"Mo Li, I'm surprised."
Sitting in front of her brother, arms crossed her mind on one thing only. The rough motion of the train jerking them side to side.
"Oh? Really, surprised about?" Oozing sarcasm from her voice.
Her brother furrowed his eyebrows.
"You know, coming back to Gaoling and listening to our mom," Jie stated, eyes analyzing her body language.
"She's our mother. Of course, I would listen." She remarked.
She still felt her brother's eyes on her.
'Geez, give me a breather Jie.'
"What are you really up to?" He asked her suspiciously.
She looked at him innocently.
"Whatever do you mean little brother?" She asked feigning innocence.
Narrowing his eyes, "You're up to something. The only time you do what you're told is because you're up to something."
She snorted.
"As if you didn't do it too,"
The air between them fell silent asides from the hum of the train, the train tracks screeching here and then.
'Fifty points for me and ten for Jie.'
She fidgeted in her seat. The motions of the train making it seem like she was moving along with it.
"All right fine, once we're in Gaoling we either look for Rui or Jung. One or the other," She stated seriously.
"Mo Li, no. Absolutely not, I... No." Jie stammered.
Rolling her eyes at him to show her annoyance.
"Mom can get mad at me rather than you. I'll take full responsibility for my actions." She said truthfully.
Jie only furrowed his eyebrows and crossed his arms.
Sitting straighter in his seat and defiantly stating, "I hope you do take full responsibility for your actions. We're not little kid's anym-"
She interrupted him, "yeah; we're not little kids anymore. Which is why I have a plan."
Jie shook his head no.
The humming of the train never leaving her ears.
He knew his sister was up to something. The concern that she had, obeying their mother off the dot, and no outburst.
He knew that she was up to something. No doubt about it.
'Mom is going to literally put us through who knows what when we go back... If we go back.'
He groaned.
The thought of it killed him.
"Well, are you going to at least tell me the plan?" He asked staring at the ceiling.
His sister's piercing stare was on him. He knew that stare all too well. They were like daggers, ready to pierce you through for any little movement.
"No."
He held his breath.
"Why not? At least I, of all people should know first." He exclaimed.
"When we get to Gaoling, sure enough, I'll tell you, silly boy." Mo Li stated while she returned to look out through the window.
He too looked out the window.
Appreciating the view. The sun no longer visible, its replacement was the dark night sky, starry, and mixed with clouds.
"How're you going to convince them?" He asked looking back at her.
He was asking a lot of questions.
His sister sighed.
"Geez, I don't know, slap a few yuans across them?"
Pouting in disappointment, "you know what I mean."
"Whatever makes you happy Jie?"
. . .
It was dark out. The stars were not as visible as they were on the train. The clouds moving along. Slowly but surely moving.
What was the need to bother their friend?
Many of the homes around them had their lights on. They flickered in a manner that mesmerized the eye. When would he be at home? Enjoying the little things? Not worrying, not listening to his sister and her antics.
He sighed. The crunching of his feet slows down alerting his sister's attention.
"You're going to run your lungs out." She remarked.
"Ha, I hope I do." He responded stuffing his hands in his pockets. Feeling the cold breeze that swept by.
"I hope you do too,"
He narrowed his eyes at her, gritting his teeth.
"Oh yeah, I hope I do too,"
"You're such a baby, come on work those legs,"
He sighed again and matched her pace.
The crunching noise louder than before. Speed walking down the street. Panting out of breath with his sister's speed. Street lamp after street lamp. The usual stand out in the open cooking up one of their delicacies, feeding hungry customers.
The smell of food made his mouth water. To distract him from his hunger he went back into pestering an answer out of his sister.
"So this plan..." He began.
"May the spirits not be too cruel to you," His sister's voice was a sharp snap "Jie, just relax. I know what I am doing."
"At least I think I do..." She mumbled.
"You think! Mo Li! Just forget about it. Our mom and whoever else in Republic City is dealing with the threat!" He exclaimed.
He watched as how his sister abruptly stopped. To turn and look at him. Nearly bumping into her. The anger that crossed her face slightly scared him.
"The threat in Republic City takes people's bending away Jie. The least we could do is ask Rui. I mean, what can two kids like us do... because to the society we're kids. Just two kids trying to help. Even though they don't need to. I should correct myself. I want to help. You, I think you can decide on your own. Your option," She snapped.
"That's where you're completely wrong. I mean, take Avatar Aang, he was just a little kid. So were his friends. I want to help too but..." He responded avoiding his sister's eyes.
"You either do something or not. Most people wouldn't care. What can the Earth Kingdom do? We're not involved. Why do something? At least we can try Jie. Just a little," Mo Li said all the anger that had built up leaving her system.
"All right fine, we'll try. If Rui can't do anything then what do we do?" He asked out of curiosity.
"I... I don't know. Let's just get this over with."
Watching his sister turn and continue down the street.
He hadn't realized before but... If councilman Tenzin was their father, wouldn't have avatar Aang been their grandfather? He took into account how much both he and his sister looked alike. He was starting to forget the events at the hospital.
Scratching his head. Noticing that his sister was already down the street practically yelling at him.
'You're going to wake up the neighbourhood.'
...
'Just perfect. Flipping perfect.'
"What do you mean we can't speak with the princess?" She snapped her blood was boiling her heart leapt out her chest. She had this tingling sensation that burned her but left a horrible throb.
"Mo Li, relax... They seem ticked off too. His brother whispered in her ear.
She looked at him scowling turning her attention back to the guards. Both ugly, short, and pudgy.
"I demand to speak to her. It's an emergency!"
Both guards looked at each other.
"Don't we all demand to speak to her,"
"Yeah, look, you're a nothing-special kid. Both of you just run along now."
The words triggered a reaction from within her.
"For spirit's sake! We're her closest friends. Go ask her yourselves!" She was practically yelling off the top of her lungs.
It hurt so much, something inside her wanted to claw its way out and just deal with all of it in its own way.
Again the two idiots looked at each other.
"Uh-huh. Sure, we'll even tell her that you brought her a gift too,"
The other laughed.
"Yeah. To top it off we'll say that it was a pretty nice gift too."
Both were howling in laughter.
She was biting her lower lip intently.
They were so close, yet these two were blocking their way. Blocking her way.
'Man, these guys are jerks.'
"Come on Mo Li; let's just come by tomorrow or something." Her brother beckoned grabbing her arm
"No," she said towards her brother wriggling out of his grip, "look you pile of ostrich-horse dung," pointing her finger at one of the guards, "you're gonna let me and my brother in or else."
"Ooh, we're so scared, I think I just peed myself,"
"Just run along now,"
She was ready to lift the earth beneath the two dunderheads when a smooth strong voice spoke.
"That's enough you two,"
Both guards gulped.
"What are you two doing here?" The voice asked.
"Uh..." She gulped, sweating nervously.
"Well..." Jie began.
"They said they needed to speak with the princess." The uglier of the two answered,
"Yeah, said they were friends of hers." The other added.
A hand was placed on her shoulder she looked at the hand and then at the person's face.
"J-Jung?" She began.
"In the flesh," Jung said smoothly, giving her a charming smile.
Turning towards the guards, "Let them in,"
"But..."
"I assure you they are no threat. Besides, I'll escort them in;" Jung's voice was low and demanding.
'Thank you spirits! From now on, no more... Uh... I'll come back to this.' She chimed to herself.
Both guards saluted Jung and moved out of the way to allow them entrance.
Jung saluted back and walked by them.
"Let's go," he ordered.
She and Jie stuck their tongues out at the guards.
"Ha, in your faces,"
Both guards looked displeased and paid no mind to their childish antics.
Following Jung into Rui's home, which was heavily guarded by many men and women. Flowers that adorned the entrance, vines that spiralled around the pillars. Statues of small lion turtles on both sides.
It was like an earthen temple. On the outside, it could have looked like a palace but on the inside. Nature seemed to have touched it and let its natural beauty take a hold of it.
Following Jung up the steps. As she and her brother admired the place.
"So uh, Jung... Thanks for uh, helping us." She said.
He looked over his shoulder offering her a smile, "For what?"
Both siblings stared at each other.
"For helping us," she said.
"Oh, was I?" Jung inquired.
Jie looked at her.
She shrugged.
They stayed silent. Climbing up the last few steps and making a right. Many of the people they walked by froze and saluted Jung. He on the other hand only nodded.
Pillar after pillar they walked by. Door by door. It was like a maze.
"Not going to say why they salute you?" She asked.
Their footsteps echoed against the marbled floor.
"Nope," He replied smoothly.
"Nor are you going to ask why we are here?" Jie asked.
"Nope," Jung repeated.
Making another right, the corridor was more exposed than the maze that they were in. Finally stopping at a large dark wooded door. Embroidered with a floral design within the squares. Jung knocked lightly on the door.
Mo Li found the door to be beautiful. Everything in here was beautiful. She was afraid to touch anything. Everything delicate and beautiful in its rightful place. If she touched anything it might have shattered into a million pieces.
"So, you're definitely not going to answer any of our questions?" She asked again.
Jung looked at both of them and smiled a smile that reached his eyes.
'Spirits. You've blessed him well.' She told herself.
He only shrugged...
Footsteps could be heard from the other side. The door swung open. There in front of them was Rui rubbing her eyes. Her hair messy from one side while the other was flat.
"What time is it? It's awfully late. Can it not wait until there is at least an ounce of light out?" Rui said through a yawn.
"I believe not." Jung clears his throat to gesture towards herself and Jie.
"Hiya friend,"
"Hi,"
...
This was awkward. All four of them in Rui's room. Well, five including the Black Panther that seemed to be on high alert.
Firstly, this was his first time in a girl's room. Secondly, he could feel the heat that made its way to his cheeks.
Rui's bed dominated the entire room at the end of her bed was a trunk. Her vanity was on the left-hand side of the room. Her things were neatly arranged. On the same side in a corner not too far away from them was a small little table with two chairs. Looking out through a small window. On the right-hand side, there were two doors. One must have been a closet and the other a bathroom. The Black Panther resting on the bed behind Rui. Watching them boringly.
"We're sorry to disturb you at this hour but it's an emergency," Mo Li began.
Rui straightened her posture attentively now than before.
"If it's an emergency, you shouldn't be apologizing," Rui stated with much seriousness in her tone.
He sat there. He didn't feel good. He looked over to Jung. How was he so relaxed? He was so... Poised?
'Years of experience.' He guessed.
"You see, Jie and I, we went to Republic City... The issue that's going on there it's really serious,"
Rui tilted her head to the side.
"And we'd like to know if there's anything that, well, you can do?" He added.
Mo Li gave him an appreciative smile.
Rui looked down and then back at them. When she spoke it almost seemed as though she was speaking to Jung.
Stiffening his posture he looked towards Jung.
"It pleases me to know that you two came to me for help but unfortunately I don't have that kind of power. When it comes to other nations, there is nothing that can be done. Either the nation that is under attack solidifies help from another nation. May they help or. . ."
Jung shifted.
'Hmm, that's odd.' He told himself.
"A member of the 'Council of Five' was to notify the other members and the Earth King or Queen or any other member then..."
"Too bad there isn't any around." Jung interrupted his voice low and powerful.
Both he and Mo Li looked at each other and a cheeky smile appeared on his sister's face.
"Too bad indeed," Mo Li added.
'What is she getting at...? Wait... Oh! Now I understand! So... The saluting and the guarding of Rui... It all makes sense now!'
"Too bad indeed, I guess we're going to have to wait then." He said with false disappointment.
Rui had a smile on her face.
Jung shook his head no.
He glanced over to Rui.
"Jung at least attempt to," Rui asked.
Still shaking his head no.
"No,"
"But why!" Mo Li jumped from her seat.
"This isn't a fight that the Earth Kingdom can intervene in." Jung began.
"Well, not the Earth Kingdom," He offered.
They all looked at him.
"What if we were to go?" He asked.
Jung shook his head again, running his hand through his hair. Bringing that very hand to rub his bearded chin.
Pointing a finger at him, "By we you're including Rui no?"
Jung looked beyond upset. A crease in the middle of his eyebrows, frowning upon at his idea. His eyes burning in pools of fire.
"I... Uh... Well... Yes." He stammered.
"I hate to break it to the both of you but no," Jung remarked.
"And why not?" Rui asked crossing her arms.
Jung looked between the three of them.
"Firstly, all borders are closed. Meaning we're fully aware of the situation. Secondly, I have to ensure your safety, and last but not least by bringing you along it jeopardizes the state of peace we are all living." Jung remarked.
They were silent.
"But our mom..." Mo Li began.
"Is a perfectly capable woman to take care of herself and her city. Nothing bad will happen to her." Jung said softly.
Rui looked away.
Jie looked at her. He noticed the way she gripped the edges of her trunk.
"We can't live off of your word." He remarked.
"I don't expect you to," Jung replied coldly.
"If you excuse me, I have to attend to some things;" he walked towards the door but was stopped by Rui's soft voice.
"There is a means of the way..."
Jung turned around to look at her.
They all did.
"Three ways, land, air, and sea. You just need the right means of transportation and someone willing to help." Rui stated.
He smiled. So did Mo Li.
"Please Jung?" Rui asked softly.
His face softened and let out an exasperated sigh.
"I'll see what I can do. . ."
They cheered their victory.
"Thank you," he and his sister said in unison.
Jung opened the door, pausing for a moment.
"You do know your mother will kill me right? And your father and mother as well? Alongside your siblings too?" Jung inquired.
As siblings, they both knew that that was true. For Rui, they weren't quite sure.
"We know, we'll think of something that will lessen the anger." He chimed.
"Jung, I think what I do is something that they'll appreciate in the end. Nonetheless, all blame can be placed on me." Rui said with enough reassurance.
Silent and reserved for the time being stepping out the door, leaving them to converse their options. The victory was theirs for now they had been in their parent's city. Getting back and helping out before chaos broke loose would be an issue. Another issue was Rui.
...
Closing the door behind him.
Shaking his head.
'What have you gotten yourself into? You told Lin that you'd pull something out of your sleeve but this? This isn't what you expected to be pulling out of your sleeve.'
Walking away, thinking of a way to either figure out a plan to go or convince them otherwise of this irrational decision.
"Hmm, how do you convince a pair of teenagers not to do something stupid?" He asked aloud.
Sighing at the question itself. Rubbing the back of his neck with his hand.
'I should write my testament now. Most certainly, will my head be served on a silver platter.'
...
Stretching her body out of the much-needed rest.
On the floor was her brother, amongst the piles of cushions that were scattered around him.
She snorted.
Her brother was sprawled out, mouth gaping open. Swinging her legs over the giant bed trying not to disturb Rui. As her feet touched the ground, she looked over at her brother.
'And he says I'm a crazy sleeper.'
Nudging him with her foot to wake up only to get swatted by his slinky arms.
'Figures...'
She crouched down and started poking Jie's face.
"Wake up." She whispered loudly.
"Five... More minutes' mom," Jie mumbled turning over.
"I'm not mom, idiot. Wake up." She whispered again this time slapping him square on the back.
Her brother reflexively tried to swat her away. Angry to have been woken up by a slap on the back.
"Alright... I'm up." Groaning and trying to rub the area that had been hit.
"Are you two always so loud in the morning?" Rui said through a yawn.
...
"Still you didn't have to slap me so hard."
"Quit being a baby, it wasn't that hard." She mumbled.
"It sounded as though it was hard," Rui stated.
As they walked along the path towards the garden, they were hoping that Jung would have made an appearance now but it looked like he was a no-show. Walking by several trees and bushes, smelling the scent of pine and oak.
"So, if it doesn't work out with Jung... What do we do?" Jie asked.
"I... I don't know..." She replied looking down at her feet.
She felt Rui's stare at her.
Continuing to walk until Rui said that they had arrived at where she wanted to show them.
She and her brother were awestruck. As if the palace wasn't already beautiful, the garden was in equal balance to beauty.
"How is it even possible for the garden to be still alive..." she mumbled?
"Well, certain plants survive certain weather conditions. The tree's leaves are on their way to changing colour and soon they'll fall." Rui said staring absentmindedly at the trees.
"It's really beautiful here... Why'd you want to show us this?" Asked Jie.
"Just so that you guys get a whiff of nature and clear your heads," Rui said offering a smile at the end.
The rustling of the leaves was soothing. Breathing in the air, it penetrates their nostrils. Scent remaining there.
"Thought I'd find you three here,"
Turning around towards the pathway, walking towards them was Jung's hands in his pockets. No emotion emitting from him.
"Took you long enough!" She exclaimed.
"Pipe down Mo Li, someone from half a mile can hear you." Her brother stated.
She turned towards him, pouting.
"Aren't you two so energetic?" Jung asked.
"Not really... I suppose you have good news?"
She awaited his answer the rustling of the leaves stronger and louder.
"I won't say."
"Why not?"
Jung sighed "It isn't good news."
Staring at the ground intently, quickly letting her gaze fall on Jung. His age was more visible than all the other times she had seen him. Hints of grey hair peeking through his hair and facial hair.
"Then that's just it then?" She asked softly.
"I'm afraid so... Your mother will be fine. No need to fret over it."
Pursing her lips she nodded in agreement.
She tried. They tried.
This wasn't good enough for her.
"So, we sit here and do nothing?" She asked.
"Hope for the best in this case."
Standing there quietly, letting the cool breeze gently kiss them. Letting their thoughts run along with the breeze. Since they were silent, they could distinctively hear a pair of footsteps.
"Rui, you said rarely anyone comes to this section of the garden?"
"I did, no one comes here frequently, and asides from Jung and I. The only other people who come here are the gardeners."
"I guess we should let them work then." She said.
As they started to walk back to the palace, two mysterious voices altered them that they wouldn't be going back as they thought.
"You four should let us work, unfortunately, you won't be leaving here.'
"Of course, they'll be leaving but with us."
Several Bola's were launched from different directions. Grabbing a hold of them unable to get free or launch any form of attack. Before anyone of them could call out for help a wave of electricity shot through them sending them into an unconscious state.
"Shall we inform Amon that we've successfully captured her children?"
"Not only her children but also the Princess and an important figure of authority,"
Staring at the unconscious figures before them and quickly glancing around making sure that they weren't stopped that they were carrying four figures that wouldn't be returning to Gaoling until total reign over Republic City was in their grasp.