I was watching LOK and I suddenly wondered about Pema and her background, so I came up with an origin story which I really think is interesting. Enjoy it and let me know what you think!

Pema let out a long sigh as she took a drag from her cigarette before stubbing it out and made her back inside pushing away the mesh curtains that shielded Republic City from the dark underworld. When Pema came to Republic City she expected to find a job quickly and soon be living in the lap of luxury before she knew it, instead she found herself poor and working in a brothel something that made her cheeks flame in shame.

She thought the farm was bad it wasn't as humiliating as that but she quickly adapted and learnt the tricks of the trade, how to act and look. Madame Jin said she was naturally beautiful she just needed to enhance it with some eye makeup and rouge. The Brothel was better than some but it was still in the slums where the gangs ruled. It was Agni Kai territory but the gang war they had going on with the Triads meant the street she worked on was right in the middle so business was more popular.

Madame Jin said men don't fight when there is a woman involved, so it was calm in the brothel when she walked in and made her way up to her room. It would be work soon so she shut the door ignoring the flyer advertising the Air Acolytes- you needed to travel to one of the Air Temples and she couldn't afford it yet but she could if she saved.

She lined her eyes in front of the cracked mirror adding a dramatic flick so it would stand out against the dimmed lighting downstairs. She then rouged her cheeks and pinned some strands of hair back so it looked elegant but free. She slipped on her red dress that was sheer apart from the bust and crotch area which had a deeper red fabric allowing some modesty.

Straightening her back she swished downstairs just as men started to come in, she was about to approach one but a tap in the shoulder stopped her. She turned and saw Madame Jin. Even though the woman had to be in her late 50's she still tried to look like she was 20, it was failing.

"I need you to step out into the street and attract customers." Pema opened her mouth to object but Jin raised her hand "I don't care that it is dangerous because of this 'gang' war but we still need money especially you."

Pema shut her mouth and nodded dejectedly "I will try my best" she said staring at her shoes.

Jin raised her chin "Head up…chest out." She instructed before pushing her towards the door. Pema stepped out into the street and walked to the end of it briskly already feeling the cold. She liked this end of the street it faced the docks and she could clearly see Air Temple island, it looked so peaceful.

Pema huffed and watched her breath dissipate in front of her. It was getting colder and the wind was starting to bite, she as leaning against the wall showing of her figure and occasionally directing men towards the brothel with a smirk and kiss. That's when she heard scuffling and then a loud "BANG!". That made her straighten up and tenderly walk towards the ally where the noise was coming from making her steps exceptionally loud and then the scuffling stopped as she heard people begin to run and she stepped down lighting a match and letting out a gasp.

A man was slumped against the wall bleeding a lot, he'd obviously been beaten severly his dark blue coat turning red steadily. She stepped forward and knelt down to the man, he was off water tribe ethnicity and blearily blue eyes opened.

"This the gorgeous angel of death coming to greet me?" he drawled even managing to raise an eyebrow at her.

She snorted "No an irritated woman whose job was interrupted by you." She finished looking at him haughtily before getting serious and assessing the wounds, a broken nose, split lip, swollen eye and judging by his wheezing a few broken ribs.

"What is it that you do doll?" he asked as she helped him up groaning in pain as it moved a few ribs.

"I don't kiss and tell." She replied as she staggered with him to the entrance of the alley.

"I could do with a kiss." He said leaning in slightly before smiling pathetically "But maybe another time." She laughed lightly "Indeed"

"Now are you Triad, Agni Kai or maybe even a rhino?" she railed of all the gangs. He looked impressed "Triad- can you help me towards the east dock?"

Pema nodded and they began a long trek towards the east dock, she knew she'd get into trouble with Madame Jin but he entranced her slightly, he didn't slaver over her like normal men did he kept his distance and didn't ask questions she liked that. They walked in silence until he stopped just outside a understated building, Pema however did notice the bodyguards at the door who immediately went to help her.

"Jeez Shin what the hell?" one asked looking at him and brushing Pema away so he could support her better. So his name was Shin she'd heard it passed around a few times he was big in the gang scene. Well done Pema you helped a criminal get help. She rolled her eyes to herself. Only her.

"Agni Kai's" Shin muttered as more men poured out the door.

One man caught her eye in particular he was Lightning Bolt Zolt she knew this because he frequently visited Madame Jin for business meetings.

He looked at Shin before saying "Just mop it up it will be fine help him in boys" Shin needed more than that, he needed to get his ribs bound so they'd hurt him less.

She didn't know why she spoke she should leave while no man looked at her and demanded service but she still said "No. He needs stitches on that eyebrow cut and his ribs need binding" Everyone went silent and Shin smirked appreciatively at her liking the attitude.

Zolt however did not look amused "And what would a Whore know about Ribs?" he said and suddenly she was scared she'd heard about gang rape and how brutal it could be.

"More than you obviously" she said back glaring daggers at him. Zolt took a threatening step forward.

"She helped me and she knows what she is doing, let her help who's she gonna tell?" Shin said looking at her intently.

Zolt looked between them before nodding "You tell anyone I'll cut you." The threat was short and deadly. Pema shivered as she was led into the building. She didn't get a good look though because she was quickly led up to a room with Shin being helped up next to her.

It was a simple room and as they laid Shin down one of the men turned to her "Need anything?"

Pema nodded "A needle, thread, cloth, warm water and antiseptic" the man looked at her confusedly "Anti-?" Pema resisted the urge to roll her but she saw Shin roll his "Alcohol?" she questioned.

"Oh sure coming up" she couldn't hold in a sigh then.

The man left and soon it was just her and Shin, she started peeling his shirt off so she could see the ribs better and couldn't help let out a gasp at the bruises. Shin smirked again (he did that a lot it seemed) and said "Like what you see?"

Pema blushed "Depends."

"On what?" he drawled.

"Weather it will be bruised all the time." She asked and he snorted.

"No promises doll."

The men came in with the stuff she needed and she quickly went to work binding the ribs and sewing wounds shut. Shin tried to keep quiet but he couldn't help the gasps that came out occasionally. Pema noticed but she didn't say anything. Her mother was a healer but she gave it up when she married Pema's father.

"Ok so your all done" she said with a clap and stood up. She dusted off her shirt as she started to wash the blood of her hands.

Shin sat up gingerly and put his shirt back on "No rest for the wicked huh." He said gesturing to the rising sun that was making the water in the dock shimmer.

"I suppose not." Pema muttered. She made no money Jin was going to kill her but at least she didn't need to fuck anyone tonight. She hadn't realised she'd gone quiet but she snapped out of it when Shin handed her some coins.

"Need to make it look like you've been working huh?" he said and he looked sad when she took it, she was a beautiful girl why was she in this situation?

Pema smiled slightly "Thanks."

"No thank you Doll if you hadn't found me I would probably be dead." As Shin began to make his way to the door, he led her out through the kitchen and opened the back door for her.

"Maybe I'll see you around?" he asked lightly.

Pema laughed "Perhaps." And walked out the door. To deal with a gang man you needed to be aloof and tough.

She made her way slowly through the streets of Republic city stopping only to mess her hair up and smudge her makeup.

For once Pema didn't look at Air Temple Island and wish she was there she just kept on walking.

What did you think. New update soon. Read and review.