The usual disclaimers apply
Chapter 5
As Aang stood in the ancient court of Omashu, he recalled how terribly difficult it was to convince Suki and Ty Lee to leave their post at Kyoshi Island. He recalled how Suki flicked her golden fan opened and Ty Lee cracked her knuckles at the suggestion that they run and hide from a rampaging princess. They were threatening and hostile. It took his most heart felt and earnest pleads to convince them to go to the South Pole. He mentioned how worried Sokka was for both of them, mainly Suki, but he had instructed for Ty Lee to be taken to the Southern Tribe too. He relayed to them Zuko's condition and how Mai could not be burdened with worrying over Ty Lee's safety with Zuko still recovering from the attack. He even had to conceive the notion that Azula was more likely to attack the Southern Tribe than Kyoshi Island.
However, at the moment, he would rather be standing toe-to-toe against both of their furies along with the other Kyoshi warriors than standing before this haughty and furious princess of Omashu. Princess Jiku was the great-great- niece of King Bumi and his proclaimed heir. She was beautiful, intelligent, and commanding, and she knew it. The ground trembled every time she tapped her bare foot to the ground. Her arms were crossed over her body as she stared down on Aang. Her hair was piled feet up on top of her head giving her the illusion of even more height. She was a powerful force wrapped in silk.
"What do you mean by we are not to engage in war?" she inquired in a harsh tone. "What if she attacks Omashu?"
Aang had expected a bit of resistance but he did not expect to be shown to the princess. He had expected that since he and Bumi were old friends that he would automatically be given an audience with the king. However, it seemed that Bumi was handing more responsibilities to his successor and now Aang had to deal with her.
"Well, I highly doubt that she will attack Omashu," Aang answered her. "Azula was here during the war only because Mai was here. But if she does attack, I am not foolish enough to tell you that you are not to defend yourselves. All I mean is that I am trying to prevent war and to possibly see if any of your soldiers or lookouts have seen anything."
"Well, I can tell you for certain that no one has seen any sign of the Fire Lord's sister. But did you actually think we will declare war on the Fire Nation for not properly securing the most dangerous force in the world?" Jiku asked. "We are not rustics."
That much was true. She wore expensive green silk and gold jewelry. Aang tried not to verbally agree with her as she adjusted the flowing sleeve of her robes and showed a hint of a white wrist.
"I realize that but…"
"Still," she interrupted. "Fire Lord Zuko should have dealt with her properly at the end of the war."
Aang narrowed his eyes and he could feel heat radiating from his head. "Are you suggesting that he should have killed his own sister?" he asked through gritted teeth.
Aang's words silenced the princess but it did not mean she was defeated. She glared back at Aang with her green eyes not denying what she had meant. He was left to make his own conclusions on what she meant on his own. What hurt most was that she did not seem to take offense to the accusation.
"Princess Jiku," Aang said in a gentler tone feeling diplomacy slipping between the cracks. "It has been seven years. I just don't want it to end like this. Please understand that Zuko defied his own family to help me end the war. I do not want to fail him now."
Jiku eyed him with interest but not with too much willingness. "I understand your concern Avatar Aang. It is only because of the peace that I have been able to return home from the strict confides of Ba Sing Se."
"Thank you Princess Jiku," Aang said feeling their conversation was beginning to get back on track.
"I will pass this onto the King," she decided abruptly leaving Aang's mouth slightly ajar. "But I can assure you that we will not engage in any kind of warfare. However, if she does attack Omashu, do not expect us to be as understanding as her brother."
"Is that a threat?"
"No," she answered in a deep tone. "Threats are empty and idle."
Aang opened his mouth to make a rebuttal but she started to turn away and she waved her hand.
"Thank you princess," Aang said getting the hint. "I will see Chief Arnook of the Northern Tribe and the Earth King."
"I hope this is resolved quickly. But I am intrigued. If you are here, who is looking for the princess?" she asked.
"Fire Lord Zuko has contracted Captain Inara of the Empress," Aang answered. "She is a member of the Merchants Guild."
Jiku tilted her head in an inquisitive gesture. "Really," she murmured.
"Do you know her?" Aang asked.
"No," she simply answered. "I just find it interesting that he would have a mere merchant hunt down his most dangerous enemy instead of the Avatar."
"You're not the only one," Aang answered. He then bowed to her and headed out of the palace to continue his journey.
***
The Empress docked at a less than reputable port that Sokka was familiar with. Normally he would have objected but he had little choice in the matter. Darkness had fallen and he was thrown into an itchy, black cloak. His sword and boomerang were tucked beneath it but Taizo had advised him to leave the club behind. He said it was considerably more conspicuous than his other toys.
He and Inara headed into the dark, mysterious, and sordid back allies of the Wei Yu. Inara led the way with their hoods pulled down over their foreheads. She slipped between men and around corners like she was a shadow. The night was still young and there was every sort of person out still. Sokka tried his best to not bump into anyone as they weaved in and out of scattered congregations of people.
His heart raced as they pushed further and further into the trading town. Sokka's imagination started to create different scenarios. Inara had not told him where this "retired" assassin took his up his residence at. The only assassin Sokka had ever really met was the Combustion Man. He wondered if there would be a small army standing guard of his door to keep them from entering. What if there was trouble?
Inara continued on and the buildings became taller and better built. They had wondered into the slightly richer area of town. The area was a not as dark and the streets and alleys were wider. Inara ducked into the shadows and watched as a carriage pulled by two ostrich-horses passed.
"Let's go," she whispered once it was a bit down the small road.
Inara hurried across the street and down a dark alley. Sokka followed close behind her. They went down to the end of the alley. The passed several closed doors with bars to ward of burglars. There were red drapes that hung over head to prevent the residents from upstairs to look down upon the goings on of the alley.
There was a door at the end on the left. Inara walked right up to it. Sokka stood behind her as she tapped three times on the door. At first, nothing happened but then Sokka could hear someone grumbling on the other side. A small window cut into the door slid opened and a pair of gray eyes stared back at them. The left eye had a mean scar cut right through it and the other eye did not look welcoming either.
"Who goes there?" the man demanded.
He looked side to side and then he finally lowered his line of sight and his eyes landed on Inara hooded head. She pushed back her hood and the man's eyes widened.
"Captain Inara," he nearly gasped. "I did not realize that it was you."
"We are here to see Kaizen," she announced.
"We," he muttered and looked past Inara to Sokka. Sokka looked up at the man and caught a knowing gaze. "Very well," he said.
There were a few clicks and then door swung inward. Inara stepped in and then Sokka followed. The man behind the door closed it with a thud. He then locked two dead bolts and slid a thick piece of wood in front of the door. He was a man of the Fire Nation, Sokka realized. His graying hair was up in a topknot and he wore a red sash across his chest over his black robes.
"This way," he said.
They walked out of the foyer and down a hall. The house was lavishly decorated with fine silks, luxurious rugs, and expensive art. He studied the doorman and saw that his robes were made of fine cloth. Sokka began to wonder if this Kaizen was the assassin Inara had discussed with him about seeing. This house looked more of a rich merchant's house than someone who dealt in bloody agreements.
They were led to the end of the hallway where a solitary door was adorned with red curtains. The doorman motioned for them to stay as he slipped in. They stood quietly avoiding each others gazes.
"Kaizen is a bit of an eccentric," Inara said breaking the silence.
"I noticed," Sokka remarked. "So, is he the…"
"Yes," she answered shortly. "And remember our deal."
"I do," Sokka assured her.
"Oh, please don't pay too much heed of what he might say in there," she said in almost a pleading tone. "We have sort of a history."
Sokka's head jerked towards her. "Really," he sang completely captivated by her words. "What sort of history?"
Before Inara could answer, the door creaked opened. The doorman stood before them with a stone expression.
"You may go in," he said.
Inara and Sokka walked into the room and the doorman closed the door firmly behind their backs. The room was even more lavish than the rest of the house. The walls were draped with nothing but silk and the floor was covered with rugs and richly embroidered pillows. Gold tassels and adornments shimmered in the candlelight and the lamplight of gold lamps. There was a potent smell in the room too. Sokka could not place the smell but it was intoxicating.
At the center of the room looked to be a tiny pagoda of silk. Pillows were piled high around the perimeter and there was a low, round table at the middle. Incense burned on the table and there was a pot of tea and three cups.
"This is a pleasant surprise," a smooth voice said.
Sokka looked towards the source of the voice. A man lounged at the back against a mound of pillows. Sokka imagined that he was nearing 40 but still in his prime. He had a pipe in his hand and a ring on every finger and a small gold flame at his topknot. Eccentric was too meek of a word to describe this man. He wore the most expensive red silk with golden dragons embroidered along the edges of his sleeves and trim. This man was rich and urbane with a hint of darkness in the glint of his eye.
"Hello Kaizen," Inara greeted him with a cool smile. "It's good to see you again."
Kaizen smiled back at her. It was not warm nor was it of scorn. The smile was laced with intrigue and a secret.
"No it's not," he stated without any hint of an insult. "You were always such a practiced liar."
"I prefer honest rogue personally," she quipped.
"Honest rogue," Kaizen repeated rolling the term over his tongue with a bit of pleasure. "Yes, that may be more of an accurate portrayal." Kaizen's eyes then fell on Sokka without much interest. "Come, sit and share my pipe with me," he insisted and held up his exquisite pipe.
"I don't indulge," Inara answered and took a seat across the table from him.
Sokka sat down to her right. He watched Kaizen as he filled his pipe with something gummy and meticulously shaped it.
"Do you mind if I do?" Kaizen asked.
"I would prefer that you waited until we left," she stated.
"Well, besides the lack of indulgence of my pipe," Kaizen said still holding the pipe aloft, "I would say that this visit is quite welcomed. It has been too long since I have last visited Kito."
Inara returned a wry smile. "And you can keep waiting for you will never have safe passage to Kito again."
This caused a deep throated chuckle to ruminate from Kaizen's throat. A young woman then slipped in through a side door causing Inara and Kaizen to fall silent. She brought a fresh pot of hot tea and served each of them with her eyes kept down to the table.
"So," Kaizen began once the woman had left. "Who is your friend?"
"This is Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe," Inara answered.
"Water Tribe," Kaizen murmured. "You're the son of Chief Hakoda, are you not?"
Sokka nodded. "I am."
"I ran into him once during the war," Kaizen recalled. "He was an honorable man. I have little use for honorable men but I call it as I see it."
"Really, my father has never mentioned you," Sokka said.
Kaizen smiled. "Good."
A strange look swept over his face. It was as if he was desperately searching for some recollection of an event. It was plainly written on his face when he did. A broad smile stretched across his face and that dark glint returned to his eyes.
"Sokka, I remember you now," he said. "You took one of the best of us."
"Excuse me," Sokka responded.
"There was an assassin who had a distinct talent. His name was Muyeong and he was contracted by the Fire Lord to kill the Avatar during the war."
Realization hit Sokka as hard as Toph did. "The Combustion Man," he muttered remembering that lucky shot with his boomerang at the Western Air Temple. "Was he a friend of yours?"
"Friend," Kaizen nearly laughed. "My lad, we rarely have friends within our profession. I would say he was more of an acquaintance, a business associate if you please. But if you were ever interested into joining the Assassins Guild, or even the Merchants Guild, I would dare to say that you already have a marketable reputation."
"Thanks but I think I will have to pass on that opportunity," Sokka said.
"Suit yourself," Kaizen drawled and then turned his attention back to Inara. "So my dear, what has brought you to my humble abode?"
"I'm on the hunt," she answered.
"Ah," he said knowingly. "I take it that you have won the coveted contract of hunting down the deranged princess."
"Yes," she answered shortly. "Do you think anyone else will try to collect the bounty?"
Kaizen placed the pipe on the table and leaned back against the pillows. He looked like he might for once be serious about business as he folded his arms over his body.
"It is hard to say," he replied plainly. "There are many who would make their names on such feat. However, there are those who are wiser than others and understand the dangers of such a hunt."
"Yes or no," Sokka pushed.
"He's saying that anyone who would go after her are fools and should be of little worry to us," Inara said.
Kaizen nodded at her. "But there is more, isn't there?" Inara's silence told him all he wanted. He smiled back at her and Sokka. "There is always more with you, isn't there?"
"Whatever do you mean?" she responded.
The slyness of her response livened Kaizen's mood. He started to laugh and finger the dragon embroidery of his sleeve. "My dear, let's put aside these little games we like to play. We have been acquaintances long enough to do without them."
Inara quickly replied. "Fine, let's get down to the point. Will you or any of your esteemed colleagues be tempted to hide her for a price?"
"We are always interested into a fair price."
Sokka jumped in with his deep tone. "Azula will never offer a fair price."
"Our lives would be considered fair with her," Kaizen pointed out.
"How about doling out any of your services?" Sokka asked.
"There are always those who are desperate for work. It does get harder and harder to eek out a living for those who are without talent or name with former Fire Nation military seeping into the trade. I'm sure she can find decommissioned soldiers to do her dirty work."
"Such as yourself?" Inara inquired.
Kaizen then became quiet. He started to examine the rings on his fingers. Sokka watched his hand casually reach for the cup of tea but he stopped and withdrew his hand. Sokka glanced over at Inara and her expression told him everything. She had seen his reaction too.
Inara looked up at Kaizen with half a smile. She tilted her head ever so slightly that Sokka almost did not notice it. "Where is she?" she asked him.
A fleeting smile flashed across Kaizen's face. "She arrived at my doorstep just before you did," he replied. "She wanted to know if she could buy some of my services."
Inara leaned back casually like this was of no real concern. Sokka's ears started to burn though with the words he heard. He balled up his fist under the table and breathed steadily to contain his rage.
"But she gave me a fair fee for keeping you occupied for awhile when she realized you were here," Kaizen continued.
"Really, and what fee was it?" Inara asked.
"My life," he replied.
"You did do well," she remarked and glanced down at the tea. "Are you trying a new blend?"
Kaizen shrugged. "It's nothing too strong," he admitted. "But it will put you out of commission for quite some time."
Sokka had enough. He immediately swatted the two cups that sat before him and Inara off the table and glared at Kaizen.
"You were going to poison us," he growled.
"My lad, poison is such a strong word. You would not have died although I'm sure you would have wished that you had. I am only holding up my end of the deal. Oh, watch your right."
Inara quickly kicked up the table. It stood up on its side to Sokka's right catching an arrow with the fine, lacquered top. Sokka sprung up and threw his boomerang. It whipped around the room and struck an archer who was hidden amongst the fine silk hangings on a high ledge and then flew right back into Sokka's hand.
"It has been such a joy having a retired Yu Yan archer," Kaizen remarked as he brushed off his robes. "But I do have to admit that was fun to watch."
The door them burst opened. Kaizen's doorman ran in with a spear. He headed right at Sokka's back. Inara stepped in. She drew her two swords and cut the spear to size before it could be run right through Sokka. The doorman then swung the stick wildly at Inara's head.
"A bit of assistance if you please," Inara said.
Sokka brought his leg up and kicked the doorman in the jaw. He fell sprawled out on the ground.
"If I were you, I would be leaving," Kaizen suggested.
Inara grabbed Sokka by the wrist. "Come on, he has probably a dozen more men waiting for us."
"A dozen, oh my dear…"
They did not hear what Kaizen was about to say. They ran down the hall past the expensive drapes and art. There were loud footsteps all around them. The only part of the house that they had seen was this one hallway from the foyer to the back room. There could be dozens of secret passages or simply men waiting in the other rooms.
A door to the left that was ahead of them swung opened. A man stepped out and threw three large knives at them. Inara and Sokka batted them away with their swords and rushed the man. He knew hew as out numbered. He fell back into the room and closed the door.
Another man then appeared ahead of them. He bent several fireballs at them. Inara rushed ahead of Sokka. He watched her with wide eyes as she simply waved the fire aside and then fiercely bombarded their attacker with a barrage of fire. Sokka caught of a glimpse of him diving back into the room where he came from.
"Swords out!" Inara ordered.
She started to run full speed down the hall way with her broad swords aimed at the door. Any unsuspecting assassin would run clean into them. Sokka was not sure of this tactic so he kept his sword up and ready instead. They sprinted down the hall and luckily no one else popped out. Sokka then ran ahead of Inara and cut through all of the locks that the doorman had put in place. He kicked the door and it fell to the ground.
"Back to the ship," Inara said.
They ran down the dark alley and out into the street. Sokka could feel the assassins bearing down on them. He chanced a look over his shoulder and saw six masked warriors chasing them down. They each had swords and other weapons draped all over their bodies. They ran nimbly through the streets and over any obstacle.
"Don't look back, just run," she insisted.
Sokka didn't listen. He stopped and threw his boomerang. It whirled through the air and circled around their attackers. They were smarter than Sokka had anticipated. They all ducked and waited for it to turn back towards Sokka. Once he had caught it, he gulped and turned on his heels and ran.
"I told you to just run," Inara snapped when he caught up.
"I had to try something," he retorted.
"Your right!" Inara warned him.
Sokka thrust his sword towards the right. There was a black, cloaked figure ready to attack. The sword came crashing down towards the assailant's head but he caught the sword between his hands. If Sokka could have seen his face, he would have sworn he was smiling. Sokka quickly kicked the man in the chest. The sword was released and the assassin stumbled back but he was not hurt. He glared at Sokka. He started to run towards him but Inara blasted a fireball between them. This gave Sokka enough time to club him over the head with the blunt end of the boomerang.
"Let's go," Sokka found himself saying tiring of the fight.
Inara reached into her cloak as they neared the docks. She pulled out what looked like a stick and held it out to Sokka.
"Cut the end."
Sokka obliged and lobbed off the end with his sword. Inara then snapped her fingers and lit the stick. She held it over her head as they ran and green flares rocketed out of it into the sky.
"That's not what I would call discreet," Sokka huffed.
"Do you want to have a ship with cold engines at a time like this?" she asked sarcastically.
Sokka kept quiet. They were beginning to put some distance between them and Kaizen's men. The streets were becoming more crowded as they neared the water. People congregated in large huddles which forced them to elbow their way through. They could measure how far back the assassins were by the louder yelps of the crowd as they pushed through. The Empress was near. Sokka could see her and there was smoke spewing from the smoke stack.
Sokka and Inara burst out from the crowd. They had a clear path to the Empress but Sokka's heart sank when he saw the ship begin to move.
"They're leaving us," he nearly cried.
"Just shut up and run," Inara ordered.
They heard the loud footsteps of Kaizen's men behind them on the wooden dock. The ship had completely pulled away form the dock. The only thing left was the rope that trailed from the ship.
"Into the water," Inara ordered.
Sokka did not argue. He jumped into the water and Inara followed him. She brought the rope with her and shoved it into Sokka's hand. The assassins did not join them for a swim. They all skittered to a halt at the end of the dock. The rope was still attached to the Empress and so they were being pulled away. The black figures blended in with the night but Sokka could have sworn that they were waving.
"Ahoy there," he heard Taizo call down to them.
Sokka looked up and he saw Taizo standing at the railing of the ship. He waved down at them in much better humor than Sokka was feeling at the moment.
"Hey Kerak, it appears we caught a couple of big ones," he jested.
"Reel them in," they heard Kerak order.
Taizo disappeared from view. Sokka felt the rope being pulled up out of the water with Inara below him. Kerak pulled Sokka over the railing and he plopped hard onto the unwelcoming deck of the Empress. Sokka sat up and waited as Kerak pulled Inara over. At first, Sokka thought she was crying in pain like she had been hurt sometime in the chase. Then he actually looked at her and realized she was wailing in laughter.
"What is so funny?" he demanded as Nayen wrapped a blanket over his shoulders.
Inara laughed for a few more seconds before she could manage to say anything. "The whole thing is hilarious. Kaizen, Azula, you, it's just too hysterical."
"Me?" Sokka demanded and grew even more infuriated when he saw smirks on Kerak and Taizo's faces.
"What happened?" Kerak asked.
"Well, apparently Azula is in need of some mercenaries or something because she went to Kaizen to outsource her needs," Inara replied still giddy with laughter. "She let him live in exchange of him keeping us from chasing after her as she escaped."
"That is interesting," Taizo remarked with a broad smile. "But what makes him so funny?"
"It was the cups," Inara wheezed.
"The cups?" Nayen asked.
"Kaizen was serving that special blend of his," Inara explained. "And Sokka threw the cups off the table like we would actually drink something an assassin would offer us. In fact, he killed the cups."
Inara deteriorated into laughter. Kerak slowly started to chuckle followed by Taizo and Nayen. Sokka was left sopping wet with his mouth hanging open as the crew of the Empress laughed at near death. He was about to say something on the matter but the door to below deck swung opened. Genji marched out with his goggles still over his eyes and a neutral look on his face.
"What's so funny?" he asked.
"Nothing," Inara replied casually. "Kaizen sent his crew after us to give Azula enough time to get away."
"Is he working with her?" he asked.
"No, he's just trying to keep his head."
"Oh…ok…well, if that's all…"
"All!" Sokka exclaimed. "We nearly got killed."
"Oh calm down," Inara insisted. "We're in one piece. What's life without a bit of adventure? Besides, I'm sure you ran into stickier spots than this during the war."
"Well, yeah," Sokka responded a bit flustered. "But that's beside the point."
"Well, whatever the point is, I'm soaked to the bone and I'm hungry," she said. She got up and walked past Sokka without another word. The conversation was over whenever she said it was over. He was left dripping on her deck without saying what was left on his mind.
"Come on," Genji said pulling Sokka up. "She usually gets hysterical after a day like this. She can find anything funny. You can dry by the engines."
Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed.
