Disclaimer: I do not own the Avatar world, that is all owned by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.
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Chapter 8
Rin Alone Part 2
Letting out a deep sigh, Rin leaned back in her chair from behind the counter of her family's shop. Rin wore dark grey and black casual clothing, which contrasted her red bow. She crossed her arms and legs with a huff as she looked around the empty store.
Ever since she was expelled, Rin had spent most of her time at home or in the shop. Her parents had made attempts to homeschool the water bender, which she found herself unenthusiastic to despite their effort. Though, relations were a bit tense and rocky between the family. Besides that, Rin didn't have much reason to leave, nor a real desire to. Not even to study in the local library like she used to love so much.
Frustrated, Rin groaned, slamming her hands on the small countertop. She proceeded to rest her head against the cool surface.
"This… sucks!" Rin seethed, before the sound of the door opening made her jump up. Trying to force a happy expression on, as she didn't want the few customers the shop did have to leave. Rin paused, slightly tilting her head to the side when she saw who it was. "Huh?" The water bender mumbled, confused. The new arrival was not one of the regulars.
"Master Pao Shi?" Rin asked, a little shocked that her old teacher had entered.
"Afternoon, Rin." Pao Shi greeted with a wave, before browsing the various shelves in the shop. Rin blinked at her former teacher, before rapidly shaking her head.
"Why'd you stop by?" The water bender loudly questioned, gesturing to nothing in particular.
"Just looking around." He casually answered, delicately picking an intricate glass fish figurine up. "Who made this? It's incredibly well crafted." The swordsman prodded, turning it over in his hands while tracing the individually carved scales.
"My mom makes most of the decorative stuff. Dad makes the knick knacks and I usually help out." Rin slowly explained, suspicious of her former teacher's trivial chatter.
"I would expect that such nice merchandise would practically be flying off the shelf." Pao Shi stated, carefully placing the figurine back down. "I can see that's not the case though, huh?" He quietly observed, motioning to the filled shelves that lined the shop.
"…Yeah. Not a lot of people come by you know?" Rin bitterly stated, a dark look adorning her face.
Pao Shi's face softened. Sighing, he took a few steps closer to the water bender.
"So, I'll cut to the chase. How've you been holding up the last few days?" Her former teacher gently asked, a concerned mien to his voice.
"Fine." Rin curtly muttered, resting her head on her hands.
"I tried arguing with the headmaster for you. But, as you can expect, it's a tough climb. And I am vastly outnumbered." Pao Shi explained with a wave of his hand, a twinge of anger lacing his voice.
"Don't bother, no one in that entire building is going to change their mind one bit." Rin harshly responded. Pao Shi's face morphed into one of guilt and sympathy. Seeing this, Rin forced herself to calm down, taking a few deep breaths in and out. "But… thanks for trying, I guess." The water bender added. However, her attention was soon drawn elsewhere. The sight of Koto and Rozoku hurriedly rushing past the shop from the other side of the street making her roll her eyes.
"I assume you haven't talked to your friends that much." Pao Shi noted, tracing her line of sight to the two.
"Some friends." Rin scowled.
Initially, she had tried approaching the two once more. Rin had desperately hoped to preserve some kindling of their friendship. Nevertheless, it was futile, as each and every time she was rebuked. Even then, they both avoided her like the plague. Eventually, Rin gave up on trying.
"How are things going with you? How's your dojo?" Rin prodded, changing the subject.
"Oh. Good." He answered, a brief silence ensuing. Pao Shi owned a small building next to his own home. He had turned it into a weapon dojo that people could sign up for on the weekends. Though, most used it to fine-tune their swordsmanship. Pao Shi ran both the dojo as well as his own teaching job at the school.
"Is that all you wanted to talk about, Master Pao Shi? Just to check in on me?" She tiredly asked, visibly deflating from the reminder.
"Part of the reason actually. I assume you haven't been practising your swordsmanship that much lately." Pao Shi explained.
"Yeah, why?" Rin deadpanned, raising her left eyebrow.
"Well, if you ever want to. You can always stop by the dojo for free. I'm not letting my top student slip away that easily." He finally offered, a sincere smile on his face.
"Really?" The water bender asked, stunned. Immediately though, doubts started to creep in. After thinking it over, Rin had concluded that her ex-friends might've been using her for free stuff. As no one thought that there would be actual consequences by associating with her. In the end, maybe they were like everyone else.
Rin regretted ever giving them anything from the shop for free. They didn't deserve it. "What's the catch?" Rin suspiciously interrogated.
"None. I don't want anything in return. If you don't want to come, you don't have to." Pao Shi honestly replied, putting his hands up. "But I would love to continue teaching you the art of the sword." He added with a small smile.
"Won't your business suffer? Let alone reputation." She quietly asked.
"Maybe, probably. But I'll be able to deal with whatever they do or say." Pao Shi waved off. Rin was silent, thinking it over. Her former teacher placed glass figurines of a family of alligators, a fox and two koi fish on the counter. To which she wordlessly rung up and boxed.
"…Master Pao Shi." Rin hesitantly called out as he began to leave. "Thanks for coming. I might… yeah, I might take you up on that offer." She stated, eyes determined.
Pao Shi turned around, box under his arm.
"I look forward to seeing you then, Rin." The swordsman earnestly replied with a bright smile on his face as he exited the store.
—
Months passed, and Rin slowly adapted to a new normal routine. She would work in her parent's shop in the mornings. Afterwards she would read books that were borrowed from the library. On weekends she would then go visit Pao Shi's dojo to practise swordsmanship. Then, she either returned or borrowed more books. Concluding, she would spend the remainder of her day practising her water bending.
The world all in all moved much slower for her.
Days passed by uneventfully, coalescing together as one continuous experience. The sky even appeared to be dimmer and grey sometimes. It was growing very monotonous.
The only thrill and fun in her life had been sword fighting and water bending. And even then, the sessions at the dojo were short and Rin often found herself bored with her opponents. But she never spoke up, as to not seem ungrateful to Pao Shi.
In the end, Rin was often alone. She didn't see her parents that much anymore. They woke up early and returned late into the night. The sight of an empty house had become commonplace for her. The shop too, wasn't getting as many customers as usual, which wasn't that much to begin with. Rin still found it all a bit depressing after a while, so she began to stay out later to practise her water bending.
Though, she was also alone in her bending, it served to distract Rin from her thoughts. The familiar forms and motions still being able to provide a constant thrill in her life.
One night, Rin returned home at midnight, the light of the full moon peeking through the windows. Most nights she would stay out later, but that time proved to be an exception. Her parents wouldn't usually be home as well, that time proved to be an exception.
In the darkness of the room, ominous and haunting, Rin's parents solemnly sat on the small sofa. Their hands were loosely intertwined as they blankly looked over at the wall. The shadows of the room loomed over all three. A slight whistle of the wind echoed from outside.
"…Mom?…Dad?" Rin mumbled, unnerved by the sight. "You're back early." She quietly noted, taking the time to analyze their appearances. The two adults had dark bags underneath their sullen eyes. They looked tired and dishevelled as well. "What happened to them?" Rin thought, surprised.
"Rin, we need to talk." Her mother stilly stated, turning her head ever so slightly is Rin's direction.
"O…kay." She answered, drawing the word out suspiciously. The water bender proceeded to slowly drag a nearby chair across the floor. The sound eerie in the room's atmosphere. "What do you want to talk about?" Rin prodded, taking a seat across from her parents.
"Me and your mother have been discussing things… And we've both decided that you should spend a couple weeks with our relatives in the capital." Her father reluctantly explained, avoiding his daughters eyes.
"WHAT!?" Rin shouted, making her parents slightly wince. Recently, their relationship hadn't improved after Rin's expulsion. The water bender still having lingering resentments from her parents not defending her. Only worsened by their odd lack of communication. "Why am I being sent away?" She seethed, balling her fists.
"We're not sending you away. We think it'll be a good experience for you. You'll be back before you know it." Her mother tried to gently soothe.
"Then why aren't you guys coming with me then?" Rin demanded to know, taking a single step forward.
"Me and your mother are both busy right now. So, we can't exactly come along at the moment." Her father stated, bringing his head back up.
"Busy…Busy… Yeah right!" The water bender shouted, eyes narrowing. "Where have you two been for the last few months? I barely see you anymore, and now when I do, you look like this! What's going on?" Rin pleaded.
"It's… well… Rin… we… uh." Both adults tried to explain, but all that came out was jumbled words.
"You can't even tell me!" The water bender angrily accused, in her anger not being able to see the answer.
"Rin…" Her mother tried to say before her daughter cut her off.
"The capital has a lot more people from the Water Tribes right? The capital has a lot more foreigners and people like us right? Why did you decide to live here and not there?" Rin piqued. Heavily breathing while she awaited her stunned parent's answer.
"…Well…" Her father tried to say, glancing over at his wife for help, who in turn continued for them.
"There, used to be a lot more, foreigners in town. Do you remember our old neighbours, the old woman and her grandkids?" The older woman asked, to which Rin gave a stiff nod. "And, we know you're aware of how the rest of town treats us." Her mother stated, receiving another nod. "They drove everyone else away, to the other towns and capital. We're the only ones who stayed." Her mother explained.
"Why did you stay then?" Rin asked, frustrated.
"If we all left, the town wouldn't change. If we left then the town would've won in driving all of us out. By staying we can try and make a difference here." Her mother softly explained, intently staring at the floor.
"That's just being stubborn!" Rin angrily cried. "What difference could you possibly make?" She questioned.
"We show them that we're not lower or different, instead of running away. The people will eventually change if they see that, and in the future everyone can live here peacefully." Her father stated this time, a hard look in his eyes.
"How's that fair to us?" Rin quietly whispered, to which she got no response. "…Never mind. Fine, have it your way. I get it." She said to them while storming off, though she didn't get it at all.
—
It had been a week since Rin arrived at the capital. She was halfway through her stay with her boring relatives, who she didn't even see that much before. The Fire Nation capital was a centre of innovation and culture. Large towers touched the dark sky, some with modern designs, others with traditional ones. It had been strange adjusting at first, with so many more people around. But Rin had been enchanted with the other water benders, having almost spent her whole life watching a single old man bend through a television.
The water bender had cooled down since the fight with her parents. Rin felt some guilt for having blew up on them. A part of her understood where they were coming from. But, the weight of everything had begun to get to the girl.
As she often found herself doing, Rin took a late night stroll and explored the capital. Taking the indescribable sights in with a gleam in her eyes. It was peaceful for once, almost no one gave her strange looks as she passed like they did back home.
"This is surprisingly nice." Rin cheerfully thought to herself as she hummed a random tune.
However, the moment was ended when a string force rammed into Rin's side. "Hey!" She indignantly called out, wincing while clutching her injured side.
"Sorry kid, got to hop." An older female voice non apologetically said to her while running off into an alley behind a restaurant.
"Spirits…What was that?" The water bender mumbled to herself, stumbling a bit before rightening her posture. At first perplexed, she immediately noticed that the yuan bills her relatives had given her were gone. Quickly putting the pieces together, she growled and swiftly charged into the same alley the woman had.
"Get back here you thief!" Rin angrily demanded, pumping her fist into the air as she chased the woman down. Luckily, she was able to catch a glimpse of the woman dressed in black before they could completely flee.
"Nothing personal! It's only a couple of yuan, so just deal with it kid!" The woman called back snarky, picking up her speed. Rin increased her own in turn to keep up with the fast thief. While it was true that the stolen amount was small, Rin wasn't about to let any amount of financial means go that easily. If her parents had taught her anything, it was to not be frivolous regarding money.
The thief was surprised that the water bender was keeping up with her. As a result, they began to exert more energy into their movements, pumping their legs a little farther and their arms a little faster. However, Rin was not a quitter, all her training reverberated through her muscles as she sped up. Right when the thief thought their advantage was larger, Rin grabbed onto the sleeve of the thief and yanked her back. The thief was persistent though, and pulled free, pulling and pushing at dumpster bins to block their pursuer.
Rin's mouth gaped in surprise as a dumpster fell in perfect timing to block her way. Luckily, she had enough time to leap overhead and avoid the trash that lay strewn across the ground in a menagerie of obstacles. When the dumpster made contact with a lingering water pipe, Rin didn't even flinch at the loud, chaotic noise that perspired as a reaction.
Rin continued her chase as dumpsters continued to be dragged in her way. Rin remained focused, her eyes sharpening as she avoided most of them with quick, swift movements, small reminders of her training. When a large dumpster suddenly appeared in her direction, Rin moved like mist and used the flooded water on the ground to slice through the material, bending the water into a precise weapon that sliced the dumpster in two.
Avoiding the large debris, Rin continued her pursuit with haste. Once the scene had cleared up Rin was surprised to see the thief's figure standing still, her eyes glinting with curiosity as she stared at Rin.
"Give me back my yuan." Rin demanded as she charged forward.
With newfound anger, Rin used her water bending to send a swift wave of water towards her enemy's feet. The thief skillfully dodged the attack, jumping over it in one movement.
Seeing an opportunity, Rin used the remaining water to create walls of ice, the ice curving inwards to trap them in. "You have nowhere to run. Give it back." Rin said as she extended her hand, her fingers angrily reaching for her lost money.
The thief smirked as she exposed the yuan for Rin to see. "Come get it, then." The thief cooed with a joking manner, as if they were talking to a mere child.
Rin shouted as she darted towards her. However, the thief smirked, moving into forms Rin was all too familiar with. Bits of the ice wall turned back into water, rapidly shooting out towards the girl in tendrils.
Twisting her body she barely dodged the attack, proceeding to jump back to gain some distance.
"She's a water bender!" Rin thought to herself, surprised at the new development. That hesitation ended up costing her, as the thief began going on the offensive. Weaving through the maze of attacks, Rin launched a shot of boiling water at the thief. The water was off her mark however, the thief leisurely stepping aside. Upon seeing the steam emanating from it though, paused.
"Interesting." The thief mumbled to herself, smirk in place, proceeding to roll out of the way of multiple ice discs.
Sending a flurry of ice spears at Rin, the younger girl quickly spiralled and froze the water in front of her to create a shield. When she cast it down, Rin was greeted by the thief taking a swing at her.
Moving into fast paced hand to hand combat, Rin struggled to keep up with her opponent. Parrying and having almost all of her strikes deflected or rerouted. Eventually, a sudden chill filled the air. Rin froze, the temperature decrease making her freeze in place. Rin noticed that her breath was visible, before her eyes wandered to the smug thief, who was unaffected by the new climate.
Before she knew it Rin was pushed to the alley's floor, arms pinned behind her back.
The thief let out a chuckle, humoured by the girl's feeble attempts to free herself. "This sort of temperature isn't even that cold kid. You should try and get used to it in the future." They chided with an amused grin.
"Shut… up." Rin irately forced out from under her, displeased at how their fight had went.
The thief chuckled, moving off the downed girl. Rin turned herself over into a sitting position, wary of the thief. Who in turn, proceeded to throw the stolen yuan at the ground. Rin blinked, surprised before looking back at the thief who casually strolled away.
"You have potential, I'll give you that kid." They said while turning the ice wall back into water that seeped into the floor. "I could actually use someone like you in my next job." She nonchalantly continued, surprising Rin. "What do ya think? Want to earn some extra pocket change?" The thief offered, briefly turning towards the silent girl.
"If you want in, just follow me." The thief stated, walking off while leaving Rin alone.
Hesitatingly, Rin reached out and pocketed her yuan. Rising and composing herself, she stared in the direction the thief had taken. The water bender pondered following the thief, inwardly debating the issue.
"I really shouldn't…" Rin thought. "Pocket change…" The thief had said, making Rin bite her lip. "That would probably be a bad idea." Her conscious tried to appeal.
"This is probably illegal." Rin said out loud, visibly unsure about what to do. After further deliberation, going back and forth in her mind, she made her decision. "It probably wouldn't hurt, to at least check it out." Rin decided with a single nod.
She proceeded to hunt down the thief, who had continued to slowly walk through the alleys. When the older woman saw Rin, she had a smug look on her face as the girl joined her.
"I knew you'd want in." The thief cheerfully stated as they wandered through the alleys. In turn, Rin looked away with an annoyed expression.
"I'm just checking it out. I'm leaving if it turns out you're a psycho or something." The younger girl mumbled. The thief hummed in response. "So street thief, what am I supposed to call you?" Rin asked after an awkward silence.
"…I'm not about to tell you my actual name, kid." The thief said with a cocky smile.
"So, it's street thief then?" Rin stated with an eye roll.
"Why? Being besmirched as a simple 'street thief' would be far beneath me." The older woman replied with a thoughtful tone. "I suppose… you may call me Lee." The newly dubbed Lee exclaimed with a snap of her gloved fingers.
"Isn't that a boy's name?" The younger girl asked, unimpressed.
"Mostly, but it's all you'll be getting." Lee cooly waved off as they continued forward. "Speaking of, why don't you introduce yourself kid?" The older woman prodded.
"If your not going to give me your name, then I am most definitely not giving you mine." Rin shot back with a huff. Lee softly shook her head at the words. "By the way, what is this job that we're doing?" The younger water bender questioned while crossing her arms.
"Just a quick in and out. I'm actually heading over to a meet up to get the big details." Lee casually explained without missing a beat.
"There's more of you." Rin stated, though the fact didn't surprise her.
"Of course. The Purple Lotus." Lee calmly stated while Rin instantly whipped her head to look at her in shock.
"The… uh, mercenary criminal group?" The younger girl asked.
Rin knew of the Purple Lotus. In Avatar Korra's time, she had often clashed with the Red Lotus, the first split from the main White Lotus. Eventually, the Avatar was able to crush most of the organization's central figures. Because of this, the Red Lotus proceeded to crumble into various other groups, one of which being the Purple Lotus. The group had a fierce and notable reputation for their efficient profit based work.
"The one and only." Lee said, looking down at her. "What? Ducking out kid?" The older woman mocked, lighting a fire inside Rin.
"No!" She passionately defended, quelling the tremors of doubt she recently felt.
"Good, because we're here." The mercenary stated matter of factly, making Rin look around in surprise. The duo were in an alley next to a semi ruined building, every one of the window's were blocked over and a single door was present. "Get a good look around. We're coming back here after the job's done." Lee explained to which Rin sharply nodded. After Lee whispered a few hushed words into the door's slot, it swung open.
"Now don't cause me any problems by running off." The older woman added, receiving another nod in turn as they both entered.
The interior of the building vastly differed from the exterior. Being much more extravagant and tidy then the outside, it was darker then she expected with an eerie glow. Multiple people mingled inside, a dark and foreboding atmosphere encompassing them.
Rin closely followed Lee through the crowd, ignoring the ominous stares from the shadows. The older woman approached a hunched over man with pale wrinkly skin. The younger girl kept her distance as the two quietly conversed, trying to pay attention to what they were saying. However, she found herself distracted by small interruptions in the building. The man handed Lee some papers. Lee pocketed the documents but did not leave, continuing to speak to him.
Rin thought she heard her town's name at one point. Abruptly turning and trying to tune into their conversation, she found that they had already moved on.
After a few more minutes, Lee bade the man farewell and motioned for her to follow. Silently exiting the building, Lee began to sprint through the alleys once more. Taken slightly aback, Rin quickly gave chase to run next to her.
"So… where are… we heading?" Rin asked along the way.
"The home of one Mr. Kou." Lee said back to her, keeping her eyes focused ahead.
"The mover star?" Rin questioned, as there weren't many prominent Kou's.
"The one and only." Lee replied with a small nod.
"Uh…What exactly are we going to do at Mr. Kou's home?" The younger girl hesitantly prodded.
"Just sneaking in and grabbing something. It'll be mega quick." The older woman explained.
"Legally?" Rin asked with a hopeful pleading tone.
"Nope." Lee shot down, popping the p.
"Okay, definitely illegal then." The young water bender thought to herself. "I can't back out now. I'm in too deep at this point, I even saw their hideout." She mentally despaired.
Rin followed Lee through the unfamiliar network of alleyways, cold doubt resting on her shoulders. Eventually, Mr. Kou's house was visible. Wordlessly, she put on the black gloves and mask that Lee had tossed her earlier when leaving.
"What are you stealing?" Rin whispered as they crept outside the house, not bothering to try and hide the legality of the matter.
"Something very important to Mr. Kou." Lee cryptically responded.
The two water benders sneaked around the property's edges, observing the peaceful home. A few minutes passed before one of the windows were opened by one of the house's maids. Lee immediately raced forward, leaping through the open space without a sound. Rin followed her lead, not given any time to hesitate. They landed on the carpeted floor and quickly looked around to find no one present.
Lee slightly crouched down and began whispering to Rin. "Okay then, now that we're in we're going to split up." The older woman stated in a hushed tone, slashing a finger across her neck to gesture her silence. "Just don't get caught and you'll be fine. This guy's a fool and doesn't have any sort of security system at all. Meet me at the master bedroom, it's the room above us. Remember, do not get caught." Lee mischievously instructed before speeding off in the other direction.
"Oh come on…" Rin complained as she hid herself behind a curtain. "I could just leave and get out of this mess." She pondered, completely still as a servant stepped close. "No, I can't do that either. I'm in major trouble if I leave too." Rin thought, sighing when the servant left before dashing to another hiding spot. "T… this is fine. I'll just get it done quickly. This'll be a very bad memory before I know it." The water bender concluded, forcing her fear away.
After multiple close calls, Rin creeped up a flight of stairs and through the hallways. Making her way to the master bedroom, she was greeted with the sight of five unconscious men and a small pile of smashed electronics outside the door.
"That was faster then I thought you would take." Lee slyly commented, revealing herself near a window that overlooked the field they had ran across. She had been staring outside with an eerie focus. "Target's inside." The older woman added, opening the door with Rin silently shadowing.
Inside the fancy room were multiple objects of value. Furniture, clothing and accessories were strewn about in an unorganized manner. Finally, Mr. Kou himself loudly snored in his bed, wife asleep next to him.
"What are we looking for?" Rin mouthed at Lee, but instead observed the older woman calmly stalking towards Mr. Kou's bedside. Rin's chest tightened, a cold hand gripping her inside. "Lee, what are we looking for?" She urgently questioned, taking a step forward. Lee ignored the girl, instead forming a small icy dagger in her hand.
She was going to kill him.
"WAIT!" Rin screamed, reaching her hand out to stop the older bender.
But, she was too late.
Rin could only watch, helpless, as the man's eyes flashed open, only for the dagger to pierce his skull. Next to the body, Mr. Kou's wife groggily awoke, proceeding to see the body and gasp. Lee sighed, leaping across the bed to take down the horrified partner. It was over before it had even begun, a silent scream frozen in her throat.
Rin took a mortified step back, as feathers from the torn pillows flew into the air. She wanted to throw up, her vision slightly blurred. However, Rin was able to process someone roughly shaking her back and forth. Looking up, she saw the dark face of Lee.
"We're done here kid, come on!" The older woman urged, dragging Rin towards a balcony and jumping off. Rin followed, not even questioning that there was a balcony.
And then they ran, the night judging them from above. Rin didn't remember how she ended up outside the Purple Lotus's hideout, curled up against the alley's wall while Lee entered. Thought after thought flew in and out of her head as she held her knees against her chest.
"I just watched two people get murdered." She anguished, eyes filling with water. "And didn't do anything to stop it." Rin added in despair.
Rin just wanted the entire affair to end. In the end, she shakily stood from the ground, a stumble in her walk. The job was done, the girl just wanted to go home and forget the entire thing. However, the hideout's door swung open and Lee sauntered out, arms behind her back while humming a cheerful tune. If Rin didn't know better, she would never have guessed that the woman had just committed murder.
"That was certainly energizing." Lee happily stated as she approached Rin, who in turn stared with wide eyes.
"E…e… energizing…" The girl mumbled disbelievingly. "Is that all you have to say? That it was energizing! You murdered, spirits how many people." Rin shouted, thinking about how many more lives were taken by the woman before their meeting.
"One, stop with the screeching kid." Lee said lifting a finger up, an annoyed tone to her voice. "Two, it's not that bad. You get used to it after a while." They explained as if talking about the weather. Rin gave her a silent glare. "Three, how do you feel about coming on a few more of these?" Lee casually offered, extending her hand.
"Are… are you serious?" Rin breathed out, before a parade of slightly maniacal laughs escaped her. "I don't want anything to do with you." She angrily rejected, backing away.
"I don't even see why you needed me there. You, clearly could've handled it yourself." The younger of the two hissed, clenching her fists. "Leave me alone." Rin growled out, turning while forgetting her previous fears. Suddenly, she heard the sound of something flying towards her. Acting fast, Rin crossed her arms to defend herself. But, no attack came. Instead, in her hand was a worn small bag, tied with a rubber band.
"Fine, fine. It's your choice I guess." Lee muttered. "There's your cut for the job, as promised." She added, moving to stand behind Rin. "Though, if you ever change your mind. Well, I'm always travelling around the nation." Lee whispered, a sly grin on her face as she began sprinting away.
When Rin turned again, Lee was gone.
Unnerved, Rin began running back to her relative's home. After a few minutes, she slowed down and leaned against the wall of a random alley.
"Finally… it's over." She thought to herself while steadily walked home. However, she paused, slowly glancing behind her. Gulping, Rin continued forward, staring at the ground with a torn expression. "I… I should go tell someone about this, right?" Rin thought unsurely. "I know where their hideout is, and witnessed the murders. I'd definitely be in less trouble." She mentally added.
The bag weighed down in her hand. Slowly, Rin peaked inside to see the contents.
Bills, lots of them, lots of authentic yuan. It amounted to more then she'd ever had before.
Squeezing both the bag and her eyes shut. She closed then pocketed the money. "I'm just one person, what's that going to do." Rin told herself, pushing her feet to move.
—
The week passed by without incident despite Rin's initial fears. Upon returning to her hometown, Rin's parents seemed in better spirits. Her mother enveloping Rin in a tight hug, which she returned after a short hesitation. Things soon returned to normal after that, another week passing uneventfully.
But, the spirits weren't done with Rin yet.
She had been quietly reading in her room. Eyes half closed as they danced across the words. However, Rin heard the muffled sounds of her parents from the kitchen. They sounded worried, and trying to keep their voices low. Concerned, Rin silently exited her room and entered the kitchen. Her parents were crowded around the counter, where a single small stack of papers were located. It was if it were poison.
"Mom? Dad? Is everything okay?" Rin asked, making her parents jump.
"R… Rin? Y… you're still up?" Her father stuttered nervously.
"I was reading. But, I heard you guys and wanted to see what was up." The water bender mumbled, pushing past her protesting parents to look over the papers herself. Holding the first document in her hands, her body trembled as her eyes widened.
"We're being evicted!?" Rin shouted, the paper falling to the floor. Her parents guiltily stared at their feet.
"The shop wasn't getting many visitors recently. So, we both had to work some extra jobs to try and keep up. But, as you can see, it isn't enough this time." Her mother quietly explained, the shadows under her eyes becoming more prominent.
"That's why you were never home? That's why I spent two weeks in the capital?" Rin questioned, receiving an ashamed nod in return. "Why didn't you tell me? I could've helped!" She pleaded, taking a step closer.
"We didn't want you to worry. We didn't want you to have to help." Her father stated, slowly crouching down to pick the fallen sheet up.
"I would've understood." Rin responded with a fiery determination in her eyes.
"We know…" They both tiredly replied.
"Listen, we still have a week before we have to leave. But, it'll be alright. We'll get through this together." Her mother encouraged, a soft smile on her face.
"How can you say that?" Rin asked, slouching. Her parents pulled her into a family embrace. She didn't return the gesture, deep in thought before an idea filtered into her mind. Abruptly breaking free from the hold, she awkwardly backed away. "Sorry, sorry. But uh, I'm actually going to bed now." Rin excused, which her parents readily accepted. "Talk more tomorrow?" She quickly added with her own smile, which was returned.
Bolting back into her room, Rin locked the door behind her. Proceeding to violently snatch the bag from it's hiding place. She cleared away her books before dumping the contents on her desk. Quickly counting the amount in her head, she scowled upon realizing it wasn't enough. In frustration she punched her bed before leaning against the opposite wall, eyes closed.
Rin spent a good deal of time brainstorming ideas and plans before opening her eyes. When she did, Rin was able to see the small scrap of paper hidden between the bills. Confused, the water bender pulled the slip out and unfolded it.
On the paper was an address, an address in her town. Also, a single crude drawing of a purple lotus. Instantly, Rin realized what it was, eyes narrowing.
"Well, I'm always travelling around the nation." Lee had said before leaving.
"How did she know where I lived?" Rin quickly asked herself, pacing her small dark room while thinking. "Wait…" She mumbled. "Could they have seen that small reaction in their hideout? That one jump when they said its name?" Rin incredulously questioned. "There's no other way, spirits." The water bender growled, pinching her nose.
"I can't believe this. But, there's no other way I guess." Rin mentally said with a resigned tone. Inside, she partially blamed herself for their current dilemma. If only she had realized what had been happening earlier. She had to make up for it somehow.
Rin pretended to sleep until she was sure her parents had drifted off into their own dreams. Afterwards, she snuck through the house towards the front door. In the living room, she partially glanced at an old box in the corner. It hadn't been touched in a while, filled with her father's unfinished knick knacks and tools. Exiting the house, she sprinted towards the address on the paper. Of course she realized that there was a chance Lee wouldn't be there, but she would at least try and take her chances.
The address was one of the more run down buildings, much like the hideout in the capital. It was a good distance from her home, so when she reached her destination Rin took a few minutes to catch her breath. Taking slow, hesitant steps and breaths she reached towards the door. Knocking three times, the loud noise echoing in her ears, there was silence.
"Come on!" Rin mentally urged.
The slot slid upon, light streaming out onto her face, making Rin squint her eyes. Then the door creaked open and she was pulled inside. Quickly adjusting to the light, Rin stood up straight. She put on a brave confidant face while scanning the staring occupants.
"Kid!" A familiar voice called out to her. Turning, Rin saw Lee approach and wrap an arm around her. "You showed up! What brings you to the Purple Lotus?" The woman slyly prodded. "What happened to 'I don't want anything to do with you' huh?" She whispered with a smirk, so only Rin and her could hear.
"I need money." Rin stated with a clear tone, expression unyielding.
"Is that so huh?" Lee teased, removing her arm. "We don't do loans you know." The older woman mocked, a glint in her eyes.
"I know." Rin replied, clenching her fists. "It's for my family." She mentally reassured herself.
"So you want a job then? Interesting, are you sure kid?" Lee questioned, tilting her head,
"I know what I'm getting myself into." Rin darkly responded with a nod, forcing herself to maintain eye contact while Mr Kou and his wife's murders flashed across her mind.
"Are you though?" The older woman asked, clicking her tongue. Staring each other down, Lee eventually started chuckling. "Okay then kid, lets do this. The name's Mei Ling." She stated with a crooked smile.
"You're telling me your actual name?" Rin questioned, suspicious.
"It's not like you'll tell anyone, right?" Mei Ling said back in a sickly sweet tone. Rin looked away.
"No… no I won't."The younger girl mumbled.
—
Mei Ling and Rin snuck into the home of one of the wealthier residents. It went much like the previous job. They didn't get detected by anyone when entering or sneaking towards the bedroom. However, when it came to strike the mistress down, Mei Ling simply turned to Rin. The younger girl raised her eyebrow when none of them moved.
"It's your job. You do it." Mei Ling quietly stated, shrouded in shadows.
"…Me?" Rin breathed out, shocked.
"You want full pay then yes. If you don't feel up to it, then you're only getting a cut." The older woman coldly replied, arms behind her back as she watched.
"I…" Rin tried to say, but tailed off. "Okay." She added, trying to sound confidant as she approached the sleeping adult.
Rin formed a dagger in her hand. Staring at the small reflection of her face, and then at the still form of the target, her hand shook. Rin couldn't stop the trembling, posture shaky.
"I have to do this." She desperately thought, squeezing her eyes shut as she leaned forward. "But I can't!… I… I… I?" Rin suddenly questioned, opening her eyes to peek at Mei Ling, eerily observing.
"I have to do this." Rin repeated to herself. "I have to." She reassured herself, stretching her arm out again.
"I'm sorry." Rin whispered as she forced her hand to stop shaking. Then she buried the ice in the woman's head, blood leaked out onto the bed. The ice turned a deep red colour. There was no sound, no light as she backed away and fled with Mei Ling back to the building.
"It's for my family. It's for my family." Rin hysterically repeated to herself, desperate assuring herself that she was right, that she did the right thing.
She wordlessly took the larger bag of yuan at the building. Pocketing it once she checked all the money was all there. Mei Ling stood next to her as she prepared to head home.
"Lucky you came tonight. I'm heading off in a few hours to the next town over." Mei Ling stated, looking down.
"Oh." Rin dully responded, eyes glazed over.
"See ya, kid." Mei Ling went, as Rin silently exited into the night.
"Bye…" The water bender mumbled back, in a trance. On the way home, Rin took a few minutes to calm herself down. Rapidly shaking her head, she let out a breath when she stepped into her home, closing the door behind her. Then she heard a gasp, turning-
—
Rin gripped the metal railings of the boat harder, gritting her teeth. She didn't want to remember that part.
—
The door of her family's shop flung open while Rin was roughly thrown outside. It slammed shut as she landed on the ground. Rin didn't move, shocked as she stared into the black inky sky. Then, a single drop of rain landed on her forehead, then another. Before she knew it, a storm befell the town, water rushing over her as if mocking the girl. It was fitting.
Slowly, Rin picked herself up, stumbling to her feet. She realized she was still tightly clutching the bag of yuan in her hand. Her eyes grew as dark as the storm raging around her, pain in her hand as she gripped the bag.
"FINE THEN! I DON'T NEED YOU!" Rin furiously yelled as she threw the bag at the door, the sound lost in the rain. She didn't care as the water soaked through the fabric and ruined the paper bills inside. "I'll be fine on my own! I'll actually make something for myself! Because I'll do something instead of just sitting around!" The young water bender screeched, though tears formed in her stormy eyes, indiscernible from the raindrops.
Taking a few shaky steps forward, Rin began to run as if her life depended on it.
The girl ran away from her home, her family. She ran past the dojo and next to it Pao Shi sleeping away. The storm pounded in her ears as the thunder echoed in her steps. She didn't have a destination in mind, she just wanted to get away.
Rin tripped, giving an animalistic growl as she pushed herself forward, clothes dirtied and covered in mud. Looking down at the cause of her fall, she glared at a small injured dog. The creature have a soft moan and gave her pleading eyes.
"What are you looking at me for?" Rin menacingly spat out. "Help yourself." She cruelly muttered, leaving the canine to suffer alone.
Eventually she found herself in front of the Purple Lotus's building. Pausing for a fraction of a second, Rin approached once more. She didn't knock or wait for an answer, ripping the door open and storming inside.
"Kid?" Mei Ling causally asked from a table, not bothered by her appearance in the slightest. "I was just about to leave? What do you-" The older woman began before Rin cut her off.
"Take me with you." The girl demanded, taking slow determined steps to reach her.
"You want to come?" Mei Ling questioned, though she didn't sound surprised, which Rin missed. "Are you sure? I'll be doing a lot of jobs-" She tried to say before getting interrupted.
"I know, and I don't care." Rin angrily shot back.
"What about your family then?" Mei Ling prompted, making Rin stiffen.
"It doesn't matter anymore." The girl muttered, a gleam glistened in Mei Ling's eyes. Slowly, she stood and put a hand on Rin's shoulder.
"Well then, lets go." Mei Ling cheerfully stated, ignoring the weather outside. "Do something about your hair though kid. It'll probably get in the way on future jobs. That is, if you're going to take more of them." The older woman slyly said.
"My name's Rin." Rin mumbled, undoing her bow with a single tug. Using the ribbon to tightly tie her hair back.
And then they left town, and Rin never looked back.
—
Looking back at that single, stormy night, Rin sighed. She could've done a lot of things differently, and her options weren't as narrow as they initially appeared. She could've waited to see if anything else happened. She could've sucked up her pride and gone to Pao Shi for help. But she didn't, instead impulsively acting.
Rin walked through the streets of her hometown with her hood up. People gave her a passing glance but didn't approach. She doubted anyone would recognize her and wanted no one to. The red ribbon was wrapped around her hand. The sky darkened into night as Rin passed a display case of televisions. The various screens broadcasting announcements from Fire Lord Azai, son of previous Fire Lord Iroh.
She didn't listen to what the elderly leader was saying. Simply glancing at the moon with lost blue eyes.
'I guess I should find somewhere to sleep." The former bender mumbled. Searching herself for any money, she sighed finding nothing, "I can't really camp outside, not any big forests around here I think." Rin thought. "An alley would work I guess." Rin stated, stumbling into the first one she found, not even looking at her surroundings.
Collapsing behind a dumpster, she brought her knees close to her chest.
"What do I do now?" Rin despondently wondered, staring at the wall. "Now that I'm here, I don't know what to do." She went, eyes beginning to close. "I guess, I'll sleep for now. There's nothing else to do I guess." Rin tiredly mumbled, drifting off to a dreamless sleep.
It was hours later when she groggily opened her eyes. Light pouring onto her face. She was still in the alley, and it was still night. "Huh?" Rin muttered as she squinted her blurry vision. Wait, someone was speaking to her.
"Who…?" Rin muttered again. Before her vision slightly cleared and she could make out the figure. Eyes widening at the familiar sight.
"Rin?" Pao Shi breathed out, as they both stared at each other.
—
Authors Note: This got way longer then I thought it would be! This should conclude the backstory, now I can finally get back to the original plan. Going to explain some of the plot in this note though. So, Lee/Mei Ling was testing Rin on the first job, that's why they took the long way in and split up and all. She was originally going by herself, and thus would've taken the balcony in and out without Rin. I also got some help writing the alley chase scene.
