A strong wind blew sharply from the direction of the sea. It weaved through the buildings of Republic City, lashed at the scaffoldings, and sent bits of debris flying everywhere. The sky above was clear, but far in the distance the shadows of dark clouds loomed on the horizon, out of range of most eyes. Not his.
Longshot furrowed his brows, his lips pursing involuntarily. A storm was coming, the first of the season, and by the looks of things it would not be pretty.
"Something wrong?" asked Smellerbee, watching him carefully. They were leaning on a railing overlooking the waters of Yue Bay. Directly ahead, the memorial to honor Aang was being constructed and behind them a partially completed high-rise reached for the stars.
"I don't like this." He muttered.
Smellerbee started, not expecting it from her usually silent companion. Longshot rarely spoke aloud, he didn't have to. They had known eachother so long they had no need for words. But when he did speak the reason was always serious. Smellerbee felt uneasy.
"Look, there's nothing to worry about." she said, more to herself than to him. "We've infiltrated the Tempest Syndicate just like Sokka wanted. Now we just need to sit tight until we can gather enough evidence to nail this guy."
Longshot turned his head and gave her a long stare.
Smellerbee laughed, "You worry too much! Look, Sokka would never risk our lives carelessly. Toph's police officers are posted nearby in case anything goes wrong. Relax."
Longshot narrowed his eyes and looked at her matter-of-factly.
"Huh? I'm not nervous! I'm fine, really." She looked down at her feet. Longshot put his hand on her shoulder and she raised her eyes. "Alright, I'm terrified. These guys are bad news, I know it. I mean we've seen the scum of the earth in our travels and even they pale in comparison to them! Especially that Yakone. I swear my spine freezes every time he glances at me."
Longshot watched her sympathetically, but when she was finished his eyes grew stern.
"I know, I know. I want to help! When we were in the Freedom Fighters we always dreamed of how we would rebuild. Repair all the damage the war had caused. It's just…" Smellerbee sighed. "Ever since Jet died it's just been the two of us and I…I don't want anything happen to you." She felt tears welling up in her eyes, but she hardened her heart, now was not the time for crying. "Longshot I–"
"Hey, you two!" They turned around and saw one of Kota's men waving to them. "Boss wants extra security tonight. You're to report to the lobby pronto."
"Alright, we'll be there!" shouted Smellerbee, then turning to Longshot. "Looks like we're up. Try to be optimistic. One of us has to be." She turned and walked away.
Longshot gave the bay one last look. In the distance he saw a dark shape approaching fast. It was large, steam powered, Fire Nation most likely, but the design was unfamiliar to him. He thought about waiting till it got closer, but decided against it. Turning back, he ran to catch up with Smellerbee.
The warship plowed its way into the harbor, splitting waves and sending smaller vessels scrambling. A Fire Nation flag hung from its command tower and from its prow, the markings a mere formality as only the Fire Nation was capable of constructing something so terrifying and powerful–at least for now. The mix of cultures in the United Republic, encouraged by Sokka, had combined Fire Nation technologies with Earth Kingdom metallurgy and had spawned a new era in the art of warfare. While the details of their designs were being kept strictly secret, it was rumored that the United Forces were developing a navy that would put all others to shame–but surely the Fire Lord would not allow that to happen.
The warship slowed down to a crawl. Although Republic City's harbor was massive it was for the most part still under construction. The calm waters of Yue Bay were ideal for berthing ships but there were many underwater rocks and shoals that were a potential hazard for unwary captains. As such, the United Republic Council had ordered several dredging craft to clear the ocean floor. Only a few years ago, such large scale clearance would have been unthinkable and yet now it seemed almost common place. With the war at an end the might of all the nations was focused on progress and technologies were evolving at an unprecedented rate. It was as if the world had been at a standstill all those years and was now racing to catch up. What seemed brand new one day was out of date the next. Just what would tomorrow bring?
As the ship dropped its anchors, Ichiro snapped out of his musings. The sky was overcast now, the air humid, wind turbulent–a storm was coming.
"Lower the ramp!" shouted Ichiro. The prow of the ship disconnected and fell to the dock with a metallic thud.
Outside, the Harbor Master was waiting, four guards with him. Two firebenders and two water benders. He looked impatient and uneasy.
Ichiro descended the ramp and shook hands with him, "Good evening, Suo Ji, I trust everything is as it should be?"
"Yes, the dock workers have been given the day off and as far as the Administrator is concerned this is just a quick maintenance stop."
Ichiro nodded, "How long do we have?"
"Two hours at the most. There's a big transport coming in from Ba Sing Se and this is the only berth large enough to accommodate." Ichiro narrowed his eyes and the Harbor Master shifted uncomfortably.
"Have you told anyone about our little arrangement?"
"I…no not a soul." The Harbor Master swallowed heavily.
Ichiro watched him carefully, "Not even the local crime boss?"
"The local crime…no I didn't."
"Come now, Suo Ji, you should know better than to lie to me." The Harbor Master's eyes grew wide. "You've talked to Yakone, haven't you? Kota's lackey. You've been on his payroll for some time, don't deny it."
"No I…I never told anyone!" Ichiro's eyes bored into him. "Alright, I told him. I said there was some Fire Nation ship coming in that the authorities weren't supposed to know about. I never told him who or what. I swear!"
Ichiro nodded, "I believe you." The Harbor Master gave a sigh of relief, then his eyes shot open and he fell flat on his face, his back smoldering. "Unfortunately, I don't like to leave loose ends. Especially treacherous ones." Ichiro tossed one of the guards a purse full of coins. They smiled greedily and quickly disappeared.
Going back up the ramp Ichiro called, "We're moving out!" His words were echoed throughout the ship as his men readied themselves for battle. Ichiro pulled a Fire Nation breastplate off one of the armory racks and began to put it on.
"What's the hurry?" asked Shen as he pulled off his robes to change.
"That son of a bitch sold us out." cursed Ichiro, struggling with the straps on his back. "Kota's men have probably spotted us by now."
Shen started, "Then why the fuck are we moving out? We should run while we can!"
"I didn't come this far to fail." Ichiro grimaced, shifting to the side latches. "Besides, he didn't tell them who we are. We've still got the drop on them, if we hurry."
Shen sighed, "You're the boss." Seeing Ichiro's struggle he asked, "You need any help with that?"
Ichiro muttered a curse, "Yeah, please." Shen walked over and easily fastened the remaining straps. Ichiro turned to make sure the armor wasn't too tight and found that it sat on him perfectly.
"Where'd you learn to do that?" he asked.
"From a soldier of course." As Shen stooped down to pick up his armor, Ichiro noticed his left arm was bandaged
"You alright?" he asked.
"Huh?"
"Your arm." Ichiro pointed, "Is it bad?"
"Oh this." Shen smirked, "Nothing to worry about. Got into a scrap in one of the bars, got burned. Nothing serious." He turned around and began to put on his armor.
Ichiro narrowed his eyes, "I hope the other guy looked worse."
"Much worse."
As Shen grabbed a pair of broadswords off the wall, Ichiro watched him suspiciously.
Yakone sat impatiently outside the main chamber in Kota's headquarters, located at the top of one of the city's high-rises. Although the building was only forty stories it was going to be a hundred and ten upon completion–the tallest building in the entire world. But none of that mattered to him now. All he could think about was getting away.
His eyes shifted left and right, his hand angrily drumming the arm rest. What was taking so long? He had half a mind to leave without permission, but that would be dangerous. On the off chance he was wrong, Yakone couldn't afford to put himself in jeopardy. And if he was right, he couldn't be seen to have had any prior knowledge. But damn, what was taking so long?
Earlier today, the harbor master had told him of an unregistered ship inbound from the Fire Nation. Large and full of what–he didn't say. Even so Yakone had guessed what it was. Kota had been so preoccupied with his victory he had spread himself thin. The Murakami Clan had purposely been avoiding clashes, gathering their strength for something. And now he knew what. Of course he didn't warn Kota. If that imbecile was foolish enough to leave himself open to such an attack he didn't deserve to live. And with Kota out of the way, control of the Syndicate and the city would both be his–if only he could get away.
Yakone looked anxiously at the clock on the wall. According to the harbor master, the ship should have docked by now. He was running out of time.
To hell with this, he thought, rising from his seat. At that moment the door opened and Kota shouted, "Yakone! In here, now!" Furious, he obeyed. As he walked into the room he saw Kota seated at his desk, smoking his pipe, deep in thought.
As if he has the capacity for thought, Yakone smirked in his mind.
Kota put down his pipe, "I've received word that my informant has been found out and executed. She was…a good daughter." Yakone started. "Faithful to the very end."
"Sir, I had no idea–"
"Save it." Kota seethed. Yakone felt his momentary remorse evaporate into nothingness. "That bastard Akio will pay for what he's done. Once the Maelstrom Pirates provide us with ships, I'll travel to the capital and personally feed him his own liver!" His rage subsiding, he returned to Yakone. "I want you to take charge of the guards tonight."
Yakone felt his heart freeze in his chest. "Me?"
"Yes, you!" Kota furrowed his brows. "Chief Beifong and her good for nothing police are getting nosy. From now on you'll be posted at headquarters, starting tonight. Understood?"
Yakone thought about arguing, but seeing the finality in those cold blue eyes, he bowed politely and left the room.
Longshot adjusted his bowstring, carefully tightening one of the knots at the end. He then weighed the bow in his arm, turning it first sideways then vertical, his eyes scanning it for any damage. Finding none, he replaced the bow in its quiver. Across the lobby, Smellerbee gave him a nod, all clear. Settling back into his perch overlooking the lobby, he tipped his hat. All clear.
The elevator doors swung open and Yakone got out testily. He walked over to one of the guards and muttered something to him. Longshot perked his ears, but could make out only a few words. Once he was finished, Yakone gave a long glance outside before retreating further into the lobby.
He looks anxious to get away, thought Longshot. Something's not right. His eyes scanned the area outside. Nothing. The guards were patrolling calmly and not a sound in any direction. It was growing darker by the minute and a light mist was picking up. Soon visibility would be poor. Clouds overhead were thicker, wind picking up, a storm was sure to–he saw it, a faint blur just for an instant. He raised himself, scanning the surroundings carefully. Nothing. Was it just his imagination?
A sudden burst of lightning temporarily blinded him. When it passed, the guards outside were on the ground, motionless. Leaping up, Longshot reached for an arrow, at that moment the glass front exploded into a million pieces and the attack began. There were hundreds of them, firebenders and nonbenders, Kota's guards greatly outnumbered.
Longshot strung two arrows and loosed them, striking his targets perfectly. Across the lobby Smellerbee had her knives out and fought four men at once. She dodged two of their fire blasts then darted forward and punched them both in the face, flooring them. Behind her a third man swung a large iron hammer that she swiftly avoided as the fourth one brandished a fire whip overhead. Her eyes darted from one to the other, feeling out their next move–she sensed the killing intent and side-stepped as the hammer smashed into the ground. She attacked, slashing his arms, sending him sprawling, before slinking to the ground, the fire whip passing harmlessly overhead. Jumping up, she threw one of her knives–the blade pierced the firebender's heart and he fell to the ground dead.
One of Kota's guards smashed into her as a fireblast sent him flying. Throwing him off, she struggled to her feet. Seeing her vulnerability, a group of soldiers went for the kill. Three thuds came from behind her and Smellerbee turned to see three men fall to the ground, arrows in their necks. Looking up, she smiled to Longshot before leaping into the fray once more.
Longshot watched her finish off two more soldiers. Pulling out an arrow he struck a man trying to outflank her. Then one more who had spotted him. As he reached for another arrow his ears heard a familiar hush in the air and he ducked his head, three arrows striking the wall behind him. Looking down he saw her, a Yu Yan Archer by her markings–a challenge.
He leapt from his perch as two more arrows flew his way. Fitting an arrow to his bow in midair he shot it directly at her head. She dodged, the arrow sinking into another soldier, and fired another arrow at him as he hit the ground. Longshot jumped aside and caught the arrow mid-flight, a stunned guard thanked him breathlessly.
Now they ran at eachother, plowing through the battlefield. Izumi loosed three arrows, killing three guards instantly. Seeing the attack, a waterbender hurtled a volley of ice spikes at her, but she grabbed one of the guards as they fell and used him as a shield. As the waterbender bended a stream of water from the ground Izumi leapt into the air and kicked him in the head, knocking him out. A swordsman tried to charge her blindly, swinging the blade with anger not skill. Calmly, she sidestepped and kneed him in the gut.
Catching his sword as he fell she hurtled it at a trio of earthbenders, piercing one of them through the chest. Furiously, the remaining earthbenders shot a pair of boulders at her, but she jumped over them easily. Spinning around in mid-air, she put two arrows to the string and coming full circle killed them both. As she reached for her quiver, an arrow came out of nowhere and smashed her bow into splinters. Shocked, she saw Longshot walking towards her, bow drawn and ready.
Izumi gritted her teeth, furious at having been caught off guard–and by a lowly criminal to boot. She watched him, her eyes full of hate, anxious to die, waiting for the finishing blow. Instead, he loosened the string and returned the bow to its quiver. She watched him for a moment, not understanding, then she saw the look in his eyes and it all made sense.
"Giving your opponent a fair chance, huh?" Longshot nodded. "Don't think I'll go easy on you!" She ran at him and punched at his face. Longshot blocked and pushed her back with the flat of his palm. Furious, Izumi roundhouse kicked him–he blocked her kick masterfully with his arm. She continued, undeterred, delivering an ensemble of kicks and jabs, none of them landing. When her breathing at last grew strained, Longshot switched to the offensive.
A sidekick to the chest, knocking her back. Blocking her uppercut, then giving a jab to her face. A right hook from her, ducking under her arm and a second jab to the stomach, Izumi stumbling back. Another jab for good measure, then a sweep to her legs, knocking her to the ground–his foot at her neck.
She looked up at him, furious yet beaten. It had been a good fight. Longshot could tell she was highly skilled, but something seemed to be holding her back. Regret? Perhaps. Only an emotion as powerful as that could make a trained killer sloppy.
"Hey, archer boy!" Longshot turned his head and saw Smellerbee cornered, sword at her throat. The battle around them had drawn to a close. Murakami soldiers now rounded up the survivors. Shen continued, "Throw down your bow and back away nice and slow. Or else your friend gets it!"
Longshot narrowed his eyes, but Shen pushed his sword closer, nicking Smellerbee's throat. "I mean it! Don't try anything stupid!" A thin trickle of blood came down her neck. Longshot stepped back, removed his quiver and dropped it on the ground, raising his hands in defeat.
Izumi leapt up and punched him hard in the stomach, bringing him to his knees.
"Longshot!" cried Smellerbee, Shen's sword digging into her neck. "You bastards."
"Relax." Shen smiled, "He just saved your life."
The elevator reached the top floor and Yakone ran out. People were rushing back and forth along the corridor. Some crammed into the elevator and took it down to join the fight. Others went for the stairs, desperate to escape. All of them were doomed and Yakone knew it. His only chance for escape lay with Kota.
Yakone ran straight for the main chamber and burst through the door. It was empty. Not hesitating he ran back outside and scanned the corridor. Spotting Kota shoving through the crowd, he ran to catch up.
"Out of the way! Out of the way you dogs!" Kota struggled to push his way through the human wall, mere feet away from his destination: a hidden maintenance elevator that went deep underground. From there a tunnel would take him to the outskirts of the city.
"Move aside you fools!" He bellowed. Suddenly everyone in the corridor stopped mid-stride. Kota continued shoving before realizing something was wrong. Everyone stood as still as a statue. Their limbs stuck in one position, faces frozen, only their eyes moved. A look of horror began to spread on his face.
An arm grabbed him and he turned around to see Yakone shout, "Hurry, sir. We have to get out of here!"
"Yakone?" Kota looked at him wide-eyed. "You're a…bloodbender?"
"There's no time to talk, sir. Please, we must hurry!"
"But how? The moon's not full."
"I'll explain everything later. Right now, we have to leave!"
The elevator descended slowly into the bowels of the building. Only a faint glimmer of light came from above, the shaft otherwise pitch black. Kota glanced at Yakone, still in disbelief. To think that all this time he had such a powerful bender in his employ! A bloodbender capable of simultaneously controlling scores of people and all without the aid of a full moon. Incredible.
When the elevator came to a stop, Kota pushed open the steel grid door. Feeling his way, he found a lamp on the ground and swiftly lit it. The small light gradually illuminated the dark abyss. Around them, the basement level was filled with construction materials and various tools. The air here was musty and metallic, but safe–for the moment.
"This way." muttered Kota and Yakone followed him wordlessly.
They went deeper and deeper into the bowels of the underground. Construction materials and tools gradually giving way to water and gas pipes, then finally emptiness. Yakone's eyes scanned the surroundings, warily.
"So tell me, how did you do that? Back there." asked Kota. "I thought bloodbending was only possible during a full moon."
"For most waterbenders it is. I don't know why I can bloodbend without it, I just can."
Kota scoffed, "You should've told me sooner! By the spirits, with your powers we could have crushed Akio years ago. Well we still can. When we regroup with the others we'll launch a counterattack, take back our headquarters, and kill these bastards. Then, with the Maelstrom ships we'll crush the Murakami once and for all. Of course, you'll lead the attack."
"Of course." Yakone smirked at his foolishness, but Kota went on, not seeing it.
"With you in the vanguard, destroying the Murakami will be no sweat. Then, with them out of the way, we can easily sweep away the rest. The world will be mine." Kota smiled, the scheme forming perfectly in his mind. "I'll make you my second-in-command, Yakone. You'll be one of the richest men in the Earth Kingdom–the world! There'll be so much money you won't know how to spend it!"
"I was always quite impartial to money. I prefer power."
Kota turned to him, laughing, "Oh don't worry, you'll have both! You'll be the second most powerful man in the world!"
Yakone nodded, "How much further?"
"It's just up ahead." Kota pointed at a heavy iron door. "It's all smooth sailing from here."
"Good." Kota froze in his tracks, his muscles tensing, limbs not responding. From the corner of his eyes he saw Yakone walk up and take the lamp out of his hands.
"What…what are you doing?" Kota croaked.
"You really are stupid aren't you, Kota?" Yakone smiled malevolently. "As if I would ever share power with you." Kota's eyes grimaced, he struggled to break free from the hold, but couldn't budge an inch.
"Stupid and incompetent." Yakone continued, "You had it all. Wealth, power, and yet you still failed miserably. You're not worthy of ruling this world. In fact you're not even worthy of life." Kota felt his heart tighten, pain gushing through his chest, the air spilling out of his lungs. "For years I've served you, taken orders from you, scraped and bowed to your every word. No more. With you out of the way everything is possible. The Syndicate will need a new leader, one far stronger and wiser than the predecessor. They'll welcome me with open arms." Kota's eyes began to grow red as the pressure on his heart reached the breaking point.
Yakone smiled, "Farewell, Kota." He felt his victim's heart burst in his chest and he allowed the body to slump to the ground. "Now, this city is mine."
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