Old man Jay.

Let me do a rundown of my assignment. 

I was asked to hunt down Lu Gu, a prominent figure in the trafficking of humans, drugs, and whatnot. I didn't bother to save them… in my brain.

So this guy will be visiting a gambling center two days from now. I must go there and finish him up.

I was also offered assistance. They will work on getting me in without a hitch and also ensure that my target is unprotected.

It was so surreal. How can there be such an easy job, for so much cash? I must say… I can't wait to deepen our bond, that way I can have access to their resources.

As I walked through the streets of Gravel; a city in the Solid Earth Kingdom, I ran down simulations on how to accomplish my end of the deal… killing Lu Gu.

It may sound simple, but I believe this is the best time to test my methods of killing bad guys. 

Hanging… No! Beheading… No! Castration… No! Drowning… No!!!

I can't seem to decide, so I'll go for the method I deem best when I get to the man. Hehehehehe, it will surely be fun.

"Avani!" Hearing my name, I turned to the direction the voice came from, immediately sighting an old man.

"Hello, sir!" I said cheerfully, heading to him. He's one of the masters in the Gravel city, very skilled in the way of earth bending… that's controlling earth!

"You are growing fast, girl," he said teasingly, as he pinched my cheeks. "Back when you arrived, you were just a little arrogant girl."

Twitch

"I'm glad that you're finally moving on," he said, joyfully, giving me a tight hug.

How can I tell you? You can't be more wrong… I'm just waiting for the opportunity… to take my revenge.

"Come along… I have something that'll definitely put a smile on that stoic face of yours."

Not allowing me to protest, he dragged me off in the direction of his house.

As we walked through the busy streets, we got greetings from many, though the males seemed to avoid us. Not like the reason wasn't clear enough… they must be scared of old man Jay.

Hehehe, that's what they get for not having big enough balls. Any male who can't stand for their goals is useless.

Feeling a tug, I willingly moved forward; toward a small hut.

It was rather ordinary for a master like old man Jay. From my analysis, he should be able to beat grandpa easily… ahem…

The building seemed to be made out of clay, with no special component. In the Solid earth kingdom, individuals were tasked with personally building their homes. The smaller or less attractive your home was, it was believed that you were a low-leveled earth bender (manipulator).

I've tried talking him into building a bigger and more luxurious home, but it always ended up with inspirational speeches that I dreaded.

As we entered the hut, I caught sight of its interior, which apart from the fact that we were inside had no special property.

"I can't wait to see the present," I said as I anticipated what was coming for me. Old man, Jay had always given me gifts that I cherished to date, something that I hope grandpa can do. But with every day that passes it seems more like a fleeting dream.

"Hmmm? Though mature in all sensible areas, you still act like a baby," he said, an arm on his chin.

I forgot to say, he's a fucking pervert. "Eew! What a disgusting old man… I'll surely tell your daughter."

I said, jokingly, moving away from him. Old man Jay has a daughter he cherishes so much. A weak spot, which I personally consider bad for his existence.

Though maybe I'm also weak, because I also consider myself weak for caring about grandpa so much, now old man Jay added to that equation. And because I care for old man Jay, I started caring for his daughter, helping her solve all problems within my power.

What a fool I am. Haa, I need to get my head straight.

Clearing the disturbing thought. "So tell me? Where is Jaya?" I inquired, searching the small hut for the little girl.

"Come on, Avani! Let's talk, there is no need to involve such a young girl," he said in a pleading tone.

"Ohh! Now you know?" I sneered, avoiding his grip.

"What do you want?" He said, about to kneel.

A very dramatic old man, indeed. "There is no need to act so submissively! The present?"

I would have loved to continue, but no way! I'll go for the boundless treasure he has to offer!

"I'll do as you say, just remember… Jaya shouldn't come to know about my… habits."

Stretching the "habits", he put his finger forward, gesturing for a pinky swear, to which I complied by joining our fingers in an intertwined format.

"Daddy?!" A small voice came, causing old man Jay to jump back in fright.

Not minding his charade, I ran toward the cute little girl. "Jaya!"

"Yes, aunty Avani!" She said, cutely.

"Ohh! Wish I could take you far away…" throwing old man Jay a glare. "Before this old pervert corrupts your poor soul."

"I thought…"

Stopping his complaint, I said. "I didn't expose you… be thankful."

"Huh…? Then…" 

"Can she follow us?" I asked, cutting him off.

"Haa, she can," he said, dejectedly.

"Awww~ now I can hold my baby girl~" picking up the adorable girl, I carried her like a baby, looking to the old man for our next move.

Making strange noises, he moved toward the center table, placing his hand for a brief moment. 

After that, the whole structure trembled as if an earthquake were to occur, its ferocity scaring me.

"You should learn to not fear the earth," he said, as he moved down the tunnel that appeared from his action.

Breathing in, I took the adorable girl who didn't seem affected by the whole situation down the staircase, making sure to mimic every step he made.