United and Equal: One Loose End

[The Lion Turtle]

He slams the phone down.. Kensei did not know, but he must have guessed what would come next.

Interlude: Brutal Old Guards

Hikei dressed in his noble attire as he left on personal business. Another powerful elder noble man agreed to a more secret meeting on behalf of the conversation involving the fate of those in the Firenation Camps. Hikei knocks on a door.

Huo Hikei, speaking. I'd like to speak to Hennisen Terumi. The man at the door opened the door. It appeared to be hit butler. Hikei walked in and followed the butler to a speaking room with flags put on the old Firenation warships put on walls in a room with two fierplaces on each side. A man older than Hikei was sitting down in a comfortable arm chair smoking a cigar reading a paper when he saw Hikei. At that point he stood up and have him a customary bow.

"Huo Hikei, I have my guesses, but what do I owe this visit?"

Hikei frowns and takes a deep breath. "I have a distressing situation and a request to make upon you, Lord Hennesen."

"Lord Hikei, such humility is unbecoming of someone like you. This must be one Koh of a request if you are even timid about it. Spit it out already."

Hikei's eyes get narrow. "The family of my son, Kensei. They need to be interrogated in the old methods and be treated as war criminals. We must do this immediately. Kensei has betrayed his nation. We must take extreme action to prevent Amon from gaining the upperhand."

Terumi sighs "Hikei, that is quite the request. Such practices have been outlawed, and no less on children. I know what you aiming, but what if they don't know, and Kensei doesn't crack? This is potentially dangerous to our position, Hikei."

"Kensei has already been predisposed to help the weak and needy. With his family in such a position, he will crack. I know he will."

"Hikei, you are letting your frustration get the best of you. You are smarter than this. At what cost will we get Kensei? Our conduct has already nearly doomed the Earth Kingdom. Our own movements get stronger with each blatant attack against the non-benders"

Hikei's eysbrows furrow. "Hennesen, we cannot be weak anymore. This dynasty of rulers will be our last as a powerful nation. The current firelord is nothing but a puppet to her bleeding heart father, who wishes to do nothing but rob the fire from Firenation. It is the fault of the Earth Kingdom that they cannot handle their own rebellions. We have our methods and they work. We don't need to worry about the homebrew movements anymore. What we need to be concerned about is the warships that the United Republic will send on our doorsteps. I am sick of pandering our policies in favor of the United Republic. We owe them no more. Our Firelord feels personally responsible for what. We have been aiding that miserable excuse of a government for the last two years. We owe them no more. I don't see why they don't simply help us now!"

"Hikei, you are letting your anger in your judgement cloud your mind. There is some truth. I am part of the old world as well, but you know the Firelord is returning to head of government soon. When that happens, we will lose our power over the legislature. When this occurs, everything we are doing will be replaced by her policies. I can't afford us being seeing as traitors when that happens. Know that the Earth Kingdom's support is what deciders which country has the most production power in the world. Right now, it is us, but if the United Republic's current regime wins the Earth Kingdom, then they will be able to defeat us. They will have a larger production and more soldiers."

"Terumi, it's not the size of their army I fear. Amon has won all of his battles with secrets and strategies. He has made our ignorance his strength. The information that Kensei knows is invaluable. Our Firenation line is impenetrable. We have anticipated all strategies they have used now and even have an air defense in case they managed to land on the island and use our airports for an air offensive. If Amon has any chance of defeating Firenation, it is only with some new powerful advancement or strategy based on inside information from Firenation."

Hikei paused for a second "The reason this is so important is that you are right. This last dynasty stands to to topple our legacy. We are losing power over the legislature. Our ability to control private troops is slowly being stripped. Sooner or later our very influence will truly be downgraded to lobbying. The Firelord wishes to rid the government of our house in the legislature. Hennesen, do this while we still can. Support the Firenation in the way we know can get the job done while we can. I agree that there is bad publicity to be had with this action, but once upon a time we actually had the ability to keep secrets. What they don't know is what makes us the leaders. The weak never understand the burden of decision making for the strong. People will always need to starve and die. "

"Enough, Hikei. Your use of philosophy as a form of boredom torture is unbearable." Terumi says with a slight chuckle. "I will run it through the system. Just be careful. People are getting better at following tracks, and less afraid to follow our actions. You and I can still pull many strings, but people are following them more. I can make no promises about what happens and what we will get. Just keep your cool. Letting this attitude take control over you is dangerous."

"I just lost two sons, Terumi. What do you expect? I might be willing to throw them into the sea for the rest of my family and keep a stern face, but it doesn't mean I don't bare the burden of my actions. The only reason I have to be like this is because of following the prissy weak policies of an inept ruler."

"Enough, Hikei. You are sounding more extreme by the day. This is no longer the age of honor. This is the age of handholding and Zukobears. If you keep sounding like that, I might need to torch one of your eyes and banish you until you learn better." Hennesen says with a chuckle.

"You and your jokes." Hikei actually smiles. "I do need something light hearted right now. I didn't just come for this favor. I wanted to know how our other plans were going."

"Hikei, I have told you that this is dangerous to talk about outside our meetings. I will tell you a little bit of how your order have been implemented. The hostile take over of the Agni Kais has been done. Sooner or later, their purpose will become our purpose. The Sons of Flame will emerge and restore the honor of Firenation by burning their insides."

"Yes, but I have a new plan as well. As a result of the current events, we might need to implement their services as direct Firnation Spies."

"Hikei, that is dangerous. We cannot trust them with our secrets. Amon will bend those weaklings to his will. They will squeal and ruin everything."

"Their preparation is not complete. There is another reason I asked you for this favor. Bend them and make them belong to us."

"You are a sick man, Hikei. I might need to arrange an accident to make this happen, but I will try. What do we do with the home front."

"Take your time. Turning a mob into an army isn't always easy. Terumi. Give me a full update at our next meeting. Thank you for having me, Hennesen Terumi. I'll be off."

"Always pleasant to have you, Hikei. Sorry for your loss, again."

The two stand up and give a light bow. Hikei turns his head and leaves.





The Bar Fight: Enter the Chi-Blockers

Jojo, the man who helped Xu back onto his feet slowly stepped out pulling a walkie-talkie by his ear and called out and listed the address. "Come by as soon as you can. There is a bar rumble with several benders. Alarm the police to detain the non-bending criminals. Arrive here immediately. I have taken a clean sweep of most of the benders in the bar and the ones that have escaped. Guard all entrances and exists and do a clean sweep of the surrounding area. Do not detain benders until you can assume they do not have a haven. Several people, including at least four benders have escaped."

The man waits as a truck pulls over. The back opens as Chi-Blockers pour out the back.

"Put on your gas masks, we have crowd control, today." says Jojo as he goes into the truck and pulls himself out a mask.



The man on fire first laughs as he sees a small flame and tries to pat it out. When the flame spreads, his face changes from confident to terrified as he runs screaming until he runs into someone else being thrown into a barrel. He falls to the ground and starts rolling to get the fire off of him. The man with the bad wrapped in barbed wire looks at Raoul and then backs off. "I don't want anything to do with you. You're twisted, man."

Raoul goes towards the back. People know that some kind of authority is coming and most of the people are trying to run out now. The back exit is a popular choice, but most the people running away aren't looking for a fight. Raoul gets no resistance as he runs out the back door.

[Conzu]

Very soon it became clear to Shu that the old businessman was no one else than their own father. The longer he watched his brother, the paler he became. And so the boy just sat there, staring at his brother in fear; trying to hear as much as possible from the terrifying phonecall.

"I am afraid we cannot return yet. There is still a lot to do here." Shu's eyes were still glued on his brother. The moment he was afraid of for such a long time had finally arrived. Their father was demanding their return. But for some reason Kensei's voice sounded... cold and disrespectful. Something which he hadn't expected from his brother. But then again, he couldn't really blame him.

"Father, release On-Ji from Jang Huo. She has suffered enough. Don't you think? How can you keep her there? For Agni's sake, she's a bender."

Only now did Shu look away from his older brother.

"Jang Huo..." he repeated almost inaudible, thinking back of the horrors he had seen in that camp. Thinking back of his sister-in-law whom he hardly recognized. Thinking of his failed rescue attempt... Up until today he refused to tell Kensei in detail about the state and conditions of On-Ji and the other prisoners. It was simply too much for the boy. Never in his life had he seen, or even heard, of such atrocities. Even now, it was still hard for him to believe how their own family could be involved in such practices... against their own people nonetheless.

"Out of your hands?" Kensei snorted. "What do you mean out of your hands? Have you forgotten who you are?" But his father ignored him and continued to speak."

Hearing this Shu avoided Kensei's look even more. Feeling tears coming up in his eyes, the Equalist poster-child simply stared at the door' Dorei had just left the room from.

"By Agni, my family was taken away from me! Not by Homeland Security.. but by YOU!" At these words, Shu allowed himself to glance at Kensei, but his brother had already turned away from him. Probably for the same reason as he had done so.

As the conversation between his brother and their father continued, the boy himself started to slowly pace up and down the living room. So now and then stopping next to Kensei... until he heard: "Someone is likely going to die soon."

Hearing these words coming from his brother, the 16 year old' couldn't resist his tears any longer, and just stood there like a pilar, in the middle of the living room; staring at Kensei in utter shock. "You won't be able to take all of your 'glory' with you. Once you're nothing but a pile of ash, you have nothing left." Shu, who - as the youngest child - had always been their father's favorite, couldn't handle it anymore. This war was literally tearing their family apart.

He ignored everything he heard, hurried towards the sofa and buried his face in its pillows; letting his tears freely stream down his cheeks. But the conversation didn't stop here. It went on, and on, and on. And he hated it. He hated every single minute of it.

For some reason, Shu noticed how his brother's tone suddenly changed as well. It became more... quiet and sad. "Don't lie to me, father" Kensei continued in a broken voice. "I honestly once loved you. And in a way, I still do. I only wish you would see the truth and get rid of your hatred."

Being unable to restrain himself, Shu suddenly cried: "DAAAD! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?!" But the boy knew very well why his father was doing this. It wasn't that he was surprised by it. It was just the shock and realization that it had finally come this far. "I loved you, dad" Shu now sobbed, standing next to Kensei.

"I really did."

The boy knew their father must've heard him before Kensei ended the call. There was no turning back now.

Shu quietly took a seat next to his brother and put an arm around Kensei's shoulder; leaning against the only relative he had left.

[Pleh]

The radio on the bike hissed to life, "Attention all units in the southwest district, attention all-"

“Well then, name’s Misaki,” she stated with another grin as she adjusted her fedora, tipping it downward ever so barely, its brim now slightly covering her eyes. “And you would be,”

"-peat, the location is at Seventy-fifth and Brawn. All available units, make your way to that address and be advised that the involvement of benders has, repeat, HAS been confirmed...."

The big man simply turned and began walking away from the street towards some back alleys. He called back over his shoulder, "You might want to make yourselves hard to find before that cab driver reports you for resisting arrest, assaulting Amon's men, and murder."

---

He gave the woman a smile and took her in his arms. "Lead the way", he told her quietly. Some of the other benders around him were still enthralled in the stage, and he didn't want to draw attention to himself.

She lead him up a narrow, metal staircase, steep enough and slow enough to leave Renori's nose only about an inch from the seat of her skirt which wrapped snugly around her hips and swayed almost invitingly down around the edge of the skirt, as if playing with the idea of letting him look underneath as they walked, but refusing to commit.

Before long they were at the top, breathing a little heavily as the space below was actually quite large and the staircase scaled a couple stories before reaching the next level. Up here it looked a little like a motel with long hallways with doors on either side. Renori could imagine these rooms likely held little inside them except a bedroom and a lavatory.

---

He hopped out of his bed as soon as the phone call ended and began preparing himself for the night ahead.

Dodger was around before too long. He saw her from out the window and walked to meet her at the door just as she was knocking.

"Hey," She greeted as he opened the door, "You ready to go?"

[Renori Fa]

She lead him up a narrow, metal staircase, steep enough and slow enough to leave Renori's nose only about an inch from the seat of her skirt which wrapped snugly around her hips and swayed almost invitingly down around the edge of the skirt, as if playing with the idea of letting him look underneath as they walked, but refusing to commit.

She's teasing me, Renori thought. He could feel himself getting aroused, but he tried to control himself. I just want to find out more about this place. . . .

How many more stairs were there? he thought. Just when he was about to ask, they reached the next level. This did look like a motel. . . and it was rather unlike the luxuries quarters down below. He wondered who owned them, and if they were safe. They looked like just another brothel, but you never know.

He took the time to look the woman over again, "What's your name," he asked?

[Mika Hayami]

Mika and Zair were hurrying down the side streets Mika knew. This isn't any good...if we're caught anywhere on the street, it'll look suspicious. They'd have to have a tangible alibi...if they stopped off at a restaurant and ordered some chou, it would look less suspicious. The less they seemed to know about the situation, the better.

"Okay, Zair," she muttered as they finally came up a street with food establishments. "I know this joint. We should be inconspicuous here until the swarm blows over. But if anybody walks in on us, just stay calm and let me do the talking." Knowing Zair, her friend knew how to get things done and how to rough a body or two up, but that wasn't what they needed right now. Attack one chi blocker, and the hive wasn't far behind it. They were like a bloody infestation.

The restaurant they came up on was a less-than-classy burger joint. A small business that feared a visit from the city health inspector more than a whole storm of chi blockers, the place was great to frequent after work on a particularly draining night. Mika wasn't quite a regular, but she had an appreciation for their chili cheese fries, and the occasional Taco Wednesday.

The two women entered the restaurant and took a seat at a table not too far from the kitchen and lavatories. If need be, they could escape out the back exit into the alley.

[Tera253]

Zair nodded at Mika's instruction, knowing that she was right. Zair was not really one for talking unless it was with her fists. Mika on the other hand, was a bit smoother in speech.

"got it." she replied bluntly. upon reaching the joint and getting inside, Zair made motion that she was going to slip into one of the restrooms to change.
she removed the trenchcoat, untied her shirt and jacket, and put them back on her person, covering her breasts and stomach, as well as her back and the elaborate schemes of tattoos that were on it, re-donning the trenchcoat, she returned to Mika's table.

"let's just hope no one eyes us too closely..." she remarked, lowering her voice, "I mean, I'm no genius, but even I know that at some angles that trenchcoat won't hide the bare parts of your thighs either. just sayin'..."
totally not smooth at all. this was the Zair people knew and loved (or hated, depending on the person). either way, it seemed they were safe for the time being, which was good. Zair was actually somewhat familiar with this joint--if not this one in particular, at least one or more that were similar. chili cheese fries sounded mighty tasty after all that went down earlier.

~Asami~

[Pleh]

He took the time to look the woman over again, "What's your name," he asked?

Pulling him by his collar into one of the rooms with a smile more intoxicating than 150 proof, she said, "Whatever you want to call me, babe."

The door closed behind them and the room was rather dimly lit. She was fumbling playfully with the buttons on his chest.

[OoC]So you're looking to pump her for information. Try watching some film noir if you can find some and definitely look at some Humphrey Bogart clips on Youtube or something. To get what you're really looking for, you'll have to let her lead you along, but play hard to get. Don't say "no," but rather "not yet." She'll become disinterested in you if she thinks you aren't looking for business, but she'll play whatever game gets you excited if you can convince her you want it. You don't have to go all the way through with this just to get info. She's trapped in a room alone with you now, so if you decided you didn't want any of it, you can always turn the tables on her. For best results, keep her thinking she's in control as long as you can. If Renori is in danger of actually losing control of himself, that's a great story to roleplay out, so emphasize it. In all things, remember that the best defense against seduction is pain and bitterness (which looks like Amaya has brought plenty of to the table), which creates a cold, impenetrable shell around the heart. Feel free to explore flashbacks, but don't let Renori lose his cool unless you want to give the whore the upper hand. So long as the game continues to be the both of you pretending that she brought you up here because you were too good to pass up, you've got the advantage. Renori might not be capable of holding himself together, but if he shows emotional weakness, she'll play the nurse and insist on helping him through it, giving her the advantage in the situation.

As always, have fun.[/OoC]

[OutLaw]

Raoul took in deep breath of the cold night air and exhaled it with a grin. “What a nice night… I could use something to eat.” The door closed behind him with a clang and he quickly made his way down the alley, not so much at a run but rather more like a trot. As he reached the street he slowed down to a walk and made his way away from the bar while looking for something interesting to eat.

He was in a rather good mood tonight and with no reason to hide it he soon found himself whistling a little tune. As for his motorcycle he could always go and get it later if it was still there and if not he could always catch a cab home; it was no big deal to him. Now however was not the time to be worrying about such things now was the time for food; at least that’s what his stomach was telling him. He found himself in the mood for a cheese burger in all likely hood because he hadn’t been to a burger joint in a while. Not all that surprising since blue collar foods such as burgers were practically nonexistent in the affluent parts of the city. Unfortunately for Raoul he found himself standing outside a joint that practically screamed: ‘Eat here get a tapeworm for free!’ “Bah what the hell, live life on the edge.” He said to himself and walked through the door.

[Met]

It was just a glance. A single moment in all of time. Neither of them knew why it happened, but for the briefest time, their eyes met. Through all of time and space their spirits brushed shoulders through their eye contact and without knowing anything about each other, they both knew each other implicitly. They didn't have to know to... know... that he was a runner, she was a chaser.

Then as if the moment had never happened, it was gone.

She was curious - that, she had to admit - of the man standing behind the grimy windows. His eyes were shielded. Not passive, but he hardly seemed intent on flying into action. But she was curious. So she hesitated, people brushing past her and scattering in the night. It was dangerous for a woman to be in this part of Republic City at this time of night. But there was a sweep going on, and she was wholly immune. Looking back at the man, she flashed a quick, hesitant smile, and moved out of his view. Out of the field of vision, away from the bar. She remained on the same street, leaning on a brick wall, watching the bar entrance intently.
She had no intention on disrupting this man's life if she didn't have to.



The Equalists were quick, that was their style. Snuff it out, kill it. Kozun continued to peer through the bar's windows: the intelligent moved out of the way of the Chi-blockers, the foolish stuck around to ask questions, only to be harshly shown their place in Amon's ideal 'society'.
Just as Kozun was decided it would be best to sneak out, a young woman darted through the chaos, stopping to observe the scene. Kozun diverted his attention back onto the corner... onto her.

Their eyes met for a short second. He felt a wave of disconcert... whether out of fear or awe, he did not know.
Here was a woman, running through the streets as if to fulfil an aim or some duty, only emphasized by the uniform she wore. It felt unusual; and he couldn't explain why. Was she a friend or a foe?
And then there was her beauty. Sure, seeing a pretty lady on the streets was not a rate occasion by any means. THIS beauty was different however; innocent but wise, soft yet sharp. In this moment, she let out a smile, but it was clear that the woman herself didn't quite understand the intentions behind her action.
She began to move down the street, just out of Kozun's eyesight.

With an unsettled curiosity, Kozun noted that the night was still early; and both his mind and soul agreed that his project work could wait a few minutes, or hours... maybe the whole night? He stepped out of the bar, and then due to habit he quickly scanned the street for those who would be out to get him. He spotted the young woman again, leaning against a wall. She was the anomaly... and it seemed that the risk to find out who she was, was worth taking.

With a sharp step on the pavement, Kozun made his way towards the woman in green uniform.

[Inochi]

“Guess you could call it luck then, huh?” she said.

Before Inochi could even reply, the radio on the bike hissed to life, "Attention all units in the southwest district, attention all-"

“Well then, name’s Misaki,” she stated with another grin as she adjusted her fedora, tipping it downward ever so barely, its brim now slightly covering her eyes. “And you would be,”

The man in the skirt had only heard Misaki's name before turning his attention back to the motorcycle. His face was now devoid of any smile. "-peat, the location is at Seventy-fifth and Brawn. All available units, make your way to that address and be advised that the involvement of benders has, repeat, HAS been confirmed...."

Obviously Inochi knew they were at the park, so the radio was definitely not referencing the incident he had just been a part of. Before he could hear anymore, he was yet again interrupted but this time by the burly man who was now walking away from the scene.

"You might want to make yourselves hard to find before that cab driver reports you for resisting arrest, assaulting Amon's men, and murder."

The thought of his bloodied sword crossed his mind as the word 'murder' hit his ears. His high from the battle was wearing off and Inochi was beginning to realize the implications of what he had just done. Halfway tempted to follow the man, he looked at Misaki again who seemed to be waiting for an answer of some sort.

"Oh..uh...I'm sorry. We should get going like that man said." Inochi answered. "I don't think I could handle any more of those guys tonight..."

Assuming Misaki was going to follow him, he walked back over to the waterbender who was now trying to get up on her feet by using the bark of the tree to pull herself up. From what he could see, her tan face was solemn and full of determination. As Inochi tried to help her up, she lightly swatted him away intent on doing it herself.

"Just give me a moment...I can do this." she uttered halfway under her breath.

It took her a couple of more minutes, but she was finally back on her feet. As it got darker, her exact facial features were obscured just as well as the man with the pick-axe's were. She stood facing Inochi and Misaki for several moments before finally breaking the silence.

"So where do we go? You heard the guy, we'll be in deep trouble if we stay here a minute longer."

Not too keen on risking the walk back to his apartment, he simply answered, "...Good question." Inochi then turned to Misaki hoping she had a better idea.

[Tiny]

She watched him as he hesitantly stepped out of the bar, watched him as he scanned the street. She would be passive tonight, but she guarded her eyes. He walked towards her, and she stood from leaning. He didn't seem a threat, although the smell of the city bars was heavy on his person. She caught the scent meters away, moving in front of him. He walked with purpose.

"Who are you?" The question was direct, accusatory. The streets were barren, but her colleagues lurked in the shadows. She was acutely aware of their presence, of their eyes watching her. And she could only hope that the man standing opposite her was as cognizant of the potential for disaster that waited, hanging over the crime scene like a fog.

[Mika Hayami]

When Zair came back to the table, Mika switched places with her and disappeared into the bathroom next. She didn't need to go, but she did need to make herself as presentable as possible without having to shove her hat down as far as it would go. She leaned forward towards the mirror. Her make up had held really well, as expected from any brand worth its salt. But now...clown paint wasn't the best cover. If anyone had seen her bending and told the chi blockers, they would be looking for a cabaret girl.

Okay...

She took a breath and withdrew the watered-down alcohol from the flask under her trench coat. She used the towel in the bathroom and bore down really hard and coarse against her skin, scrubbing the rest of the face paint off. Her make up remover was somewhere left behind in the dressing room. It took her a time, but she finally got it mostly off, at least to the point where she seemed to be wearing the remains of less-ostentatious rouge and eyeliner. And it had only hurt a little bit.

Mika scrutinized the rest of her appearance in the mirror as she pocketed the flask into the trench coat. She wasn't particularly vain, but she acknowledged what was appropriate or attractive and whether or not the time demanded her to look according to that standard. She passed a hand through her messy braids, trying to tidy them at least a little, having to let loose a couple of them to make her visage just a little less recognizable. Her pretty auburn hair fell thick and fast past her shoulders. She also took the time to check on her ID and emergency money, nestled safely inside the wallet in the inner pocket of her coat. Just in case.

Finally satisfied, Mika left the bathroom and rejoined Zair at the table.

"let's just hope no one eyes us too closely..." she remarked, lowering her voice, "I mean, I'm no genius, but even I know that at some angles that trenchcoat won't hide the bare parts of your thighs either. just sayin'..."

Mika couldn't help a laugh. She made a production of crossing her legs underneath the coat.

"Want anything to eat? My treat." She made as if to flag down the waitress to order some food. At that point, a customer walked in. She thought she knew him...

[Rolled a twenty...she recognizes Raoul]

Raoul...the pop famous singer? Those chiseled features, that token hair, those intense, dark eyes. What the hell was he doing here, of all places? Mika tried to act natural, for the sake of not blowing cover, but she wasn't doing too well. At least chi blockers storming the place made a bit more sense...

[The Lion Turtle]

Before long the Chi-Blockers throw a gas bomb in there. In a matter of seconds people rush out falling in seconds or being tied up by a Chi-Blocker ambush. They have the perimeter in tact and slowly have the situation there contained.

"There is someone who left on a motorcylce... presumed to be...the famous singer Raoul. There are another 10 benders that seemed to have escaped. Half of you, take who we have that are benders" says Jojo, who appears to be the leader of this group as he points out each of the benders.

Sorry, Xu. I didn't mean wake you up just to throw knockout gas at you again.

Follow in the direction of less travel when looking for the benders. Do not disturb the civilian population if you can help it."

He and several others step onto motorcycles and start riding in the direction of the back exit performing a clean sweep of that surrounding area.



"MUDDAH's BURGERS, just how muddah used to make em." is written on a flimsy sign just inside the place. All over the bar is a thick musky air and the walls are covered with taxidermy animal heads. There is a rug at the door covered in mud and tables that look so battered up.

The food had a good, but not a refined smell to it. This had the smell of a place of someone who knew his spices, but never worried about a health inspector once in their entire life. The whole place itself smelled of sweaty men who poured the food down their throats. Despite the general feel and atmosphere, people were mostly content stuffing their faces and it was a peaceful atmosphere. You will likely see a familiar face or two from the bar (likely the weenies that ran out immediately).

A smaller man who is ripped to the teeth walks up to you with his think mustache. "Welcome to Muddah's, just how muddah used to em." He points to a group of empty tables. "Anywhere in that kind of a vicinity over there-ish is kind of good." He squints for a moment and reaches in his pocket and pulls out a monocle. "I seen that face before. HEY GUYS!! We have a CELEB in the house! Hope you enjoy da food, Raoul.

In the distance, you can see the two women in the bar, the one who started the fight and the one ball slapping with booze both sitting at a table not too far off from where they were pointing you before.

[OutLaw]

As Raoul stepped inside Mudda’s and got a whiff of the food it brought back memories from a long time before. He had never stepped inside this join before or smelled this exact aroma, but a long time ago he had frequented places just like it. It really had been too long. Raoul was quickly approached by who he assumed was the owner and directed toward a group of tables. But before Raoul could do anything the man pulled out a monocle and exclaimed his recognition to the restaurant. “Guilty as charged.” He told the man a genuine smile on his face as he raised his hands in mock surrender, “And by the way things smell it’d be hard for me to not enjoy the food.”

Raoul took a seat at one of the tables and waited for the waiter to come and take his order. When the waiter did come though he wouldn’t have to wait too on Raoul, he already knew what he wanted: A double cheeseburger, hold the pickles and onion, and a double order of fries. And while he waited he took a quick glance around the place. It was full of the people you’d expect, mostly blue collar folk getting off a late shift as well as people enjoying the night life. But one person caught his attention and for a half second he didn’t recognize her, but then it hit him: that annoying little asshole from the bar who stuck her saliva covered fingers in his ears. And as much as he’d love to throw her through a window this was neither the time nor the place, and while he wouldn’t forget what she did; in the grand scheme of thing she wasn’t worth it. There was, on the other hand, something odd about the lady with her. He had seen her looking at him and he was sure she recognized him, but there was something about her that seemed familiar. Something he couldn’t place just yet.

[Misaki]

“Repeat, the location is at Seventy-fifth and Brawn. All available units, make your way to that address and be advised that the involvement of benders has, repeat, HAS been confirmed....” It was that message of one of the motorcycles radios that quickly erased the smirk from Misaki’s face. The location wasn’t near the park, but she knew somewhere else benders had the clock ticking against them. It was then the burly man spoke, his back turned as he walked away.

“You might want to make yourselves hard to find before that cab driver reports you for resisting arrest, assaulting Amon's men, and murder.”

Misaki quickly narrowed her eyes as she glanced down at the dead Equalists with a cold stare. She closed her hands tightly into fists as her hatred began rising an anger in her; however she quickly calmed herself when a familiar voice hit her ears.

“Oh..uh...I'm sorry. We should get going like that man said,” the woman in a skirt answered. “I don't think I could handle any more of those guys tonight...” Misaki nodded reluctantly, and although she still had plenty of fight left in her, she could barely feel her shoulder that had been shocked, its muscles still twitching under her shirt.

She followed the woman in the skirt over to the Water Tribe girl who was trying to get back on her feet. When the woman in the skirt tried to offer help, the girl lightly swatted the hand away, showing she was intent on doing it herself. This was likely the determination of the Water Tribe Misaki had heard so much about, and she mentally smiled at the girl’s actions.

"Just give me a moment...I can do this." the girl muttered halfway under her breath. Although it took a few minutes to do so, the girl finally got back on her feet, and as the darkness of night set in, her face became obscured by a shadow, just like the huge man Misaki had seen earlier. A few moments passed before her ears perked up to the sound of the Water Tribe girl, her voice young and soft.

“So where do we go? You heard the guy, we'll be in deep trouble if we stay here a minute longer.” The woman in the skirt simply replied, “Good question,” as she glanced at Misaki, hoping for an answer. The Water Tribe girl was right, and she began thinking, coming up with the answer fairly quickly.

“I’ve got some friends in the area that could give us a place to lay low,” she stated, putting special emphasis on ‘friends’. “Follow me,” she continued, as they began heading for an exit to the park. Finding it relatively quickly, they began their approach to it when a sound came from down the street.

‘Equalists,’ Misaki thought, narrowing her eyes as multiple pairs of headlights came into view.

“Quick, get down,” she stated to her companions, signaling with her hand towards the ground. They quickly dove behind a row of bushes as the motorcycles roared past, their engines extremely loud. As the rumbling beasts continued on, the trio came out of their hiding place, quickly crossing the street, and headed into a series dark alleyways which lead them Southeast, toward a residential district.

Misaki glanced back, checking to see whether her companions were still behind her… or whether they were being followed. Seeing her allies still behind her and no one else, she continued on, being cautious of every open area. Once in the residential district, they came out of the alleys, and back out onto the streets, Misaki kept glancing back every once in a while, again checking if they were being tailed. The streets were dim, but still alight by lamp posts, and she began glancing at houses, looking for the right building.

Soon, she noticed a small, two story boarding house with a red door, and knew it was the place, having been to it before. After making their way up the steps, the porch was dark, but enough light from the street made its way up to it that she could still see. Moving the doormat aside brought kanji letters into view, painted onto the wood... they read “Anzen Kai” or ‘Safety Kai’. Light shown through the closed curtains, and muffled noise from inside, barely audible, made its way from the window.

Misaki turned to her companions, removed her fedora, and replied, “This is the place.”

She then turned back to the door, and knocked three times, at which, a shadowed figure was seen moving from behind the cloth curtains, and the porch light flicked on. The sound of three locks opening emitted from inside, and the door opened slightly, held shut by a chain lock. The face of a young man, perhaps in his early thirties, with green eyes, brown spiky hair and a clean shaven chin appeared from the door.

“What can I do for you young ladies this fine evening,” he asked, his voice cheerful, and somewhat quiet. Misaki put on a soft smile, already knowing this man.

“United in Flame, the Agni Kais, Anzen to our brothers,” she stated, remembering what she had learned from when the syndicate was formed. Whenever an Agni Kai was in trouble, always look for a house with a red doormat and door, and give the owner the password. As knowing people from the resistance, they would offer help until any heat a member had, disappeared.

The man gave a smile, and nodded. The door shut momentarily, and then reopened, the chain lock undone. Misaki motioned for her companions to follow her in when the man suddenly grabbed her, pulling her into a noggie lock, rubbing his fist on her head, messing up her hair.

“Gah! Guang, stop it,” she yelped, laughing out the last bit as the man let out a chuckle with a grin, continuing to rub her hair.

“Good to see you again Sparky,” the man now known as Guang replied, his grin staying as he let her out of the noggie lock. She quickly ran her fingers through her hair, fixing it back into its flat, messy position. “So, who are ya friends here Sparky,” he continued, as he ushered them in, closing and locking the door, and flicking off the porch light.

It was then the floor boards creaked, and Misaki noticed a small figure slowly making its way from the darkened hall. A little barefoot girl with short black hair, and a green night dress came into the lit room, rubbing her right eye with a yawn, while her left hand clasped tightly around a small doll in traditional Earth Kingdom attire.

“Who’s here daddy,” the girl asked with another yawn as she rubbed her left eye, her voice tired and groggy.

“Some friends in need of help,” Misaki replied with a soft grin. The girl seemed to begin to lose her tiredness as soon as she spoke, her eyes lighting up. The girl made her way towards them, in a slow, tired run. Misaki bent down to the girl’s height, and hugged her tightly when their bodies met.

“Sparky! It really is you, isn’t it?” the girl stated, her voice now slightly louder and sweet sounding.

“It sure is Meifeng. It sure is,” Misaki replied, slowly stroking the girl’s soft hair with a smile.

[Battery]

"There is some wisdom in that, but don't let it become an excuse for inactivity. We must be cautious, but we can't be afraid to act. The Equalists feel like they are in complete control. We must show them that the war here is never over until they have us all."

"Exactly."

Amaya stood on the stage and eyed Turtle Lion, crossing her arms as she did so. "Anyways, I've said my peace, and even if some of these party people don't agree with me, at least they can get a boost or whatever they need."

She jumped off the stage and wandered through the crowd, not really caring where she was going - possibly the bathroom or an unoccupied spot. She simply wanted to calm down.

[Tera253]

Zair sat silently while Mika went in, probably to change something or at least remove her makeup. When she was alone, Zair was usually very quiet, turning into a faceless, nameless member of the crowd that few would think much of unless they recognized her from somewhere. Even then, seldom was it anything of consequence, although after what went down earlier, Zair was half-expecting someone to recognize her. hopefully they had gone far enough though.

Mika returned and sat back down, crossing her legs. Zair chuckled with her.

"Want anything to eat? My treat." She made as if to flag down the waitress to order some food. At that point, a customer walked in.

"just a burger and some of those Chili-cheese fries would be good enough for me," she responded, and then her eyes briefly darted towards the door. she recognized the man immediately,
"well I'll be damned," she mused, "it's that idiot who thought he was Mr. Hotshot."

He was the reason Zair had started the fight... so technically, Zair was still the reason it had started. She didn't regret it, but still might feel a bit gratified if she got a chance to nail that man in the nuts. either way... this was not the place to cause another scene... maybe on a different day, but she just got finished starting a fight. she didn't need to start a fight, run, and then start another one.
she glanced over at Raoul, her eyes rather narrowed, and then turned back around again. she'd be watching him to make sure he didn't try to pull something on her.

~Asami~

[Conzu]

Kensei remained in this position for quite a while, thinking about the consequences his actions had for his family. "I've doomed my family" he finally said; breaking the silence.

Shu slowly pulled his arm back, and raised his head as he spoke. "You did what you had to, Kensei. It is... our father who did this. Not you." The boy's voice was still shaky and as sad as Kensei had never heard before.

"I expect the worst" the older brother sighed deeply' still with his head buried in his arms. "I'm sure that whatever you saw in Jang Hui... was just the tip of the iceberg."

The boy didn't answer and simply looked away, still refusing to speak about the horrors of that place. "I hope you're wrong." Another silence fell. "We have to stop them... him..., Kensei. We have to."

"I know," a single tear rolled down the nobleman's cheek. "Even though I hate to do it. Father, just declared us his enemies. We'll show them not to underestimate us. We'll strike them where they least expect us to."

By now Kensei sat straight up in the chair and stared outside. "There is, indeed, no turning back now." Ignoring his brother's confused look and refusing to look at his family portrait, the man just sat there... staring at the dark evening skies as another tear made its way down his cheeks.

"One day... we will be together as a family once again" Kensei promised himself.

[The Lion Turtle]

A motorcycle stopped in front of the bar as a man walked out. A familiar face was back in disguise as he attempted to look into the bar. He stepped in nonchalantly and asked for a table.

His appearance was very non-descript. He was a younger adult of average height without facial hair with normal clothing for the time that a normal blue collar would wear.

Through the back of his eye, he would see a man he recognized.

Spoiler: show

Jinei was an old partner back in Raoul's old days. He was one of the more elite back before when the Equalists were just a gang. He has seen several raids along side Amon and the Lieutenant. His abilities are above par, but his best quality was his unshattering focus and his ability to always remain calm.

He talked to Sam Muddah for a moment very quietly.
At that moment, he took a few steps towards Raoul. As he got close. "Good to see you again. I think I saw you a little bit before in the other bar." He pauses every sentence or so and looks around the bar. "I would like to sit and catch up, but sadly, I am on the clock right now. Since you were there as well, I was wondering if you wanted to aid national security. I am specifically looking for four people. If you can help point them out, I can do that quickly. I wouldn't mind having a sit down burger without anything else on my mind. This place does have an oddly comforting smell. "



Fabulous Entrance

The door slams open as a man with a wide collar and shiny bleached hair stands in. He smirks as he introduces himself. "No party is complete without Yami, the Tsunami!" He bends water he has around him and creates a rainbow around him. His feather boa around his neck is so large that it nearly reaches the ground a he walks delicately. People are in utter awe, but they look right past him at the man standing right behind him.

He stands with a hood and long mustache. Anyone close recognizes him immediately as the Lieutenant. The place falls deathly silent and even Yami turns around and then backs away.

His older grizzled voice has only become rougher in the past two years. "So all of you pussycats finally decided to let me in. I was beginning to think you were afraid of me. Since Amon... that traitor Noatok fought the Avatar, I have done everything to get an audience to show the world that he is a fraud."

Huochin, the Turtle Lion walks towards the Lieutenant and gives a light bow as he tries to take his hood and lead him to a seat. "You seem tired. Take a seat. Take a break."

The Lieutenant pulls away and stay up. He looks around the party. "This is what the great revolution has done with its resources to overthrow Amon. Had I known that this was all you amounted to, I would have tried to overthrow Amon by myself."

Many people already start BOOing him and some actually throw things at him, calling him an Equalist Pigdog and far worse.

"Any of you really out to stop Amon, listen to what I have to say. First, he is a fake. He is a waterbender... a bloodbender named Noatok. The Avatar's old words are right. I witnessed this with my own eyes."

Yami smiles and speaks with a soothing calm (jack ass) kind of a voice. "That is oooold news. Amon already showed us his scar. Even if it is a fake, there has been no proof of the Avatar's words. If only one person saw it, it might as well have been zero."

The Lieutenant does not even acknowledge Yami's words. "Anyone that wants something big; you know he is planning to invade Firenation. We all know that, but do you know how he plans to win?" Most of the crowd pauses.

"I know Amon's three big inventions that he will use to win the war. I know where he keeps them, and now have the dates that he is planning on using them. If you want stop him, I can tell you where you need to be to kill his war, and bring down his most important allies."

The Lieutenant pulls out papers. He takes them to the arena. "Leaders, confirms the words I will say in these plans. Amon plans on taking the world by bringing his planes across the world. He has a new mobile fortress called the Aircraft Carrier that will bring his deadly flying machines to the Firenation. Perhaps even more deadly, Sato had created a deadly weapon long ago. During our earlier stages, Sato created this before the glove as our equalizer." The Lieutenant pulls out a hand held item made of metal. It has a small handle with a trigger and a short small barrel.

Spoiler: show

It's a gun

"This is called the pistol. It is the new weapon of the non-bender. It gives anyone the power of a long range deadly attack too fast to see coming. One hit can kill you. It was considered too violent for Amon's early revolutionary stages, but now Amon is mass producing them for the soldiers to attack Firenation, and for police inside the United Republic. Last, but not least, Amon with the Golden Dragon Company is planning on testing Sato's deadliest weapon of all, a chemical weapon meant to target benders." There, there are pictures and written plans for three different machines. The leaders see this.

Huochin looks perplexed. Kurokoko's eyes go wide as she speaks up. "These are either the real thing or a near perfect forgery. The style and paper of it. Everything about this note is reminiscent of what the Equalists and Future Industry used to blueprint their plans."

Yami does an excessively impressive waterboosting back flip onto the stage and floats down with water as he reaches his hand to look at the plans. He turns them upside down and throws them back at the others. "I don't think we can trust a word this man says. Letting him here is a mistake. Two years might be a long cover, but he is who he is. This is not a man who is our ally. Eeven if he hates... Amon. He'll trap us and blow us all up with Amon if he isn't leading us into a trap. It's clear that Amon wouldn't leave you alone if you had such valuable information."

[Zutarafan101]

Daiyu flinched as the door of the club slammed open, nearly doubling over with laughter at the sight of the man that strode in. "No party is complete without Yami, the Tsunami!" He bends water he has around him and creates a rainbow around him. She figured his outburst and ridiculous display were obviously meant to draw attention, but why people were staring at him in awe was completely beyond her.

That is, until she realized it wasn't it wasn't 'Yami the Tsunami' they were staring at.

She, too, stared in awe as the Lieutenant, Amon's former right-hand man, made his way into the room. "So all of you pussycats finally decided to let me in. I was beginning to think you were afraid of me. Since Amon... that traitor Noatok fought the Avatar, I have done everything to get an audience to show the world that he is a fraud." Daiyu continued to watch as Huochin, the Turtle Lion attempted to persuade the man to sit, only to pushed away.

Listening intently, Daiyu hung on to the Lieutenant's every word, as he spoke of how Amon truly wasn't who he said he was: he was a waterbender, and bloodbender. She, like almost everyone else, had heard the Avatar speak about this at the rally 2 years ago, and had believed it. Still did believe it.

She rolled her eyes as Yami interrupted. "That is oooold news. Amon already showed us his scar. Even if it is a fake, there has been no proof of the Avatar's words. If only one person saw it, it might as well have been zero." 'Just let the man speak, would you?' she thought.

Daiyu knew there were probably very few people that wanted to listen to the Lieutenant's words. But she ignored the ones that began to boo at him, and continued to give her full attention to the man on stage, as he spoke of a new weapon Sato had created.

"This is called the pistol. It is the new weapon of the non-bender. It gives anyone the power of a long range deadly attack too fast to see coming. One hit can kill you. It was considered too violent for Amon's early revolutionary stages, but now Amon is mass producing them for the soldiers to attack Firenation, and for police inside the United Republic. Last, but not least, Amon with the Golden Dragon Company is planning on testing Sato's deadliest weapon of all, a chemical weapon meant to target benders."

Daiyu's eyes widened in shock, along with the leaders and several other members of the crowd.

Yami does an excessively impressive waterboosting back flip onto the stage and floats down with water as he reaches his hand to look at the plans. He turns them upside down and throws them back at the others. "I don't think we can trust a word this man says. Letting him here is a mistake. Two years might be a long cover, but he is who he is. This is not a man who is our ally. Eeven if he hates... Amon. He'll trap us and blow us all up with Amon if he isn't leading us into a trap. It's clear that Amon wouldn't leave you alone if you had such valuable information."

Hoping no one would notice her anger at Yami's words, her hands balled into fists and she clenched her teeth, resisting the urge to speak up in the Lieutenant's defense. Though she could be wrong, Daiyu believed the man wouldn't be telling them what he was if he was still working with Amon.

[The Lion Turtle]

Yami stands up. "You all know I am the most fabulously powerful Waterbender here. I have recently learned the powerful and deadly art of bloodbending. Still, I am nothing like the great Yakone, but soon I will surpass him and make a fool out of Amon with my Bending. Maybe I can make him do a dance for me."

Daiyu is not the only one angry at Yami. His desire to be center stage and always interrupting the Lieutenant has made several people have visible signs of anger. Despite his whimsical nature, Yami was actually a very dangerous man more prone to random acts of violence than most.

The Lieutenant finally perks his head up towards him. "If it were that easy, then council man Tarrlok would have finished him. I was at the North Pole when Amon tracked him. I wasn't in the room, but we were warned that Tarrlok was a powerful bloodbender, and he is the son of Yakone. Amon beat him. Go ahead, deliver your bending to him if that's what you want. None of you have to believe my words, but this rally is a sign that the war is going to start. You don't need to destroy these machines, but maybe take them, use them yourselves. Just use this information to take him down. I'll even stay and help you with the best of my abilities and knowledge of Amon's hideouts all over the world."

[Renori Fa]

"Whatever you want to call me, babe."

He sighed, that wasn't the answer he wanted, but he pressed her no further. She was playing with the buttons on his shirt, although apparently having a difficult time since Renori liked to keep a tight undershirt. He grabbed her hands and said, "Slow down, let's talk a bit first."

He moved over to a bed nearby and tried to sound casual. "So what exactly is this party? Who are these people and why are they meeting here?"

He felt like that might have been too much of a push, so he leaned in for a kiss as well.

[Zutarafan101]

"You all know I am the most fabulously powerful Waterbender here. I have recently learned the powerful and deadly art of bloodbending. Still, I am nothing like the great Yakone, but soon I will surpass him and make a fool out of Amon with my Bending. Maybe I can make him do a dance for me."

Daiyu scoffed under her breath. Most powerful Waterbender here? Yeah right. 'I could take you any day, pretty boy,'she thought. Though she did not know the extent of how powerful Yami's bending was, she was sure his arrogance was his weakness. And she took note of that.

"If it were that easy, then council man Tarrlok would have finished him. I was at the North Pole when Amon tracked him. I wasn't in the room, but we were warned that Tarrlok was a powerful bloodbender, and he is the son of Yakone. Amon beat him. Go ahead, deliver your bending to him if that's what you want. None of you have to believe my words, but this rally is a sign that the war is going to start. You don't need to destroy these machines, but maybe take them, use them yourselves. Just use this information to take him down. I'll even stay and help you with the best of my abilities and knowledge of Amon's hideouts all over the world."

She perked her head up at that. Now that was an idea. With the plans to these weapons - if they could find the right resources - they could build their own versions and use them against the Equalists and Amon.

[Inochi]

“Some friends in need of help,” Misaki replied with a soft grin.

The golden eyes took a look around the quaint house they now found themselves in. A warm light filled the room clearly exposing the young Water Tribe woman and Misaki who both had been somewhat masked by night. Inochi seized this moment to finally take a gander at the waterbender. Her skin was of course a light shade of brown dressed in a blue tunic and tight dark pants. She had a pretty face with a bit of a pronounced nose and black hair tied in a long ponytail that seemed to shine in the light. As he scrutinized her more, he began to feel a tad inadequate with his own looks. He was sure that the fight and their following stressful escape had left him looking like a complete mess. While he had to constantly put forth an effort to look beautiful, the waterbender managed to be fairly pretty without any makeup at all. This left both a feeling of admiration and slight jealousy within Inochi. Suddenly, her ice blue eyes looked directly into his own causing him to quickly switch his gaze back at the man, his daughter, and Misaki.

"My name is Inochi." he purred.

"And I'm Arakana" the waterbender added before bowing. "Thank you for taking us in."

Inochi suddenly bowed as well. "Yes, thank you so much!" blushing that he had forgotten his manners. "...Could I please use your bathroom?"

[Misaki]

Misaki continued stroking Meifeng’s soft hair when her ears perked up to a voice, and glanced back.

“My name is Inochi,” the woman in the skirt purred, now identifying herself.

“And I'm Arakana,” the Water Tribe girl now identified herself as. She continued, replying, “Thank you for taking us in,” as she bowed.

Inochi quickly followed her action, blushing slightly, replied, “Yes, thank you so much!” Coming out of the bow, she continued, “...Could I please use your bathroom?”

Guang quickly stifled a laugh, and replied with a cheerful grin, placing his hand on her shoulder, “Of course doll. Down the hall, second door on the right. Ya can’t miss it.”

Inochi quickly thanked him, and disappeared down the darkened hall. Guang turned to three other girls, and said, “Pleasure to meet ya Arakana. Name’s Guang.”

He stuck out his hand to shake, his arm large and muscled. She slowly stuck out her hand, at which Guang quickly gave a rough, hard handshake. The man just cheerfully grinned again, as Arakana took her hand back, slightly dazed by the likely earthbender’s strength.

“Thanks again for letting us into your home,” Arakana stated.

“Any friend of a member of the resistance is welcome in my humble abode. Well now, how about I whip up us some tea. What do ya say girls?” Guang asked, glancing back as they began walking toward the kitchen. Meifeng just giggled with excitement, running passed the group into the kitchen, her arms spread like bird wings.

“Of course Guang, your tea is the best,” Misaki replied with grin, which caused Guang to simply rub her hair with his hand again. A smile appeared on his face and Misaki just laughed quietly, her grin widening.

The kitchen was sizable; a marble counter top almost completely circled the room, and a large oak table with enough room for eight people sat at one end, while the other comprised of the cooking area. A large, brown refrigerator hummed quietly in the corner of the area, near a window, while a gray stove with four heating elements sat in the middle, and a half filled, double-wide, metal sink sat closest to the door, its chrome finish gleaming in the light. Wood cabinets with an oak finish sat above the cooking area, all built into the wall, while various plants were placed throughout the room. A small radio sat in the middle of the table, emitting the quieted tune a song, while a strange looking device with speaker attached to a cord sat at the end of the table, near the wall.

Suddenly, the device perked to life, the voice of man emitting from some wired receiver sitting on the floor below the device. As suddenly the device had sparked to life, it quieted again, static being the only thing heard from it until another voice, this time a woman, spoke up.

“So, what brings you girls to this side of town this late in the evening,” Guang asked, pouring water into a kettle as the girls took their seats at the table.

“We had a little… trouble with some Equalists in the park. Knew the only safe place to go would be here,” Misaki replied, glancing at the strange device at the far end of the table, something of what sounded like code emitting from its receiver before falling silent again.

“So it wasn’t you girls all the fuss was about. Well, that’s good,” Guang stated, placing the kettle on the stove and turning on one of the burners. He soon took his place at the table as the water began warming up.

Misaki nodded. “Aye, thankfully. Although, I’m not sure as to whether that helps the fact that we-,” she quickly paused herself, slowly glancing at Meifeng, who had her head rested on the table, quietly humming the tune from radio, her eyes closed.

The receiver on the device sparked to life again, a garbled message emitting from it… sounds of fighting heard in the background. It fell silent again, at which Misaki got up and turned the device off, it’s static fading immediately.

She returned to her seat, when Arakana unexpectedly got up, questioning, “Could I go wait for my friend?”

Guang just nodded, and the girl left the room, turning down the dark hall. He then glanced at Misaki who couldn’t do anything but offer a shrug. The room had suddenly turned quiet except for the sound of the radio and Meifeng’s nearly silent humming. The girl’s voice was beautiful, and Misaki knew Meifeng would have the voice of a great singer one day.

Misaki quickly glanced at the ground, her expression saddening. “I’m gonna go outside and get some fresh air,” she stated, putting on a fake smile, as she looked back up.

Guang saw right through it however, a small smile slowly forming on his face. “Take all the time you need. I’ll call when the tea is ready.”

Misaki simply nodded as she got up from the table, heading for the side door in the kitchen. She went outside, the cool night air hitting her face as she closed the door. After first being taken in by the Agni Kais, this boarding home was the first place they had offered to her as a home, and the first real step back towards normal life for her… even though her life would never be the same again.

She remembered playing with other children who had lived here with their families at the time, but those times were nothing but memories now, the families having found new homes and moved away. Making her way through the darkened side yard, she headed to a large, tall oak tree, its branches and trunk showing signs of age. She also remembered climbing the tree, and looking out over the whole Southeast side of the city, the large sky scrapers in the distance off to the Northwest.

As if going by adventurism or pure nostalgia, Misaki began climbing the tree again, it creaking as she started making her way toward the top. Hand-grab and foothold, she finally made it to the top, plopping down on an extremely large branch, it bouncing as it took her weight. She stretched her legs out on the branch, and leaned back against the strong, old trunk, the tree seeming apparent that it would hold her grown weight. She looked on, staring out at the twinkling lights of the city, every building alight with a yellow glow.

Misaki began digging around inside her jacket pocket, pulling out a sliver Zippo lighter, its metal gleaming once light hit it. She then dug into her shirt pocket, pulling out a white carton of cigarettes, slowly taking one from the package, then putting it back in her pocket. She put the cigarette between her lips, its taste of tobacco and paper, and began fumbling with the lighter, flicking a small wheel with her thumb. Sparks shown as she flicked the wheel once and then twice before a small flame caught light, which danced on the lighter as she put it to the cigarette.

Its mixture caught and lit, she then pulled the lighter away, flipping it shut which doused the flame, and put it back into her jacket pocket. Misaki took a slow drag on the cigarette, it glowing more as she did so, and pulled the item away from her lips as she blew out, white, ghostly smoke, which drifted upwards. She then put the cigarette back between her lips, and again, rummaged around in her jacket pocket, pulling out a small gold object attached to a chain. Clicking a button on its side, released a lock, causing it to flip open, revealing it to be a pocket watch. The small clock inside ticked away, its arms slowly moving.

Misaki then glanced to the left of the clock, a small black-and-white picture posted inside, held in place by what appeared to be chewing gum. On the picture shown three people… her mother, her father, and herself as little girl. This was all she had left of her family… a small picture in an insignificant piece of clockwork and gears, and she continued to stare at the picture, as a stray tear fell from her eye.