"Most interesting…"

Hiroshi nodded at the masked figure sitting across from him. "Tenzin was clearly uncomfortable about the subject when I asked him about it, but his roundabout answer verified what my daughter had said: Xing and the Avatar had reached a breaking point. Even her pro-bender teammates were awkwardly reluctant to retell the falling out."

Amon leaned forward, the cheap office desk creaking softly as he rested his chin on steepled hands. "Yet he was the one to suggest the sponsorship…"

Hiroshi shrugged. "Tenzin believes it's proof that the boy hasn't completely abandoned his ties to the Avatar, if not the White Lotus…that Xing is still dutiful enough to look out for her."

"Hm. Your daughter thinks otherwise?"

"Asami is certain that he's doing it almost purely for the benefit of Future Industries as a means to prove his worth, and that Xing is mature enough to put aside his personal misgivings for the Avatar to profit off her."

"And what is your take on the matter?"

Not for the first time since the sponsorship event, Hiroshi mulled over what he'd seen and heard for himself. It was possible that Xing still felt like he had an obligation…a soft spot…for the Avatar. One rarely suggests cooperating with the person they messily cut ties with so quickly, after all. But then again, Xing has shown a surprising level of business acumen for a supposedly cloistered White Lotus initiate…

And there was no denying the effectiveness of that publicity stunt; The day after the reveal, word of mouth and newspaper articles made the Fire Ferrets limited fanclub known throughout Republic City. By noon Future Industries' stores and galleries were being besieged by people looking to sign up for the Fire Ferrets' fanclub. The membership forms were completely gone by lunchtime, with most applicants opting for a seasonal subscription. That amounted to only seventy yuans, but seventy yuans for basically a slip of embossed paper not even worth a yuan, the right to fight for exclusive merchandise once they're released, and the promise of the chance of meeting the Fire Ferrets during playoffs or fanclub events?

Profiting off the membership almost felt criminal.

With the membership applicants went the autographed photos and armbands and flags, which boosted profits further. The latter two were complimentary, the former available to purchase for twenty yuans.

Twenty yuans for a photograph that'd otherwise cost no more than five, just because someone left their signature on it.

Maybe Hiroshi should've kept Xing's suggested price of fifty yuans instead of playing it safe. He was glad that he took up the young man's advice to disinfect the photos though - there were not a few reports from outlet managers observing the disturbing practice of the purchased images being kissed or even licked.

Maybe Xing wasn't being hyperbolic when he said it was possible to market the towels used by the Avatar…

Besides the ludicrous profits, Future Industries also enjoyed significant savings in advertising. Without having to pay anything else, the company and the Fire Ferrets came up on the airwaves just about every hour as pro-bending and culture commentators brought up the impact of the sponsorship.

Pundits debating over the propriety of the Avatar competing in the tournament was followed by the discussion of the modifications and performance of the Fire Ferrets' Satomobile, which then was followed by radio hosts verifying and/or sympathizing the rough life of Mako and Bolin. Isashi expected the hype to hold up for at least half a week before winding down, allowing for some down time before the tournament actually started and interest spiked again.

What really made it clear to Hiroshi that Xing's marketing ploy was a brilliant idea though was not the profits or the excitement it garnered. Instead, it was the simple, satisfying and spiteful fact that every other company - not just his competition like Cabbage Corp, but just about every big corporation - was racing to find their own pro-benders to sponsor.

It's a pity that they don't have Avatars in those teams.

Satisfaction aside, the fact remained that Xing had been the one to raise the idea. Whatever his intentions, he definitely made it clear that Asami hiring him had paid off spectacularly.

"I think it's safer to assume that both could be true," Hiroshi cautiously answered. "Xing might still harbor obligations to his past…employment, but he also wishes to impress."

Amon seemed to agree, lifting his head and leaning back into his seat. "A valid stance to take."

The industrialist nodded slowly. "I've given him and Asami my permission to use some engineers to prototype more ideas. Supposedly, Xing has something that might advance the Satomobiles' competitive edge." He paused to give the Equalist leader a pensive look. "Regardless of whether the presentation is successful or not, I'm thinking of promoting him."

"It'd give you a reason to interact with him more openly," Amon said approvingly.

And put some distance between him and Asami, but that wasn't relevant to the current conversation. Honestly, if Xing kept performing so admirably, Hiroshi could see him as a worthy partner for his daughter…if not for that one particular issue about his character.

"Even elevating him to assistant of a subsidiary would give me a wider window to meet with him. It might take some time, but I might learn something significant about the Avatar that we can use."

Amon hummed thoughtfully for a moment before responding. "Even if you can glean some insight into how the White Lotus operates, it would give us an advantage enough for when the time comes… Yes, we can afford more time for our buildup."

The eyes behind the mask suddenly bore into Hiroshi with a cunning, disconcerting gleam. "Perhaps we could even convert him to our cause, with the right incentive. He's proven to be worthy of your admiration…"

Hiroshi tried not to flinch.

"Of course, we could arrange for Xing's great flaw to be…equalized. If he truly harbors resentment against the Avatar, we can exploit it, and maybe he might even abandon his bending freely out of his…affection for your daughter. He'd be worthy of her hand then, would he not?"

That…that sounded like a good idea. Assuming that Xing really did resent his past life, of course. Convincing him to join the Equalist movement would be a big boon, especially with his keen mind aiding in the proliferation of the Equalists' beliefs.

If Xing really did prove himself to be worthy of Asami's hand, Hiroshi could see himself being happy to allow Xing the responsibility of caring for her…eventually.

They discussed the matter for a little while more, then Hiroshi collected the required paperwork that was proof of his tour and left the Equalist-run factory to continue with his day's schedule.

Quietly turning over a couple of factories to the cause allowed him an easier time to maintain communications with Amon, nevermind the logistical ease in equipping the organization. From janitors to overseers, everyone in those factories were Equalists who answered to Amon and Hiroshi. They were also among the best run ones despite having no benders to weld or move earth, as much proof of the Equalists' belief as to avoid giving cause for inspectors and investigators to sniff about.

The drive back was occupied with plans on how best to approach Xing without drawing Asami's curiosity. It'd be poor showing as a father to draw her into this conspiracy and risk her wellbeing.

Come to think of it, if Xing doesn't prove up to snuff, he could be assigned to a tour to a few factories, and maybe suffer a freak accident or two…

*****

Wenli tapped his foot with growing irritation as he stared into a filthy alleyway. Around him, his lackeys were collecting the week's tribute from the market square's vendors. So far everything was going smoothly, everyone was paying on time with no signs of any skimping.

From the vendors anyway.

With his mood turning sour, the lieutenant of the Agni Kai turned about to cast a demanding look from the pathetic koala sheep manning each stall. "Where are the little pests?" Nobody met his gaze, though none of them looked antsy enough to be suspicious.

"They could have fled, or been killed," one of his underlings unnecessarily opined, earning a scowl from Wenli that caused the meathead to shrink away.

"Nobody flees or dies without paying me my dues!" Wenli snapped. "I'm not going to be swindled by those filthy elephant rats!"

True, the two kids could only ever muster a pitiful sum that was barely worth the effort of scaring them into paying up, but it wasn't about the money. The little shits and their crippled geezer worked in Agni Kai territory, so they owed the Agni Kai a cut of their profits.

It was the principle of things.

It pissed Wenli even more to know that the kids had recently gotten chummy with some rich prat. Supposedly their new benefactor had bought them new clothes and stuffed them with better things than stall scraps. The urchins must've finally lucked out and found a mark; Someone not wealthy enough to have their young delicacies delivered discreetly to their mansions, but rich enough to personally come down here to lure their prey with little gifts.

They think they might be clever by getting new food and filling their stomachs, instead of being paid in yuans. But Wenli would get them to pay their dues, one way or another.

Once he found them.

Such benefactors don't tend to keep their toys at home. Too long term, high upkeep to accommodate and dispose of. It's cheaper to rent, and some folks apparently liked the hunt. Wenli couldn't agree with that; he rather be reassured in the knowledge that there's a stable of whores waiting for him every night.

Back to the point, the fact was that the kids were still staying in the alley until only a few days ago, when they just upped and left with their new friend in a truck. He apparently carried the old man out with him as well.

What use is a crippled old fisherman? A hostage? A sideshow?

The puzzlement, and knowing that he'll have to waste his time asking around for the skeevy tax evaders (fuck, he might have to spend good yuans for this), further infuriated Wenli. Yet he couldn't just let them skip out of his turf. If word spreads that he couldn't keep his grip on a couple of brats and a hobbled elder, twats like Zhu and Yazu would hang it over his head. Fuckers would probably love rubbing it in his face in front of the bosses.

Wenli fumed until he was just about to burn something down, but then 'Mace-Hands' Kengo prodded him and directed his wrathful gaze to the other end of the market square.

"Hey, Wenli. That's the brats, right?"

The lieutenant squinted at a trio of people just casually walking through, and sure enough, there were the two brats, walking beside a guy who did not have a rich twat's swagger. The boy and girl were barely recognizable in clean office(?) clothes and without the dirt and shit all over them, with neatly combed hair and neat shoes and all the luxuries that alleyway bums don't usually afford. But the way the kids froze as they spotted him sealed their identity.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

He'd never mistake those frightful little eyes.

Wenli gave a brief glance to the nearest stall owner. "Oi. That the fuck who's been taking the little pests?"

He caught the hurried nod of the noodle vendor at the edge of his vision as he focused on the man who now took a step forwards to put himself between Wenli and the kids.

None of the overconfidence or naive air of rich twats. Not dressed like one of them either.

A manservant maybe? He moved a bit too sure-footedly though. One of those 'trained in the dojos' servants then?

Eh, it didn't matter. It was only one of him at the end of the day.

Wenli felt a scowl form on his face as he snapped his fingers and beckoned his squad to form up. Wenli stalked towards the trio while eight men ungently pushed aside people and tables and stools to close in around them.

"Can I help you?" the butler had the balls to ask so calmly.

Wenli glared at the guy for a second before responding. "Yeah. Yeah, you can." He jerked his chin at the urchins cowering behind the servant. "You took in these strays, eh?"

The prat kept up his cool act as he glanced at the brats behind him before meeting Wenli's gaze and answering. "I have."

Wenli took a step into the fucker's personal space and jabbed a finger on his chest. "Look, I don't care whether it's you or your employers, I don't care how diddle them, but those two brats have been living in Agni Kai territory, and that means they've got rent to pay."

There was a flash of anger in the man's amber eyes, which gave Wenli much satisfaction. Fucker didn't like having his kinks get called out in public, eh? It's probably him that's been hiring the kids, not his employers.

Good, it means he could be squeezed for extra cash, as a silence tax.

A grin of dark glee broke over Wenli's face as he stared down the butler. "Those strays owe me, and therefore owe the Agni Kai. And since you've adopted them, you're adopting their debt. D'you understand me?"

There was a moment of heavy silence, but Wenli didn't stop grinning. Nine to one, he knew how this would play out.

"How much is owed?" the man eventually said, just as calmly as he spoke the first time despite the clear anger bubbling behind his eyes.

"Oh, nothing too much," he sang. "They're mangy strays after all. Four thousand yuans. Oh, and a thousand for the old coot." Wenli's grin turned into a toothy smile as he 'remembered' the crippled geezer. "Almost forgot that one. Consider him a discount."

Wenli felt a bit disappointed when the man immediately went for his jacket instead of trying to haggle. It meant that he should've charged more. Ah well, it wouldn't be good for his image to change his mind now; he can task one of the boys to shadow the trio and give them a house call later.

"Here."

Wenli snatched the thick wad of cash off the man, and gave a low whistle as he riffled it with a thumb to get a rough estimate. Crisp notes. Definitely more than 5k. Seven maybe? Judging from the glare he was getting, the little tip was about as much as Wenli was getting for now.

A shame. It'd been a while since he sicced his boys on a valid target, but crumpling the fucker right now would risk too much attention for no gain.

Eh, with how the day's turning out, Wenli can afford to forgo some violence for today.

He grinned again at the impotent servant as he tucked the hefty fee into his own vest. "Nice doing business with ya. Feel free to visit us again, eh?"

Wenli turned about and snapped his fingers, and his boys shuffled after him to leave the market square. Windfall or not, he had other places to visit, shop owners to shakedown. The Agni Kai lieutenant easily ignored the frantic muttering from the brats and the no doubt reassuring words from their patron coming from behind him as he made his exit.

"That went way easier than I expected," Kengo commented, and Wenli chuckled as he stated the obvious.

"Fucker's a kid groper. Those types aim young because they can't fight for shit. The guy can put on his tough guy act as much as he wants, but I got his number."

That earned nods and mutterings of understanding from the squad. As it was daytime, they turned into an alley to cut towards the back of the tea shops instead of heading out into the main street. No point risking a frisking from the metalbender patrols, especially not with a few crisp thousands on him.

Seeing their arrival, the usual loiterers in the narrow alleyway wisely slipped back into their shops. For some reason, that buoyed Wenli's already improving mood further. It was like the world was telling him that nothing could stand in his way, at least for today. Perhaps fortune has finally come a-knocking.

Ah shit, that reminded him… "Hey Kengo, you an-"

Something dropped and bounced off his head, leaving a thin trail of smoke. Wenli looked down to see a ball of smoldering newspaper. As his mind registered what he was seeing, the newspaper exploded in a thick cloud of sweet, tangy smoke. The narrow alley was quickly filled with a thick haze of cloying incense, and echoed with the cacophony of coughing fits that followed.

Wenli quickly turned to flee from the eye-watering and nose-burning fog, but he had barely begun spinning when something struck and broke his left shoulder, and knocked him onto his back. He gasped rather than screamed because of the smoke scratching in his throat.

The pressure shifted onto Wenli's chest before he could rise, almost crushing his ribs. Wenli's tear-stained vision was surrounded by a dark figure looming over him, the incense haze obscuring its details.

The amber eyes glaring angrily through the coils of smoke, though, was unmistakable.

There was a blur of movement, and Wenli gurgled as a thick layer of smoke fell onto his face, then flowed into his nostrils and down into his lungs. The pressure lifted off him seconds later, but as he rose and started swatting away the hazy mask wrapped around his head, pain ripped across his throat. The taste of blood mingled with incense, and Wenli spent his last gasps coughing out smoke as he grasped onto his leaking neck. He was too focused on trying to live to appreciate the staccato of pained cries, or to fend off the repeated sharp pangs that erupted all over his body.

*****

Sergeant Koshi of the Republic City Police Department frowned as he descended onto the scene. A suspicious burst of smoke had been reported in an alleyway and as the nearest airship he and his team quickly dove to investigate. They landed on the rooftops sandwiching the smoky alleyway, hearing no footsteps of fleeing suspects or the grunts of a scuffle.

Metalbending their metal wires into fans to blow away the thick haze revealed nine bodies lying in pools of their own blood. With how garishly red they were dressed, these unfortunates were likely low-ranking Agni Kai members. Koshi sent up a flare to call for backup before jumping down to get a closer look.

Nine still corpses, all covered in multiple stab wounds, all showing signs of their pockets being rummaged through. A classic gang ambush. Probably opened with a smoke bomb to surprise and blind the victims, making it easy for the attackers to come in with daggers.

Koshi took a sniff, and couldn't help exchanging a look with his colleagues. "Incense?"

It was a curious thing, but then again with how the poorer gangs were improvising weapons and tactics all the time, perhaps it shouldn't be so surprising. Or it could be a message. He'll leave it to the experts to figure out whether this was a calling card or not.

*****

"Apologies for my lateness," Xing said as he returned, and Ren meekly waved back.

He rejoined them midway back to Future Industries' headquarters, after all three of them had let the encounter with Wenli distract them from their noodle run. Xing handed them their tiffin boxes while he carried his and Asami's, and casually fell in beside Ren and Kai to continue their roundabout way back. The moment Wenli had left, Xing had asked which route the gangster would likely take, and plotted out a detour to avoid any accidental bump-ins with the bullies again.

Knowing that they were keeping clear of Agni Kai territory did make Ren feel safer when he remembered the noodles and urged them to continue going back while he returned to the market square… But the long walk back with Kai had filled the two with shame and guilt of having Xing protect them as he so casually did.

Yet, there was also a bit of…joy, of relief, that he stood up for them without hesitation, and was outraged on their behalf.

For a moment, Ren was really worried that Xing would lash out against Wenli, but he thankfully kept his cool. She didn't know what she'd do if another good person was crippled because of her.

"Is it really ok?" Kai asked nervously, voicing the worry he and Ren shared.

Xing nodded too easily as he replied. "It'd be a nasty surprise if you hadn't told me about him, but since you did, I've been prepared for it." The reassuring smile he gave them made Ren's guts twist with guilt. "Having the early bonus made things easier."

"B-But it's five th-" Ren blurted, and was quickly interrupted by him.

"It's a small sum to free you two from their attention," he said evenly, fixing her and Kai with a serious look. "You two don't deserve to be shackled to such goons. Besides, we'll be getting our monthly salary in a few days."

"But they'll come looking for us again. I'm sure of it." Men like Wenli were like mosquito-weevils and would keep circling back to pick on you the moment they found an opportunity to feed on.

Xing shook his head a bit too confidently. "I doubt it. He'll want to, of course, but we're now staying well within the Triple Threat's territory, are we not?"

"He can still find us when we go out…" Kai muttered.

"We'll just start shopping in a different spot then."

They wanted to protest further, but Xing was having none of it, just as he insisted that neither of them needed to pay him for the five thousand he'd just given away. Because Xing was Xing.

"I'm sure I'll find a chance to recoup that loss. Now, the matter has been dealt with, so no point in dwelling on it, alright? It went as peacefully as it could, and none of us were harmed."

Ren nodded reluctantly before sharing a look with Kai. The two of them silently resolved to work harder, to repay the faith and support Xing had invested in them.

"Oh, and I'll only summarize for Asami if she asks. Best not to get her worried unnecessarily."

The two young interns nodded in agreement. Knowing Asami, the heiress would kick up an even greater fuss and worry over them a bit too much. She might even make the guilt worse by buying them a new house with security guards or something.

They walked back in silence after that, though Ren at one point noticed something.

"Where's the incense coming from?" she asked with a sniff.

"Ah, that's me. Passed by a vendor on the way and got some of the stuff on me, I'm afraid."