Chapter 9: 'Risk and Reward'

Fresh air.

Asami inhaled it in greedy measurements, unsure when she'd next get to experience this feeling of liberation, if ever.

A deep throated grumbling beside her was as good a reminder as any that this wasn't true freedom. She was under Ghazan's watchful eye and absolutely at his bequest as the engineer stumbled forward having been blindfolded for the last 30 minutes. Still, there wasn't one thing the formidable lava bender could do to stop Asami lapping up every moment of this little trip.

They were apparently heading for a nearby market to pick up some supplies. I doubt anything for sale there will have been obtained legally. The only reason Asami had been brought along for the trip was because, once again, the power generator which was vital in keeping the cave system illuminated had kicked the bucket. Some Red Lotus idiot had been over zealous in their use of the generator, frying the batteries inside which now required replacement.

Ghazan didn't seem to have a clue about anything electronic and his fellow anarchists were growing increasingly twitchy about having to rely on the few fire benders they had to get around their home safely. Asami had insisted that she could fix it but she'd need the right materials, and since she'd been through the Red Lotus criminal system with flying colors, no one was willing to say anything against her. At least not to her face.

So now they were on their way to collect batteries and other basics, the CEO and the moustached monster.

"Alright, we're nearly there, hold still a second so I can take this thing off," Ghazan muttered as he removed his hand from her back and to the front of her face. They were definitely near...somewhere. Asami could hear general bustle in the breeze and salt clung to her skin. Ghazan's strong fingers paused momentarily on the cloth blindfold. "Remember what I said, I don't want one mention of the Red Lotus, the Avatar, Republic City. Anything. We're just here to pick up supplies."

Asami nodded firmly as the cloth was pulled away, her eyes blinking furiously at the sudden brightness all around her. She was dimly aware of hands at her back, undoing the bindings around her wrists.

"Let's go Sato," Ghazan ordered with a subtle push.

Asami followed in a total daze and she absorbed her current surroundings.

They were at a harbour, a really, really, old harbour which looked like it was ready to fall apart at end second. The Earth Kingdom really didn't take much pride in it's engineering, except in Zaofu. There was also sand below her boots, real, white sand that looked so clean Asami was half tempted to crouch down and eat it. Better than the poor excuse for food regularly served back at camp crazy. Finally, and best of all. The ocean, stretching on uninhibited for miles. She'd been right all along about their location then. They were somewhere on the coast.

"What is this place?" Asami asked hesitantly as she swerved past some beaten up looking trader who was shoving a cart. Apparently, this was place was stuck in time too.

Ghazan paused to examine a vendor selling all kinds of liquor that looked distinctly black market. "A trading point for people who – people selling stuff they don't want to be caught trading." She'd really expected an answer with his fist rather than his mouth. Maybe it was because they were in more of a public setting...Not that it felt like there was any kind of law enforcement here.

"And the boats...don't tell me these people are pirates?!" Asami said far too enthusiastically before a glare from a scarred woman carrying a trunk shut her up. It was hard not to get excited about something she'd only read about in old books. Pirates were the work of fiction. These people were probably something far more grim and realistic. The romance and adventure of those novels couldn't even compare.

"Some of them are, sure," Ghazan replied with a strangely amused tone. Then he pointed subtly with his tattooed hand at the strange variety of people wandering around them. "Then you've got your petty criminals, your pick pockets, your hired thugs, assassins and of course the gold old fashioned murderers, though I suppose the bulk of the people that work here could put that on their name tag."

That sounded like an extreme exaggeration but then, given the cold nature of these people's eyes, their generally battered appearance. It was probably quite the accurate assumption. Rei came to mind then. She wasn't a murderer, but certainly appearance wise, she would have no problems blending in with these people.

"So the Earth Queen doesn't have any law enforcement here?"

Ghazan raised his brow. "Why? Were yah hoping for a quick rescue?"

"No – it'd be a quick arrest. Her royal pain in the ass and I aren't exactly on the best of terms. I stole some of her army."

Ghazan grinned widely as he beckoned for them to take a right turn in the market, narrowly avoiding crashing into a crate full of what could only be hog monkeys given the terrible smell. "Spoken like a true member of the order. Sounds like someone's just as sceptical of world leaders as the people she claims are 'monsters'."

Asami turned her face away to hide her scowl, instead focusing on a nearby vendor with a distinctly water tribe complexion. The tribesman seemed to be selling hand crafted water tribe gear, furs, jackets, daggers, snow boots. It was a wonder he was able to make any money at all given the warm climate of this place. Except the weapons. A knife to the throat is the only language these people understand.

"But no, to answer your question, the Earth Queen has no power here, no corrupt authority does. So if you were hoping for some assistance you're all out of luck." Asami's luck had been out the moment Ghazan and Ming-Hua showed their ugly mugs at the Misty Palms Oasis.

"I wasn't, I'm just here for supplies..." Asami replied distantly as she eyed up the water tribe stall. Her Future Industries jacket was in an okay state, no more battered than the garb the rest of the Red Lotus wore, but her maroon under shirt was starting to rip and tear all over the place. It wouldn't be such a bad idea to replace it.

"At least try to sound convincing," Ghazan complained as he eventually surrendered to yet another trader selling liquor, pulling down the large backpack he'd brought.

Asami firmly crossed her arms. "You really think I'd do that? Just leave Kor – Rei – leave her to rot?"

Ghazan eyed her up for a long time whilst shaking out the sand covered backpack. "Whose to say? Maybe you don't even know yourself. When push comes to shove, you might do the exact opposite of what you intend. It happens."

Instead of continuing with this line of questioning Asami turned her back to Ghazan who was now engrossed in haggling down the price for some spiced Fire Nation whisky. Expensive stuff the likes of only Lord Zuko amongst others would have easy access to, yet here Ghazan was, trying to get the price dropped from what was already dirt cheap. At least he likes a bargain.

Ghazan's momentary distraction allowed Asami to wander across the dirt track with ease, though not without dodging a Cabbage Corp motor which sounded just about ready to give up on life. Then again, most Cabbage Corp tech tended to lean towards the cheap and dangerous.

The engineer peered back at Ghazan briefly, still engrossed in conversation. It wasn't a chance for escape but it was at least one which allowed some breathing space and some purchasing of her own, at the water tribe stall to be exact.

Asami stepped over cautiously with a slightly raised hand. "Excuse me, are you open for business?"

The trader snorted incredulously. "I don't think I've ever heard anyone use the words 'excuse me' in this place. You've been in the sun too long."

Asami simply laughed it off with a wave of her hand. "Probably!"

"Right...North or South?"

"What?" Good. That was better. The trader was starting to look at her like she was some kind of alien.

"Are you from the South or North? Only people from there are ever interested in my stuff." Oh! Right! The tribes!

"Do I look like I'm from any of the water tribes?" Asami asked with a raised brow.

"Well – No. I suppose not. You've got a lot of Fire Nation for sure, some Earth Kingdom too, and just a little of something else."

Asami glanced quickly back to Ghazan. Still occupied, but probably not for much longer. "You've got a sharp eye, Sir, but I'd rather not sit discussing my heritage all day. Can I please buy something?"

"With what? You don't exactly look like the wealthy type..."

"Does anyone here?"

The trader examined Asami with suspicion and interest. She really didn't look like the same person anymore. Her hair was no where near as glossy, becoming more of an irritant than anything else, and her usually pristine outfit was in a sorry state, making her look like she'd just endured all 100 years of the 100 year war. "I suppose not."

Asami reached inside her jacket pocket cautiously, pulling out something she'd hoped to never give away, except maybe to the Avatar. But this was for Korra anyway. If I can inspire even the smallest memory of her past maybe that'll be enough. "Will this do?" Asami held out the delicate ring with a rigid arm, gritting her teeth furiously in an effort to not immediately retract her hand.

The vendor took it eagerly. "Sapphire? Real sapphire. And big. What poor corpse did you pry this thing off of?" My mom.

"Does it matter? Like you care where it came from."

The tribesman nodded with glee. Asami was really being ripped off here. That ring alone was worth at least 10 of this man's wares, but she had nothing else left to trade.

"Alright girl, what do you want for it?"

Asami pointed rapidly. "That blue under shirt and two of those tribal arm bands, the navy blue ones with the white lining."

The seller clearly couldn't believe his luck as he pocketed the ring and handed over the goods with a ridiculously broad smile. "Done, have a good day."

"I'm sure she will." Ghazan had a firm grip on her shoulder. "I think we should be going now, don't you?"

Asami nodded frantically as Ghazan pushed her from the stall, the rattling sound from his backpack a clear sign he'd been victorious in his haggling. It was doubtful many people were brave enough to argue with arms like that. "Tell me Sato, what the hell are you up to?"

"I just needed some new clothes, okay...?" She grabbed at the tattered bottom of her under shirt to really hammer home the point. "If I'm really a part of the Red Lotus now then I'd like to look like more than a prisoner. Plus my cell is really cold at night."

The sympathy card seemed to soften Ghazan's expression considerably. "Fine. Now let's get those batteries and go. This place gets crazy at night, and I want to get back and drink this stuff before Ming-Hua or Zaheer get a chance to moan at me for it, or at least be drunk enough so I don't care."

Good. Now was the time to really distract Ghazan, enough that he wouldn't question her. Lets get him bogged down in his own problems and feelings. Then he wouldn't pay anywhere near as much attention to Asami and what she was buying.

"How are things with Ming-Hua anyway?" Asami asked calmly as they walked.

"Not good. I can't seem to say a thing right, bites my head off before I even get the chance," Ghazan grumbled. "She seems irritated, more so than usual. I dunno, maybe she liked the place back when it was damp and the ceiling kept dripping."

They stopped outside a vendor whose store front was filled with bits of electronic tech and junk that didn't look remotely operationally anymore. "So it's my fault then."

"No – that's a Ming-Hua problem. But she doesn't much like you anyway. Thinks you're constantly plotting."

Ghazan muttered a greeting to the vendor whilst Asami crouched down in the sand, searching through a rustic cardboard box full of pipes and bits of jagged metal. "I think she's jealous."

"Oh? That's an interesting conclusion," Ghazan replied curiously as he watched her search. "Jealous of you?"

"Maybe – she obviously has feelings for you, and thanks to Zaheer we've been spending a lot of time in each other's company," Asami suggested, almost squealing with delight when she found the required batteries for the generator. Four of them full of juice, and the generator only needed three. The other one, well, whose to say where that would end up.

Ghazan wouldn't know how many batteries the generator needed to operate, likely he wouldn't notice one was missing. It was a risk, but a worthwhile one for once.

"Hmmm...well that definitely complicates things. We've been dancing around the issue for a long ass time..." Ghazan muttered as he scratched his beard.

"I know how that feels..." Asami whispered to herself before she rose to her feet and passed the batteries over to Ghazan. "This is what the generator needs. Four sort of new batteries. It shouldn't clunk out for a good while now."

"As long as some smart ass doesn't mess around with it again." Ghazan took the batteries without hesitation. "How much for these?"

"10 silver pieces," the vendor replied calmly. Silver pieces? This place really is backwards. Only the most isolated Earth Kingdom towns still use that as a currency. Then the vendor stared at Asami for much longer than was comfortable. "Sure this is what you need? This girl doesn't exactly look experienced in technical matters."

Both Ghazan and Asami laughed at that whilst goods were exchanged. "She's a genius. Her brain's worth at least 20 of yours." Steam seemed to be visibly pouring from the vendor's head at those words but he didn't dare challenge Ghazan who was almost twice his height. "Lets go," he whispered softly.

Asami smiled to herself as she followed. Ghazan hadn't noticed the two water tribe arm bands she'd slipped into her back pocket, and hopefully, he'd be drunk enough on that Fire Nation whisky tonight to notice that any batteries had been removed before they were placed inside the generator. If Ming-Hua's current distaste for him was anything to go by, he'd probably finish the bottle in one evening. Asami would make sure to stir Ming-Hua up enough before hand to optimise her bitterness and the chances of an inebriated Ghazan.

"So we're really doing this then, you think we're ready?" Ghazan questioned as he stood leaning against the stone wall of Zaheer's bedroom.

Zaheer was too preoccupied examining his newly repaired glider to pay his comrade much mind. A deep throated grunt seemed like the best way to grab the bald man's attention. "Oh, Ghazan, I assume P'Li has spoken with you then." Zaheer folded the glider wings back into its staff with one swift flick of his hand. Sato really did a good job getting that thing back in working order.

Ghazan nodded firmly but couldn't conceal his annoyance at the fact that the 7ft tall combustion bender had interrupted him when he'd been just about to start his second glass of whisky. P'Li and Ming-Hua had remained in the lounge area, babysitting the Sato girl as she worked on the power generator. It was frustrating not being able to listen to his record player after it was operational for the first time in decades. "She did. Ba Sing Se then?"

"Yes, our scouts in all three of the rings have been sending the strangest reports regarding the Earth Queen. It seems the city is under some kind of permanent martial law, even in the upper ring," Zaheer spoke calmly. "Now is the perfect time to show the common people that the order of the Red Lotus isn't just some fringe group, a myth. Words are no longer enough. If we want to liberate the people of Ba Sing Se and the Earth Kingdom then Miss Hou-Ting's reign must end."

"About damn time," Ghazan growled. "People there will be more than ready for some real change given how much of a shit show its been over the last few weeks." Zaheer passed over a wad of coded notes. "These reports...what do think she's doing with all those people?"

Zaheer shook his head in frustration. "The easy answer would be killing them but I doubt it's so simple. Our scouts haven't been able to gain access to the palace to investigate properly."

"So we're kicking the door down then? No sneaking? No talking our way inside?" Ghazan grinned. Skulking around in the dark was really not his style. He and P'Li shared that opinion since both of their bending styles were incredibly flashy.

"Yes. This isn't a reconnaissance mission. There is no need for us to hide ourselves. This is about making a statement to the rest of the world as much as it is about physical liberation. The Red Lotus will travel in force to Ba Sing Se. One of our airships stationed in the South will be here in a few days."

"So no luck with the Water Tribe Chief then?"

"No. It seems Chief Tonraq isn't around, apparently he's on some diplomatic visit in the North."

"And when will we be dealing with them?"

"When I believe Korra is ready for such an undertaking. Ending the life of a member of your family, your parents, it will not easy, even though the Avatar wouldn't know them as her own blood."

Ghazan exhaled heavily before speaking again. "I know that feeling. Where is our dear Avatar anyway?"

"In her chambers, she'll be coming with us to Ba Sing Se. We need her strength and ability on the battlefield. She could bring down the walls separating each ring with ease," Zaheer replied confidently.

"And you think she's ready for that? I could bring down the walls you know, maybe not so easily, but I could," Ghazan retorted.

"She's ready to deal with the Earth Queen. That is the woman she blames for all of her ills," Zaheer spoke softly as he reached upwards to place a hand on Ghazan's shoulder. "If Rei cracks then I'll end her myself, but I don't believe she will, not with this mission. This will be the first victory of the Red Lotus Avatar, and it won't be last."

Ghazan shook his head rapidly. "...and what about the Sato girl? She ain't your puppet."

"And as a result she won't be coming to Ba Sing Se. She will stay here under Ming-Hua's care," Zaheer replied coldly.

"Neither of them are going to like that."

Zaheer patted his shoulder in reassurance. "Ming-Hua has already agreed to it. Don't you worry. Now go and enjoy the rest of your evening, there won't be much time for relaxation over the next few weeks and months. Good night my brother."

"Good night, brother," Ghazan grumbled as he made a swift exit, unable to stop himself grinning all the while. Finally. Some real action. The Red Lotus would become the organisation he'd dreamed of since the age of 15. When his beard had started to grow coincidently. And if they had the Avatar in tow, if Korra obeyed them like Zaheer had promised then the Dai-Li nor the Earth Queen's military had any hope of stopping them. Ba Sing Se would be changed irrevocably in no more than a day.

The Red Lotus were about to march.

"You got that thing going like a charm," Rei mused as the generator buzzed back into life, extinguishing the flame in her hand in the same instance. Her bending was no longer required in illuminating the cave. Asami couldn't help but note that the Avatar was the only person in the room who'd actually remained near the generator before it was powered up. Every other person present had retreated to the back wall, as far away from the potential blast zone as possible.

"Yes, like a charm," Ming-Hua hissed from the other side of the room, her expression sour. If the water bender possessed arms they'd probably be firmly crossed about now. "Alright, shows over people, get back to doing some useful." The room practically emptied at that cackling command. Out of the core four of the Red Lotus, Ming-Hua seemed to inspire the most fear in her comrades.

Asami felt the weight of the spare battery in her back pocket, tapping her hand against it subtly to check it was definitely still there. The cutting would continue tonight once the engineer was safely back in her cell and the escape plan would be reignited. However, nothing would change the fact that the plasma saw she'd be using was absolutely shoddy. It'd still take a long time to cut the hole big enough, a few days at least, given she'd only have the nights free to do it, and the fact that she would be forced to stop regularly when a guard passed.

Ming-Hua was eyeing up Ghazan's record player on a nearby chair, dark eyes boring into the device as though it was Lord Zuko himself. She didn't have many good words for that man. Asami kept her eyes trained on the water bender, hoping that Ghazan would return soon so she could be relieved for the evening and go to bed.

"What's with the new get up?" Rei interrupted curiously as she blocked Asami's line of sight.

"I like water tribe colors, and their clothes tend to be pretty sturdy and warm."

Rei nodded with a smile. "Yeh, me too." Then she proceeded to point to Asami's up tied hair, held together with one of the arm bands she'd purchased earlier. "And this, what's this about?"

"Ehhh...it was starting to bother me, getting in my face when I was working," Asami replied sincerely whilst also trying to peer at Ming-Hua.

"I guess that makes sense...you've still got the nicest hair here by a long shot," Rei grinned with hands on her hips.

"I like yours that way," Asami blurted out accidentally. She immediately tried to straighten out her expression but the battle to not blush was already lost. A change in subject was desperately needed. The engineer shifted a little closer to the Avatar, enough that Ming-Hua wouldn't be able to make out much of their conversation, especially over the sound of the generator. "I got something for you when I was out with Ghazan, pretty sure you'll like it, if you like water tribe stuff."

Asami handed over the arm band carefully, allowing the Avatar to examine it for a few seconds. C'mon Korra. I know you're still in there somewhere.

Rei's eyes widened considerably as she took the navy blue garment tentatively. Her expression was definitely one of surprise, but it wasn't one of recognition or realisation, rather shock at having been given a gift at all. Is she crying...? There was the slightest bit of moisture at the edge of those sapphire eyes and her hands – they were definitely trembling.

"Keep it in your pocket, don't let Zaheer or anyone else see it," Asami warned. I wonder what they actually did with the rest of the Avatar's clothes before they gave her that Red Lotus junk. "Think of it as a good luck charm, my gift from me to you."

"...yeh...Zaheer's not exactly the number one fan of nationhood or borders or anything like that. He'd yank this off me in a second," Rei smiled slightly as she slipped the arm band into an inside pocket. "But you didn't have to get me that...after the damage I did to your nose, I owe you about a million things."

"That wasn't your fault, it was mine," Asami assured, unconsciously reaching out a hand and gripping the edge of Rei's fingers, a second later her whole hand. The Avatar squeezed back tightly, a grateful glow spread across her tortured features.

"Get a room," Ming-Hua interrupted, seemingly done her staring contest with Ghazan's record player. Asami immediately relinquished her grip of Rei's hand, wrenching her arm back to her side. The sudden lack of contact once again stirred up a dull ache in the engineer's chest.

"This seems pretty room like to me," Rei retorted with folded arms and a pout. The Avatar's grip had lingered for much longer than Asami's.

"Zaheer's pet or not, I'll cut you up if you decide to speak to me like that again," Ming-Hua warned as he formed a solid block of ice for an arm, its end razor sharp.

Rei looked ready to defend herself as she took a slight step in front of Asami.

Mercifully the familiar grumble of Ghazan at the entrance of the room halted any confrontation before it could start. "Nice to see you three getting on so well."

"Could I got back to my cell for the night?" Asami asked softly.

"Uhuh, you did some good work today," Ghazan replied casually. "Can't promise it'll be an early morning tomorrow. I've got a lot of whisky left."

"You don't have to drink it all in one sitting," Ming-Hua pointed out.

Ghazan smirked at her incredulously. "Yes I do." That remark almost brought a hint of a smile to Ming-Hua's face. I didn't think she was even capable of smiling.

"Night," Asami bowed respectfully as she edged out of the room and into the cave corridor.

Ming-Hua didn't respond at all, glaring at her with disdain. All Ghazan could offer was the smallest nod as he pulled out that bargain bottle of Fire Nation whisky.

Rei took a very different approach, skipping past her elders and embracing Asami in a brief but tight hug. "Good night Sato."

Author Notes

I guess a somewhat chill chapter? I mean, it's not. But for this story it is.

-Seems like everyone's kinda transitioning into their Book 4 appearance, at least in terms of hair style pffttt, not otherwise looking like something dragged off the set of the Walking Dead.
-Oh Zaheer you bald, scheming bastard. In case it wasn't clear, he's got Red Lotus agents on the prowl on several of the world leaders, including Korra's father. Bad things would've probably happened if Tonraq was still in the South, but now Zaheer as the twisted guy he is pretty set on Korra doing the deed.
-Next chapter could be one in Ba Sing Se, I haven't quite decided yet in terms of general pacing. Because lets face it, shits gotta go down with the Earth Queen as well as back at Red Lotus base camp. Both things will be pretty intense, so I might space them out a little.
-I'm almost tempted to call this chapter the calm before the you know...

Please leave a review of your thoughts and how you are enjoying the story so far and thank you of course for taking the time to read, leave kudos and what not. Until next time!