This city is a dangerous place to be alone. Everywhere she turns, there will always be great hesitancy in talking with others. Just venturing through a random dark alleyway in the Lower Ring is enough to put her on guard, and the district's dense environment doesn't help either. Albeit risky, she did inquire about the teahouse's whereabouts. According to a few locals, the establishment lies somewhere near an old opera building named Xilou, not too far from an area of rundown cottages. The teahouse frequented by certain audiences after a stage performance. Oftentimes people complained about the staleness of the tea flavor and the owner's rude behavior. Despite having relatively low customer, the insignificant teahouse managed remain open even in hard times. To Huo, she is not going there for drinks. According to Narlo, Hong Xiuquan teahouse is a meeting place where the local sect leader will share the news with representatives of various acolyte branches in Ba Sing Se. They rarely meet up like this, which is why is it absolutely imperative that she successfully deliver the letter.
With only the nightly stars and the moon for illumination, Huo also found solace in the master's teachings. The progress for the Eternal Balance to assert itself on the world can wipe away any doubt in the master's greatness. This city is an obstacle, a bastion, a roadblock that stood against the master's will and glory. But Ba Sing Se is also a goal, a place that can provide refuge for all acolytes against the worldly powers. Republic City may be a temporarily solution, but they needed more than just someone who tolerated their presence. Which is why the master has devised a brilliant plan to further elevate their great philosophy, one that she and her friends are trained from birth to spearhead. Ba Sing Se is the crown jewel of the Earth Kingdom, with evil persists all around the world that stood against the righteous cause, they can remake this city into the master's excellent image and allow it to serve to further propagate the Eternal Balance. Unlike normal walled towns, controlling the gigantic bastions here will help fend off most external attacks. With such a prominent city under the master's banner, it will be a permanent base for all her people to grow and then expand. She cannot wait for the day when the Eternal Balance scores another major victory, finally establishing itself on the world stage, thereby announcing the master's glory and bring awe to the unenlightened. Once Ba Sing Se is under the master's curating hands, it will certainly be better!
She can already anticipate the reaction of the citizens here, feeling exhilarated knowing they are being freed from the city's tyrannical overlords and straight into the master's embracing arms. All the massive population here shall willingly become acolytes to the righteous cause. Locals will discover rejuvenating joy and meaning by serving the master, furthering the Great Eternal Balance's influence on even more lands!
Underneath the hood, she held the rolled parchment closer to her chest. This simple piece of paper is one single most important item from the master himself.
It is more valuable than her life.
It's incredible to think she of all people would have the honor to be the master's messenger, that truly shows his benevolence and compassion. Why would he assign her this role were not for his forgiveness? After foolhardily trying to capture Akahana's two filthy spawns, she should have been punished for poor leadership and flawed foresight. By issuing the wrong command, she lost Tu, Shui and possibly Feng, all three of which are exceptionally powerful members, great examples on how to fight for the righteous cause. If there is anything that can redeem her shame and dishonor, it would be to facilitate and initiate the next phase of the master's grand plan. As a messenger, she may not be entitled to the letter's content, but do understand that it is what will initiate the grand plans. Her purpose is not to question, but to deliver this letter to the local leader overseeing Ba Sing Se's underground acolytes. What she is doing now is vital in bringing Ba Sing Se's under the master's brilliant control, it will definitely align the stars just as the master has intended.
...
The teahouse is finally within her sights. She breathed a sigh of relief, just looking at it is enough to make her forget the accumulating soreness latching onto both feet.
The place appeared rundown and in need of good furnishing, those old ornate roof tiles are mossy, missing tiles are seen on the ground too. But through those thin paper window frames, she can see silhouettes of what appears to be customers.
"By the Master's will, at last," she said to herself. The goal is finally within reach. This rushing sensation of accomplishing something important have never felt so good. At least she can say the sacrifices of her friends are not in entirely in vain, or at the very least her failures do not directly hinder the Eternal Balance's spread across the world.
After checking the almost empty street, which is only occupied by an old sweeper minding his own business, she concluded that it is now safe to come out of this alleyway and into the nightly sky's light. Like a rat creeping out of a hole, she minimized her presence by covering most of her body with an overlaying cloth. It concealed most of the head, reaching the ground so that all the red colors are disguised to avert suspicion. The brown fabric only left the forward part of her face revealed. Although now that she thought about it, the ones who are sent to receive her might not even know what the messenger looks like.
The girl treaded cautiously into the open area, ignoring the old sweeper while leaning her face at the ground. She relaxed herself once stepping foot onto the front wooden porch, hands reaching for the door and inserted herself into the building. Immediately, the girl is greeted with a thick stench of terrible odor, a sign that this place has not been cleaned regularly, drenched with the decaying smell of rotten wood festering for a long time.
Unlike normal establishments, Hong Xiuquan teahouse does not have a welcoming atmosphere. The walls have peeled off sections, unappealing to the eyes. There are some ill maintained lanterns, just dimly illuminating the main room. That horrible smell must originate from those old lanterns.
The remote positioning and relatively low number of customers are likely intentional as to not attract the authority's attention. Thus, she is on guard to the few patrons randomly distributed across the room.
A group of middle-aged men drinking poorly boiled tea, talking quietly about what appears to just be random gossips. On the other side is a pair of younger men playing Pai Sho, with a brew that is mildly digestible. Everyone else are just regulars who came here for some peace and quiet, far away from the densely populated areas of the Lower Ring. Who should she talk to first? Narlo never specified who is going to receive her, one wrong move and she might expose affiliation and be reported to the infamous cultural enforcers.
She got an idea. Underneath her disguise is the rolled parchment. Perhaps randomly talking with strangers here, sparking up a conversation while subtly showing them the letter may aid her quest. She will start with the obvious choice first, the shopkeeper.
Huo strode slowly towards the counter, holding the letter preciously in fear she might drop it. Pathing the carpet that leads to her short destination, the acolyte also pulled her hood so that it mostly hides the face. While all the customers have their heads down, occupied with trivial endeavors such as drinking tea, it's not difficult to sense them silently acknowledging her presence.
Trying desperately to act as normal, the thought of a warm cup of tea incentivized her to continue. She is so close to completion. Maybe, the shopkeeper is the right one, the person who will bring this journey to a conclusive end.
"I am expecting you."
Huo froze. A rather feminine but also stern voice abrupted from her blind spot. It was clearly directed at the girl with dark hair. Huo panicked internally, she is halfway towards the person that might bring an end to this quest, any interruptions now might risk the Eternal Balance's progress to fruition. Seeing that the shopkeeper didn't even react, Huo felt it wouldn't hurt to at least turn around and face whoever is behind. Here is Ba Sing Se, those that cause trouble in public space is asking for a death wish, even in a remote teahouse like this one.
The origin of that voice belonged to a mysterious figure which Huo didn't notice before, not even sensing their presence. It's almost confusing that of all the customers here, she missed the one person donned in the most eye-catching piece of clothing. In a table nearby is presumably a woman wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, from which flowed long dark veils draping all the way to the ground. Since the fabric is not transparent, it concealed the individual heads to toes, fully obscuring the identity. This is a type of clothing that allows the wearer to still see the surroundings while doing the opposite for onlookers.
"I know what you are here for, and I can help you achieve it," the fully veiled woman got up from the chair, leaving a few copper coins next to a cup of cold oolong tea and headed for the exit. Without elaborating on what she meant, the figure strolled off, leaving Huo not sure how to even respond.
The woman with dark hair hesitated. Is this fully veiled individual the receiver for the local sect, or is this just a misunderstanding, and she was misidentified as another black market dealer? It's possible, but what if it wasn't?
She glanced at the shopkeeper, and then to the exit of the teahouse. Losing her friends have made her even more prudent in all decision making while adhering to the master's teachings of Neutral Jing, displaying forbearance. But at this moment, she is uncertain, clueless, and taken by surprise.
"No, calm down," Huo breathed in. She reasoned. It shouldn't hurt to confirm if that veil lady is the receiver or not. She can always just come back to the teahouse later. On the other hand, the Firebender might be thinking too much. Previous debacle on capturing Akahana's two spawns have made things wary. If that mysterious veil lady is just some random customer, how can she conceal her presence so well? Only the brightest and most powerful pure benders in the master's rank can be so exceptional.
That's it! That must be the case! That veiled lady must be one of the elite trusted members in the Ba Sing Se sect, a higher caste cultivator and one of the master's more stalwart acolyte. The sect leader must have delegated this spiritually imbued pure bender in assisting her quest.
Without trying to appear desperate, Huo hastily walked back to where she entered. After emerging out of the teahouse, she swiped at the street, noticing that a considerable distance has made by the other woman.
Huo treaded pass the old sweeper with controlled but urgent steps. Her boots stomped the ground harder to walk faster without being viewed as running. She wants to maintain the appearance as a random citizen, even if the whole street is only occupied by an old geezer who has nothing better to do.
The old man cleared his throat, loudly coughed three times, too loud for her liking.
...
Throughout the whole process, Huo trailed behind the veiled lady. The two kept a respectable distance entering an unfamiliar territory, all they look are abandoned residential areas filled with older styled buildings with multiple floors. Since it is deserted, the only living creatures are the occasional stray dogs and cats who are scavenging for food. Not a single fire torches illuminates the streets, making it a likely place for acolytes' hideout. It's possible that the local sect leader has made a temporary base nearby just for the occasion, but nothing has been confirmed so far. The only indication is Huo interpreting the other person's silence as the right answer, a sign that the sect leader has arranged everything just to receive the master's message. This mysterious veiled woman would not have allowed a stranger like Huo to follow all the way here, entering a more sparsely populated area intentionally.
On the way, she would glance at the broken houses. Even under the cover of darkness, their pathetic state is clear as daylight. Such mismanagement by the city's rulers is expected, those corrupt and incompetent fools made people live in terrible conditions, no wonder this place is abandoned. This sight made the Firebender firmly believe that once the master controls Ba Sing Se, this area would also be rejuvenated under his greatness, serving a greater purpose for the Eternal Balance.
"Are we there yet?" Huo asked after mustering some courage. Her doubt is whittling, a little more trustful of this guide sent by the sect leader.
"Almost," the woman with a hat and long veil answered shortly. Huo noticed how there is almost no emotion in the reply. Perhaps this acolyte is in deep devotion to master, or perhaps her throat has gone a bit dry. Nevertheless, Huo felt they are heading to the right direction. Soon, she will deliver this significant letter into the hands of the local the sect letter. Thus, successfully triggering the next phase for the master's glorious plan.
Huo followed this veiled woman into a dark alleyway, which the Lower Ring does not have a shortage of. But this one is wide open with plenty of ground to maneuver. In a fight, she can have more flexibility in bending fire, using her speed to outsmart any of the city's officers should the moment demands it. This place intersects with other alleyways leading to many potential escape routes any daofei criminal can use. Internally, she praises the local sect leader's foresight. The remote and lifeless neighborhood, good positioning to optimal escape routes, all of this favors a secret acolyte den that is hard to be found. Even if somehow the notorious cultural guardians managed to discover them, they can always run back here and scatter, confusing any pursuing members of authority.
The veiled woman halted abruptly. She stopped in the middle of this wide alleyway, motionlessly standing on the spot. Huo is confused, just what is going on now?
"Hey, why aren't you moving?" Huo demanded. There was no response, the veiled figure stood there like a stone statue. The black colored veil flow with the wind's movement, but the slender figure itself is unmoving.
"Hey! What's gotten into you?" Huo asked again. After waiting for a long time, the Firebender grew a bit impatient. She marched towards this woman, preparing reprimand her for delaying the master's messenger. "Now listen here, I don't all day, so we have t-"
The movements were swift, too fast for Huo to even comprehend when a series of quick jabs and punches landed on her arms and legs. Through that thin veil, the figure punched repeatedly at Huo. To the Firebender, the sensation was very familiar, but much faster and accurate, likely from a more experienced practitioner. Furthermore, it's even more painful, pinching multiple pressure points. There is also an obvious aura of hatred in the attack.
Huo is sent riling backward, astonished by this unprecedented development. This stranger also backed away to a few meters, standing still in the wind and looking at the opposite direction. The Firebender quickly tries to shoot out a ball of fire but to no avail. Clenching her teeth, Huo knew she has been tricked. After previously falling victim to chi-blocking, she swore to never be careless again. Whoever this veiled woman may be, it's likely she is not sent by the local sect leader.
"Who are you?" Huo backed away, assuming a defensive stance anyway. "Leave me alone, there are no valuable belongings on me!" She outwardly appears strong, refusing to back down.
"I am not here for anything valuable." The figure slowly turned around, facing Huo, looking at the pure bender through the dark colored long veil. "If you comply with me and listen to my orders, no one has to be hurt."
Huo froze. The way those words were said sounded very familiar.
Without speaking, the cloaked woman approached Huo. The chi-blocked bender is powerless, quickly turns around and run.
Sensing the target's escape, the opposing side extended her arm outside the veil and shot out a projectile. The metallic shuriken flew straight at Huo, but curved around and stabbed into the ground, stopping the girl from running further. The message is clear, if the veiled woman wanted to kill Huo, it would be very easy.
"How does it feel?" said the cloaked lady darkly. "To be targeted by a stranger, and confused why is this so?"
Huo bit her lips, noticing the projectile's familiar appearance. While her last mission has been sidelined by a more important endeavor, her heart never truly let go of her failure. "Don't pretend to play stupid foolish Kyoshi Warrior, I know who you are! You are the reasons why my friends died, and for that I will-"
"You will what?" the veiled figure interrupted with a rough tone. What is this deluded bandit going to do? A bender who cannot harness their element has essentially lost all their most lethal powers. Without weapons or other fighting abilities, Huo is as good as dead. "The aggressors should not be the ones to complain. Had you and your companions not voluntarily initiated the last battle, they would not have fallen under the blades of mere herdsmen." She drew out the katana, holding it out of the long veil and pointed it at Huo. "Let us skip the formalities and answer some real questions, oh dishonorable brigand, since you know who I am, then let me ask you, who are you and why do you want to capture us? Just who is this elusive master of yours? Is he so vain that ordering the destruction of others became his main endeavor?"
Huo's face constricted with defiance. An acolyte loathes humiliation and others belittling the master. They are willing to fight for the righteous cause.
"It is not your place to question my Master's will," Huo spat back in disgust. "Your people are in the way, and in need of enlightenment and guidance. All we were doing are trying to do was safely bring you to our benevolent master as esteemed guests, it was for your own good!"
"As hostages," the cloaked figure reminded, much to the Firebender's dismay. "On that day, we met each other as strangers. We refused to fight at first, but you insisted on subjugating us against our will. What kind of benevolent master teaches his underlings to carry out such an act?" She walked closer, and Huo did dare not to move, either in a show of bravery or fear, most likely the former. But how can a discussion be fruitful if one party is clouded by untested and unquestioned perspective? Can those who forsaken reason and logic even be considered worthy of change?
Huo continued to debate, reasoning with cloaked figure to see things from her own perspective. "You do not understand, you have all been deceived about our righteous cause by your elders and parents. My master only wishes the best for the world, and his glory will help shape it to a better future. Bringing you and your sister to see our master is simply one part of his ingenious plan to help your island. We have no intentions to harm you or your people, the fault lies in you both for resisting, causing needless deaths for my friends. You must think deeply and reflect yourself, realizing what you did was morally wrong."
There was rising animosity within the other woman. She gripped the katana blade tighter. It took all her will to not immediately cut down this deluded bandit. Not now at least. She wants to know more about Huo and the one she is serving. If the seasonal pirates that sometimes attacks their island are somewhat related to Huo's organization, it is imperative to know more about the very enemy that threatens Kyoshi Island. Akahana is the one in charge of the village's defense, there is a high chance that not everything is disclosed.
"You people annoy me, I detest your delusions and embellishments in your acts. The overly vainness of those words disgust me to every degree possible. Did your master not tell you about the many horrors committed by your so-called Acolytes of San Bao? Your master's dogma seems to endorse harming the innocent."
"No!" Huo snapped back. "The master is all perfect, he would never want us to harm the innocent people." Huo argued relentlessly, defending the Eternal Balance.
"Is that so?" the cloaked figure mocked. "Then it's clear we have a different idea of what innocent is! If I kill a mockingbird who was just minding its own business and then frame it as deliverance of justice, tell me, where is the fairness in that? Are you so deluded to the point of not realizing just how much people have died in name of such asinine belief? Or are you simply justifying meaningless behaviors so that it might appear not so conflicting with your morals?"
Any acolyte of the Eternal Balance cannot be easily swayed with reason. It's a recurring trait that allows them to conjure strength from their fanatical devotion, fueling a cause which they might not even understand. As what those nomads have said, these people, are capable of the most vicious atrocities upon those they never even met. One mindless thrall might be easy to take down, but a whole horde of deluded men and women filled with fanatical zeal is a real danger, capable of almost wiping out entire people and massacre a town in one day. If she has not seen it personally on the journey here, a part of her might still be in doubt of the nomad's savage outlook.
Huo couldn't respond, words caught in the throat as the mind jumbles for words. But she recovered quickly. "I am confident the Master does not wish to harm you or your people." She doubled down, much to the other person's disdain. "My master is a benevolent man, with grand plans for the whole world, even your people will benefit when the Eternal Balance takes over."
"And what does this have anything to do with us?" the cloaked woman challenged, looking down at Huo's flawed and empty statement. "You were not there to witness it, but one of your now fallen companions almost killed someone who is closest to me. Do not dare folly with me with idealized words that has no place in the real world. I will never follow some strange amalgamation made by someone you and your friends blindly believe." She noticed Huo clenching hands. Obviously, this Firebender is heavily affected by the death of two other cultists, but that is not what they are here for. For the cloaked woman holding a sword, the crude view of the Kheshig nomads may be archaic and conflict with her own values, but it is nonetheless pragmatic. If she killed Shui early on their previous fight, then that Waterbender might not even have the chance to fatally wound others.
"I will ask you this, and I am not repeating again," said the veiled woman intently, demanding Huo to comply. "Why is your organization targeting Kyoshi Island?"
The veiled woman certainly needs to know more about this nefarious cult. With so little information back on Kyoshi Island, the world is still a vast place with many unknowns. She knows that her parents, and by extension many of the older generation, hides certain parts of their history. Just like many kings and generals of the past, even Avatar Kyoshi's legacy have certainly been slightly altered at some point. But there is a question that lingers in her mind, just who in the world are these people known as the Acolytes of San Bao and what is the final goal? If they have some ties with the pirates that occasionally threatens the island, how does her home fit into their wider agenda? What is it exactly that made the four bending bandits want to kidnap two strangers even at the potential cost of their lives.
A slight movement came from Huo's right hand. The katana swiftly maneuvered. Blade positioned near Huo's neck dangerously. "Do not test me bandit, for I will not make the same mistake last time." If Temujin said anything useful, it would be to harm those who wish to do the same upon you family. If the veiled woman does not want to repeat the same mistake of risking her sibling's life, there must be no restraint.
Huo stood defiantly, not flinching at the prospect of being cut down. The veiled woman is aware just how strong willed, or fanatically devoted, these cultists are. They have no regard for their own lives if it meant they can serve their ideology to the fullest. Even the weakness non-bender amongst them would willingly throw themselves into a hail of fire and blades. Unlike a normal bandit who is only motivated by greed, an acolyte serves something more valuable than their own lives.
"You Kyoshi Warrior are always the same!" Huo retorted. "Always so resistant, and for what? How long will you fools with face paints realize that everything me and my friends did was for your own good? I lost two of my companions already. If it wasn't for that blood thirsty monster named Akahana, we would have saved your island already. We are trying to help you!"
The woman with long veils is losing patience. Perhaps just like that deranged Bloodbender named Shui, some people in this world cannot be reasoned with. This acolyte in front of her dare utters the name of the matron that raised them, an act that will not go unpunished. This time, she will make sure the threat chasing them is permanently eliminated.
"Why chase us to Ba Sing Se?" asked the veiled lady. "Are you that desperate to capture two strangers in the name of your owner?" She shouldn't have underestimated just how much motivation a cultist will have, to go to extreme lengths in crossing over the war-torn Earth Kingdom, an act that would have been suicidal. But the fact that this Firebender even made it to the city is something she cannot ignore.
Huo did not answer at first, simply hiding her hands within the piece of brown covering and remained silent. Yet, this acolyte maintained a firm expression, not bowing in fear of the assassin. "I will not stop until I capture you, not after what your sister did to my friend," she said, much to the anger of the assassin. "We the followers of the Eternal Balance will not stop until the world is purified, even Kyoshi Island will know the power of my master."
The two stood silently for a while as the assassin processed the vagueness of the group's goal, but it's clear that the cloaked lady is the one with power here. She shook her head lightly, holding the weapon in preparation for the unclean act and sighed. "Different perspectives create different people, but at last, there is no cure for stupidity."
Just as she was about to forcefully kill the deluded acolyte, a single small earth disc flew out from the shadowy expanse. Noticing that it is a projectile, the veiled assassin repositioned her blade and skillfully sliced it into two pieces, nullifying its danger. Huo was dumbstruck but did not move in fear of being cut down next. But for the assassin, she can sense people are coming, saboteurs to her endeavor. The earth projectile is not a glove made of earth, but a bluntly made disc often used in training, it's the exact design Tu used. This is unfortunate, the assassin thought, the cultural guardians here do not use such crude projectiles, which implies that the acolyte besides her do not operate alone.
Under the cover of the night, more figures emerged from the shadows, scurrying into this alleyway. They are dressed in black robes and face coverings that helps camouflage with certain backgrounds.
The assassin herself stood in a firm stance with the katana, preparing to greet them head on. She jabbed Huo's leg, paralyzing the Firebender from walking. While there are numerous of them, she is confident they are non-benders by their choice of singlehanded axes. It appears that the Lower Ring's rotting underbelly is just like what the books described it, but this time, the rats are not daofei driven by the lust for wealth. These newcomers are likely members or bandits affiliated with the organization that set its sights on her home. But she will show them what a true warrior defends, fighting for someone more important than themselves.
"Die!" screamed the closest acolyte. He swung his bluntly built axe, aiming to chop off the cloaked lady's head. But the slim figure moved quickly, dashing forward and lowering herself evade the moving axe head and then maim the man's right shoulder, causing the latter to drop the weapon and wailing on the ground. The cut was not too deep, just enough to render the cultist harmless. With one single move, all the other men halted, afraid to approach the disciplined fighter.
She thought it was enough to scare these people off, but then, two identical looking enemy appeared behind this small mob. They rallied the other thralls, chanting and screaming in an almost ritualistic way. One of them can be heard yelling loudly, inspiring the rest through a fiery speech.
"The master promises great reward to any servants willing to die for the righteous cause!" He screeched in a ear pitch sound. "With such assurance, why fear the opponent! Attack!"
The assassin knew this should be as expected. Based what happened in the town of Shang, it's likely that the leaders of a group are benders, and these other inferior ranked cultists are non-bending expendables. The foot soldiers are weakly armed but still fanatically dangerous. The zealots in front, yelling all sorts of names like the word 'Master' and 'Eternal Balance'. Before they were acting cautiously, being rational and staying away from her sharpened blade. But after that short speech made by their leader, their entire behavior shifted to more rabid, exhibiting the that creepy smile even visible despite the face coverings.
Without waiting, they charged blindly towards the woman, swinging their weapons aimlessly, entering a frenzy with their attacks.
In response, they were maimed, lacerated by the curved blade. A single cut is enough to gravely wound their unnourished figures. But many found the will to crawl back up, fighting the pain and continue to fulfill their purpose. If their arms are incapacitated, the fanatics would still charge at her with a forceful kick. Those with injured legs would try to crawl to the target, hoping to get close enough to swing their axe at the woman's leg. If one of them lost the control to both arms and legs, they would try to wiggle their whole body closer, hoping to bite at the enemy of their belief. To put it simply, their body and spirit are all dedicated to the master and the Eternal Balance.
The woman managed to fend off all attacks, evading them easily while inflicting even more back to them. But what troubled her is how durable these followers are. Despite appearing quite malnourished, with some even having visible ribcages, most managed to handle a cut from her blade and crawl back up to fight. Unlike regular pirates, these men have no regard for their own physical lives, some have so much wound, she is surprised that they can still fight. There are about roughly sixty of them. It's certainly the warrior's first time facing such unconventional enemy.
One approached her from behind. She quickly exploited his attack, grabbing the arm and flung the acolyte to the nearby wall. But like a rabid dog, he recovered despite having blood dripping down his forehead. After roaring loudly in a sound that almost mimics are maddened beast, he lunged forward, before being stabbed by an incoming blade at the knee. It only slowed him down. The pain is superficial despite the impairment.
It's likely their undying conviction is the source of this strength. No matter how much she slashed at their limbs, it did not dispel their morale or fighting spirit. In all her years of fighting, most underlings she faced are defeated mostly by one or two swings by her blade. Which is why fighting these special zealots is a first even for an experienced warrior like her.
Another earth disc was shot from the back of the mob, missing the assassin by a margin. Through the midst of fighting, she caught a glimpse of the two men who are presumably leaders. An idea came to mind, would the thralls panic if their superiors are taken down first?
She cannot test this hypothesis without taking some dangerous risks, the two leaders are positioned far behind this small mob of darkly clad men, fighting them head on and all the way to the back is foolish by itself.
After assessing the environment, the assassin decided to exploit an opportunity. She leaped onto a thrall's head with one foot, using it as a platform to jump from one enemy to another. With the veil following the lady's trajectory, she almost appears flying nimbly.
"Stop her in the name and the master!" One of the leaders barked.
This is followed by the thralls wildly swinging their axes to cut their hated foe. But the speed and acrobatic prowess of their target proceeded their expectations. The woman quickly reached near to where the two leaders are standing, dodging two traveling earth discs before injuring one of them with a well-aimed shuriken.
Unlike the resilient thralls, who can better endure pain and flesh wound, the reaction from one their leader surprised the lady. The metal shuriken embedded into his right arm, sending the man into an almost childlike scream. He rolled to the ground, wailing in an almost pathetic display of inexperience with combat.
Seeing that this is effective, the warrior landed on a building's roof, throwing a few more metal stars at the duo. Instead of using their bending, the mob leaders commanded their non-bending underlings to serve as physical shields, absorbing the projectiles into their already damaged bodies. Their speed and lack of hesitation of the thralls is...interesting. Even the most elite pirates she faced in the past do not possess such disregard for their own lives, but that is also what separates bandits and zealots.
In retaliation, some acolytes decided to throw their axe at her, frustrated that they cannot access the rooftops.
Thinking decisively, she disappeared from their vision by hopping off the roof to the other side of a wall, slowly sneaked to the back of the mob by taking a memorized detour. Training for years in the arts of stealth gave her the advantage to exploit the complex surroundings filled with carious alleyways and exposed corners. She scouted this place beforehand just in case it is needed to fight off anyone that dares to intervene.
"I think she is gone! Quick, we must tend to the young master's wound!"
It must one of the thralls who are fretting over their leader's wellbeing. They all sounded like men of middle aged. But within the shadow, she heard earth being tilted by bending, followed by a sound of a loud thud, likely an attack.
An assault against their own men.
"Don't you touch him, filth! The impurities coursing in your veins will taint us!" A younger voice scathed. "Know your place and look out for that scoundrel who dare assassinate the master's chosen messenger! Scram! You cud blood!"
The order was dogmatic, possessing no regard for the underlings' emotions. If this is how team leaders in Acolytes of San Bao treated their comrades, then she cannot fathom why those underlings are so eager to act as human shields. As someone being tasked with a similar position of power, leading and training her own team of fighters, the idea of mistreating subordinates would never work in the assassin's mindset. There will be mutiny, distrust and even betrayal. Thus, the fierce loyalty of these cultish thralls certainly baffles her. Just what exactly are these non-benders seek to gain from joining this organization?
After successfully reaching the back of their group, her eyes stared at the two leaders, one of whom is tending to the other's injury. Her steps are silent, almost undetectable as the mindless bulk of the acolytes are still searching her in the wrong place, leaving their two superiors exposed. With one swift swung, she sliced the ankle of the other leader after successfully reaching them from behind. The foe received shock and an incapacitated leg. She then quickly disabled their bending with series of perfect jabs on their pressure points, occluding their flow of chi, for now.
One of the so-called pure benders screamed for help, yelping for an end to this agony. A part of her felt that for two men who are considered elites in their ranks, these Earthbenders are actually quite pitiful. But their real strength lies in their steadfast group of resilient zealots. With only a few words of command, they can harness the power to direct men willing to die for what they believe in.
"Elder!" The thralls screamed in unison, horrified by their leader's predicament. They roared on top of their lungs, throwing themselves at the female assailant, trying to kill her for this unforgivable transgression.
As for the woman herself, she can sense a heightened level of rage, passion and fanatical zeal. The enemies want to overwhelm her with their fresh and bones, doing everything to destroy her. But her blade will answer them with its wielder's own conviction, one that she is certain will outlast their groundless belief.
"For the Eternal-"
She maimed a leg, and then slashed an arm of the man who failed to finish a sentence. Without able to kill them, she fought through one tenth. Since Huo is not the only acolyte inside the city, she will not allow this group of men run free either. Anyone that dares to harm what she holds dear must be met with force, pacifying them with violence when necessary.
After disarming another madman with an axe, the warrior felt her muscles are stiffening. There is too many of them, and even more who are trying to chop her with those rusty axes. Without the usual support of a team or the company of her sibling, she found herself severely outnumbered despite being the superior fighter individually. There is simply no end to their onslaught, and the body grew tired, exhausted from the taxing actions earlier. It would actually be much easier to singlehandedly take down fifty normal pirates than it is to defeat one of these pain tolerant thralls.
"Brothers of the Eternal Balance, move aside!" It was Huo, who is standing up again. The one who paralyzed her have an obvious look of surprise even when wearing a long veil.
The girl with dark hair breathed in deeply, immediately she punched her right fist in a forward motion, releasing a massive blast of fire heading straight for the assassin. Some thralls caught in the middle tried to move out the way, a few unfortunately caught by the collateral.
After narrowing avoided being burned, a shuriken was thrown back, almost grazing the Firebender's forehead. A dozen more thralls charged at the veiled woman, using their limbs and axes, attempting to disarm the katana wielding woman. While her combat skills are far above a single expendable thrall, her stamina is gradually waning. The sheer belief induced endurance made these thralls not susceptible to deep cuts and wounds, even the ones who are paralyzed by chi-blocking would still crawl quickly, acting as another hinderance. She found herself backing away each time a bunch of them charged in without thinking, braving her retaliatory strikes like nothing.
"Esteemed messenger of the master!" One of the Earthbenders bowed after retreated to Huo and accompanied by a quarter of the reinforcements. "Sorry it took us so long to recognize your brown hood, quick, leave and deliver the important messenger to the overseer! We will punish whoever this woman is for her fatal insolence!" Since the underlings are keeping their lone assailant busy, now would be the opportune moment for the Firebender to escape.
"No!" Huo bellowed. For someone who lost those close to her, she cannot allow outsiders to harm more acolytes. Even if the main errant now is to deliver the letter, capturing this imbecilic woman may also benefit the master's righteous cause! She swore to succeed where her mother has failed. If those islanders would not listen to her mother's kindness, then they will submit to the master's will by force! "We need her alive, she can serve as a great use to the master, whom we shall bring this unenlightened woman to!"
The two Earthbenders exchanged difficult looks. Naturally they are clueless on why Huo is so fixated on capturing a random assassin. But they will not question the will of a messenger personally chosen by the master.
One of them stood up, preparing to bark at the lower ranked acolytes to capture and not kill the woman. Hearing this command, the veiled lady would be remiss to not utilize this. She fought back harder, ignoring her growing fatigue and chi-blocked more members of the mob. Huo watched this intently with the two other Earthbenders. The thralls slowly managed to encircle the veiled lady, blocking her escape, preparing to apprehend her for resisting the master and the Eternal Balance.
The warrior swung her blade in all directions, preventing the bloodthirsty thralls from approaching closer. Huo raised her arm, calling underlings calmed down, they acted docile in her presence, and the Firebender thanked them for their devotion and bravery in fighting for the righteous cause. With a confident but firm look, Huo marched through the mob and arrived in front the assassin, smearing this hopeless resistance.
"Surrender yourself!" she demanded. "Victory for the master's righteous followers is always imminent, if you drop your weapon and submit to the Master, you will be spared. As a skilled warrior and accomplished swordswoman, that expertise can be better used to serve the Eternal Balance, a great philosophy that is much more meaningful than the pointless swindling you have back home."
The assassin remained in a still defensive stance, contemplating on her options. Killing Huo now may spark all the other thralls to murder her. Escaping now will meant her sibling might be exposed to future dangers. She does not have a stubborn sense of honor, and retreat to fight another day is the most mature choice.
She kept the blade close, preparing to break out of this encirclement made of men clad in dark clothing. The logical move now would be to cut her way through the opposite side, away from the three benders.
"Think wisely!" Huo dogmatically ordered, narrowing her brows in frustration. "The choice is so clear, you will find purpose and meaning in serving the Master, what more is there is ask? Are you so dense and stubborn that a generous offer like this cannot entice you?"
The veiled woman looked around, searching for an area where the acolytes are less concentrated. She also looked for a few climbable parts of nearby buildings, in case there is a need to scale them. But as those pair of blue eyes gleamed across the alleyway structures, a lone creature enters the view. Its reddish feathers mixed with a slight tint of brown, along with those iconic whiskers and almost hornlike head is unmistakable. Is the long veil obscuring her vision?
"Last chance, refusal will be your doom!" Huo warned, trying to intimidate the assassin into switching allegiance. But the veiled lady just stood there, as if she is waiting something to happen. Gradually, some members of the non-bending thralls began to notice the feathery creature perching on an old hanging lantern. It looked down on them, watching the humans trying to kill each other over what is nothing more but naive ideals. This did not go unnoticed by Huo and the two other pure benders. She also cannot help but raise and look at the bird. But when she looked back at the defiant assassin, something else caught her eyes.
A single shadow entered the alleyway.
The thralls led by the two Earthbenders slowly backed away. The opposite end of this is connected to a dimly lit street that just so happens to have a streetlamp in the way, which is why Huo noticed that someone is standing directly behind the assassin across the distance. He was certainly not there before, but the figure with a conical helmet and long green robes now occupies the other side.
"D-d-d-da-"
One of the thralls tries to hold his trembling hands still, but to no avail. The man appeared so distraught that he stuttered, failing to utter the two syllable word.
Huo became uneasy, even an accomplished Firebender like her cannot help but be alarmed by the appearance of such individual. The once energetically craze thralls dropped their snarly demeanors, and the two Earthbender are mortified. All their previous morale has dissipated, only the fully veiled woman with a straw hat did not react erratically.
"Righteous leaders, w-what should we do?" one of the thralls cried at an Earthbender.
The psychological pressure intensified, even for people with high tolerance to pain. Most people in the world do not have the confidence to face one these infamous cultural guardians.
The Earthbenders are hesitant, but Huo did not stand still to gawk in fear. She ordered a nearby thrall to pull out a rope, believing that they can escape while also capturing the uncooperative lady. The shadow would have none of it, he slowly strolled towards the group, with both hands warmly concealed together using the robe's large sleeves. The brim of his helmet obscured the face from the small crowd.
"Do not resist, or else I would-"
Before the thrall can finish, the veiled lady grab and snatched his arm, forcing it behind the man's back and held him captive. All the other acolytes appeared distraught, especially Huo, who is the most concerned.
"Esteemed messenger, just go!" One of the pure Earthbenders pleaded, urging the girl with dark hair to deliver the letter. "Leave the assassin, losing that one cud blood is fine, we have many. But we cannot endanger everyone else, so many of our brothers and sisters have died by the hands of men like those. This is not something you can handle."
The assassin contemplated. It's actually ironic how Huo's presence is what kept her from being killed by these thralls. If the non-bending acolytes here are so expendable, then taking one as hostage is absolutely pointless without the Firebender's overrule.
Huo protested, for an acolyte to even suggest retreating is considered bringing dishonor upon the Master and Eternal Balance. "How can you suggest something so ludicrous. He is alone, we can overwhelm him."
The enforcer is still walking towards them. With a straightened back and head slightly looking downward, he mere presence is giving the thralls anxiety.
"You don't understand!" Yelped the other Earthbender frantically but refuses to elaborate further.
Huo as never entered Ba Sing Se before. With meagre experiences, she does not possess the innate fear when facing a cultural guardian, one of which is calmly walking down the path. "We are proud servants of the master, defenders of the Eternal Balance, we must not show fear to the enemy!" Huo shouted. "Have you forgotten the master's teachings? Benders of the highest cultivation must demonstrate virtue and bravery, if you two cannot show it, what kind of example are you setting for the others?"
But those words did not raise any morale. They fell on death years as the two Earthbenders showed no initiative, and the thralls are also in a worse mental state, becoming unsettled as the shadow encroaches nearer.
"Just go, we will do everything to buy you a few seconds. Leave this assassin, she is not worth dying for! If you stay, the letter will fall into enemy hands!" The Earthbender desperately pleaded.
Huo was taken back by how serious that statement was. The Firebender is divided between helping a fellow cultist and concentrate on the approaching shadow. The latter is definitely more concerning, but she cannot allow the assassin to go free, and abandon a fellow servant of the master went against everything she stood for!
The assassin remained quiet, holding her blade near her captive's neck, keeping Huo and the other acolytes in check. The shadow finished half the walk, the closest thralls started to move back, not wishing to be the first casualty. But in a sudden show of courage, one of the pure Earthbenders chanted loudly.
"If any of you are able to able to take the head of that secret police, you will be able to instantly become a pure bender!"
All the thralls reacted in shock, their fears are slightly eroded, even if such thinking is not part of the master's teachings in spirituel cultivation. But for the expendable acolytes who are all made of non-benders frustrated with being powerless, crave on being gifted with the ability to harness the elements. Born into a world that is not for them, non-benders of the San Bao would do anything to receive such powers, even if they believe into more absurdity that contradicts the belief.
But a thrall does not question, they must listen to the pure benders, the people most honorable to the master's grand plan.
Almost instantly, the thralls were spurred on by their leader's outlandish prospect. They now wish to carry out their sacrifice to the Eternal Balance at every whim, regardless of how illogical the orders are.
Half of the thralls broke from the encirclement, ignoring the assassin who is holding one of their own as hostage. They charged down the direction, heading towards the shadow who is still walking calming. Once they got closer, the men launched their axes with fury, aiming to kill the cultural guardian with range. In response, the shadow raised his arms pointing sidewards effortlessly, with swift motion a wall of earth shot up to block the attacks. But it covered the entire exit on this side.
"It's walled off!" One of the thralls yelled.
But it was more than that. The man they were just targeting is now running on the side of a building, using his stone boots to cling and then traverse the surface made of earth. He skipped over the first group of acolytes and flawlessly landed behind them, creating another high wall that sealed this group of non-benders in.
As those crazed cultists cried for help, the cultural guardian placed his rocky hand on the newly created wall, shattering it along with the other three. It even destroyed parts of the nearby buildings as part of his plan to eliminate the expandable men.
Huo and her allies watched in horror, trembling at painful cries of the acolytes being crushed by falling stones and quaking grounds. Even for indoctrinated men who are trained to tolerate pain, being pounded with earth is still an unpleasant experience.
The surface quaked with tremor as it all collapsed. The cultural guardian stood unfazed, turning around as if nothing has happened. He remained apathetic to the potential deaths caused by his bending. Earthbenders who have mastered precision and accuracy can use such urban surrounding to their favor. But here, the enforcer is simply cleaning up what is already caught.
Another bunch of thralls hesitated, cold blood coursing their veins. But after mustering enough courage by the urging of the pure Earthbenders, they charged, if they can't win, at least they can buy some time.
"I can't leave you!" Huo said, watching the fight with heart wrench. For someone who has just arrived at the city, the Firebender has purely underestimated the infamous cultural guardians. As she occasionally fixates on the detestable assassin, the sight of that newcomer taking down one acolyte after another cannot be ignored.
He bended the sidewalls, manipulating parts of it to smash into the approaching enemy. The frail thralls were killed like ants, not even their fanatical devotion and undying loyalty for the Eternal Balance is enough to help. It continued as the enforcer gradually moved across the alleyway, defeating anyone that dare stood in this path.
A team of twenty men decided to bunch together, hoping to sacrifice the people at the front so that the comrades behind them can have a small chance to kill the enemy. But it was easily dispelled when the enforcer repeatedly punched his hands in quick motion, sending forth a hail of earth pellets that wreak havoc into the ranks, sowing fear mixed with confusion. Many thralls did not even realize what hit them before dropping dead to the ground. Those who panicked were swiftly killed with fatal pellets into vital spots. Each piece of earth is small, but more lethal than the shuriken thrown by the assassin.
"Just go!" The two Earthbenders said for the last time. They charged forward. Majority of the acolytes under their leadership have perished, with only ten surrounding the veiled lady. As the enforcer killed a few more near him, the pure benders torn the ground up and threw a few chunks, aiming to crush the cultural guardian.
A simple small wall shot up, blocking the attack. The enforcer maneuvered to the side, killing one Earthbender with a small accurate pellet and threw out a long chain to ensnare the other. The process was smoothly executed, wasting no action as he gained a bargaining chip that forces Huo to remain behind. The enforcer is an observant, taking cues from the assassin's action, exploiting the Firebender's compassion for fellow cultists.
It worked splendidly. Failing to suppress an array of emotions, Huo chose not to escape despite the opportunity provided. She ran pass the female assassin, who is still encircled by the remaining thralls. The Firebender faced the enforcer head on, preparing to blast him with a streak of fire that can free a fellow pure bender.
"Let go of him!" Huo punched her fist, streaming a continuous streak of fire that seeks to torch the enforcer who dares to undermine the Eternal Balance. "Quick! Get out of there!" She shouted to her bending ally. But when the fire dissipates and the scorching flames no longer obscuring her vision, the girl was mortified, shaking in horror. A fully torched man tangled in metal chains is all that is left, she just killed a fellow Acolyte.
"I... but-how?"
Huo did not have a single second to think. Behind her, the assassin is overpowering the remaining thralls now that the numbers are mostly reduced. With their two leaders gone and majority of their brothers killed or too injured, the rest are easy targets for the veiled lady's martial prowess. She forcefully pushed the captive, knocking out another in the process. With the stainless blade, she maimed the others, lacerating their limbs to incapacitate.
Just as the Firebender wanted to intervene, she dodged and rolled away, narrowly avoiding a moving stone glove coming from above. The enforcer gently dropped on the same spot with a light stomping sound of his earth shoes. His hands are both concealed together in those wide sleeves, in an iconic display of their signature gesture.
The Firebender asserted a defensive bending stance, preparing to avenge the strangers she barely met. But the enforcer just looked at her, not moving at all to suggest aggression. But that is only deception, a fine trait perfected by the cultural guardians. If he can kill essentially most of the acolyte reinforcements, including two pure benders, then this fellow would also have no problem fighting Huo.
Behind Huo's back, the veiled lady also took down her fair share of thralls. The veiled assassin turned at the Firebender, drenched will killing intent. As of now, the very paramount messenger is trapped between two individuals in the alleyway, cut from any support, becoming a rock in hard place. One wants to kill her, but the intention of the other is still not certain. Being subject to either will mean Huo cannot deliver this very important letter.
The enforcer's hands are still warmly concealed with his two sleeves. With his face still concealed by the brim of the helmet, he just stood there, observing the tense but also silent situation. Huo's stiffened body anticipates any sudden move from the man, but the veiled lady on the other hand is not idle. The assassin slowly moves towards the Firebender, forcing the latter to turn around, threatening with Firebending.
All three do not dare to move first. The alleyway quietened down until even a pin drop can be heard, accompanied with the occasional weak cries for help by the injured thralls.
Huo remained calm, weighting in the options. As a Firebender, taking down the non-bending woman is definitely the greater option. In the minds of an acolyte, a pure bender will certainly triumph over a human that is spiritually impaired. The other would be to fight a very powerful Earthbender.
The enforcer took one step forward.
Huo reacted, turning to the man with long robes and fired a large blast, engulfing half the alleyway with brightly colored attack reaching the occluded exit. Since none of her allies are alive there, she can attack unrestrained, for most people, this offensive move alone is enough to decimate the enemy.
"Die, you government dog! Master, lend me your strength!" Huo screeched as she added more power to the attack, fully confident that the flesh and bones of that cultural guardian will melt from the heat alone. Anyone that dares to kill a pure bender, the most gifted and virtuous members under the master, deserves to suffer a painful death imaginable. But she became too focused on killing this particular foe, almost failing to avoid an incoming attack from behind.
The act may be considered lowly for a warrior that values honor. The blade thrusted through the air with sound almost undetectable. The swordswoman stabbed the katana forward, aiming the sharp tip to skew the Firebender's heart.
"Ah!" Huo screamed. She failed to fully evade this sudden attack, the blade lacerated the right arm, the same one used to deliver the fire right now. In response, the acolyte stomached the pain and fired back using the other arm, forcing the veiled lady to retreat backward. "Stay back villainess, do not lay your feculent hands on me! Your earlier deception will end here, now, face the divine punishment of resisting the Ma-
But that small retaliation did not last long either, the small flame burst from her other hand is quickly nullified by something else. Huo was shocked when a lone earthen glove entangled the other bending hand, forbidding fire from being produced. The enforcer is still somehow alive, standing next to a circular walled structure he most likely produced to defend against the heat. He punched his other arm, sending forth another stone glove to ensnare the Firebender.
Huo shuffled the upper body, the projectile flew by, pulling the hood off her head. The brown piece of cloth is embedded to the wall, but the letter was dropped too. In the midst of moment, the parchment unrolled itself, accidentally revealing its contents to the messenger who is not supposed to read it. But she was not alone. The enforcer likely has also caught a glimpse of the letter's words.
The strong-willed cultist immediately retrieved the scroll, trying to control the damage by rolling up the parchment again. She then quickly lowered her head, almost being killed by a curved blade cutting through the air.
"Back off!" Huo hissed. But the sound of the rocky stone is an equally concerning threat. She is backed to the middle, caught between two person who will certainly jeopardize the current mission. As for the assassin and the enforcer, there is no mutual agreement as to what to do with the acolyte.
Huo's both arms are hindered from bending. One is too injured from a sword wound, and the other have its hand disabled by a glove made of stone. She leaned her back against a wall.
The assassin charged forward, fully prepared to deliver a finishing kill. But in an unexpected turn of event, the enforcer rushed forward, smoothly used one of his earth gauntlets to catch the blade, locking it in a firm grasp. Even when fully veiled, the assassin appeared astonished, stupefied at the enforcer's unforeseeable behavior. They both suddenly entered a contest of strength, with the assassin using both arms, trying to yank the katana out of the enforcer's control.
"What are you doing?" She demanded. The enforcer did not respond, he continued to hold the blade with the stone gloved hand, stubbornly refusing to let it go. Wrestling control of the weapon is like trying to extract it from a statue made of stone.
They both sensed rising heat. The enforcer spun around, using only one arm to raise a small wall to nullify that blast, it almost torched them both. With one hand holding the blade in place, the reaction and potency of his elemental defense is halved, not as effective in mitigating the incoming flames.
It took them longer for the aftermath to cease, by then, the Firebender is gone, likely escaped from one of those smaller alleyways. The enforcer finally let go of the sword, from which the assassin then rushed forward, trying to pinpoint where that acolyte may have headed. But it was no use, the sheer amount of destruction from that last potent blast of fire and the warren network of alleyways connecting each other made it impossible to trace the cultist escapee. It was originally intended for her own use to ward off pursuers, but ironically it aided the Firebender's decampment.
She gripped her weapon in frustration. That perfect opportunity has slipped away. Since she already waited for Huo at Hong Xiuquan's teahouse, doing the same will not be plausible. By listening to voice alone, it is certain the earlier customer at that place is also amongst the thralls here. The two young Earthbenders were actually the same two guests who occupied the finest tables in the room. There can be no mistake, that teahouse is likely ridden with cultists, assassinating Huo will be even more difficult there.
Suppressing the rising levels of resentment, the lady turned around, preparing to berate the enforcer for his foolishness. She was surprised upon seeing that the man with conical helmet and dark green robe is no longer present. All traces vanished in the short span when the assassin was not looking.
The brown hood worn by Huo is also gone. All that remains is a destroyed alleyway and some thralls that are barely alive.
"There it is! That's the place they told us!"
"Quick, surround the area, don't let anyone leave!"
The assassin heard distant voices of men running loudly. They are closing in, boots stomping loudly on the pavement. The lackluster performance of these sword wielding chengguan officers is enough to warn criminals of their arrival, in this case, it would be her. She swiftly trailed into one of the alleyways, following the planned escape route to evade from authority. Right before she did, her eyes swiped a glance to check if the messenger hawk is still perching on that lantern. It too is gone.
The law officers filed into the area, arresting the severely weakened acolytes and tries to keep any wandering citizens away. What happened here stays here, and no one else in the Lower Ring should know.
