The Mission

"To the worthy warrior and/or assassin.

You are hereby summoned to appear before the great unifier, blessed savior of the south, and warlord supreme Hattoka, chief of the southern Water Tribe to discuss terms of a secretive mission in order to ensure the continued safety and security of his kingdom. This honor is reserved for only the most qualified and experience of benders and to refuse would be a great insult and foolish decision, for the chieftain is willing to discuss generous payment of ten million gold upon completion of your designated task along with three others who will accompany you . Meet at cheksau bay on the first night of the winter solstice where a water tribe ship will be waiting to escort you and the other contract warriors to appear before his eminence. Show this official document at the gates and you shall be allowed entry.

Please note however, that due to the secretive and sensitive nature of this mission, should you accept. You will not be able to back down at any point until the task is completed. This is your one and only warning.

Sincerely. Hagahi. Advisor of the great Unifier. "

Such was the letter given to four powerful warriors scattered across the world by strange cloaked figures in dark blue. They had never met each other before. Never failed a mission, and Despite being from different regions, they all had one thing in common. 

They immediately answered the chieftan's call.

Upon finally arriving and meeting one another at Chekasu bay, very little was said between them as they meandered and wandered the town waiting to be picked up . Watching the fishing vessels depart the shore, skipping stones against the waves and spending hour after hour in tea shop after tea shop playing pai sho. Finally as the sun began to set the water tribe longship appeared with its blue and black sails. The rest of the village upon seeing the banners, hastily departed inside their homes out of fear of interference. Leaving just the four hunters to walk towards the docks alone. It had been a month since the largest coordinated water tribe raid ever and the citizens of Chekasu weren't looking to incite unrest and be plundered just like their neighbors in Isija cove had.

The water tribe vessel slowly came to a moaning halt beside the docks as it lowered the ramps down for the four men below. One by one they each showed their letter of summons to the ship's captain in order to board and soon they were off.

The journey lasted four days as the weather slowly became cold and more hospitable. The further south they sailed the more they came across icebergs and sunken earth kingdom ships frozen in glaciers. Each of the men were given thick fur coats to help keep them warm by the crew as well as food and relative comfort. But one among them especially was in the process of discovering that he fared rather poorly at sea more so than the others.

"Ahghahgahh!!" Sputtered Beijin as he threw up over the side of the boat with hat held tightly in hand. The young dark-haired earthbender had never left the continent before and for the first time was succumbing to the strange sensation of seasickness. He really didn't like the feeling of rocking back and forth against the choppy waves and longed for the blessed feeling of solid ground again as soon as the spirits allowed.

As he wiped away his mouth and bundled himself further in his cloak for warmth he grumbled as he got back to his shivering in the harsh wind. This trip better be worth it, he thought to himself as he readjusted his conical wicker woven hat that had seen better days than him. In recent years he had rather a poor turn of fortune on a string of failed jobs and desperately needed the money despite his bending talents. it certainly didn't help that he wasn't the best gambler either. And now an opportunity had come into his lap like this and any sane man couldn't possibly say no. So neither would he.

But still, he couldn't help but wonder, why of all people did the chieftain wish to speak with him?

Can't sleep either huh? Said a quiet warm voice from behind his head.

Beijin turned to see one of the other hunters who had answered the call. He approached calmly beside him and crossed his arms against the railing to look out to sea. From what little small talk they had gathered on their voyage over the past few days, he had learned that the man's name was Oni. He appeared to be a water tribe of some kind, with long dark brown hair and a slashed scar across his cheek from what looked to be a stingray squid. Curious most of all was that he wore a seashell necklace which was not common as there were no beaches in either of the poles. 

"Yep. Replied Beijin still feeling nauseous. "All that rocking back and forth, freezing in the hammock below deck. It's a wonder I haven't thrown myself overboard yet and taken my chances swimming back to shore on my own."

Oni Chuckled. "I guesed as much from the way you came scurrying up those steps trying not to puke. I'm used to a bit of sailing where I'm from, but certainly not a fan of this weather like you. Oni moved forward and bundled himself further in his furred blue and white cloak putting his gloved hands to his mouth for warmth. His breath freezing into mist in the cold night air.

Where are you from asked Beijin curious.

I'm from tao'koa. It's in the tropics on the western coast of the earth kingdom near the fire nation and this is my first time sailing south since my ancestors left decades ago to form a life there. Feels strange. He smiled. This is almost like a homecoming for me. But much has changed in the south since then I'm afraid.

That was an understatement in the least thought Beijin. Only less than a eighty years ago the south pole had been an impoverished and scarcely populated nation of only a handful of small tribes. Hardly a force to be reckoned with or respected by the other nations. And with so many of its people leaving to seek better life elsewhere many thought the south pole would never amount to much or be a serious contender on the world stage. Now however, they were the most feared and one of the wealthiest of all the four nations. All thanks to the leadership and feared reputation of the man they were about to meet very soon.

Which wasn't soon enough Oni thought himself. He was so used to short and warm canoe voyages back home that his long frigid journey into hell seemed to be taking forever and was torture by comparison.

Immensely bored, he leaned to look over the railing and was greeted with the sight of a small swarm of snake fish following beside the ship in the hopes of scraps tossed overboard to them. He then started bending a stream of water from the side of the boat to play with and mimic their movement, rising and slithering it alongside the hull like a blue transparent serpent hovering in the air. Beijin smiled and joined in, pulling two small but precious smooth pebbles from his satchel to begin curling them in between the gaps of his fingers up and down. He didn't have much to go on but he always came prepared with a bit of earth on him just in case.

"Impressive! called out a loud voice from above them on the outlook mast. Mind if I join in? I'm tired of counting stars up here!" A bald scruffy man dressed in brown and grey furs by the name of Maro quickly stood and leapt down with eagerness, spiraling and falling weightlessly in the air to land beside what were to be his two brothers in arms on this mission.

"So Airbender I imagine? Said Oni still fiddling with the water serpent. "Was wondering what your deal was."

You guessed right he grinned, and a very very bored one at that. There isn't much to do on this ship at this point until we meet Mr. bigshot except keep our skills and minds sharp for whatever job is ahead of us. And believe me, I've' tried to hurry it along. 

Maro then raised his arms upward and sent a large blast of air to inflate the ship's sinister blue and black sails wide apart, sending the ship speeding forward as he had constantly throughout their voyage. He wanted off this ship more than the rest of them.

The airbender patted his hands at a job well done and decided to join in the attempt at staving off boredom beside the boat. He sat on the railing of the ship, legs dangling in the air and began creating a miniature tornado that entangled Oni's water serpent round and round off the side of the ship in its vortex.

What is an airbender doing as a mercenary? Asked Beijin as he threw his pebbles into the collaborative bending mix and gripped tightly to the railing. I thought your people were all peaceful and one with nature and stuff. 

Well I was. Said Maro still holding his hand outward. Until I decided that type of life didn't really suit me. So I began smuggling relics out of the temples until I was caught and kicked out with my glider confiscated when I was 15. But hey this line of work suits me far better than sitting around meditating all day thinking about my feelings. Never could stand still or stand those old fart's teachings.

Must have been maddening. Smiled Beijin before suddenly groaning and clutching his stomach. Trying his best not to hurl again over the railing again.

Here, the airbender said, handing him a small bit of green herbs he then rolled into a neat little ball for him Its tastes horrible but It'll help with the sickness.

At this point I'll take anything. Replied Bejin immesnely relieved before taking and swallowing it almost instantly. Thanks.

Malo nodded and continued swirling the vortex with his head resting on the railing. Lowering the tornado until it just barely touched the surface of the ocean and began absorbing more water into the mix and growing in size before them all. The unusual mix of earth, water, and air strangely looked... Beautiful. A telltale sign perhaps of their collaborative strength ahead of them of being able to accomplish more together than on their own.

So you have any idea what this summons is all about?

Not a clue. Your guess is as good as mine at this point. 

Hmm.. Probably some noble or traitor our employer wants dealt with. Said Maro. Must be pretty important if hes offering up ten million gold. 

Or pretty risky.

Hey, if the pay is good. Any job is a good one in my eyes. Grinned the airbender. Nothing we can't handle I bet. Maro then turned over to see the last of what was to be their group sitting by himself. A sinister looking fire nation man with a burn across his lower cheek and keeping himself warm with a flame for himself as he sat alone at the front of the ship. The only thing they had managed to learn about him what that his name was Kai. And that was it.

Any of you lot feel brave enough to ask him to finally join us? Oni and Bejin shook their heads profusely. Out of all the little awkward chatting the last few days between them, the firebender seemed to be the only one genuinely disinterested in getting to know any of them. He spent most of his time sharpening his weapons, talking to hiimself, and scowling at the lot of them. Something about him especially made Oni feel unease. The lack of compassion or emotion was unsettling in his cold fiery eyes. He worried him.

Against his better judgment Maro was the one who tried to break the ice, calling out to their final team member to join them at last. The Firebender pretended not to hear and continued staring at his flame in the dark like it was the most beautiful thing in the world, mumbling something to himself. 

That one. Scares me. Shivered Maro, but this time not from the cold. Thought I'd give it another shot since we'll all be working together on this job though.

Good effort though. Chuckled Beijin. But that firebender is about as friendly as a sword pointed at your throat. He then advised the airbender and waterbender to steer clear of him as much as possible till they met the chief. The three of them were enough for now. 

The waterbender, earthbender, and airbender continued talking and learning about each other's histories for hours after in near pitch darkness, and were even considering the possibility that they might actually enjoy working with these strange men they were forced to collaborate with instead of on their own for a change. Maybe even they might become friends. But just as Maro began to regale the two with a fascinating story about how he swore he once courted the earth kingdom princess into bed with him, a loud heavy call rang out throughout the ship that stopped their talking dead.

"Land ho!" Shouted the ship's captain.

The three hunters stopped gossiping and gave their full attention toward the shore line. Each in a sudden awe and nervous silence at what they saw before them getting closer and closer. They had reached the south pole. All heard the stories. And it was nothing like they had ever imagined. There were dozens of rummors circulationg around taverns and castles among the four nations about the true size and strength of the great chieftain's famed yet mysterious fleet.

The stories did not do them justice.

Before them were thousands of colossal water tribe warships that dwarfed their small vessel as it passed underneath their shadows toward the docks. Each carefully crafted and built by talented but enslaved earth kingdom ship builders stolen from the continent. Further down the line, new ships were already being built to add to the still expanding fleet with timber and men stolen from Isija cove last month being used to construct bigger and better war vessels. By his estimates. This was the largest fleet ever constructed in world history.

They were preparing for something big.

As Oni watched awestruck far from below as the warships passed one by one, he could only ask himself. What kind of man could possibly rule a fleet and army like this and keep it in line? What were they all preparing for that they would need this many men and supplies? He was beginning to worry about what he was getting himself into and knew he could probably still back out if he wanted to. But before he could decide….

The ship finally made landfall.

The boat stopped moving and the ramp of the vessel went down with a loud dispassionate slam, startling the three hunters now not knowing what to do. The fire bender eager to meet the chieftan was the first to depart and soon enough the rest of them joined in behind uneasily, each man carrying their belongings and weapons over their shoulders while the sailors stayed with the ship to begin tying it in place against the docs while earth kingdom captives marched chained together in a line down the ramps barefooted. Finally free from their cramped isolation of the lower cabin only to stand shivering and frightened as they were inspected one after another for defects not knowing what future now waited for them in their new home.

Waiting for the warriors at the end of the slippery wooden dock was a large albino wooly camel elephant held by its reins by a masked water tribe warrior who had been waiting for hours, impatient to get out of the cold and take them all to meet the chief. "About time," he muttered angrily while rubbing his hands for warmth. "Get on. We're late.

"They leapt atop the large furred animals' saddle and trekked up the hill through the heavy snowstorm to be greeted by the thick looming ice walls of Wolf Cove brimming with ice spikes reaching out in all directions. It looked almost as grand as Ba sing Se's outer wall but far more fearsome. It had been steadily growing in size and strength the past few years until now it served as a very effective and obvious warning to all would-be pirates and enemies that to enter the southern water tribe's oceans was a death sentence. They alone ruled these seas. And if there was any further reminder needed, along the path to the village were hundreds of wooden spikes littered with faded frozen skulls atop them. Human Skulls. From small pirate fleets, rebellious captives, and smugglers who had ventured just a bit too far into southern waters. All served as a terrible reminder of what happened if you came here without the high chiefs permission. A similar fate would have awaited the four hunters also if they didn't have those flimsy little letters in their pockets now acting as their one and only shield from death. Their only protection.

"For now at least…" Oni gulped. Clutching tighter to his letter not willing to let it out of his sight.

The Camel elephant came to a slow halt at the front of the gate as two water tribe guards carrying dim lanterns approached to the sides of them for inspection. Their black and blue furred cloaks billowing in the wind.

Letters? Called out one guard. Raising his lantern to see their faces in the darkness of the blizzard.

One by one the hunters dismounted and handed their documents to the guards for entry credentials. The fearsome men carefully inspected each document for the Chieftains blessed signature then let them pass, albeit reluctantly. They clearly didn't like outsiders. But if their chieftain wanted to see them, then they would obey as ordered.

The two guards then planted their feet wide apart in the snow and slowly waterbent the heavy gates wide open with much effort. The two thick heavy blocks slowly passing and scraping apart the snow beneath to reveal the entry to the mysterious village at last.

Get moving. Their guide pushed them forward before giving some final remarks to the outsiders. "Our Chief is in the Village center. And he is eagerly expecting you. Don't disappoint him. The guide took his leave and clicked his tounge to signal his animal toward the stables as the doors slowly closed behind the hunters like the top of a coffin closing shut to cast them all in its dark shadow, and locking them inside the massive village with no way out unless the chief's say so.

The hunters then just stood there, taking in the sight of the bustling village and its occupants going about their usual nightly routine. Oni thought he was just coming to some decent but small village for the dealings. 

But village, was far from the right word he could use now.

This was a city. A flourishing and growing kingdom. And one of the most magnificent cities either of them had ever seen. As the hunters meandered toward the village center they couldn't help but marvel at how much wealth the south pole had accumulated so quickly. Water tribe women who only decades ago had to toil as they cooked and washed clothes till their hands were raw were now seen laughing and chatting to their friends, wearing fine blue robes lined at the cuffs and neck with expensive white fox fur while wearing elaborate earth kingdom jewelry. Children were throwing snowballs and playing with exotic pets from each of the four nations, free from any burdens or chores to do. Elders played music with elaborate delicate continental instruments and told stories around the fire to the laughter and smiles of their families. Every water tribe man could be seen practicing their fighting or bending with the finest made weapons and armor instead of having to fish or hunt for a living. Every single citizen was free to pursue their passions and pleasures of life with no need to sustain themselves through hard labor or worry about making ends meet. But all these things though had to come from somewhere though Oni knew. No nation could survive without the unpleasant but necessary occupations needed in order for a society to function. And as Oni looked past all the splendor and wealth he could see the source of their power for what it really was.

Slaves.

There were thousands, and every single one looked disheveled, hopeless, and afraid in a way he didn't think possible. Each man woman and child was dressed in their original ragged green clothes they wore when they were stolen from their homes on the earth kingdom coasts years ago. Their king never bothering to come to liberate them after a single failed attempt deeming it imposible and not cost effective according to his advisors. The only difference in their being from now and then was that each slave had a southern water tribe insignia branded black on their faces to indicate that they were the property of their new masters should they try to run away. Many bore scars and signs of torture and frostbite as they went about their captors less then desirable tasks of weaving, fishing, empty chamber pots, and building greater and grander ships and weapons for the chieftain's fleet and his warriors. Their reward and payment for their talents and hard work?

Their lives.

No one spoke a word to each other when in sight of their water tribe rulers. Not a single word as if there mouths were frozen shut. And from what Oni could see, there were no soruces of earth anywhere. There were rumors that the southern water tribe returned with some earthbenders alive, and now Oni knew them to be true. But even still their captors wouldn't take any chances and crushed any symbol of hope or opportunity before it could take root by denying these people their native element. But still, they didn't have to do much work at crushing their spirits. This far from solid ground and with so little material to work with, this was the worst place in the world for an earthbender to be. The hope of freedom or revolt? Nonexistent.

As Oni looked beside him in horror he could see that Beijin had decided to tilt his straw hat as low as possible to keep the sight of his fellow countrymen in chains out of his mind as he continued onward to his employer's home. Unwilling to look any in the eye as he passed by them in shameful silence. A job is a job. And he desperately needed this money.

The group soon arrived at the largest and most lavish igloo hutt at the village center. It was decorated and draped with a lavish dark blue doorway curtain adorned with the southern water tribes' menacing new symbol of a black moon with swirling waves beneath it. Upon seeing them, the two guards before it crossed their spears in an x to block the doorway. As they inspected the hunters further however, they then uncrossed their weapons and allowed them entry upon realizing who they were. 

The hunters passed by in silence to enter into a grand domed room shielded from the outside cold and warm to the touch thanks to a great fire being kept alive and controlled in the center. The floor was lined with elaborate earth kingdom rugs and water tribe fur carpeting. Expensive paintings and decorations lined the walls with even some flowers being kept alive and well tended for in painted pottery. The room was alive with the chatter and smells of a grand feast coming to an end. Dozens of high ranking water tribe generals, their wives and children sat in a shared circle along the walls with their slaves standing in their shadows behind them waiting to be called upon when ordered. All the pillowed occupants were facing toward the back center where a lone beam of light entered and bounced off a mirror above to illuminate the great Hattokas atop his throne of ice and bones for all to see.

He was a frightening and muscular looking man, wearing blue and black furs with his greying hair tied neatly behind in a wolf tail haircut and shaved at the sides. Across the right side of his face was a horrendous gash and a blind white eye. He was riddled with scars and had clearly fought in more battles and raids than he could count. At the chieftains sides were his two prized saber tooth wolf tigers. Massive gray stripped apex beasts with white fur and shimmering blue eyes that never left their masters side for anything. They also seemed to serve as the barrier between him and his two children almost as the chieftans pets meant more to him than his flesh and blood. At opposing ends of the ice platform kneeling atop their pillows and eating were those mysterious heirs to which not much was known throughout the world apart from only a few things.

The young prince and esteemed bending prodigy Kahola, a boy of twelve. Sitting smugly and much closer in earshot of his fathers light and good graces. On the opposite end, isolated and alone his elder sister Honnoa. A girl of seventeen obscured far off to the side in shadow and silence alone. The chieftain seemed to be enjoying himself and was mid sentence hearing a joke from his son beside him before the room slowly turned silent as the hunters entered forward into the light of the fire.

"At last. Spoke Hattoka. Was beginning to think my letters hadn't gotten through." He then snapped his fingers at the servants standing in the far reaches of the room to set a place for their honored guests. "Please sit. We have much to discuss my new friends." He beamed excitedly before the hunters. 

Kai was the first to respond with. "Thank you for your kindness, your eminence" before bowing and having a seat atop a cushion placed before him hastily by a nervous slave. The other hunters did the same one by one as elaborate pillows and tray upon tray of food were set up for them. Steaming spiced sea prunes, roasted and marinated pig chicken, juicy air nation mangos, hot steaming jasmine tea from the fire nation. Food from all four nations normally non existent and too expensive to afford all the way down here in the south. Non-existent that is, before Hattoka who had single-handedly elevated himself, his family and his nation to a level of comfort, power and splendor no one though possible had come along. He who had defeated all other southern chieftans and made them swear loyalty to him and him alone. To the rest of the world this man was as untouchable as the southern lights in the night sky. He was a butcher and a slaver. But to his subjects, he was their savior. More revered than even an avatar.

"Leave us. All of you." Hattoka exclaimed to his court. The others bowed and quickly began to hustle out of the room in silence. As the chieftains' children also began to rise to take their leave, he commanded them to stay. Saying. "It is time you see how a chieftain does his dealings." the son immediately sat back down releasing an eager yet particularly nasty grin, the sister however look upset at having to stay in the presence of her family any longer than she had to.

Once the room was empty apart from the four hunters, two water tribe soldiers guarding the entrance, and the chief, and his pets and children on the platform throne. The great chief Hattokka, warlord of the south and ghost eyed butcher known throughout the world let the weight of a secret seventeen years old escape his cold vile lips at last.

"I have need of your discreet and talented bending skills to get rid off, a rather serious nuisance that will soon become a great obstacle to me and my nations plans."Hattoka said as he slowly caressed a wolf tiger purring up beside him, placing its massive head in his lap demanding to be petted, both master and beast savoring the moment. "They must be dealt quickly and quietly before they are at their full power and are able to stand a chance against my armies once we set sail on the warpath. Shoud you succeed you will be compensated and rewarded to the point that you will never have to work again. You will have weatlh, treasures, slaves, antyhing you ask for and it shall be done. But Know this. Once I tell you your target. You cannot leave. Do you accept?"

The hunters thought long and hard for a moment confused. But one by one. they each slowly nodded.

Excellent Hattoka grinned, his white teeth even more illuminated than his beasts fangs in the light. "Now listen closely." the room was silent as every one of them hung onto his every word like it was sacred text giften from a spirit.

Tomorrow, you each set sail....

to bring me the avatar's head.