanks, and then slowly walked down the row. She took note of the hundreds of books now at her disposal. And then she took note of something a bit more interesting than the books themselves (granted, they were closed). The aisle was also inhabited by the same young man who had followed her into the building. She slowly grabbed for a book that rested on the shelf while looking the young man over: she took note of his coldly colored tunic and attire, and his necklace with the water tribe's emblem etched into it. He was an actual member of the water tribe! Not an uncommon thing, as Ba Sing Se was the refugee capital of the world - but Kong had never spoken with one before. Surely the tribe member could offer more information than the book. "Exc-," Kong had started, prepared to get his attention, but then quickly thought better of it. She hurriedly open her book to a random page and threw her face into it. Maybe the boy hadn't heard her.

Middle Ring

The Waterbender was having the time of his life. This book was teaching him more in a few minutes than his father had in years. If only he could somehow take it with him when he left. The young man grinned slightly at the thought of what the librarians might say if he asked them about that. At best, cold refusal. At worst…well, he would just have to hope that none of them were benders. Or he could just not bring the subject up at all. It would be a shame to leave such a great source of information behind, though. If only he had some way to write down the forms listed in the tome, so that he might revisit them during his travels. This was a place of knowledge. Surely there were blank scrolls he could make use of to record what he learned.

But that could wait; for now all Tenshio wanted was to read as much as he could, learn as much as he could now, in case there was no way to take any information with him. He flipped through pages at a quick pace, his eyes dancing over words rapidly, taking in as many as his brain could hold. Tens of forms, hundreds of tiny movements, each designed to make water do exactly as the bender wished. It was amazing what some people had thought to do with something that was usually so disobedient. One of the first things Tenshio’s father had taught him was that water did not like to be controlled, and that even when bending he should always have the utmost respect for the proud element. When he was younger, the boy had thought that ridiculous, but now he understood. Water was dangerous and fickle, and it was always wise to treat it kindly.

”Exc-“

Tenshio was so caught up in his memories that he almost didn’t hear the voice. As it was, it took him a few seconds to look up from his book. He saw a girl a few feet away from him, her face buried in a book. It was the same one he had followed into the library. Apparently they had similar interests. The girl looked completely immersed in her reading, but a quick glance through the aisle confirmed that they were alone. So she had to have spoken—to him. But why had she stopped so suddenly? Maybe she hadn’t wanted to interrupt his reading and seem rude. And yet, now he might be forced to do just that.

Should he respond? And if so, how? What should he say? The Waterbender noticed the girl’s rather fine attire. Did that mark her as a noblewoman? Was he supposed to bow before addressing her? But she looked younger than him, and, strictly speaking, she had initiated the conversation. Besides, he wasn’t even a citizen of Ba Sing Se. Wouldn’t that make him exempt of their social rules? Tenshio didn’t know, but it was too late to just back to his reading as though nothing had happened. He would just speak to her. If she thought him rude, she could say so.

Decision made, Tenshio walked over to the girl, stopping at what he felt was a respectful distance. ”Umm…” he began. ”Did you…was…” The young man sighed in frustration, running a hand through his hair. ”Can I help you?” he finally asked.

"Please don't come over here. Please don't come over here. Please don't come over here," was what the young Earth Bender had been repeating to herself over and over again in her head. She wanted the tribesman to think that she was completely engrossed in her book; it wasn't a hard feat to accomplish because her mind was preoccupied by thoughts of what to do and say if she was approached by the male she had tried to converse with just a few seconds ago. He seemed to be pretty into his reading his own book. Seconds crept along like snails at dusk. Kong performed a mental sigh of relief, figuring that the noise she made was ignored by the young man and the disaster had been averted.

Wrong. As it rarely happens, Kong had been wrong. Standing before her right now and stumbling over his statement structure stood the only other person within the Northern Water Tribe selection of textbooks. Of course she would not attempt to blow him off in an effort to preserve status (something she didn't care about) or cover for her own mistake. Was it a mistake talking to him, this strange lad? There was only one way to find out. She placed the book that she had randomly picked up, titled The Warrior's Way, down by her side and smiled as the boy talked to her. What else could she do?

After fumbling with his words, the question was finally spurted out; could he help her? Kong didn't know if he could or not, but she was definitely one for seizing the moments and the opportunities as they arose. She placed her free hand on her bosom to aid her as she attempted to clear her throat. And then she responded to his question, because she didn't want to keep him waiting for too long; she had read once before that it could cause a lack of interest. "Why, yes. I couldn't help but notice your traditional Northern Water tribe outfit. Are you of the tribesmen?" she asked, a sincere look upon the knowledge seeker's face.

Middle Ring

She was smiling. That was good. At least, it meant that she was alright with him talking to her. If he hadn’t just mangled a simple question, this might actually have been a pleasant conversation. But it was too late for that now.

Tenshio looked away after he finished speaking, ashamed of his inarticulate attempt at responding to the girl. He waited for her to laugh at him, or say something condescending or something of that sort. The seconds before the young woman spoke seemed like ages. When she did speak, however, it caught his attention. He looked back at her, his eyes meeting hers.

Thoughts flew through the Waterbender’s head. Why was she asking where he was from? Did she know something about him? Was she dangerous? Should he—? Tenshio cut the last question off. He needed to calm down. He was being far too paranoid. The girl had asked a simple question. He was in the Northern Water Tribe section of the library, was wearing blue, and had a necklace with the Tribe’s symbol on it around his neck. Why wouldn’t she assume that he was from the North? He would do the same in her position.

The least he could do was answer her question. He didn’t want to be rude, especially to someone who might have power in this city. So, after a deep breath to completely calm himself, the young man spoke. ”Yes, I’m from the Northern Water Tribe. Why do you ask?” Despite his paranoia, Tenshio found himself eagerly awaiting the girl’s answer. It had been a while since he’d had someone to talk to. It would be nice to have that again.

The Earth Kingdom citizen would find herself accidentally holding her breath as the young man before her was exhaling his own. She could only hope that he didn't shoot her down with a big fat "No." If he really was of the tribesman, that would mean she had her own primary source - a portal to all of the cultural information she could wish for; given that the boy was spiritual enough to keep up with the ways of his people, and also given that he would agree to speak with her in the first place. But she was getting ahead of herself. Kong then tuned in so that she could pay the stranger the undivided attention he so deserved.

With his words, which were short, sweet, and to the point this time, he had confirmed Kong's assumption. On the inside she was elated, because this meant now all she had to do was ask him for a few moments of his precious time. But on the outside, all she could do was smile. Jumping for joy at the news that he was from the Northern Water Tribe would not only draw strange looks from the scholars, but probably scare away the primary source as well. And then, Kong's new acquaintance asked her why she had wanted to know - this was the perfect transition into the Earth Bender's question. As she thought of how she wanted to ask the question she would turn and place the book in her hands back upon the shelf; she didn't need it. Hopefully he didn't think her rude for doing so.

Slowly turning back to him, she parted her lips. They hung apart for a few seconds, and then began to move as Shi Yang knew exactly how she wanted to structure her next few sentences: she would start with a light introduction, and then jump right into it. "Hi, I'm Kong Shi Yang. I find it a remarkable coincidence to have met you here because I was actually looking for textbooks on the Northern Water Tribe. If you wouldn't mind, I would be honored to invite you to tea and ask a few questions on the mythology and culture of your people. If you don't have prior engagements to fulfill, that is," whispered the young lady. They were still in the library, after all. With all of that being said, Kong was anxious to hear his response. Even if he couldn't make tea, he might venture to answer a few questions while seated at a small table within the library itself.

As was indicated by her smile, his answer had excited the girl. That was interesting. It wasn’t often that just the mention of his origin was enough to intrigue others. In fact, that had never happened before. This girl was curious, to say the least. Tenshio would enjoy talking to her and finding out just what it was that had her so thrilled. That was, of course, assuming that she did want to talk to him.

But why wouldn’t she? After all, she had spoken first to him, not the other way around. As the girl turned around, The Waterbender thought about what she might say. It was obvious that her questions would have to do with his heritage, but that was a broad topic. There were so many different customs and social rules that made up the Northern Water tribe. He could talk about it for days, given the chance. Hopefully it wouldn’t come to that, however. Tenshio enjoyed talking to others, but didn’t want to lecture. That would be rude.

The young man’s lips turned upward slightly at the sight of the girl staring at him with her mouth slightly open. She was probably trying to think of what to say, something he understood all too well. Tenshio was the type who considered everything he said before it left his lips, so as to make sure that no offense could be taken from misspoken words. It was a time-consuming, but one that had served him well in the past and helped him escape many tense situations unscathed.

Even as he listened to her words, Tenshio couldn’t help noticing Kong’s odd way of speaking. There was nothing wrong with what she said, but it was all in what seemed to him to be too formal. Well, if she was a noble—and he was pretty sure she was—that would explain it. He’d heard the ruling family of the Northern Tribe give plenty of speeches, and they had all been in a tone similar to Kong’s. Well, he’d just have to get used to that, as he had already decided to accept the girl’s invitation.

”I accept. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have. My name’s Tenshio, by the way. Nice to meet you.” A smile graced the Waterbender’s face. This promised to be an entertaining outing.

Well, that was it. Kong had done it: successfully conversed with a stranger and now she had a date with knowledge. Listening to his reply, his "I'd be happy to" sounded like a creaking door, allowing access to a platform of new learning. Clasping her hands together, Shi Yang would say, "Pleased to meet you, Tenshio. I can't thank you enough for agreeing to do this. As my guest, where would you like to conduct our business?"

She couldn't see how she would take her to her home in the Upper Ring, when the other citizens there didn't even want her family living there. Bringing yet another lower caste member into the story would probably bring more bad looks upon the household. Hopefully, the young man would know of a place within the Middle Ring where they could go.

((Sorry for the size of this one, Tenshio))

Her response was…interesting. Tenshio was careful not to let any displeasure show on his face, but couldn’t help wondering at the girl’s choice of words. Since when was a conversation over tea considered business? The young man found himself hoping that this meeting didn’t turn into some sort of interrogation. That would not be an enjoyable process to go through.

Focusing on the last part of Kong’s response, Tenshio found himself at a loss. She was asking him where they should go? He had no idea. Perhaps he should just tell her that. ”Actually, I just got into the city earlier today,” he said, a sheepish expression on his face. ”I honestly have no idea where anything is. I was hoping you would know of a place…”

He hoped Kong had some knowledge of the city, or else their “business” might end before it had truly begun. But surely, as a citizen of Ba Sing Se (at least, he assumed that was what she was), the girl would know where to find a decent tea shop? If not, they might have to wander the streets. Tenshio hoped it wouldn’t come to that. He’d gotten lost enough that day as it was.

Middle Ring

Tenshio had just arrived into the city earlier today? Great! Hopefully this meant that the ways of his people were as fresh on his mind as morning fog rolling over a pond. But wait, this new spin on things did complicate matters; whether slightly or significantly was still left to be decided.

The almond-haired teenager let out a small hum while she thought. Once again her lips parting prematurely, before words had been formulated in her mind. She wanted to get to know more about his land, and his culture...and him. Was it too risky to invite him to her home? Granted, she had just met this guy. Perhaps he was a thief hoping to gain entrance into a home, and was just playing along with everything that the noblewoman before him was saying. If this really were a trap, Kong had just waltzed right into it.

Within two seconds her mind surged, playing out two different scenarios. One was that the boy kill her and her mother and steal everything from their home before her father even returned from his job at the workshop. The second being that in about an hour, she would be enjoying two of her most favorite things in life: learning and Jasmine tea. The optimist side in Kong appeared, and she decided to invite Tenshio to her home in hopes of the latter scenario becoming a reality. Besides, she was a nice judge of character.

"Oh, you are new to Ba Sing Se? Then as a humble knowledge seeker, I would hope you wouldn't find it strange for a new acquaintance to invite you to her home for tea and dinner." What had she just done?! Tea and dinner? Surely she was overstepping lines and crossing boundaries at this stage in the relationship.

Middle Ring

His answer had complicated things. Well, the Waterbender had expected that. After all, he had placed the burden of deciding where they would talk upon her. But that couldn’t be too much of a problem, could it? He didn’t really care where they spoke, so long as it wasn’t somewhere crowded. Minor claustrophobia made it rather hard to hold any sort of conversation.

Kong’s suggestion, when it came, caught the young man off-guard. He tried not to look too surprised, but wasn’t sure how well he managed that. Had she just invited him into her home? Why would she do that? They had just met! The girl was either very trusting or naïve, Tenshio wasn’t sure which.

The prospect of visiting Kong’s home was unnerving, and he did find it strange. How would her parents react to her bringing home a stranger? He was pretty sure from Kong’s clothing and way of speaking that she was wealthy, and possibly from a noble family. Assuming that he did accept the invitation (and he saw no other options), how should he act around her parents? Most wealthy families in the Northern Tribe refused to associate those in the lower social classes. Some were so arrogant that even looking at them the wrong way was a punishable offense. Considering how friendly Kong was being, Tenshio doubted that she was from that kind of family, but he couldn’t be too sure. This was difficult.

Finally, he spoke. ”I’d be honored to accept your invitation. Though, will your parents be alright with you bringing home a stranger?” There. Her answer would address his main concern, and put him more at ease with the odd state of things.

(OCC: I am lame. That's all I got, Shio. )

Lower Ring - Food Kitchen & Underground HQ

It was the worst tasting meal she ever ate. Worse than worst tasting; it was flavorless, a thick yet grainy gray slime that's only saving grace was that it was served warm. Suki ate three bowls of it.

Now she stared at the empty wooden bowl in front of her, dark wood spotted with small dabs of the ambiguous gray food, and spun the bowl slowly with one finger. If it had been any actual food before would be a question for the ages, but obsessing over breakfast was only avoiding the real problems at hand. Long Feng had promised her--and the Underground--much in the way of resources, but the catch was a big one. Letting him off on his own to get a look at the security around his office was a gargantuan risk. After they had put their freedom and lives on the line to liberate him and the others from the prison, could she just so casually allow him the time he requested? What if he was caught on the way there, there, or on the way back? What if the Dai Li spotted him and followed him back to the headquarters? What if he was hurt or killed?

Suki tapped her fingernail against the rim of the wooden bowl and then grabbed it as she stood up to return it to the kitchen for cleaning and the next desperately hungry person to use. The old wrinkled man behind the counter gave her a warm smile that only multiplied them, but made the young warrior's heart ache. He was frail and took the bowl from her with a bony but sturdy hand. Callouses of years of hard work were still evident, as was the tan from countless hours spent in the sun. They were fighting for him, to give him the respect and freedom he deserved. Suki smiled back before walking out of the dark kitchen into the overwhelmingly bright sunshine of the morning. Long Feng had left her to her own thoughts over breakfast, but not after devouring bowl after bowl of the whatever-it-was with the others who had accompanied them. Everyone had done the same, leaving their leader as the slow poke among them.

Long Feng is an adult...and an earthbender. If I could take care of myself sneaking into the Upper Ring, why can't he? Is because he still looks so frail from the time in prison? It hadn't made him any less capable of handling himself during the riot. Why shouldn't I support this?

That was the six million coin question. She should support it. If he could get them access to the information he had in his office, if he could bring it back...they would be in so much better shape than they had been before. Resources were tantamount now. Food, clothing, armor, weaponry, plans. Training Kyoshi Warriors were one thing; they all knew the traditions and the protocol. This was different. This was a revolution with benders and non-benders alike. There was no familiar face paint or traditions that had to be followed one after another in honor of their ancestor.

A large muscled man nearly collided with the young warrior's shoulder, but was spotted in time for her to twist to sideways and squeeze between him and another poor soul rushing through the streets. This was not Kyoshi Island. It was so far from it. A heaviness weighted down Suki in the pit of her stomach.

Or perhaps it was the dubious gruel she had eaten.

The run down house that served as the Underground's headquarters was not a tall one, yet it still loomed in front of Suki, all the darker for being silhouetted against the brilliant morning sunshine. There was a broken window on the second floor and cracks running up the foundation next to the front door. It was a sad place that suited their needs...maybe reflected their current status a bit. They were all a little broken, a little sad. With work, with repair, they could be something better...stronger.

Training. That's what they needed. To work better as a team and keep their combat skills sharp.

Long Feng wants time, he can have it. It'll give me time to do what I know.

Suki opened the door and walked into the headquarters, taking a mental note of every member she could see in the main room. The Earth Kingdom army soldier was talking to Yulan off to one side while Mahone and Long Feng were discussing something near one of the windows. Dust dappled sunlight streamed in, making the room all the more contrasted between light and shadow. It hit the Little Commander all at once that the mission had been a success. They had indeed risked it all...and survived. They had not only done that, but they had rescued those in need and gained valuable allies. No matter what the danger had been, they had done the impossible.

They're here, we're here. We can do this.

(Edited for a typo and my obsessiveness about said typo.)

Middle Ring

Would her parents be all right with this? Hmm... what a great question Tenshio had just asked. Would they? The young Earth Bender would be forced to tuck her hands into her sleeves again, looking down and off to the side, staring at a dusty, cob web ridden corner while she pondered over the question. Her father would more than likely never know of the stranger's arrival to the house. He would only make it back in time for dinner, and Kong's mother would perhaps object to the idea, but she would rather let it happen quietly than draw attention by disagreeing aloud.

But should she really be doing something so, for lack of a better word, scandalous? Who had given her the authority to approach this stranger in the first place? Now she had invited him to her home, an offer she couldn't retract - that would be rude. With everything that was going on in the world as she knew it, Shi Yang was well aware of the status and order that Ba Sing Se sought to upkeep; an order which didn't exactly smile upon the arrival of refugees with its Upper Ring caste. Suddenly, a nasty thought jumped into Kong's head: her and her family's own existence within the Upper Ring was not exactly cherished and valued by the other inhabitants. This was a chance for knowledge. On a more personal level, this was a chance for a new relationship; a possible friendship. The opportunity could not be thrown away.

"I am certain that my parents would not mind," the lovely girl said, turning back to Tenshio with a peachy smile plastered on her face. "But we should leave now if we wish to beat the midday street traffic of the Middle Ring."

Middle Ring

It was easy for Tenshio to notice how Kong’s gaze shifted away from him after he asked the question. That worried him. If that question required serious thinking to answer, that probably meant that the answer would be negative. If that was the case, the Waterbender wished that Kong would just say it. Honestly, he didn’t really care where they talked. If the girl’s parents would react badly to his intrusion, he would be perfectly fine with going elsewhere.

The young man was about to make this fact known to the autumn-haired girl, but he hesitated. Kong hadn’t answered instantly with an undesirable answer; that must mean that her parents might not mind having him as a guest in their home. Perhaps he could still hold out hope for an affirmative response. But one thing was certain: thinking about the answer would do nothing. All he could do was wait for Kong to speak.

After what seemed like forever, the girl spoke. Her words, and the smile that went with them, were both designed to reassure him, but the Waterbender couldn’t help doubting the teenager’s integrity. But there was nothing he could do now except hope for the best. Hopefully the best didn’t involve getting thrown out of his new acquaintance’s house.

He gave Kong an answering smile, though his was weaker than hers. “Great idea. I’m ready to go when you are. Lead the way.”

Lower Ring - Underground HQ

A man his height but one and a half times his weight. Long Feng's specifications were... oddly specific. Mahone had to wonder who was the unlucky fellow slated for a harsh nap in the near future. If he was associated with the Fire Nation or the old Earth Kingdom regime, and chances pointed at a "yes," then the apothecary was honored to have an indirect role in his humbling.

"Consider it done," she said, bowing slightly at the waist.

Long Feng went on to discuss his next order. Mahone's nods grew smaller and smaller until they halted completely, the woman wearing a look of shock. "The walls?" she repeated faintly. "You're not thinking of-"

He wasn't. Oh, good. Mahone had wondered what purpose further demolishing their once great walls would serve, except perhaps, to proclaim to their enemies that Ba Sing Se's people would not sit quietly and watch their culture be burned and buried. Noble purpose, but a waste of resources, if you asked her.

No, the real objective was a thousand times better: exterminate his former underlings and their headquarters in as swift and violent a way as possible. Secretly, the thought made Mahone want to smile. Brutally authoritative, the Dai Li were and had always been a thorn in her side, and in her associates' sides. How was a black market supposed to operate with secret police always crawling about, unburdened by the rules normal law officers had to follow? It was barbaric, really, the conditions a criminal had to work under in this city, yet Mahone and her ilk managed. They found new backalleys, learned which shadows the Dai Li did not watch, who was still receptive to bribes. With the Dai Li gone... How much easier would it be for Mahone to finally complete her personal vendetta?

“So, do you believe you could acquire us some or must we find some shady individual from which to do business?”

Shady? He had no idea. The apothecary almost laughed, settling instead for a tiny smile.

"It won't be a problem." Mahone clasped her fist in her palm, mock thanks for his 'patronage'. "I'll need time to prepare them, though, so unless you need anything more, I'll take my leave now and get to work."


Lower Ring - Underground HQ

Survive because you have no other choice.

That was pretty much what Lieutenant Joychi's advice boiled down to, and not at all what Yulan had hoped to hear. Between survival and... well, not surviving, that she'd landed with the former in all the life-threatening situations to befall her so far seemed more a result of luck than any actual skill.

Yulan's memory flashed back to the past few months. Bandit attacks, Fire Nation scouts, more bandits, a particularly memorable encounter with a sabre-tooth moose lion. How on earth had she survived all that? It certainly wasn't skill, unless running away counted as a skill? That had always been her answer. Distract her opponents long enough to get away. Hide, pray they didn't find her. When trouble reared its ugly head, Yulan would turn on her heel and walk in the opposite direction as fast as humanly possible. Direct confrontation was not her style.

She'd tried that tactic once before and... bad things had happened.

Her fingers closed around her left arm, thumb idly rubbing the bandages. "I don't think I am," she said to the lieutenant, her voice soft. "Religious, I mean." Especially not now, not after the Avatar, bridge between ordinary mortals and the spirits, had failed them again. What was left for her to believe in?

Yulan continued stroking the bandages, their softness familiar and somehow a comfort. Then she slowed and stared at the white cloth. She blinked, her brow furrowing. Her gaze hardened. A frighteningly powerful thought trickled through her mind.

Bad things had happened, yes. Terrible things... but she'd survived. Just like the lieutenant. Just like Long Feng. And Suki. The other prisoners - now the newest recruits to the Underground. Ready to keep fighting despite all they'd suffered. Ready to keep fighting because of all they'd suffered.

What was left for her to believe in? How about herself, for once? How about her friends?

Morning light spilled into the room and Yulan raised her head to see Suki walk into headquarters. She shot a sideways look at Mahone just in time to catch Long Feng glance their way. It seemed he wanted a turn with the Lieutenant. That was fine, Yulan had something else she needed to take care of.

"Thank you," she said to the dark-skinned soldier, a hint of a smile blossoming on her tired face. "That helped."

Yulan uncurled herself from the chair and crossed the room to Suki, in her haste bumping a couple people and murmuring sheepish apologies. She raised a hand in greeting to the Little Commander. "G'morning. Ah, can I ask you a favor?" Her eyes flicked sideways as she drew in a deep breath, composing herself. Her brief cheer faded, replaced by a solemn look as she returned her attention to Suki.

"Will you train me?"

((Yay, we can finally get this ball rolling. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get Long Feng to his old library before I go.))

Lower Ring – Underground HQ

“Thank you. And you shouldn’t be too worried about the time limit. I’m positive that you will be done come our hour of need,” courteously stated the former statesman. Then, with another self-aggrandizing bow, he signaled the end of their business and stoically headed in the direction the darkest individual in their armada.

Although he had seen their commander enter the building, he thought it best not to visit her until she came to the inevitable conclusion that his parting, while brief, was for the best. How long that would take, he honestly could not say, but he would see it in her eyes, when the time came. It was easy to see her emotions, she was still a child. Skilled in combat, no less; but a child in that she had yet to properly learn how to lie, deceive and convincingly know how to hold in her emotions. She was an open book, in that respect.

The younger girl walked past, good, now there wouldn’t be anything halting his discourse with the former military man. Should his luck continue, then there would be little stopping him from learning about how a simple bender escaped his prison. Unfortunately, that would have to wait for a more casual setting. They weren’t acquaintances; to be honest he barely knew his name. It was Joychi that much he was certain of, but the proper honorific still eluded him. He was certain that the military man had said lieutenant, but for all he knew it could have been another thing. Oh, well, in due time, all of his questions would be answered.

“Lieutenant Joychi.” Properly stated Long Feng with a most dignified bow, he took a risk with the introductionm, but he was more certain that it was lieutenant than anything else. The man’s face had a boyish look; there was very little chance that someone like that was more than a lieutenant. “It is an honor to finally meet you.” As usually, his voice was the typical calm and courteous tone with a small hint of pomp sprinkled all over it. “I am Long Feng, hopefully you have not forgotten our previous interact. Of course, I am referring to our fight with the Dai Li,” with that out of the way, he was finally able to get to the important matter at hand. “Please, follow me; there is a pressing issue at hand that must be discussed.”

After finishing his little introduction, elder of the two benders lead the younger out a door in back and into the small alleyway that existed between the Underground’s current base and another similarly decrepit building alongside it. His eyes shot to the both extremes of his field of vision, they were clear here. Thankfully, their leader had chosen an almost perfect spot for their building. Still even in the ally, the dull buzz of the busy city was still audible.

“Now, I understand that you were once in the military. Please, do not take what I am about to say as being indicative of any disrespect to our leader, but she is young and blindingly naïve. That being said, she understands what needs to be done, and there is little doubt in my mind that she will disagree to what you will be doing.” He paused there, but only for a second. Hopefully, he wouldn’t object, but there was little doubt in his mind that he would. “Our leader, Suki, while a skilled warrior and a capable instructor will not be able to instruct the benders in their respective discipline. You, on the other hand, are not only a bender, but a former member of the military. Surely, your time in the army has endowed you with an understanding of how to train people into a fighting force.”

“Now, I will train you, and then you will train the other benders. Understood?”

“Good. The first lesson will involve teaching you the very same skills that the Dai Li employ on a daily basis. The first of which is sliding across the earth. Faster than running or sprinting combined, and a thousand times more manageable than making the earth hurl you across an expanse; sliding will greatly improve your mobility in combat as well as stealth.”

“The technique’s principle is the same as sliding a boulder across the ground. Only you slide yourself. This stance greatly helps,” continued Long Feng, now in the appropriate stance. Before he flung his right arm back as slid across the alley, he instructed Joychi on what to do, “Now for the specifics, you push off against the earth with your right arm, but you keep legs firmly planted. This is what should happen,” with a swift motion, he slid across the ground to the other side of the alley, turned around and then returned to his former position. “You steer with your body, not your left arm or whichever arm you have in front. Now, while this can be done with bare feet, wearing earthen soles, as I am greatly lessens the amount of chi required.”

With that, he stepped to the side, waved his arm across and motioned for Joychi to practice, “Please, don’t be shy.”


Edit: I made the edit bold because I didn't proofread it that well.