Some days earlier
Minxiu laid on her side amidst a large and varied selections of cushions and pillows that were around and under her. She was lounging in a pagoda styled gazebo over the water garden on her family’s estate. The sun was mild and the large schools of koi in the water reflected the calm and tranquil of the grounds, a gentle breeze washed over the lands rustling trees, bushes, and sending waves across the grass. Minxiu gazed lazily at the book on the pillow plopped open in front of her, a book of fairy tales and short stories. The silence of the area occasionally broken by a disturbance of the large koi moving in the water or occasional turtle duck flocks passing by, all were welcome sounds for Minxiu, it wasn’t often that she had time to be away from Dai Li headquarters and the Royal Palace, a chance to be home was an opportunity she took whenever possible. Her servant, or one of the family servants, was sitting nearby idly waiting. Minxiu’s mother was not home at the moment, away at the Fancy Lady Day Spa, and her father was still busy with his Dai Li duties, something Minxiu was all too familiar with.
There has been great debates among the Dai Li leadership about the significance of the rumors of the Avatar sightings and the involvement of the Avatar’s Disciples. As a result it had been a major headache to keep the information contained and at the moment, out of the upper ring of Ba Sing Se, while suppressing the rumors as much as possible within the outer rings, the last thing the city needed was a large influx of adventurers and fame chasers to the city to disrupt the peace. But why would the Avatar’s return be a bad thing?
The peace was broken by a rustle of leaves and footsteps. Something the caught Minxiu’s attention almost instantly, her heightened awareness was just something she couldn’t turn off in her mind no matter how hard she tried. She sat up more proper to see whoever it was that was coming brushing several locks of her hair behind her ear, she didn’t bother to braid up her hair today it was one of the reasons why she was outside to begin with air drying it naturally after she had washed it. It was mostly dry now if not completely, she had lost track of just how long she had been at the gazebo, glancing at the servant present who was fighting against sleep, it had definitely been a while. She stood up and stretched, reaching for the sky and shifting her weight from side to side revealing her midriff, despite being lean and lithe, Minxiu had a certain level of visible muscle tone from her physical training a combination of martial arts and Earth Bending.
Currently Minxiu was not exactly dressed to meet anyone, she was wearing a simple pair of white baggy harem pants decorated with lines of glistening gold, violet and black and a simple white and blue trimmed diamond shaped dudou that tied around her neck and around her side, it was something that looked more like glorified underwear than actual clothing. The thought of getting attacked was laughable, to be attacked in Ba Sing Se’s inner ring would be nearly impossible, and for them to attack the home of a highly ranked Dai Li officer, Minxiu was looking forward to it, but it was just her mother who had returned and was looking for her.
“Minnie dear, you really shouldn’t be out here dressed like that. It’s not becoming of you.” Minxiu’s mother remarked crossing the second bridge that led to the gazebo. Minxiu attending servant snapped to attention and bowed deeply as she approached. Her mother was a beautiful woman and still is. ‘The most pure and stunning lotus in the pond’ was the words that Minxiu’s father had used to describe her. Minxiu had inherited her mother’s beauty, something that she had used to her advantage many times when force was not the best option, she knew the importance of utilizing all the advantages she was born with, and her looks was definitely an asset, her uniquely ice blue eyes, on the other hand in the Earth Kingdom, was something that made her memorable to people, and since her job required a certain level of anonymity, it was less so an asset, though passing as someone from one of the water tribes would be easy though her complexion was not quite dark enough.
Minxiu shrugged in response shaking out her body then helping her mother up the stairs to the gazebo. “I’m not too concerned with how I am dressed in our own house, it feels nice to be out of my robes one in a while you know?” Minxiu took a seat opposite of her, “So how was the spa?”
“Oh it was fantastic, you should have come with me, you would have had a great time, and their mud baths and seaweed wrap treatments are the absolute best.” Her mother said animatedly. She did look great, even better than she normally did. She took out a small parcel and unfolded on the small table between them, it was packed with the signature icon of the Jasmine Dragon, it was a small simple box that contained two drinks, her mother taking one and sipping on it happily.
“I would love to go next time when I have time off, it’s just that this time my leave was short and I’d rather just relax at home.” Minxiu said taking the other beverage, a brew of tea she always enjoyed named the White Lotus Tile.
For a while the two just sat there enjoying each other’s company catching up with gossip and other happenings around the royal court, being a Dai Li Minxiu overhears and knows a lot of things that the nobles and other common folks would drool over, but for her it was simply part of her job to sort through all the chatter and determine what would be potentially dangerous to the state and to the King and what’s just rumor and pointless nobility talk.
Their conversation came to an end when Minxiu’s mother reached into the sleeve of her robes once more and took out a letter stamped with the all too familiar seal of the Dai Li. She slid it across the table to Minxiu with a frown, “Delivered to me by Agent Xiao Hao on my way back home. Hope it’s nothing to major….”
Minxiu picked up the letter and taking a small knife from the servant next to her and cutting it open with a single cut before handing it back.
Special Agent Minxiu, we regret and are deeply sorry to inform you that your scheduled leave has been shortened, please report to Force Commander Jin at your earliest convince.
Minxiu sighed, a short note, didn’t really need a letter let alone bothering her mother to deliver it. A home visit from an agent or messenger hawk would have been enough. “Well, duty calls mom. Leave’s been cut short, they want me reporting back as soon as possible.”
“It is what it is, report tomorrow, you are staying for dinner.” Minxiu’s mother said getting up and headed back to the main house, the servant following behind her. Her words were an order not a request, and Minxiu knew better than to disobey her mom. A woman who commanded the respect and adoration of Minxiu’s father was not to be trifled with.
Next day
Minxiu woke up early in the morning, going through her morning routine before getting dressed in her Dai Li uniform minus her hat. She had just finished combing out her extremely long hair and was now being braided into a single braid, her hair was divided and held by shards of small polished black rocks three for each, nine in total. Minxiu held her hand casually in front of her palm up fingers flexing, curling, and unfurling in unison with how the rocks held her hair and braided it, she was exerting a very precise and controlled touch to earth bending rarely seen or even practiced among earth benders. Not many see the use or need for it since earth bending by nature was always a display of determination and power, but Minxiu disagreed she, believed to bend and control an element to perfection required mastery of both the precise and light, to the bold and powerful, a balance to the spectrum of bending, one side of which too many earth benders ignore.
She sat and ate the family dining table, a simple meal of rice with braised pork, eggs, and a side of sweet and sour picked cabbage. Her mother had already eaten by the time Minxiu sat down and was not in the kitchens talking to the chefs about one thing or another. Minxiu finished her meal at the same time as she finished braiding her hair tying it off with a sharpened glowing green crystal that resembled a spear tip. Her hair braid was quite a bit longer than the traditional Dai Li hair braids that the men have, hanging past her buttocks, but she was not a man, and her hair braid had been more than useful in several altercations.
The nine small black pebbles that held her hair returned to her fist as she took out a small brown pouch and she slid them inside before tightening the draw string and replacing it into her robes. “Alright, I’m heading out.” Minxiu called out taking her hat from a nearby servant that held it at the ready. Her Dai Li douli was also slightly different than normal, being a bit larger to cover more of her face, her eyes mainly, and it sported a longer green tassel than normal. Spinning the hat once around in-between her hands she put it on, affixed the chinstrap, and headed out the door after getting a goodbye kiss from her mom.
Minxiu clasped her hands behind her and with a single leap from the middle of the courtyard from her home. A small pillar of earth propelled her high into the air before receding back into the ground. She landed soundlessly several yards outside the front of the family estate startling several pedestrians at the sudden appearance of a Dai Li. Many of them quickly went about their business straying away from her, some even moved purposefully out of her way as she began to make her way towards the palace, hiding away and shushing young children. She was proud to be a Dai Li to follow in her father’s footsteps and in some ways she even surpassed him, but she hated the way she was perceived by the public. Minxiu understood why but it still bothered her. To the public it seemed like the appearance of Dai Li agents heralded something bad, but who can blame them. When Dai Li agents show up in public places most of the time someone or a group of people are taken away, and to their knowledge are never seen again.
“Minxiu, thank you for coming on such short notice.” Jin said from behind his desk, the middle aged man was processing piles and piles of paper work. His hat on the same desk off to the side. The desk itself was carved from beautiful dark wood embroidered with gold that glistened in the firelight of the hearth in his office. This was a familiar sight Minxiu sometimes walked in on her father doing at home. Despite his age Jin had sharp features with a neatly trimmed beard neatly outlining his jawline and chin. A scar across his right cheek from his earlier years of service. His skin was a much darker tan and his eyes a deep green hardened with experience yet a gentle understanding when needed.
“What needs to be done?” Minxiu asked not looking up, she stood in front of him opposite the desk, her hand clasped in front of her, the sleeves connecting in the front and her hat hiding most of her face. She had known Force Commander Jin most of her life, he had overseen most of her training since she began training at ten years old despite the standard age being thirteen, her father had pulled strings to get her started early. Minxiu didn’t quite understand why at the time other than resenting him at the time for it and experiencing hardships that no child ever should, but now in hindsight, she was glad and grateful he did.
“Our intelligence officers in Omashu has reported back and it’s… troubling….”
“Sir?”
“Rumors of the Avatar’s reappearance seems to have perpetuated throughout Omashu without much control leading us to suspect King Bumi is in support of the news, he was a close friend to Avatar Aang. We have not disclosed this information to King Kuei yet as we don’t fully understand the political context or situation of Omashu at the moment and do not see it fit to trouble the King with this news. At the same time our agents in Omashu are treading as light as possible to avoid political discourse in case things take a turn for the worst and we stumble on a bigger conspiracy or worse, treasonous plots.” Jin shuffled and moved some papers around on his desk, looking for a particular one.
Luckily Minxiu’s had was covering most of her face as she was completely confused, why would the reappearance of the Avatar be a bad thing? Jin is making it sound like it would cause a major problem for Ba Sing Se, but Minxiu held her tongue and remained quiet, waiting.
“Here,” Jin handed Minxiu a neatly folded paper, “These are orders to go to Omashu. An eel hound is being prepped as we speak. Once you’re there make contact with the Dai Li agents there and assist them.”
Minxiu took the paper and slid it into the sleeve, “Was there no one else that could do this?”
Jin sighed and smiled, “Sadly you are what is needed for the situation, based on the intelligence a more… finesse hand may be needed.”
“Is there anyone else that will be coming with me?” Minxiu asked.
“No, it’s a bit unorthodox, but you’ll be alone for this.”
Minxiu nodded and headed out of the office. She never really liked working with another agent too much but she did what she had to. Her particular fighting and bending style along with her training made her more suited to be a solo agent with support backup rather than a pair fighting alongside someone else. Minxiu was looking forward to traveling, she hadn’t been out of Ba Sing Se in a long time she had never needed to. Leaving the Dai Li headquarters she headed to the nearby monorail. Again she received several dodgy glances from the civilians in the area, the guards parted and stay out of her way as she passed looking nervous and more at attention then what was probably necessary.
Wherever she or Dai Li agents went the atmosphere always seemed to be tenser, it was just something that Minxiu had to deal with. She didn’t revel in it like some of her compatriots did, instead she felt melancholy it was like she was two different people when she was on duty and when she was off. She sighed deeply as she waited by the train platform, standing by a bench with her hand clasped behind her. She didn’t mean to look so statuesque, but the Dai Li uniforms made it easy. The bench next to her was occupied by a small family, husband, wife, a young boy around the age of five or six, and a baby girl in the wife’s arms. She giggled and laughed loudly as the parents played with her.
Minxiu smiled under her hat at the scene, sometimes she wished she had a sibling. The ground began to rumble signaling an approaching train, the sound of rock grinding on rock grew louder and louder. Taking a glance around the young five year-old boy had wandered too close to the track crossing the safety line.
“Watch out kid!” someone shouted.
Minxiu shifted her stance and threw her hands forward shooting off her rock gloves towards the boy, the small plates of stone wrapped around the boy’s arm and waist, the force of impact launching him off his feet and over above the tracks for a split second before being pulled back as Minxiu pulled the stone plates back to her.
The boy cried in surprise as he was quickly pulled through the air and into Minxiu’s grip, the rock plates forming back onto her hands as gloves. He boy looked fine, a bit shaken and was actually excited.
“Wow! That was so cool!” He cried once Minxiu had out him back down on the ground. “Thank you Miss!” He said as his father pulled him away clearly flustered.
Minxiu smiled and nodded at the boy he could see her from under her hat. “Thank you…” the father said to Minxiu nodding appreciatively at her as he took his son back. The family boarded a different train cart once it had arrived the father giving one last nod of thanks before boarding. Minxiu simply nodded back.
The ride was long going from the inner ring to the outer wall. After what felt like hours and three to four entire sets of different passengers the train finally made it to the end of the line. A station that was practically built into the side of the great wall. From within Minxiu navigated though areas restricted from the public until she reached an elevator that took patrols and soldiers to the top of the wall. The solders around the area kept to themselves, even the elevator operator remained silent the entire trip up trying his best to avoid looking at Minxiu.
Once she reached the top of the wall Minxiu turned around and looked over the city, every seemed so small, the differently tinted rooftops all meshed into a sea of green broken occasionally by large streets, in the far distance she could see the inner ring. No one on the wall bothered her, though they made it obvious that they knew she was there. Minxiu walked to the other side of the wall looking out to the world she could see her first destination in the near distance, East Lake. Casually Minxiu leapt off the side of the great wall gliding effortlessly down it with one hand and her feet attached to the surface her rock gloves and shoes made the job simple. She left a trail of dust along her path but she didn’t care. Once she near the base of the wall she leapt off with a flip landing on the ground, she sunk several feet into the ground sending out ripples across the earth as if it were water before she shot off on a mound of moving earth, her rock shoes made gliding along the surface natural. She reached the bay where the ferries from Full Moon bay docked and easily got onto a returning ferry, within a few hours nearly noon by the looks of the sun, Minxiu had arrived at Full Moon Bay.
As Minxiu got off the ferry and left the docks she noticed a particular grey haired man with a pull cart full of green cabbage talking to an elderly yet very irritable passport attendant. He would have some trouble getting those though customs. The farmers and agricultural experts of Ba Sing Se were oddly afraid of cabbage slugs, claiming that a single slug could ruin the entire ecology of Ba Sing Se. Minxiu had no clue exactly how much merit that the claim actually has, only that it had been brought up to the King’s attention many times during meetings by the representatives.
A sharp whistle caught Minxiu’s attention, it came from a trio of men dressed almost identical to her. They turned to lead her to where she needed to go once they had her attention. They went out of the cave to a large alcove near the water where there were several buildings along with a large gated area that extended out into the water and several jetties. There were numerous eel hounds around in pens and in the water, they swam around and lounged for the most part. While some were being trained by other agents.
Minxiu stared at the eel hound with a slight smile, they had waited by the entrance of the alcove as a handler led an eel hound to them. “So… how long did you say this trip will take?” she asked watching the handler feed the hound some jerky. These Dai Li were around her age, in fact most of them were in the same graduating class as her. A lot of the newer and younger agents of the Dai Li were much more relaxed and not uptight as the older agents.
“Eh, you’ll probably get there late tonight assuming you take minimum breaks.” The Dai Li agent said securing the last pack onto the saddle of the beast.
“Her name is Liang-Shui, a young hound, she loves to run, and is one of the more… feisty hounds.” Another agent explained, he was a handler, a new position in the Dai Li, the organization recently reinitiated the domestication, breeding, and training of eel hounds for use. Their rapid speed and amphibious attributes made them perfect mounts to rapidly deploy agents. Liang-Shui maybe young but the eel hound was still massive in comparison to Minxiu measuring up only to the hound’s shoulder, and she had a particular lighter green almost yellow stripe of color that ran down the entire length of her body from the tip of her nose to the end of her tail.
“Great….” Minxiu approached the creature putting a rock gloved hand on her shoulder, the skin was more like rough leather. It snarled and growled as it ripped and tore at the jerky.
“Feeling uneasy?” the handler asked, noticing Minxiu’s hesitation.
Minxiu blushed slightly, “N-no… just wondering if it’s going to attack me at some point.” She stammered.
The handler laughed, “Don’t worry! Once Liang-Shui get used to you riding on her, she’ll warm up, you might even become best friends! I picked her because she reminded me of you actually.” The hound growled softly as she lied down, her tail swishing around.
“Oh ha-ha,” Minxiu shook her head, “If she were like me, she would have bitten your hand off already.” Minxiu took the reins from the handler.
“You know the route?” the handler stepped away.
“Yea,” Minxiu said lightly stomping the ground raising a small pillar to lift her so she could get onto the saddle. “Well, Liang-Shui it’s just going to be you and me for a while girl… no better time to learn….” Minxiu said under her breath, she had some rudimentary training riding an eel hound. She gently pulled on the reins and guided the hound out of the alcove and with a gentle kick they were off. The hound dashed away with insane speed forcing Minxiu to pull herself close and low to the eel hound’s body.
The ride went on for hours and Liang-Shui showed no signs of fatigue. Minxiu was also learning how to work with the hound, rather than finessing it to go where she wanted it to go it was simple to just guide it around. The eel hound was going to go and it wasn’t going to stop unless it was hard stopping to rest, simply guiding it around to where she wanted to go was easier, the speed of the hound more than makes up for the potential ground lost.
By nightfall Minxiu and Liang-Shui was already on approach to Omashu, the glistening city was visible in the distance. They had taken three breaks along the way all, one of which Liang-Shui actually took advantage of while the other two were more for Minxiu to stretch and walk around. Liang-Shui waited impatiently during those times demanding extra water and jerky before she would set off again. “Final stretch girl, you are amazing!” Minxiu gave Liang-Shui a pat on the shoulder. Liang-Shui let out a grateful growl before surging ever faster forward.
It didn’t take long before Liang-Shui was forced to slow down to a brisk jogged along the zigzagging path leading to the city gates. The night was still pretty young as there were still traders, merchants, and other adventures along the path. Most of them quickly parted as Liang-Shui charged past them. Just before they reached the gates Minxiu pulled straight back on the reins signaling for Liang-Shui to stop, she cried out in annoyance but stopped nonetheless. Minxiu leapt off Liang-Shui’s back and landed in front of the gate in front of the two gate guards the motions kicking up a dust cloud.
“HALT!” one of the guards shouted. “Uhhm…” he looked to his partner. As he got a clear view of Minxiu from the torch light once the dust had settled. His partner shrugged not too sure what to do.
Minxiu reached into her robes and took out a piece of paper and handed it to the guard, “Official Dai Li business, hand it to your commanding officer….” Minxiu said flatly and walked past the guards tugging lightly on Liang-Shui’s reins. The guards parted and opened the stone gates as Minxiu and Liang-Shui passed through the city gates.
The guard seemed to want to say something but his partner shook his head. Even at night Omashu was bustling with activity. Minxiu looked around craning her head to see the verticality of the city and the famous Omashu delivery systems of chutes that runs non-stop. She had always wondered what it would be like to ride in one of those carts though the system, it would be exhilarating and she couldn’t be the only one that has thought of doing that.
Minxiu led Liang-Shui through the city streets after giving her large piece of jerky, she absent mindedly chewed the meat as she was lead through the city. Eventually they left the busy part of the city and entered into a living district. The night is calm, the streets lit with frequent torches and the sounds of the chutes overhead occasionally sounded as a package moved past. Minxiu stopped by a large house, completely inconspicuous from the others in the neighborhood. She knocked on the door and it immediately opened. Another Dai Li agent was inside waiting, Minxiu unloaded the saddle and packs of supplies off of Liang-Shui and led her around to the back of the house where there was a large pond and enough space where she can relax and stretch out.
“You made good time.” The Dai Li remarked gesturing for Minxiu to sit. “I’m Ying.”
“Can’t say it was easy but, yea.” She took out the paper Jin handed her and gave it to Ying, who quickly unfolded it and began reading. She didn’t know him too well but does know of him. He operated in intelligence and scouting, she often seen agents that worked under him though the city. Minxiu began eating the meal that had already been prepared for her at the table. “So, what do you need me to do?”
Ying hummed under his breath, he was a bit older than Minxiu was with a full beard trimmed to look triangular with dark green eyes and soft features. “Well you showed up at the perfect time.” He said with a smile. “I didn’t expect that they would send
you of all people….”
Minxiu scoffed, “Yea, even cut my leave short to get out here.” Minxiu said after swallowing a mouthful of meat bun. “So what am I doing?”
“Earlier today there was a meeting behind closed doors, a group of benders have been pretending to be the Avatar to perpetuate rumors of his presence.”
Minxiu raised an eyebrow, “Ok, so this matters to the Dai Li, why? As long as it doesn’t spread to Ba Sing Se, then it pointless.”
Ying continued ignoring her comment, “A group of adventures were sent out to search for the new Avatar. According to these people there is a greater ploy at work that threatens to unbalance the world, similar to the Fire Nation’s attempt a hundred years ago that was stopped by Avatar Aang. If there is another ploy of that scale then finding the Avatar would be crucial for the balance of the world.” Minxiu looked at him confused with a raised eyebrow, what the hell is he on about, Ying apparently noticed her expression, “Look, the Earth Kingdom as a whole, especially Ba Sing Se, are too self-centered, arrogant in our isolationist ways. It’s time we look outward. What Ying was saying was dangerously close for grounds for Minxiu to arrest him, but she didn’t disagree with what he was saying. “In a way I’m glad they sent you, I know you believe in what I say, most of your graduating class are far more open to change and just more… open-minded.”
Minxiu was growing more suspicious, was this a test of her loyalty? Or is this guy being genuine? She didn’t really know what to think. Ying was an intelligence agent, and Minxiu was a specially trained Dai Li assassin, she could earth bend circles around Ying not to mention she could probably just straight up beat him into submission, but she refrained. “Ok, so what’s the plan? This is starting to sound like conspiratorial work Ying.” She played along acting interested but still on guard to gauge his reactions.
“All Dai Li work is conspiratorial to some level, we’re just preparing for the potential of something big and setting up contingency plans in case something major does happen.” Ying stood up and walked out to the back patio, “You’re mission is to join up with the group that was sent out today and assist them in their task to see it to the end, report to me when you can, and I’ll cover for you in the meantime. We will see what comes of this and if further action is needed.” Minxiu walked out to the patio joining Ying. “They are headed to the beach, and it seems like they have already ran into some trouble.” He gestured a glowing patch of light in the distance near a river and the tree line. The house was high enough within Omashu that they had view of the surrounding area over the wall.
“Fine, I’ll head out first thing tomorrow, but first I need to take a bath.” Minxiu yawned and stretched, “I’ve eaten too many bugs today and I am tired, now if you’d excuse me.” Minxiu went back into the house. She picked a basic room upstairs and unpacked some of her stuff, inspecting what was packed for her by the other agents. It was nothing out of the ordinary, changes of robes, clothes, rope, rations, canteens, some simple cookware, a minimal collapsible tent, some toiletries and hygiene products. She repacked everything and undressed to her underwear and headed to the bath. She soaked in the water with her head barely peeking out over the edge.
Minxiu was deep in thought, she had been waiting for an opportunity like this, to be an adventurer free from rules, though she wouldn’t be completely free from all rules, but at least she was going to have more freedom that she ever had before. What was the point of learning all the bending techniques and fighting skills when she was never allowed to fully utilize them? She blew bubbles in the water and just stared at them before leaning back against the tub resting her head on the wall looking up at the ceiling.
Well you’ve been craving for something like this all your life, the Dai Li have treated you well, but now is your chance to do what you want! To be free to feel what everyone feels…. Minxiu ginned to herself and began to quietly laugh. “To be free….” She whispered still quietly laughing as tears began to roll down her face and her laughter gradually turned into cries, gritting her teeth she dunked her head under the water.
I will never be free….
Minxiu stood on the balcony of her room looking over the city. More precisely she was looking at the lit portion of the forest Ying pointed out to her earlier.
Freedom…. Movement in the backyard pond caught her attention, Liang-Shui was stirring in the water. She poked her head out of the pond and looked up at her expectantly, “Sorry girl, no more running tonight, it’s time to rest we’ll ride more tomorrow….” Minxiu said smiling at the eel hound. She’s never had pets before not counting the koi, turtle ducks, and various other animals on her family’s estate. She went back into the room and returned with another piece of jerky and tossed it down to Liang-Shui, she caught it effortlessly and returned to the depths of the pond settling down. Minxiu did the same, throwing herself onto the bed, she took out her pouch of small black stones and levitated them spinning in a circle a few inches above her hand occasionally rotating the ring of stones and changing their shape and switching hands controlling them. Her hair was still slightly wet but she didn’t care anymore, she was too tired and just laid in the bed absent mindedly spinning the stones until she drifted to sleep.
