The universe has a sense of humor, I'll give it that. One moment, I'm being kicked through the cosmic void, and the next, I'm materializing in the middle of a bustling Lower Ring market. Thee cacophony of voices, the vibrant colors of the stalls, and the rich scents of street food overwhelm my senses. At least this time, I land on my feet. However, the startled merchant whose cabbage cart I nearly crash into doesn't seem impressed by my acrobatics.
"Watch it, you hooligan!" he shouts, his voice thick with an outer ring dialect. Strangely enough, I understand him perfectly. Thanks to... well, I'm not entirely sure which cosmic gift handles that. Probably Nomad. The merchant continues his rant in what sounds like an obscure Earth Kingdom dialect, which I also comprehend.
"My sincerest apologies," I respond in his native dialect. His eyebrows shoot up at my perfect pronunciation. "Please, allow me to help you reorganize your display."
As I help straighten his cabbages, I take stock of my situation. I'm fifteen, alone, in a pre-industrial city-state, and wearing clothes that scream "not from around here." The weight of my reality presses down on me. I've lost everything—my universe, my life, and the people I loved. I need to find a place to sleep, a sanctuary where I can process this new existence. At least I've got some universal constants looking out for me—three of them, to be exact.
The merchant's mood improves as we chat, especially when I explain (or rather, lie) that I'm a refugee from one of the outer provinces. It's not technically a lie if you're refugeeing from another universe, right?
"You've got good manners for a refugee," he notes, eyeing my strange clothes. "But you'll want to change those if you don't want the Dai Li asking questions."
Right... The Dai Li. Earth Kingdom's secret police and masters of making problems disappear. "Any suggestions on where a newcomer might find work and proper clothes?"
He strokes his chin thoughtfully. "My sister runs a laundry house near the wall. Always needs help, especially with the fancy Middle Ring orders. Hard work, though—most kids can't handle the hours."
I try not to smile too obviously. Hours don't mean much when you don't get tired. "I'm stronger than I look."
With a plan forming in my mind, I head to the laundry house and find who I believe to be Mrs. Liu. Who after a bit of explaining about my circumstances and asking (Note: Begging) she gives me the job.
The steam-filled rooms and enormous loads of washing are daunting, but I'm determined to earn my keep. I need a place to sleep, a roof over my head, and a semblance of normalcy in this chaotic world. By sunset, I've earned my first day's wages, a set of used but respectable Earth Kingdom clothes, and a tiny room above the laundry.
"Never seen anyone work so long without a break," Mrs. Liu, the owner, comments as she hands me my coins. "You're either desperate or crazy."
"Maybe a little of both," I admit, though really it's neither. I just don't get tired anymore. It's almost unfair.
"You're not from around here, are you?" she asks, her voice gentle but probing.
I hesitate for a moment, weighing my words. "No, I'm not. I... I came from a faraway place. Things were complicated there."
"Complicated how?" she presses, her brow furrowing slightly. "You can tell me. I've seen my share of troubled souls."
I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of my situation pressing down on me. "Let's just say I'm looking for a fresh start. I lost everything back home, and I need to find my footing here."
Mrs. Liu nods, her expression softening. "I understand. This city can be unforgiving, especially for someone young and alone. But you're welcome here as long as you work hard. Just remember, it's not just about the work; it's about finding a place where you belong."
"Thank you," I reply, feeling a flicker of gratitude. "I really appreciate it. I just need a job and a place to sleep for now."
"Then you've come to the right place," she says with a smile. "You can stay in the room above the laundry. It's small, but it's yours as long as you help out here. Just keep it tidy, and we'll get along just fine."
I can't help but smile back. "That sounds perfect. I'll do my best to keep it clean."
The first few days pass in a blur of activity. Each morning, I rise before dawn, the faint light filtering through the small window of my room. The air is cool, and the sounds of the city waking up fill my ears. I can hear the distant clanging of metal as blacksmiths begin their work and the soft chatter of early risers heading to market. It's a new rhythm, one that I'm slowly learning to dance to.
As I step into the laundry, the steam envelops me like a warm embrace. I find comfort in the routine—sorting clothes, washing, and hanging them to dry. Each task is a small victory, a reminder that I'm still capable of contributing to this world, even if it's just in a small way. I can't help but feel a sense of pride as I watch the piles of clean linens grow.
One afternoon, as I'm folding a particularly large batch of sheets, Mrs. Liu approaches me with a thoughtful expression. "Avery," she begins, her tone serious yet kind, "I know you're new here, but I want you to be careful. The streets can be dangerous, especially for someone who looks as out of place as you do."
"I'll be careful," I assure her, though I can't help but feel a twinge of defiance. "I can handle myself."
"I believe you," she replies, her eyes searching mine. "But it's not just about strength. It's about knowing when to keep your head down and when to stand tall. You're smart to be working here, but don't let that make you complacent."
I nod, absorbing her words. "I understand. I'll keep my eyes open."
That in mind It'd do me good to gather more information about the underbelly of the city and how to properly navigate it, Mrs. Liu was right in about growing complacency, I've been to caught up in the monotony as a coping mechanism.
So with those thoughts in mind; In the evenings, I explore the Lower Ring, my curiosity guiding me through the narrow streets. I observe the people around me—their laughter, their struggles, their lives. I'm an outsider, yes, but I'm also a witness to their stories. I find myself drawn to the small moments: a child chasing a stray dog, an elderly woman sharing a meal with her neighbor, the street performers captivating a crowd with their tricks. It's a tapestry of life, and I'm beginning to see the flow of it.
If I'm going to make a difference in this world, I need to be ready when the time comes. I need to learn everything I can about Ba Sing Se and its people, more than what was shown in the show and comics. The more I understand this city, the better prepared I'll be to help when Aang arrives. Hell if I play my cards right I should be able to help out with Appa.
But as I navigate this new world, thoughts of the Avatar linger in the back of my mind. Aang is out there in the iceberg, soon to awaken to his destiny. The idea of meeting him is both thrilling and daunting. What would it be like to stand before the Avatar, the one destined to bring balance to the world? Ah what am I thinking yeah he's "The Avatar" but he's still a kid.
With those thoughts settled I guess it's time to head back and sleep.
As I sit on the edge of my bed, I think about how I can contribute to the challenges ahead. I may not have the powers of the Avatar, but I have my own strengths—my knowledge, my adaptability, and my determination. I'm ready to play my part, even if I'm still figuring out what that role will be.
Whelp, not much I can do about anything right now, best to just see everyday through until I can actually do something. Yeah sure I got some nifty Essences but they aren't really combat oriented.
"I should probably start trying to learn some Martial arts soon" I mumble to myself
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That's Ch. 2 not much really but it's something, again if you enjoy it great, if not then also great. Either way have a nice day.