Chapter 8
A funny thing happened to us on the way to the pro-bending game...
Shesh chuckled as she knocked the bird cage around a little, Pet Show simply glaring at his captors. No doubt if looks could kill Shesh would have been dead at least ten times. Though one would have to question how a bird could give off a glare in the first place.
"Shesh...stop, you can kill it after we find out where it's from," Qishi said those words casually as she walked into the main room, sitting down at a table, the windows of the inn still broken due to the fire bending bird's attack.
Shesh sighed as she tossed the cage, before sitting in the chair across from Qishi as their conversation started.
"So. Do you have any ideas on who would send a killer bird after us?" Shesh asked a rather good question as Qishi shook her head, as she adjusted her glasses.
"No, I do have some guesses, but none of them makes sense,"Qishi grumbled, as Shesh crossed her arms. It was pretty strange for her to say something like that, considering they were just attacked by a one of the strangest things that Shesh ever saw...even if that thing was a bird.
"Well, it's not like the things that have been happening to use lately has been normal, so using logic to explain something like this will probably just mean we are looking in all the wrong areas," It would have been a lie if Shesh said she was an expert in the field of hiring assassins and hit-men, but she knew for a fact that birds were not common workers of such jobs.
Qishi really couldn't argue with that statement, as she started to list the number of suspects that came into her head.
"At first I thought it was maybe someone from the police force, or maybe the city council, but I dismissed them since neither group cares about what happens in downtown Republic city, it would be too much work to try clean it up and the police have little power here. In fact, a lot of corruption is on the police force and a large reason some gangs can stay active in higher levels of the city is because of them," Qishi pointed out as Shesh scratched the back of her head.
"It's probably really complicated, but from the sound of it, the people who would even be willing to hire an assassin have more to gain with the gangs active than if all the members were dead," Shesh said as Qishi gave a light shrug, as if the conversation wasn't worth too much effort.
"Eh, pretty much, this leaves us with other gangs, but that doesn't really make much sense either, Pet Show was probably told to attack anyone in a gang regardless of what gang they were in, at least that is what I got from gathering information," Qishi pointed this fact out as Shesh bit her lip, it was rather funny considering that Shesh joined the gang so she wouldn't have to worry about such things.
Qishi had a point however, why would someone from a gang hire an assassin to kill all gang members and leaders, it would be redundant unless...
"Maybe they aren't apart of a gang yet...but are trying to take out leaders and members so they can quickly become a boss of one and use them. I mean, if Pet Show succeeded, then all the gang leaders would probably be dead, and the person that sent him would not only successfully weakened every gang in the city, but would also have a selection of gangs to choose from," Shesh said that, but she really had no idea why anyone would do such a thing, or even go through the trouble of doing it. There was no doubt easier ways to get power in Republic city, though from what Shesh could tell ruling downtown seemed far more profitable and easier than ruling uptown.
Qishi eyes narrowed at Shesh's deduction, "Well, that's possible, but if that's really the case, then it's impossible for us to even know that person," Qishi said that, and it seemed that marked the end of the conversation, there was no way to get more info into the matter due to the fact that neither Shesh or Qishi spoke bird and there was no leads to speak of.
The sun was still out as Shesh crossed her arms, once again another pro-bending match was being held at the arena, and unlike last time Shesh didn't have en excuse not to go. It was no doubt similar to having to go to a wedding of a distant relative.
"Man, after all the trouble we've been through the other day, you really think it's safe to go out. I mean we might meet a waterbending cat, though if that happened even I would have to say, you've got to be kitten me!" Shesh chuckled as Qishi groaned at the horrid pun before examining the watertribe woman. Though the funny part was the fact that Shesh was no longer wearing anything remotely from the watertribe.
It seemed that Shesh was actually able to take the shopping trip she was planning as Qishi gained a small smile as Shesh eyes twitched ever so slightly.
"Here I thought you had the fashion sense of a cockroach rat, but it seems you've finally learned how to look fashionable. Gone are the days where I told everyone that you were a poor homeless woman, no, you are no longer poor...just homeless," Qishi almost seemed ready to cry as Shesh frowned slightly before realizing something.
"Wait...you told people I was poor and homeless...I mean sure it's true, but you didn't have to tell everyone!" Shesh snapped, even though she really didn't have a reputation to ruin, she felt she still had to keep it from shattering to pieces.
"That is beside the point Shesh, do you know who is playing today?" Qishi asked bluntly no doubt she was referring to the two teams in the Pro-bending tournament that was go against one another.
"No...please tell me more, tell me about the sport I care so much about..." No doubt Shesh was being sarcastic with her words, though it seemed that Qishi didn't notice or did not care as she put her hands together no doubt preparing to dump rather worthless knowledge.
"Sure!" Qishi spoke with a certain enthusiasm that a child would before running down exactly what teams would be playing.
"Tonight teams are...The Fire Ferrets and the Platypus Bears, it's for the chance to play in the championships, isn't that just marvelous?" Qishi stated as Shesh rolled her eyes, Shesh really didn't understand the idea of being excited for such a thing when more exciting things had happened to both of the women.
"Yes, it makes me all tingly inside, like...eating a cow chicken burger," Shesh once again showed her enthusiasm for the entire thing was in the negatives as Qishi eyes narrowed, almost as if she was suspicious of something.
"...I'm starting to think you aren't very excited for this at all," As Qishi said those words, Shesh honestly did not know if the woman was intentionally being stupid or not as Qishi continued.
"Well, have you ever heard of gambling? I know since you are from a rather backwater place such a thing might be alien to you, but gambli-"
"I know what gambling is..." Shesh crossed her arms, as Qishi smiled.
"Good, the reason I'm usually excited is because I place bets on teams to get some extra spending money...The Fire Ferrets have been treating me rather well lately, so I've been betting on them," Qishi adjusted her glasses and it was at that moment Shesh realized something.
"You don't care about the sport at all! You just care about making money," Shesh eyes twitched as Qishi leaned back putting her hands over her face, as if she was ashamed.
"W-when you say it like that, it makes me sound shallow!" Qishi said as Shesh grumbled no doubt saying something under her breath.
"That's because you are shallow!" Shesh said as Qishi coughed slightly, it seemed that the woman probably wasn't going to make an effort to deny such a claim as she smoothly changed the subject.
"Well, my mother sent me a letter from the Fire Nation, I really have no idea why she didn't call me, but it seems like she's having fun," Qishi had no idea why she brought up the subject of her mother, perhaps it was simply due to the fact that there was a large amount of time to kill between then and the pro-bending match.
Shesh grumbled slightly, she really did hate talking about her parents or parents in general, which no doubt meant that the conversation would drift towards such a subject. It was only natural that Shesh planned a preemptive assault.
"I bet you wished you would have gone, man, for someone who is in their twenties you sure act like a kid whenever you mention your mom," Shesh snickered, as Qishi gained the kind of glare one would give when someone took the last funnel cake from the bakery.
"I do not, and even if I did, it's a good thing to be close to your parents," Qishi face turned red, no doubt she really was close to her mother, though that brought another thought into Shesh's head.
"...What about your dad?" Shesh had to say those words as Qishi face fell, almost as if she was sad. Shesh forgot if she asked before, but it would have been a lie if Shesh said she wasn't interested.
"He...well I don't know my father," Qishi closed her eyes as Shesh lips curled, she really didn't know what to say at that moment.
"Meh, don't worry about it, it's probably someone useless anyway, I mean you turned out fine without knowing right?" Shesh lifted her shoulders as Qishi quickly adjusted her glasses before reveling something else.
"Actually I know his name and that he's from the North Pole, that's actually part of the reason why I even let you join the gang. I thought maybe I would have an easier time going to the North or South Pole if I had someone I knew from there with me," Qishi pointed that out as Shesh frowned.
"I see, so you didn't think I was interesting or anything...you just wanted to use me to get what you want," Shesh sounded almost offended at the whole thing as Qishi gained a light almost warm smile.
"Ah, I'm so happy you understand," Once again Shesh couldn't tell if Qishi was messing with her or not, Qishi really was far too good at acting innocent when necessary.
"You know, you really didn't have to be all secretive, if you wanted to go to the South Pole, you could have just asked," Shesh pointed that out as she closed one of her eyes.
After all, the watertribe woman had no reason to deny anyone the visit, though Shesh had no idea why anyone would go there outside of seeing someone else. It really was just a bunch of ice and snow with a few festivals once or twice a year. Almost the polar opposite of what Republic city was like.
"Eh, perhaps, but I still haven't decided if I want to meet him or not," Qishi no doubt had an interesting decision to make as Shesh crossed her arms.
It really wasn't something someone could just decide on a whim, there were many factors that had to be considered. The cost, the time it would take, if he was alive or not or if he even wanted anything to do with Qishi.
"Plus...I'm a little old for wondering about someone I haven't known for 24 years," Qishi chuckled as Shesh sighed, it really wasn't her place to say anything and no matter what she said it would have been worthless in the grand scheme of things.
Similar to giving advice on how to bake a cake during a funeral, there's a time and a place for somethings and this was not the time for Shesh to be poking her noise into Qishi's business.
"We should probably leave early, I actually want to get decent seats..." Qishi said as she lifted herself from her seat, however before the two women could leave the table, Shesh noticed the clanging of a cage, no doubt it was Pet Show rolling around, not able to leave its steel prison without burning itself as well.
"Is it really okay to leave that thing here by itself, I mean it might burn down the entire inn," As Shesh said that, Pet Show eyes twitched, it was such a strange bird.
"Can it understand me...nah, it's a bird and I doubt animals have souls of any kind, they are just dumb beast that eat and sleep," Shesh had to mentally tell herself that, Pet Show, no matter how smart the bird was, was still just a bird in the end.
"Don't worry, that bird cage isn't a flip lock, it requires a key to open, so it won't be able to use it's talons to get out, and who cares if I misplace the key. If it dies of starvation of being cramped in the cage, it deserves it anyway," Qishi said before adjusting her glasses once again, the tall woman then took her scarf from off the table and walked towards the front door.
Shesh sighed, once again in the back of her head she had a nagging feeling that the outing was probably going to be rather strange, which wasn't too far from the truth since before either of the women could exit the inn, there was a knock on the door.
"Eh...Qishi, were you expecting visitors?" Shesh had to ask as Qishi crossed her arms, before simply shacking her head.
"No, I mean no one visits me," Qishi opened the door casually to be greeted with a familiar face, no doubt it was Xinzang, who actually looked rather stressed about something, perhaps it was time for her to revel her deepest darkest secrets and the mysteries of her past?
"Good, you two young ladies are here, tell me do you have an extra Satomobile?" No greeting, just a request as Shesh frowned at her current teacher, why would she need a Satomobile in the first place. Not like Qishi or her had an extra one to give out in the first place.
Qishi paused for a moment, no doubt in deep thought, she was going to give the most thought provoking answer that anyone has ever heard.
"No," The answer was blunt as Xinzang eye twitched, causing Shesh to ask a rather good question.
"Why do you need a Satomobile anyway?" Shesh asked as Xinzang grumbled, as she took a seat, it seemed the older woman was making herself at home as she explained her plight, despite the fact that it really wasn't their problem.
"Well, I run a delivery and bakery believe it or not, I usually use my Satomobile to deliver these things, but unfortunately it seems to have a problem starting at the moment and alas I deliver to every area of Republic city so doing it by foot would be impossible," Xinzang stated as Shesh paused for a moment.
It was rather odd to hear that Xinzang had such a mundane job, Shesh actually thought she was some kind of grand doctor or herbalist with exotic treatments, but a baker who happened to also deliver objects was rather...
"Wow, that's a pretty lame job..." Shesh said that rather carelessly as Xinzang frowned deepen, however before the 33 year old could speak in her own defense Qishi added her thoughts about the subject.
"Shesh, that's not very nice, you know poor old ladies have to find a way to make money, sure a deliver service and bakery might be the combination of the two dullest activities in this world, but it's obvious that it pays," Qishi stated, almost obvious to the sheer amount of insult that was in her statements as Xinzang took a deep breath, resisting the urge to scream.
"Well, anyway, as I said before, we really don't have any extra Satomobiles, considering me and Shesh was about to prepare to go out to prepare for the Pro-bending game," Qishi said bluntly as Shesh looked out the window, no doubt they had plenty of hours to kill and it wasn't like Shesh was excited to go to the pro-bending game.
"Why don't we just ride her around and help her deliver the goods, I mean what were we going to do anyway? Plus she did help us out that one time, being in debt to someone is a pain," Shesh pointed out as Qishi sighed, it no doubt would be in bad taste to deny a request as simple as that.
"Oh, fine, as long as I'm driving I do not mind, but if it gets too late we are heading straight to the arena," Qishi said as Xinzang smiled no doubt happy with the outcome of the conversation.
"Do not worry young women, I promise you it will not take a long time, there is only about four deliveries we have to make," Xinzang said as Qishi adjusted her glasses.
Of course Qishi was driving, she wouldn't dare allow someone else to touch the Speed Machine No. 1, as Xinzang sat in the back humming to herself, looking at the list on what appeared to be a small clipboard and paper. Next to her was bags of what appeared to be edible and non-edible goods that needed delivering.
"We are coming up to the first house," Xinzang cheery attitude did not match the surroundings, it was obvious that they were still in downtown Republic city, as Xinzang casually gave a bag that had a small cardboard box around it, no doubt it contained a type of food.
"There are a few egg custard tarts in the box, please be careful not to mash them!" Xinzang smiled as Shesh grumbled, she had no idea why she had to be the one delivering the food as she glanced at Qishi who was no doubt more concerned about the Speed Machine getting dirty than anything else.
"Why do I have to get out?" Shesh asked as Xinzang shrugged, it wasn't until then that Shesh noticed that Xinzang always wore dresses for some odd reason, but that really wasn't the main topic at hand.
"Think of it...as part of your training, delivery is a good way to learn about your surroundings," The moment Xinzang spoke those words Shesh knew it was just a garbage excuse, but decided not to argue the point any further.
Shesh sighed as she got out of the Satomobile, careful not to disrupt the desserts as she walked up to the wooden and broken up house. It almost looked like it was going to fall apart at any moment as Shesh lifted her fist and knocked on the door. For a moment she thought she was going to break the door down,
There was silence for a moment as Shesh wondered if anyone was going to come out as, as the door slowly cracked open, reveling a man that didn't seem too much older than Shesh herself, he grumbled slightly as he held his head filled with dark hair.
Before the man was able to speak, Shesh handed him the bag,
"You ordered this..." The dull man eyes lit up as Shesh gave him the bag, no doubt he was expecting it as he scrambled to reach into his pocket, as he handed Shesh a few yuans.
The thing was...there was no way five yuans was enough to warrant the three egg custard tarts that were in the bag, however before Shesh could press the man about that he started to speak.
"You're working for Xinzang or something?" The man joked as he opened up the box, looked at the three egg centered desserts no doubt pleased him. Though Shesh was never really a big fan of eggs to begin with, so perhaps the taste of such food was lost to her.
"Yeah, her Satomobile broke down, so me and a friend are helping her," Shesh said casually as the man nodded.
"I see, tell her thanks for the discount, without it I probably wouldn't have been able to afford these for my sister," The man's statement explained why five yuans was enough to purchase the egg custard tarts, as Shesh sighed.
"I will," Shesh walked away as the man hurried back into his wooden house, Shesh had no idea how Xinzang was able to give discounts, but perhaps it was best not to think too hard about that as she walked back to the Speed Machine No. 1 and got back in the passenger seat, Xinzang was still examining her list.
From there the three went from house to house, delivering things that ranged from cookies, to things such as small packets of gas or small pieces of metal. It really was odd that Xinzang really didn't have any sort of consistency with the objects she delivered, it was like people simply used her house as a storage area and when they needed something they called her up.
Of course, Shesh had no idea how to run a business, as the Speed Machine reached a dead halt Shesh examined the area, no doubt they were in midtown Republic City as Qishi looked at the apartment that was looming over them. Xinzang was reading the list, though it appeared they were on the last costumer. Once again Xinzang handed Shesh the bag, however unlike last time, there was a hint of hesitation as Xinzang checked the list once more.
"Is something wrong?" Shesh asked as Xinzang shook her head before handing the last bag to Shesh,
"Oh, nothing, I thought I made a mistake..." Xinzang blew off such a comment as Shesh got out of the Satomobile, the sun was just setting and it seemed that they still had quite a few hours left to make it to the arena and to the Pro-bending game.
"Don't take too long Shesh," Qishi stated as Shesh walked towards the stone apartment complex.
Shesh then glanced at the piece of paper that was given to her, the number of the apartment was scribbled on it as she walked up the stone steps. The entire idea of an apartment seemed rather odd to Shesh, why would anyone want to live so close to complete strangers was beyond her comprehension, though once again it was probably something that Shesh simply had to get use to.
She was at the wooden door, as she knocked, this time she got an immediate answer, as the teenager that stood before her obviously looked rather peeved, as if someone had stolen his favorite hat.
"It's about time, you're late you know." He grumbled, he hand shoulder length hair and black eyes, in all honesty there really wasn't anything memorable about him and seemed like the kind of person that was simply there to make others look better.
"Sorry...Satomobile problems," Shesh tried to smile, after all it wasn't her reputation on the line, but rather Xinzang's, though at the same time, that very fact made Shesh want to tell the guy off even more.
"That sounds like a personal problem, you know I have a big game tonight, and because of you I might be late for it, though I assume you know who I am..." Was the teen a pro-bending? It was rather hard for Shesh to tell, or care at that moment, so she did the only logical thing she could.
"Sorry, never seen your face before, then again I only remember important people so..." Shesh really couldn't resist at the end as the teen nearly bit his lip and grumbled even louder. He reached into his pocket and shoved the yuans into Shesh's hands before snatching the bag.
He then slammed the door without another word as Shesh chuckled to herself, as she walked down the steps, no doubt she probably cost Xinzang a costumer, but at the same time Shesh doubted that Xinzang needed a costumer like that, especially compared to all the other ones that almost seemed grateful for her service.
As Shesh walked back to the Satomobile Xinzang face slowly gained a frown, of course both Shesh and Qishi noticed such an odd thing as Shesh asked a rather common question.
"Eh, what's with that face? You look like you won the lottery but lost the ticket," Shesh joked as Xinzang gained a smile fitting a person her age, no doubt she going to explain the situation.
"Oh, it's rather funny, you see...when I took the buyers order I wrote down extra peanut oil, but I recall he actually asked for no peanuts whatsoever, such a strange mistake...I'm usually very good at that sort of thing," No doubt it was a small mistake something rather insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
"So, the guy gets the taste of peanut in his mouth, not really a big deal," Shesh shrugged as she prepared the enter the Satomobile as Xinzang laughed, it was a nervous laugh, which was a clear indication that something was off.
"Well, normally you would be right, but the buyer has a horrible peanut allergy, in fact that is why he ordered the dish without any peanut oil even though it's usually made with it, there's a chance that if he might suffocate if he eats too much or any of that..." Xinzang pointed that out, no doubt even the 33 year old realized that what she did probably wasn't the smartest thing as Shesh eye twitched.
"How can you act so casual! That guy might be dead now, shit..." Shesh frowned, sure it was Xinzang who made it, but she delivered it, if that guy dies then she would be caught up in a large amount of legal garbage, something Shesh truly wanted to avoid.
"If I may speak..." Qishi gave a light cough, no doubt wanting to add her recommendation, Shesh fell silent as the gang leader offered her words of wisdom.
"In all my life of being the daughter of a gang leader, one things has remained constant, running away and not facing the problem always leads to the best outcome. Now I recommend we take this route and drive away, if anyone ask us, we never heard of the item or food known as peanuts or any associated cuisines.
Shesh sighed, though she was tempted to take Qishi advice, she really couldn't just leave someone...even if he was an ass, to die a death such as that.
"We'll check it out, if he's dead, then we can leave him there," Shesh stated as Xinzang and Qishi exited the car. It was only a short walk back to the room, as Shesh knocked on the wooden door once again, Qishi and Xinzang looking above the watertribes woman shoulders.
There wasn't an answer at all, as Shesh jiggled the doorknob and noticed that it was unlocked as all three entered the apartment Qishi had to make a point to be known.
"Do not worry, we are not here to rob you, robbing poor people isn't our agenda...and trust me, you are very, very poor," Qishi looked around at the cheap furniture after making such a comment as Shesh sighed, though it probably would be better if they were caught and the teen be alive than have him dead.
The apartment was rather small, something that was good enough for one person and only one person. The three entered the kitchen, as the noticed a figure lying on the floor clenching a baked good in his hands, no doubt it was a cookie.
The teens face was swollen as Shesh shivered, no doubt such a death would be horrid, dying while holding a cookie seemed rather mean spirited as Qishi twitched as she saw the face of the youth.
"This guy...he's apart of the Fire Ferrets," Qishi pointed that out, as Shesh eyes widened before recalling what the teen said before.
"Oh, yeah, he said that he had a game today, and was really angry that we got here late, so...this guy is a Fire Ferret," Shesh frowned as Xinzang no doubt checked the teen's pulse.
Qishi adjusted her glasses and tapped her lip, no doubt trying to recall the Fire Ferrets name. "I...think it was Hallowsook...no, no it was Hasook, that's right! He's really not all that memorable compared to his teammates," Qishi nodded to herself, before realizing something awful, something truly horrible.
"Wait...if Hasook is here, than the Fire Ferrets are down a member, you need three members to enter a pro-bending game, and the Fire Ferrets are too poor for replacements..." Qishi quickly put it together that the Fire Ferrets would have to forfeit and if that happened she would no doubt lose money on the bet she made.
"It looks like we've made it in time," Xinzang said as she was preparing to lift Hasook.
"Good, we can hurry up and take him to the arena," Qishi smiled to herself as Shesh simply slumped her shoulders, it seemed only two people truly knew the situation they were in.
"Are you crazy, we need to take him to a hospital, and even if he wasn't in risk of dying, do you actually think he can play like this?" Shesh made a rather good point as she lifted Hasook hands, though Shesh words simply caused Qishi to scoff as she crossed her arms.
"Nonsense, have you not heard of the phrase...walking it off, I'm sure once he's on his feet again he'll be fine. Plus the hospital is on the other side of the city, even if we left this second we won't have enough time to make it to the arena," Despite all that had happened Qishi was still focused on seeing the pro-bending game that might not even happen.
"Please, ladies, can we not decide this in the Satomobile?" Xinzang stated as both Shesh and Qishi nodded.
No doubt they had to be quick about it, as they carefully planed the route back to the Speed Machine, making sure not a single soul saw them carrying what was basically a body. Once they were back in the Speed Machine they placed him next to Xinzang in the back seat as the conversation at what to do next was started once again.
"I still propose us going to the arena, I'm sure they have healers that are more than capable of taking care of something as insignificant as a peanut allergy," Qishi stated as she got prepared to drive off the street, Shesh simply gave her a rather odd look, not one of anger, but one that simply could not be described. That look alone caused Qishi to reply once again.
"Don't look at me like that, you two might be too poor to get anything of worth, but the tickets I obtained were not cheap. If I do not use them, they will become useless, do you know what useless tickets are Shesh? They are pieces of paper!" Qishi once again adjusted her glasses, but Shesh stare would not let up as Qishi gave a rather large sigh, no doubt she buckled.
"Very well, but Shesh, I do hope you are prepared to pay me back the money I'm about to waste," No other exchange of words were needed as Qishi started the Speed Machine, driving in the direction opposite of the Pro-bending arena.
It goes without say, none of them made it to the match that night, mostly due to the fact it was impossible to get to complete opposite ends of the city in time, plus the long wait to get medical care due to the sheer amount of people at the brown and black hospital.
So, the sun had completely faded from the sky as Shesh, Qishi and Xinzang all sat in the waiting room, in wooden chairs waiting for the response of a doctor. There was no doubt a large amount of elderly people waiting as well, the room was lit with a certain kind of dread, almost telling you that it was your last stop before having tea with Koh.
Though, the worst part of it all, at least for Qishi was the complete lack of a radio, the one thing she could have used to salvage the situation was lost as someone came out of a door, no doubt it was a doctor that had decided to see Hasook for them was ready to speak.
"You ladies weren't a moment too soon, he no doubt would have died if you did not get him here...what I do not understand however, is why would someone with a peanut allergy willingly ingest something that was baked in peanut oil," The doctor was no doubt truly confused about the entire thing as Xinzang whispered something under her breath, no doubt cursing herself for the lack of care in placing the order.
"Well, whatever the reason, he'll be fine, do you want to see him?" The doctor asked, as all three woman gave a rather blunt reply.
"No,"
No doubt the doctor was shocked by the responses as he sighed, though the sigh was probably shared with all four of them. Once again, it had been another odd day, something Shesh wasn't sure she was happy or angry about that fact however.
"Well, we're releasing him tomorrow morning, if you want to pick him up of course," The doctor stated something that none of the woman were going to do, before going off to do other business.
The silence the three woman shared was awkward, simply due to the situation there was probably nothing appropriate to say, but alas someone had to say something.
"There's a lesson in all of this..." Xinzang said aloud, though she was probably the last one that should have been saying such a thing.
"Yeah I agree...it's too remember the orders you take properly!" Shesh snapped as the 33 year old woman winced, she probably deserved at least that before Xinzang simply chuckled.
"It all worked out in the end...didn't, eh, eh..." Xinzang was truly trying to see the brighter side of the whole situation as Qishi mumbled something under her breath, though it really wasn't a mumble considering both Shesh and Xinzang.
"Old decrepit hag, messing up our day," There wasn't even any anger in Qishi voice, just a statement that she said as if it was a fact.
"I am only 33!" Xinzang snapped as Shesh simply sighed.
No doubt it was going to be a long trip back to the inn.
Author notes
This chapter was originally going to be very different, but decided that I would have been reusing far too many parts of the show if I actually had Shesh and Qishi make it to the pro-bending match. As a result I had to rewrite half of the chapter since the I didn't like the original version, trying to make a chapter fit into the story.
I kind of realized that there is some moments I really just have to skip, as the story would simply become far too bloated if I try to create an event that corresponds with an event that happens in canon.
Also, the next chapter will actually get somewhat of a main plot happening, an antagonist and an answer to who actually sent Pet Show.
Also, the only reason why I decided to make the cast overall a little older than most fics, is because...why not?
