"Zaya its me." Said Bin, knocking on the door. "Let me in."
A small wooden slit slid open to reveal a pair of golden eyes staring down at him in surprise. Then, narrowing in pure seething anger at recognizing it was Bin of all people. The hour was late, and of course, it had to be him. Wherever Bin went, there was always trouble not far behind, just scraping at his heels. If something had befallen him. This likely would not lead to anything good.
Oh. You. The husky voice said.
Yeah. Me. Said bin. Sharing in their disappointment. You're looking well?
"I thought we told you never to come back here."
"Well..yeah." He said awkwardly with a squinted smile through broken teeth. "But I need a favor to ask."
You're not getting in. Get lost. Do you want me to beat you up again?
Bin could already imagine the unpleasant scenario. He didn't want to get beaten up twice in one day. But what worried him more was that he could hear the next patrol rounding the corner any second. "Please. Let me in." He begged impatiently, his hands pressed against the door. Taking a step closer.
"Why?" The husky voice asked, confused.
The pair of golden eyes glanced off to the side of the doorway slit to observe the fast approaching light of torches in the distance growing closer and closer through the secluded alley. And the even more ominous sound of armored synchronized footsteps.
Oh..I see. She said smiling. Seeming to almost relish the fact that his fate was completely cradled in her hands.
Yes. That. so can you please hurry up and open the door? So we can talk.
We're talking now. And I think this conversation is going nice just as it is with a big heavy door between us.
Inside, I mean. Where it's nice and safe.
Hmm don't know. She said, stalling to check her nails. Remember the password?
Password? We never had a password!
Yeah, well, now we do. I'll give you one guess. I think you know it.
He knew what they were asking. And it was humiliating. Inhuman.
Please don't make me say it. He pleaded. Begged even.
Do it.
Bin sighed aloud in defeat. He had had to do some really shameful things over the years just in order to survive. Eating garbage out of trash when he was a kid, and starving after running away from the orphanage. Sleeping in ditches covered in filth. Lying, cheating, conning people for all they were worth. But this next act of disgrace would live and die with him. It was right next up there at the top of the list of things he was not proud. He would take it to his grave. Bury it in the furthest, darkest corners of his mind and try to forget it ever happened. But there was no other option. After a long moment of weighing his options, that maybe getting arrested by the guards wouldn't be all that bad, he finally said those cursed words that felt like poison dripping from his lips.
Zaya is amazing. Zaya is wonderful and I'm a dunderhead. Oh mighty keeper of the door, I appeal to your mercy. I sleep in dung and she's a million times more intelligent and stronger and prettier than I'll ever be.
And...?
And I'm a little pig chicken here's my snout. He said before snorting and getting on all fours.
Eh...Good enough. She said, unfastening the many, many iron locks one at a time loudly. Now get in.
"Was all that really necessary?" bin asked, dusting himself off of dirt incredibly angry.
No, she chuckled loudly. But it sure was fun to watch. I'm the doorkeeper, so I get to choose the password. Now get in before your spotted.
Bin cursed Zaya with every fiber of his firebender being. The power had clearly gone to that thick head of hers he was amazed she knew how to use.
After the tyrant of the entrance finally opened the bloody door, he rushed inside with not a moment to spare. The guards passed by shortly after, not realizing they had just barely missed their chance at the fugitive.
Bin hunched over and breathed a sigh of relief, but even that happiness was short-lived when he saw Zaya's massive feet swoop into view beneath him one loud thundering step at a time. He looked up slowly to see that.. Yep. She was just as scary as he remembered. If anything, she was consistent in her unpleasantness.
Towering before him like a siege tower with legs was the tallest, most masculine woman he had ever seen in his entire life, which was saying a lot. He had been with some pretty tall women. She was around seven feet tall. With a long black braided pony tail reaching down to her waist and shaved temples, boxy chin, bulging biceps crossed across her wide and large chest that were riddled with scars, and a peculiarly frightening 3rd eye tattooed at the center of her forehead, scrunched up and looking like it could squint bolts of disapproving anger just by looking at him. If looks could kill, a lady like this had them to spare. Boss Hamato was the brains and leader of the operation. But Zaya was his chief enforcer. If he needed anyone to be handled or politely shown the exit. She handled them like they were straw dummies. The way she inspected him, told that she could squash him like a bug if she was in the mood without breaking a sweat. She was always in a cranky mood. Even more so now that she knew who she was talking to. She could tear him in half like a bundle of twigs and would laugh afterward over his burning corpse.
Been working out? He asked trying to break the ice.
She grabbed his tunic and lifted him up off the floor to be eye level with her, causing him to squeal like a pig for real this time. His feet were dangling in the air like they were limp noodles.
What do you think? It's my job to deal with trash like you. Give me one good reason not to throw you back out there with the soldiers like the rubbish you are. She growled like a bear. Her hand already on the handle of the door.
Even trash has some worth in certain cases. Bin shrugged. Besides. I have something of an offer Boss might want to hear. Be a shame if he wasn't able to hear how it could benefit him. And you were the reason he wasn't able to profit from it.
She pondered his proposal for a long while. Using her brain was never her strong suit.
Fine. Come on. She said, resorting to carrying him under her arm like a folded rug.
Can you put me down? I can walk.
Not a chance. You're a scrappy one. I know you all too well.
He shrugged in compliance as she carried him deeper into the den of vultures like a child carrying its doll.
Hamato's home base was certainly just as uninviting as he remembered. It could certainly benefit from some refurbishing and decorations. Maybe a painting or two and less...pointy weapons and scary-looking occupants. The further he entered, the more he felt like he would never come out again. Like he was entering his own tomb. Funnily enough, It smelt fainly of old wheat and barely which just made him hungry, having once been a granary before the occupants had fled when the fire nation took the city. It was a fixer-upper on the outside, but Hamato had turned it into a criminal fortress on the inside. A fortress only he had the keys to.
What he wouldn't give for a loaf of bread right now as his last meal.
Sit. She ordered. Slamming him harshly down atop a stool before standing in place to stand guard behind him. She would stand till her legs gave out beneath her until big boss to show up. Waiting only until he was ready to come out and not before. Until then, she would keep bin right where she could see him, thank you very much.
It was an uncomfortable, awkward moment if ever there was one. The rest of the gang were all glaring at him as he twiddled his fingers. All had returned from a night of stealing cut short. Everyone was restless and angry as most of them returned with nothing because of the added number of guards. A few were sharpening swords. Others gambling. They had nothing better to do until the curfew was ended. A curfew Bin had caused. Guan, a non-bender from the Earth Kingdom, was holding a two handed hammer that he badly wanted to use to break bin's knee's. One messy-looking water tribe woman with disheveled, greasy hair gargled and spat in the corner in clear displeasure at seeing him. Both of them had reason to hate Bin, especially.
Aim's improved. he called out. She water bent the salvia over with a flick of her wrist, right atop bin's forehead, and froze it in response.
Still a delicate flower as always konna. He said wiping it away.
Wish I could say the same bin. She said, her voice ragged and unpleasant. You look like a fish dragged out of water. It fits. Finally, as ugly on the outside as on the inside. Next time you see whoever beat you up like that. Give them my regards on a job well done. She said, pounding her fists together repeatedly.
Just when bin was worried he might have to spend all night making small talk with his less than stellar former friends, hoping they wouldn't gang up and beat the snot out of him over past slights...
Mosi Hamato. Big boss finally arrived.
Everyone went quiet in their mocking and whispering to stand at attention. He emerged from the shadows slowly and lazily. He didn't need to announce his presence to fill the room. It simply happened naturally. He had a confidence about him. Like he had read the story of his life and was simply acting it out. Stories made him out to be a monster. A vengeful spirit with fangs. Not a person to mess with or cross.
He didn't look that way.
He didn't have horns or fangs. Just a topknot and black beard with greying hair at his temples. He was very hairy on his broad exposed chest and limbs that badly needed a shave, a little pudgy but still very fit. What was most pecular of all was that the man wasn't dressed in finery or gold like most other crime bosses in other cities usually did in order to display their wealth and power as a clear obvious threat. Instead the crime lord of Gong heijin wore a simple faded red sleeveless tunic, baggy trousers and cheap open toed sandals he still refused to part with. It wasn't all that different to what Bin wore. If anything he looked like an older version of himself. All that he gave. He gave to the guild. Everyone here would die for Hamato. Cause he would move heaven and earth for them in return.
This better be good for waking me at this hour. He muttered with a faint yawn. Pouring himself a cup of tea to try and lighten his mood before handing one to bin.
I'm in a bit of trouble. Bin said.
Who isn't these days?
I need passage out of the city. For me and a few others.
Again. Who isn't? Mosi said, taking a first swing of his tea. I must say Bin. You have spectacularly poor timing.
I'm sorry? Bin asked. I'm not sure I understand? Did I do something?
You could have picked a better time to start your little riot kid. You really kicked up the vulture hornet's nest this time. Now the entire city is on lockdown. You've just put my entire operation in limbo for who knows how long. And now you have the gall to come and ask here for favors.
Riot? Bin said trying to play dumb. What riot? I didn't start a riot.
Mosi set his drink aside. Really? Cause word on the street is that yesterday there was quite the altercation. An Agni Kai if I've heard correctly. Just some pair of foolish idiots laying their lives on the line over some girl in an idiotic and ill-planned duel. One of these idiots also being the idiot currently sitting across from me who feels it appropriate to come here and demand to see me. But what followed caused quite the bigger stir wasn't the outcome of those dueling, it was who the argument was about. A young girl coming to the rescue of one of these fighters. An airbender, can you believe it? Sounds impossible, I know, but in the off chance I could be wrong, You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you? He said sipping his tea calmly with a thick eyebrow raised and a leg crossed against his meaty hairy thigh that was like a drumstick. A quiet smirk under his cup, he took a good long sniff of as he placed it back in his palm to savor it.
Crap, He already knows.
Of course I know. Word gets around. And in this city, I'm always the first to know. Keeping things from me is never wise. So. Have anything you want to tell me?
Ok. Fine, you caught me. It was me. I'm the reason guards are up and about throughout your city. Happy?
Not really. Are you?
No, Bin wasn't happy. He was the farthest thing from it. He was hurt, tired, scared for himself and Jina's life and despite his promises of getting them out safely, he knew he couldn't deliver on them in his current state. He had no allies, just a few stolen coins and a promise. He needed mosi. He needed him badly. He had no one else to turn to.
Seeing that Bin was realizing just how hopeless his situation was, Mosi sighed before taking a long swing of his drink before refilling it. Heating it with his firebending before doing the same for Bin. "Talk. Start from the beginning. It looks like we will be here a while because of you."
So Bin explained, he explained the altercation, the duel, the airbender, everything. Even the part about the guiding wind and this hermit crab Jina mentioned. All the while Mosi just sat and listened patiently taking in every detail.
So that's the lot of it. So can you please help us? We have history you and I. I worked so many successful jobs for you.
Yes and you botched or abandoned just as many. Said Mosi. How many times, when one of your brothers or sisters was in trouble with the guards, did we come to their aid, breaking them out of jail? Causing distractions so they could escape with their lives from the hangman's noose? Risking it all while you instead found it just so convenient to get lost or spend time in shops, or dozing on the job, or visiting night houses to flirt with floozies.
Guan stepped off his crate. Hammer tightening in hand. He had nearly been hanged. He still had scars around his neck to prove it. And bin had just looked the other way. Guan shot him an especially dirty look and sneered. It clearly meant thanks for nothing jerk.
You were the closest at hand, and you just ran the other way. Mosi chastised, pointing his finger on Bin's tunic harshly. You refused to see the bigger picture and we were forced to intervene. You refused to be part of something bigger than yourself. You always have. Why is now any different?
Konna spat again at bin. Her anger was just as warranted bin admitted. Guan was her current boyfriend. But before that, Bin and her were dating at the time. She had almost frozen the moisture in his eyeballs when she stormed in and found him cozied up to another water tribe girl after. Its a good thing either of them didn't know that there were about a dozen others in the city he was seeing. Otherwise the would have formed a truce to suck up all the moisture in his body until he looked like a dried fish left out in the sun with its mouth wide open, gaping. Finishing it off with a nice high five for good measure.
I'm not like that anymore. I've changed. I met someone Bin pleaded just as Mosi looked like he was turning to take his leave.
Another one of your fleeting flings? Guan mocked. Hope she was worth all this trouble. Probably another tart.
Yes she is worth it. And don't talk about her like that. Bin spat. His anger rising. This one is important to me. Bin turned to Mosi and pleaded with all the truth in his heart. or as much as he could muster. I'm serious about this. Serious about her. The airbender she saved my life. She's in deep trouble that I put her in. Please help her. You owe me.
You don't demand anything of the boss!! Zaya roared, taking a step forward and sitting him back down with so much force it nearly broke the stool beneath him.
Let me handle this Zaya. Mosi said calmly and gesturing her to stop from crushing a few bones.
Perhaps I do. Perhaps I don't. Mosi said, sitting back down. What's she worth to you when compared to handing her over to the fire nation?
Everything. Said Bin.
What's in it for me? What do I and more importantly my organization have to gain by taking you back in?
In truth bin thought. Nothing. But he had to offer up something. Anything would do. Anything, if it meant saving her. So he would offer. Himself.
My loyalty. He bowed. His head touching the floor. My total undying loyalty. No more going off on my own or shying away from jobs like I use to, you say jump. I'll ask how high. No matter the risk. I vow to be the first in line every time. I'll be your sharpest dagger. Your swiftest sparrow. Use me and all of us will prosper.
Bin needed the boss to believe him. He needed that one chance to make things right. If Jina hadn't been forced to intervene, he would be dead right now, but she would still be anonymous. Safe in her job and not a fugitive. He had gotten her involved and escalated things when she pleaded with him to back down at the tavern and not to get into an altercation. She was in control of her emotions, but his had doomed them both. He had forced her hand against his will. Dragged her down with him. Used their friendship as a weapon against her and she had come running out of hiding just to save his sorry, worthless backside when the logical thing would have been to let him drown. She risked everything and ousted herself just to save a criminal she hardly knew. A scoundrel who didn't deserve such kindness in the first place. Mosi was right. He had just made things worse. For everyone. Himself. Jina. The entire city now suffering even further under the fire nation. This entire mess was his fault. The guilt crushed him like boulders. He had to redeem himself and step and take responsibility by any means necessary. His actions didn't just affect himself, they affected others like a ripple in a pond. A knocked-over candle started a firestorm. He had to put it out.
Please. Just Help her. He begged.
Mosi pondered this for a long moment.
Bin had been a capable informant and thief contributing great wealth for cause of the guild, but time and time again when given the chance to step up he proved to be unreliable and went astray often, served his own self interest instead of the common good of his brothers and sisters. Worse he would often shy away from the more difficult tasks to save his own skin while the rest of the members put themselves in harms way time and time again. His loyalty had proven fickle at best and he had been cast out because of it. In this guild. Everyone gave their all. You either believe in something. Or you don't. And a family was only as strong as its weakest most unreliable thread. So mosi had had no choice but cut him loose.
But that was then. Bin somehow seemed...different.
He considered every new member a long-term investment. An asset to better serve rather than hinder. If they could not pull their own weight or contribute, they served no purpose whatsoever and were let go. If they were suspected of potentially double crossing them or collaborating with the fire nation, they were dealt with discreetly without a shred of mercy. Bin had shown great promise once. But that was long ago, and he had squandered it for a life of half efforts and debauchery. But here he was now. On his knees. Humbled. Loyal. Appearing genuine in his efforts and motives for the first time in his life to try to be a better man than before. Maybe just maybe. This dwindling spark still had some fire left in him. A fire that could do some real good in the world rather than just take from it. Mosi stood and made his choice.
Bring her back here. Well see what we make of her.
Thank you. Spirits bless you sir.
Spirits have nothing to do with you or me. I control my own fate. And from this point on, now I control yours until I say your debt is settled.
Bin bowed his head in acceptance of this deal. He would be working for a long time, because of this, he knew. But it was the price he was willing to pay.
Bin stood and wiped away the tears as Zaya begrudgingly stepped aside to let him leave.
I haven't done anything yet. It's still a maybe. Mosi called out.
Still Bin thought. A maybe is better than nothing. Things were looking up finally for once.
After this mess is taken care of, you show up on time. Zaya said. Do the job boss tells you without objection. And come to the aid of your brothers and sisters. Or you'll answer to me.
Bin nodded happily. He was so happy right now he actually didn't mind her usual grumpy voice. But just before he left he remembered one tiny detail he probably should have mentioned sooner.
Oh also. There's one more thing. He said turning.
I'm listening. Mosi said.
Is it ok if I bring others?
Others? This should be interesting. Mosi said, rubbing his temples at the young man's idiocy.
Two men. One's another thief. A bit rough around the edges but he could prove useful to the guild. He has some real potential The other..
Bin hesitated. What was he thinking? He couldn't bring back a bounty hunter into a illegal den of criminals, they would swarm him in an instant or worse Azzai would try and take his chances in trying to arrest everyone single-handedly in an effort to prove himself like it was open season in the earth kings hunting grounds. He needed to come up with something. A plausible lie with some truth to it. And fast.
The other is a deserter. Of the fire nation army. Real soldier type.
Is he now? Mosi said. Mosi then had a talk with a few of the other den members in hushed whispers.
For a second Bin thought the lie had failed. Then...
Very well. Bring them as well. I'll judge their worth when they arrive. Just do so quickly.
I will! You won't be sorry sir! Said Bin, already on his way to tell them the good news.
Zaya stepped forward, helping Mosi begin to clean up the tea set.
Are you sure it's wise to trust him sir? He's unreliable at best and not worth the effort of saving.
My dear. He said, letting the mask slip just a bit. Everyone is worth saving. He said before offering her a cup. And nothing builds trust like good tea. He smiled.
Earlier....
Malo should have been back by now.
What is taking him so long Bin thought as he paced throughout the room. His patience was wearing thin. He had to leave to speak with Mosi soon. Their window of opportunity was closing.
Maybe he ran into some trouble? Aske Jina worried.
More likely Bin cursed to himself. He cut and ran. That smug little traitor. If he's planning on ratting them out to the fire nation, they had even less time to waste sitting idle. Bin needed to leave now. But he couldn't leave Jina alone with Azzai.
Not without assurance.
Azzai sensing Bin's unease, decided to take the first drastic step to build trust.
I have a proposal. he said.
You're not my type. Bin replied. Just sit still and quiet while I think of something.
Azzai sighed and pulled out a pair of handcuffs he used on criminals. He would use it on himself. Without a word he slid against a wooden beam his arms behind his head and locked the cuffs so he couldn't break free. He then tossed the keys over to Jina, who didn't know what do with them. She didn't like being a jailer.
Satisified? He asked Bin? Now I'm not going anywhere like this.
Bin walked across the room and gave the chains a good tug, they were hardy good steel. He wasn't going anywhere.
He hesitated, but then.
He heard a guard's voice from outside.
Lets check in here. It said faintly.
Bin and Jina hid behind some crates Azzai resorted to shimmying his way behind the beam and sucking in his gut. The guard peeked his eye through the doorway and squinted. The shadows helped obscure them so he kept moving on. But it would be dawn soon, and the shadows wouldn't be there to save them a second time.
Bin realized he had no choice.
I'll be fine. She said. Go.
If you betray us in any way. I'll kill you.
Understandable. Azzai said. Now go, you're wasting time.
Bin pried away a loose bit of wall to slip out, but not before Jina gave him a peck on the cheek for good luck and for him to come back safely. He vowed. Things would get better for them all.
He left. And soon enough it was just her. And Azzai.
The weight of keys felt suddenly heavy in her hands.
Elsewhere.
As malo entered the pawn shop, he couldn't help but be proud of himself.
"We're closed said the broker." The swinging shop doorbell alerted him to his presence immediately. Hunched over the counter like a crab without its shell was an elderly Earth Kingdom man, still working at this late hour by faint candlelight with a long beard, and an even longer skepticism. He was mid inspection of a green crystal he had happened to come into possession of, using a large magnifying glass to determine if it was in fact genuine or fake genomite growing crystal. A cheap, common rock candy. He would likely sell it anyhow and pass it off for the real thing regardless. "Come back in an hour. We're open then."
"I have some nice things to sell now." Said Malo impatiently.
The broker grunted a simple meh but didn't turn his eye or his potential customer away. There was always potential profit to be made. And business had been slow from the early curfew being put into effect. "You and everyone else pal. Fine wait a bit. I'm almost done here. What you have better be worth it."
Oh it was. By the spirits it was. This was the best haul he had ever had. These were some of the thoughts stirring in his head as he patted the handbag around his shoulders proudly and fondly. Just wait till you get a load of this.
After sneaking, crisscrossing, and tiptoeing through the city, he had climbed into the apartment window the airbender had described, taking care to avoid the fire nation guards stationed at the entrance below him, hoping to catch the airbender should she be foolish enough to return. It was child's play for him. Breaking and entering. After he picked the lock, he glided into and surveyed the small dark room, lit only by a faint beam of moonlight. It would be sunrise soon. He didn't have much time to waste. He checked under the bed and pulled out a small satchel before inspecting it contents greedily. Right where she said it was.
She likes to travel light he had thought to himself as checked one item after another. Just a few pairs of clothes, a comb, a few ointments, a bit of saved up money, and a few other items just the essential for living with not a space wasted on useless things while still managing to adhere to the non attachment philosophy. He probably imagined she was glad she could abide by at least one teaching which could serve a practical purpose while she was in hiding and needed to suddenly uproot again at a moments notice. A noble sentiment. But to him, most of it was junk. Worthless garbage junk. Please please let there be what I think there is in here. He almost gave up hope. That was until the last two items he unearthed buried at the bottom of the bag proved him wonderfully wrong. Those two little trinkets worth more than the bit of meager gold she had been carrying and everything he had ever stolen and sold combined. He smiled gleefully at the discovery and crammed the bag and its contents over his shoulder before racing to the nearest shop. Everything was already pre packed and ready to go. Like a gift wrapped present. He was impressed. She was quite tidy. She had made it so easy for him.
He dumped the contents onto the table. The loud clutter of items rolling about piqued the pawnbrokers interest. Curious, he set aside the crystal and came over for a closer look. As he approached, Malo pocked the bit of cash the airbender had saved for himself in his back pocket while he wasn't looking.
What's all this? Said the broker. Angry as he held up the quality of the cheap comb. Are you serious?
Can you tell me what I can get for all of this?
Currently. Five silver. That's my best offer. And I'm being generous for wasting my time with this junk as is.
Malo smiled at saving the best for last. He had lowered his guard, now it was time to deal the killing blow.
I think you can do better. He said inspecting his nails.
Excuse me? The man said angirly. I don't know who you think you are kid. But here...
Malo placed the last two items on the table oh so casually.
The broker speech cut off instantly mid-sentence, a finger still raised in the air between them.
Laid out neatly on the table was a pair of orange fans. Detailed, ornate, and handcrafted with beautifully embroidered black and yellow cloth of sky bison's over a range of mountains. The other was a beaded brown necklace with the Air Nation insignia of three spirals hanging at the center. You didn't have to be a pawnbroker to know their worth thanks to that symbol. That is if they were indeed genuine. That remained to be seen.
The broker quickly locked the shop door, donned his glasses and placed the candle closer for a better look. After what seemed like hours to Malo as the old man took his sweet time. He prodded and poked, measured and weighed, ran his finger along old dusty scrolls from off the top shelf to see if the items matched the old illustrations. His eyes widened further and further throughout the inspection, sweat ran down his forehead from opportunistic excitement, until he at last reached the final conclusion of what Malo knew at what he truly had in his hands was the genuine article.
Took you long enough, thought Malo. Now, can we hurry this along? Some of us our still young and would like to use that time wisely.
The broker, who was so vocal before and now at a loss for words, hushed back over to the counter, cradling both items delicately like they were more valuable than his own children. Which they were. The worthless ingrates. For what this kid had brought him, he had just become the useful son he never had.
Where on earth did you get these? He asked astounded. Almost out of breath at the odds of these ending up in his little shop of all places.
Does it matter? Said Malo.
The broker smiled. No. I suppose it doesn't.
The broker removed his glasses, placed the items on a neat white cloth gently aside, and stood before bin arms hunched over to negotiate, trying to act all assertive and intimidating.
How much do you want for it? He asked. Let's talk business.
Malo pondered this a long moment. Before the war, air nomad items were nothing particularly valuable or to write home about. Often made from cheap, simple materials that anyone could scrounge up. The air nomads strove to distance themselves from over extravagance and corrupting influences as they put it and that served them well in their isolation. They didn't even have a system of currency with the other nations thought sheer madness and impossible to fathom. How could a society function without having money? Unless items like these belonged to an avatar like Yangchen, they would have been worth hardly anything. Some interested few might acquire them as curiosities or adorable collectables and nothing more. A quaint decoration or novelty to explain to guests as you entertain them at a party.
But that was then.
Now...the airbenders were gone. And they were never coming back.
Now these trinkets were as good as all the gold in the eyes of the world.
In the entirety of the world, there were likely only a few of these little handcrafted items left. Their once laughable value had skyrocketed beyond equal measure since the temples were sacked and burned. Even better at improving its worth. Supply and demand. Dozens of artifacts, tomes, hand-copied scrolls, and personal belongings had all been lost to history the day of the comet in the halls and libraries of the temples alongside their owners, making air nation artifacts all the more impossible, mysterious, and hard to come by, and thus more valuable to collectors now desperately searching for them throughout the world. Rarity equals demand.
It was a rare curated find that would make them both very rich indeed. A diamond plucked right out of an ocean. That was if he was willing to sell it.
As Malo and the broker negotiated on a price that both felt was appropriate, worth the value of an extinct culture, the broker proceeded to pull every bit of savings he had in the back room to the front table in order to further tempt him. Arrayed before the little thief were chest upon chest upon chest of gold, silver, and copper piled high it looked like it would fall over and crush him which he would more than welcome. He beamed at the sight and wanted to swim in it. It was everything the shop owner owned, but the sly broker knew he would make one hundred times as much if he managed to seal this deal with the gullible kid over this pocket change. Malo knew he was being set up with an imbalanced swindled disparity but also had to keep in mind that he could only carry so much with him out of the city quickly. With this, he could live like a king for a long time. And forget this day ever happened. All his troubles would be finally over.
Without a second thought. They shook hands.
Malo's greed nearly consumed him that day, watching as the man loaded up the chests onto a cart for him with the sun rising in the distance. The light of dawn sparkling off the bags of gold peeking through the top that looked like they were about to burst the seams. But as Malo off to the side watched cradling the air nomad artifacts he was about to give away forever and never think about again to collect dust in some museum or be pinned to some noble's wall. Something felt...off..
His thumb and forefinger rubbed and counted the beads of the necklace in somber silence as he waited. He no longer felt impatient or restless. He thought he would feel satisfied with how this turned out. Why wasn't he satisfied? He had gotten exactly what he wanted. The greatest con of his life. He just felt. Nothing. Empty. Memories flashed back of hours before when he had promised to bring back the air nomads' few remaining belongings, all that was left of her culture. Her identity that even now she refused to abandon even if it was such a risk. He remembered how she had given him a few final remarks before he left, looking him dead in the eye with all the sincerity and trust in teh world with a hand on his shoulder despite her misgivings. He didn't deserve it. She said she could tell he was a kind good soul and that she would pray for his safe return. And that she could never repay him for his selflessness act. Even calling him brother. He knew the air nomads once regarded everyone they came across as either brother or sister but it still stung, even if they were not of their nation, perhaps vainly believing all were of one people. One family. They once believed that with all their heart. And one still did. She had not forsaken all that she was in order to survive as he had.
He didn't deserve to be part of it. That world.
His greed and self preservation, now weighed like shackles around him. His assurance that he was doing the right thing crumbled into dust and was lost to the wind. All that was left. Was that crushing guilt. Of betraying them. Of betraying her. When she was so honest in her trust. It was given so freely. Too freely for anyone's good. And the guilt of what he had done with it by dragging it through the dirt and peddling the air nation cutlure for all it was worth would way on him for the rest of his life if he went through with this. In his pillow earth kingdom palace he would remember what he had done. Severing hte last lifeline to the air nomad culture.
Hers. And his.
He had been good once. Like her. He had hoped once. Like her. He had been just like her so long ago before going down this path from the war. Being reduced to this. In that moment, he despised who he was. He had become just like the Fire Nation he hated so much who had slaughtered his family years ago. Opportunistic. Treacherous, self-serving, vile, and arrogant. He felt lost and angry and drifted for so long. Burdened. Lashing out at the world, he felt was the cause for this. And that realization felt like a thousand knives of pain through his heart. He had become his enemy. Worse than his enemy. Because at least the fire nation was honest with its intent. He wasn't. It wasn't just the responsibility of an air nomad to look out for others. It was all people. He only looked out for himself. He was now a liar. Now a thief. Making a profit off a dead culture that had once been revered and beloved for its kindness. He was no better than a grave robber. And deserved all the worst punishment in the next life. The truth was like a mirror starring back at him, his reflection a hollow shell a twisted, malnourished form.
You're better than this.
How has it come to this.
A few tears fell from his face at what he had done, fading into and becoming soaked in the orange cloth like snow capped mountains of the fans that suddenly felt warm and comforting in his hands.
Alright thats the last of it the broker said proudly, wiping off his hands. I'll be taking the artifacts now and you can be on your way.
He mumbled something to himself.
I can't.....
"I can't go through with this."
I'm sorry what?
Sure you can. It's easy. You just hand those over and I'll go back inside and you can be on your way.
You're not getting the artifacts.
The manned was stunned. Then angry. We had a deal.
I've changed my mind.
If you're thinking of selling those off to someone else. THink again!!! WE had a deal!!!!
Malo started to collect the things in the bag. Leaving behind the gold entirely.
You won't be able to talk your way out of this. The man spat.
I don't need to talk. I just need to do something. I have somewhere else I need to be right now.
We're not finished. The old man roared. As he gripped Malo's collar. You hear me?!! We're not....
With one flick of his wrist, he airbent a gust of wind forward. Unfolding the fan and sending the pawnbroker tumbling back into his gold. It wasn't exactly quiet. The old man stared back speechless atop his pile he clung to. Malo just ran with the airbender's belongings in tow, not wasting a second thought on grave robbers or their blood money. There was at least one genuine airbender left in the world he needed to help.
And she needed her bag back.
Meanwhile.
Jina was growing worried. Malo had disappeared and Bin was taking forever. Azzai wasn't much of a talker. He was. Something else entirely. Like a shadow that had followed her that refused to leave. He had given her a reasonable explanation for being here, but still. She didn't feel totally safe around him. At least he was locked up and couldn't move. As she paced throughout the room trying to practice some airbender forms. He just watched dispassionately. She paid him no mind. Eventually, when that grew tiring, she resorted to just sitting in a pile of hay across from him. No sound between them. The silence was maddening.
Would you care to see something interesting? He asked. Sounding bored as he adjusted his place and cracked his neck muscles, trying to find some measure of comfort in his current predicament. We might be here a while by the look of things.
She didn't reply. Clutching herself in boredom.
He sighed. I'm not trying to trick you. And I'm not asking you if you'll undo the cuffs. It's going to be a while, and like you, I don't like sitting idle. There's something in my bag. Something that will help us both pass the time and put us our minds at ease. I want us to trust each other eventually. I'm like bin. You'll see.
I know bin. I don't know you. You're fire nation.
So is he.
Jina grimaced and looked away.
After a few hours of nothing, she finally scooped up the bag in anger and looked inside just to spite him. She was tired of staring at it. She was expecting something horrible inside hte little black box he told her about where the item was, something typical of a militant fire nation type. A dagger. Poison. A severed finger.
Instead, she found a paixiao wooden pan flute Not unlike the brown wooden flutes she had heard her sisters play once so beautifully. Just a bit different, larger and painted a smooth black.
I play. He smiled with a faint shrug. Helps keep the mind sharp. What you think i don't have hobbies?
She inspected it. Then finally relented in tossing it over to him.
Knock yourself out. She said. Whether she meant that literally, he couldn't say. He simply turned his back and caught it clumsily in his hands, before he pressed it down to rest awkwardly between his knees, licking his lips and clearing his throat to play while she sat back down to listen, having nothing else better to do.
He played beautifully. The next few minutes were some of the closest moments she had felt to being back home with her air sisters. Every melody, every beat was perfect. She dozed off every now and then it was so tantalizing, but never afforded to take her eyes off him. He was playing an airbender song. He didn't even know they still taught those.
You play very well. She said with a half hearted smile. A few rays of light from the rising dawn began to seep through the holes in the walls outside to illuminate both their faces.
Thank you he said awkwardly halfway through the song. My mother taught me to play. Looking back, I just wanted to be a fighter, but in the end it did have it's uses. Want me to continue?
Jina smiled again and nodded once as he resumed his playing at her comand.
As the song reached its end she found herself actually.. enjoying the music. And his company. Maybe, just maybe she supposed there were some things about him that she did like.
The final note. However sent something through the air into her neck with a loud fwip.
In an instant she lost all sensations of feeling and collapsed spilling the contents of water in the bucket beside her feet. Her eyes widened with shock. She couldn't stand. She couldn't fight back to airbend and defend herself. He had drugged her with a dart hidden in the flute itself. A deplorable ruse to put someone at ease and line up the perfect shot needed to incapacitate them without putting up a fight. He had used this method hundreds of times, pretending to be a beggar musician on the streets when tracking his past quarries. It worked extremely well. People loved music. And Azzai used it as bait.
He was right music did have its uses.
Bastard. She tried to speak. Her words slurred and mumbled. Nothing came out.
Azzai didn't smile. He didn't gloat. He simply inched his way up the beam and removed the hair pin from his topknot to pick the lock. Letting his long hair to fall down as unsparingly as his mercy. He tucked the flute quietly and pulled out bundles of rope from his bag, but not before using the same chains on her that he had worn moments ago. He had never been her prisoner. He had played the long game until he had put her at ease and they were alone, and it had played off brilliantly. She cried out for Bin, Malo. But they would not get here in time. It was only him and her. The hunter. And his quarry.
He had turned out to be just like the rest of them after all.
By the time bin arrived. They were long gone.