Based from the piece of paper given to them, Lei, Mako, and Juyin find themselves in a narrow alleyway off the main thoroughfare, where the small tech shop exudes an air of mystery and innovation. Its entrance is marked by a weathered wooden sign hanging above the door, bearing the shop's name in elegant script. They exchanged worrisome glances with one another before stepping inside. A small bell tinkles softly as they enter, announcing their arrival to the shopkeeper within.

As they enter, they are greeted by the soft glow of lamplight and the faint hum of machinery. The interior is cozy and cluttered, with shelves lining the walls and counters filled with gadgets and gizmos of all shapes and sizes. The air is redolent with the scent of oil and metal, lending the shop an ambiance of industriousness and creativity.

The shelves are stocked with an eclectic array of technological wonders, from intricate clockwork contraptions to sleek, futuristic devices. Miniature automatons scuttle about, performing simple tasks or demonstrating the latest innovations. Glass display cases house delicate instruments and prototypes, each one a testament to the ingenuity of the shop's proprietor.

Among the shop's most notable offerings are its fire-powered devices, harnessing the elemental energy of the Fire Nation to power everything from heating mechanisms to miniature steam engines. Other items include communication devices that transmit messages over long distances, telescopes for stargazing, and intricate puzzles designed to test the mind and dexterity.

Mako and Lei were looking around the store, until they heard a familiar voice, "Hey Opal, check out this cool firecracker!"

"Bolin, put that down!" a girly voice shouted in reply.

"Bolin?" Mako asked, approaching the sounds of the voices. There was a sudden bursts of fireworks going around the shop. Mako, Lei, and Juyin covered their heads as small firecrackers took off in the shop, thankfully, not damaging anything. They approached closer and found Bolin and Opal at the counter of shop, "What are you guys doing here?"

"Oh, hey guys! We were just exploring a lead," Bolin cheered, as he was waving off the smoke coming from the firecrackers.

"So were we, are you here to meet the Mechanist?" Lei asked, Bolin nodded.

"Yeah, we heard a lot about him from the vendors over at the marketplace," Opal replied.

"Customers!" a voice said, a short man with a warm smile greets the group, before continuing,

"Welcome, travelers! I am Hao, most people know me as the Mechanist. What brings you—"

Hao was cut off when he saw Lei and Juyin, he shifts uncomfortably before saying, "Your highness and Commander Juyin, what brings you to my lovely shop?"

"We're looking for information on recent shipments of unusual technology. Have you heard anything?" Lei replied, while admiring the gadgets on display.

"Nope, haven't heard anything," Hao answered, he felt nervous around the presence of the Princess and the Head Guard. Lei eyed him, not fully convinced of his answer.

"Really? I thought with your reputation as 'The Mechanist' you'd know a thing or two about new technology being shipped into Fire Nation borders," Lei pressed.

"With all due respect, your highness, my expertise lies in knowing anything and everything about technology, not when they're shipped here. And I've moved on from that kind of life, I'm a better man now," Hao explained, he made his way out from behind the counter, approaching the shelves of gadgets behind them, he grabbed a small odd-looking bracelet, "May I interest you in my latest invention? I call it— a watch!"

He waved the watch in front of Lei, who lowered his hand to the counter gently, before saying, "Look, we need at least some information otherwise a lot of people will get hurt. If you've said that you've changed you'd help us,"

Hao narrowed his eyes at the princess,
before saying softly, "Look, all I know about the shipment is that a guy working for the buyer was looking for parts at my shop. However, I refused to sell to him and said I didn't want to be involved in the deal. And in return, he trashed my shop a few days after,"

"What did the guy look like?" Mako asked, Hao took a moment to himself to remember the events.

"I couldn't see his face, it was mostly covered but I noticed he had a symbol marked on his arm," Hao started, before opening his drawer to grab a small piece of parchment. He began to draw the symbol from his memory. He handed it to the group.

Lei, Mako, and Juyin examined the parchment closely, their expressions growing more intent as they studied the symbol. It was an intricate design, vaguely familiar but elusive in its meaning. The symbol was striking and evocative, conveying a sense of vengeance through its design elements.

Mako turned to Bolin and Opal, "Do you recognize this symbol? Have you seen it anywhere in your investigation?"

Bolin shook his head, his brows furrowed in thought. "No, but it looks like a lot of similar symbols from the gangs in Republic City."
Opal nodded in agreement. "We should definitely show this to Asami and Korra. They might have some ideas that can help us identify it."

Lei glanced at Hao, her gaze softening slightly. "Thank you, Mr. Hao. This information could be crucial. If you remember anything else or see that symbol again, please let us know immediately."

Hao nodded, relief washing over his face as the tension in the room eased. "Of course, Your Highness. I'll keep my eyes and ears open. And... I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help."

Lei offered a small, reassuring smile. "You've helped more than you know."

With that, the group exited the shop, stepping back into the narrow alleyway. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows that danced along the walls. They huddled together, the parchment with the symbol at the center of their focus.

"We need to regroup with Asami and Korra," Mako said decisively. "This symbol might be the key to uncovering who's behind these shipments."

Lei nodded, her resolve hardening. They entered the busy marketplace with crowds full of people. Juyin, always alert, scanned the surroundings as she kept her guard up. She glanced behind her and took a faint glance of a masked figure. She continued walking and glanced behind her again, only for her to notice this figure was following the group. As they continued walking, she leaned over and whispered to Lei, "I think someone is watching us, red mask couple steps behind,"

Lei turned behind them discreetly, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the dimly lit alley. She nodded to Juyin, who turned the next corner separating from the group, "Stay close," she murmured to the group, her tone firm yet cautious, "Someone's following us but Juyin has a plan,"

The group continued moving forward as Juyin stealthily snuck behind the masked figure. However, they were quick with their senses and turned around to face Juyin. With a swift kick, they knocked Juyin against the wall hard enough for them to get a headstart from Team Avatar.

"He's getting away!" Lei shouted, as they started chasing after them.

Through the winding alleyways, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestones. The masked figure moved with agility, weaving through narrow passages and vaulting over obstacles with practiced ease. Lei, Mako, Bolin, and Opal kept pace, their determination driving them forward despite the challenging terrain.

"Don't let them get away!" Mako shouted, his breath coming in steady bursts as he pushed himself to run faster. The alleyways seemed to close in around them, the labyrinthine paths creating a sense of urgency and disorientation.

Juyin, recovering from the initial impact, rejoined the chase with a fierce determination. Her eyes were locked on the figure ahead, calculating the best way to cut them off. As the chase continued, the group found themselves in a wider, more open area—a deserted marketplace, long since abandoned for the day.

The masked figure glanced over their shoulder, realizing that their pursuers were gaining ground. With a swift motion, they shot a fire comet and hurled it towards the group. It exploded in a burst of bright light and smoke, momentarily blinding and disorienting them.

"Don't let them get away!" Mako's voice was muffled by the chaos, but his determination was clear. Lei shielded her eyes, squinting through the smoke to catch a glimpse of their quarry.

As the smoke began to clear, the group saw the masked figure climbing up a fire escape, heading for the rooftops. Opal, utilizing her airbending abilities, created a gust of wind to propel herself upwards, quickly gaining altitude and catching up to the fleeing figure.

"Opal, be careful!" Bolin called out, his voice tinged with concern.

Opal's eyes narrowed with focus as she landed on the rooftop, blocking the masked figure's path.
"You're not going anywhere," she declared, her stance firm and ready for a confrontation.

The masked figure paused, their eyes darting between Opal and the edge of the rooftop. In a desperate move, they reached into their cloak once more, pulling out a pair of throwing knives. With precision, they hurled the blades towards Opal, who deftly dodged them with swift, fluid movements.

As Opal closed in, the figure realized they were outmatched. They made a final attempt to escape by leaping to the next rooftop, but Opal was quicker. With a powerful gust of wind, she knocked the figure off balance, sending them tumbling to the ground below where Lei, Mako, Bolin, and Juyin were waiting.

The group surrounded the fallen figure, who lay groaning in pain on the cobblestones. Lei stepped forward, her expression stern. "Who are you? And why were you following us?"

The figure remained silent, their mask obscuring their face. Lei stepped closer, her voice calm but authoritative, "If you even think about running away,"

She ignited a burning blue flame in her hand, "I will strike you down,"

"You were always the faster runner, Lei," the figure groaned, with a deep voice. Lei couldn't shake a growing sense of unease. There was something hauntingly familiar about their pursuer, but she couldn't quite place it. He gently removed the mask for the group to get a better look at their face. As the mask fell away, Lei and Juyin collectively gasped.

"Impossible," Juyin whispered. Mako, Bolin, and Opal, seemingly confused on the identity of the figure.

"Chang?" Lei whispered, her voice trembling. She staggered back, her hand covering her mouth in shock.

╔═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══╗
AUTHOR's NOTE
I'm ngl I finished this chapter days ago, I just forgot to post it hehe. But, What you guys think so far of Book 5? 😅 Do you think the plot is going too fast or is it just at the right pace?

This is essentially what I had in mind for how Chang looks in this chapter just to give you guys a better image :)

Also! I'm in need of fanart for the upcoming chapters so if you have any ideas, I'll be posting a business email soon hihi thank you! 😊

PUBLISHED: June 27, 2024