She snorted a little, “Your Nyima is a run-away….” She smiled softly, “And since when did I become your’s.”
He had smiled when she said this. Difficult girl...

She kept looking at him and as he promised to be there for her she swallowed, “Promise?”
He nodded his head again and said, have I left you since we met on the docks?"

She turned to face her brother when he said her name. She didn’t get a word out before he pulled her into his arms. She curled up in his arms and buried her face in his chest as she continued to cry. Sometime later, she pulled away from his chest and looked up at her brother. She just looked at him, in silence for a moment. She smiled at wiped away her tears, “I’ve missed you….”

He knew she did. She had mention many times how much so when she was down and he came over to comfort her.
She hugged him again before looking over her shoulder at Rayn. She then said, “Zhou… This is Rayn… Rayn, Zhou."

---

Zhou felt warmth as his little sister curled his arms like she used to. When she then looked up at him as said, "I've missed you." He replied with ." So have I." But before he could say anything else she introduced him to Rayn. Who looked only slightly older than him. And strong like a fighter.

Rayn said , "I've heard a lot about you, I'm glad to meet you." He nodded and said , thank you for holding her long enough to so I could see her." He glanced over his shoulder when he heard Mizuki ask a question about his sister. He then said "No I don't think you do. Many of the tribe don't speak of her, I never did because it was hard not having her around and I didn't like sharing it. But that's why I came, for the chance to bring her home safety..." He then said, waving between the two "Nyima this is Mizuki, Mizuki, my little sister Nyima."

He then asked , " So is Rayn a friend or...?" His tone was adding to something closer.

Masuto took the Bison plushie slowly and with a face of wonderment. At soon as he had a hold of the plush he felt just how soft a Sky Bison's fur was. He even help it up to his face to feel it's softness which got out a small laugh from Aki. He smiled and nodded to Zenji. "You shouldn't have. You didn't have to get me anything, but thank you." They had only met two days before, and Masuto only wanted her to be there to enjoy the party and have a safe place to stay for the time being, Aki had only known her since she had walked though the door, and when she saw that her own little brother was swooning over the plush like a child, she thought that the two of them must have been friends for quite a while despite what Zenji had said just after.

Upstairs, Masuto's and Aki's mother looked out the window and out to the streets below her. She had an amount of spiritual energy that was larger than her daughter's, and could feel that today was very unlike the day before. She never usually had this sense, but when it did appear she knew that somewhere, something would happen and affect everyone in the world.

Zhi continued walking as she ended the conversation with Rayn, she had offered for them to follow but knew they weren't so far. She didn't look back at them, but had heard people walk up and began talking in which she figured, by the short amount of the conversation she heard, that they knew each other. That was fine with her, she'd rather no one went except for her, the White Lotus, and Rayn. But she had no power in which the others would follow or not, but she wouldn't pay them any mind. That's when she stopped thinking about it, and her thoughts went right back to the Avatar. Keeping a neutral face on the outside, but smiling inside. Her dream was finally coming along, to protect the Avatar. She was finally a step towards achieving her and her Father's dream, she couldn't claim accomplishment until she had finally did something. But she'd try her best and then some, of course. She tightened her jacket as a breeze went by, then noticed how uncomfortable her blades felt. She has rushed to get out of the house that nothing felt right on her, her makeup felt bad, her clothes felt uneven. Only thing she could do was adjust her blades, pushing a finger into her gloves and adjusting the blade until it felt better. She did this for both gloves until they felt right, then began running her hands down her hair, she felt like strands were poking out in which there weren't any. She wanted to presentable when meeting the Avatar, now she cursed her rushing but knew it was for the best. She almost didn't realize the other White Lotus members had stopped, which almost led her into bumping into one but she stopped right before and backed up, "Why'd we stop?" Zhi asked before glancing up at the house in front of them. "We're here," the waterbending member of the group said before they walked up and knocked on the door.

Nyima looked up at Zhou when he explained to the girl, that she had most likely never heard of her. She was about to say something when he mentioned bringing her home. She stepped away from him as he introduced Mizuki and her. She nodded to her slightly but her mind was only on what he had said. Home? She couldn’t go home. She didn’t wish to go home. Her brother was saying something, “Pardon?” She asked before she pieced together his question. She looked at Rayn, “Oh…. Umm… Friends, just friends.”

She looked around the area, god how much she just wanted to run away. However, she felt like Rayn would be awfully disappointed in her. She moved and stood next to him, feeling more confident with herself there. She bit her lip and looked up at her brother. She looked at him for a moment before sighing, “I’m… no going home with you, Zhou…. Um… No… Let me rephrase….” She glanced at Rayn and back to her brother, “I… I am home…”
~~~~~~
Zenji looked at him and smiled at she rubbed the plushy against his face. She shrugged when he said she shouldn’t have, “I felt strange coming to a birthday empty handed…. And it wasn’t much trouble at all. I just grabbed it from my room….”

She had grabbed many things from her room. In fact, spare the furniture, there was nothing much that was left in her room. The Temple was quiet now and filled with the bodies of the dead. Whether she was staying with Ahsoka or not, she couldn’t remain there. There were too many memories with those who she had lost. She felt a sting in her eye and quickly turned away and sat down. She should have known something was up. She had felt it since the night before, something was different. Wrong or right, she didn’t know but something was changing her life. Surely, it was the death of everyone she had known. She smiled at Masuto, trying to forget what she had seen. She glanced at the radio, wondering if they were saying anything about the attack. She looked away from it and turned to the door when she heard the knock, “Oh good… I’m not the only person you invited,” she said with a teasing smile.

"Well, I invited some of my other friends, but I don't know where they are right now. It could be them. Mainly though it was just you, Ahsoka, that library girl, and the other guy." He had tried to name them off the top of his head, and although he was unsuccessful, he had other things to attend to at the moment. Masuto walked through the living room and over to the door to answer the person on the other side. As he opened the door he was somewhat shocked to see who was there. He had no idea that it would be a group of people, much less the white lotus. He knew about their presence in republic, especially around air temple island or Avatar Aang memorial island, but he didn't expect for them to be actually in the city.

As interesting as they were in their formal White lotus garments, there was one who stood out from them. It was a young woman who was obviously older than Masuto. He hadn't seen her before in his life, but if she was with the white lotus, he would excuse that. Masuto bowed at their presence and invited them inside. The members of the white lotus walked in to the house and moved to the center of the room. They looked at each other than shared glances before collectively nodding and standing like stones.

At that time, Masuto's mother came walking down the stairs and shared a glance with the group who had just arrived. She knew why they were here, there wouldn't be any other reason, but she was still torn about having to leave her son and possible not see him for some time. She had started to tear up when Aki had noticed the look on her face and stood up to walk over to her and comfort her.

Masuto, who was completely oblivious to why they were here in his home, looked at them with confusion. "Uh... why are you guys here? I thought you all disbanded for a while because of the attack on the island."

Mizuki raised a brow at the scene before her, confusion took over her senses but she did well to hide it. "Nyima this is Mizuki, Mizuki, my little sister Nyima." Her eyes moved to Zhou as if trying to read some deeper meaning behind his words than a simple introduction. She bowed lightly to the girl.

"It's nice to meet you, Niyma. I apologize for not knowing of you from the tribe before now, I'm sure that must seem rude.. And nice to meet your, uh... friend.. as well." Mizuki offered a light smile to Niyma then to Rayn before looking to Zhou quietly.

"Though she may have left some years ago, she seems to be in good hands where she is now, would you not agree, Zhou?" Her eyes shifted to the girl for a moment, feeling a deep empathy in the tone of her voice. "How long have you been in the city? We've only just arrived ourselves." She offered with a gentle tone, hoping that she wasn't intruding in any way.

Rayn glanced at Nyima when he mentioned bringing her home. He knew that wasn't going to go well, he tried convincing her to at least visit home she wouldn't go for it. She stepped away from him as he introduced Mizuki and her, “Pardon?” She asked obviously lost in thought. She looked at Rayn, “Oh…. Umm… Friends, just friends.” He looked at her as she said that... Smiling inwardly.

She looked around the area, god how much she just wanted to run away. However, she felt like Rayn would be awfully Nyima looked up at Zhou when he explained to the girl, that she had most likely never heard of her. She was about to say something when he mentioned bringing her home. She stepped away from him as he introduced Mizuki and her. She nodded to her slightly but her mind was only on what he had said. Home? She couldn’t go home. She didn’t wish to go home. Her brother was saying something, “Pardon?” She asked before she pieced together his question. She looked at Rayn, “Oh…. Umm… Friends, just friends.”

He watched as she moved and stood next to him. She bit her lip and looked up at her brother. She looked at him for a moment before sighing, “I’m… no going home with you, Zhou…. Um… No… Let me rephrase….” She glanced at Rayn and back to her brother, “I… I am home…”

Zhou stood like a deer in the headlights. Rayn felt sorry for him how he would feel after seeing family after three years and they say their home is somewhere else. Zhou stuttered " I ... Uh... Ok.... " as he tried to think what to say." Um... So what have you been doing these last few years?" He looked to Rayn and asked " How did you meet Nyima?"

Rayn looked at Nyima then said, " the day she came to Republic City three years ago..." He knew if he said saved her from getting raped Zhou would go nuts. " She needed help and we met just in the right place in the right time."

Zhou nodded and looked back to Mizuki as she said, "It's nice to meet you, Niyma. I apologize for not knowing of you from the tribe before now, I'm sure that must seem rude.. And nice to meet your, uh... friend.. as well." Mizuki offered a light smile to Niyma then to Rayn who nodded in return. She then looked back to Zhou

"Though she may have left some years ago, she seems to be in good hands where she is now, would you not agree, Zhou?" Zhou looked back at her then to Rayn, "Yeah... It does" he looked Rayn up and down discreetly. The way he held himself, his posture. The obvious muscle tone and strong hands showed he was a exellent fighter
"How long have you been in the city? We've only just arrived ourselves." Mizuki asked.

Nyima looked at her brother, hurt matching his own showed in her eyes. She didn't want to have to say that to him. But it was true, her home was in Republic City now. She had had very little interest in returning home, refusing whenever Rayn had offered. Although, that could be more fear of what would happen with her family. Zhou had seemed so intent on taking her home, that she could imagine her parents not allowing her to leave if she stepped into the Water Tribe's walls. She was about to say something when Mizuki began to talk. She shook her head, "It is fine... I don't know who you are... Or I didn't."

She was slightly thankful for the girl, telling her brother she was in good hands. Maybe, that would help him deal with the fact that she was not going home with him. However, she was slightly disappointed when he looked at Rayn, of course the girl was speaking about Rayn and he had been the reason she wasn't found dead in a ditch few days a few days after she arrived. But she wasn't in his hands anymore, as weird as that sounded, she could and did take care of herself. She looked at Mizuki again when he asked her a similar question to her brother's, "Three years. I came here straight after I ran away and Rayn found me soon after..."

Nyima looked up at Zhou, "I've just about mastered waterbending.... Healing and fighting. Rayn says I've gotten really good at hand to hand combat... but I can't beat him yet... yet," she glanced at Rayn and smirked, "I've been doing good though... I'm healthy, happy, not married. I'm well......." she fell silent for a moment before she pulled her brother into another hug, "I'm sorry... That I don't want to go back..." she rose to her toes and kissed his cheek, "How is everyone back home?... Other than not even speaking about me...."
~~~~~~
Zenji nodded her head and looked at the door as he opened it. Her eyes widened slightly when the White Lotus walked in. Things suddenly piled into her head at once, sixteen, firebender, White Lotus. She looked at Masuto, was he the Avatar? He seemed to not come to the same conclusion as he asked the group what they were doing here. In doing so, he mentioned the attack on the Air Temple. Her heart tightened as she swallowed. She looked down at the couch, trying to calm herself. This would be a big moment for him and her getting upset about what had happened, wasn't going to help at all. She took a deep breath and blinked away the tears. She looked back up at the White Lotus and then to Masuto. She noticed his mother tearing up and Aki comforting her, it seemed they had put two and two together as well. She walked over to Masuto and watched the White Lotus, "Air, water, earth..." her eyes fell onto Masuto, "Fire...."

Masuto looked to his blue haired friend that had stood next to him, naming the elements and pausing just before looking at him and calling out his own bending element. Masuto by any means wasn't dumb, but just everything happened came to him as quite a shock and he was slowly forming the answer that he wasn't sure how to respond to. He turned his head to the white lotus and the woman behind them who was just standing there, not moving in the slightest. With a look of shocked disbelief, the young fire bender shook his head as he looked at the men in white garbs. He was speechless and even if he could talk there weren't any words he could use to describe what was going on in his head. He refused to accept the fact that this was who he was, but deep inside he knew why the white lotus were here, what they were going to say, and most importantly what he was going to have to do.

After a short moment of head shaking, Masuto sighed and looked to them with a calm and somewhat confident face. The white lotus member that was in the front of the group nodded to the boy, looking deeply in to his eyes and could see that emotion-filled thoughts that filled his mind. "Masuto, I can assume that you know why we are here, why all of us are here." Masuto nodded and looked back in to his eyes with a growing confidence, doing his best to prepare for the news he was expecting along with everybody else in the room. He hadn't spoken a word in some time, but there wasn't a need to and he simply kept his eyes on the man in front of him.

"Sixteen years ago today, the earth bender Avatar Hato died protecting his village from a small group who has now grown in to being what is the Rogue Benders. That day me and the other members of the white lotus were told about his death by the spirits, also on the same day we began our search to find the next Avatar." The man glanced over to Masuto's mother and sister, who at that time, were both crying and doing their best to help each other calm down. He nodded only slightly and looked back to Masuto. "To cut it short, Mastuo Takumi, you are the Avatar." After those words, the man bowed down on the ground and the others followed his motions, getting on their knees and bowing to the young fire bender. Slowly, His mother and sister bowed as well, showing a sign of respect for theyoung man who had just been announced as the avatar. He knew those words were coming, he could feel it in the back of his head, but even when it was said out loud he took a step back and tried his best to face this information. He knew that to actually become the avatar, he had to master all four of the elements, but with the ongoing purge of the airbenders he didn't know where they would be, and even if there were some left, who would teach him? He had so many questions in his mind, and he wasn't sure how to answer any of them.

Mizuki stood quiet for a moment listening and watching the siblings react to one another. It was a curious sight to be sure. She had often wondered what siblings were like. She had been an "only child" all her life to her guardian, Ko'noki. Noki was a proud woman. She was second in command at the Water Temple, and people looked to her with respect. What they did not know was that Ko'noki had left the Southern Tribe the eve of her wedding to escape being trapped in a loveless marriage.

There were deep, dark secrets that had surrounded such a sudden ecape at the time. Most believed it to be nerves, Mizuki's mother had known otherwise. Her mother and father had visited Ko'noki in the Northern Tribe when they were still young. After being away for nearly a year -- Mother and Father had returned to the south tribe with Mizuki. Born of Southern Tribe blood, birthed in the northern artic...

"How is everyone back home?.... Other than not even speaking about me...." Nyima's voice dragged Mizuki from her hazy day dream and caused her to frown. Indeed, what was going on at 'home'. She cleared her throat a bit, shifting a bit away from Zhou as she was unsure of exactly how much the Elders had spoken to him about.

"Well... I cant speak for your family... But the tribe is in a feral uproar of sorts.. The eldest of the temple seem to believe war is going to ignight soon..." She paused glancing to Rayn as if unsure of what to explain. "One of the elders actually sent Zhou and I here.. On some top secret mission that even we do not know the details of. Though there is talk of deception and murder within the southern tribe. Apparently members of a noble bloodline hidden in the current generation are being..... removed.... One by one they have been killed in cold blood."

She stiffened lightly and brushed her bangs back from her temple. "Though of course that isn't what is important. Life goes on, even without the current nobles being alive. The main thing is that somewhere near here there is a location of up most importance to the Northern Tribe Elders -- and we're running late for an appointment to find out what is going on, and really need to get there as soon as we can."

Rayn watched Nyima as she looked at her brother, hurt matching her brothers. He sighed and snook his head what he wouldn't give to see his brother one more time...
Mizuki began to talk. She shook her head, "It is fine... I don't know who you are... Or I didn't."

"Three years. I came here straight after I ran away and Rayn found me soon after..." He looked at the girl with a strange look. Was there an echo? But he didn't think of it when Nyima said, "I've just about mastered waterbending.... Healing and fighting. Rayn says I've gotten really good at hand to hand combat... but I can't beat him yet... yet," she glanced at Rayn and smirked, which he smirked back and whispered."unlikely..."

"I've been doing good though... I'm healthy, happy, not married. I'm well......." she fell silent for a moment before she pulled her brother into another hug, "I'm sorry... That I don't want to go back..." she rose to her toes and kissed his cheek, "How is everyone back home?... Other than not even speaking about me...."

Zhou was about to answer when Mizuki did.
"Well... I cant speak for your family... But the tribe is in a feral uproar of sorts.. The eldest of the temple seem to believe war is going to ignight soon..." She paused glancing to Rayn. "One of the elders actually sent Zhou and I here.. On some top secret mission that even we do not know the details of. Though there is talk of deception and murder within the southern tribe. Apparently members of a noble bloodline hidden in the current generation are being..... removed.... One by one they have been killed in cold blood. Though of course that isn't what is important. Life goes on, even without the current nobles being alive. The main thing is that somewhere near here there is a location of up most importance to the Northern Tribe Elders -- and we're running late for an appointment to find out what is going on, and really need to get there as soon as we can."

Zhou glared at Mizuki, true it was a mission he was assigned... But he just found his sister after three years... You would think she would have a little more compassion. He then said," I really took it to find you Nyima. ". He said as he looked back at Nyima. He didn't want to leave but the lotus had moved into the home with the address. He was about to say something when Rayn finally spoke up. "If you are doing something that's so important right around here... With the Lotus walking in a group into that appartments.... I'm pretty sure you guys are looking for the new Avatar... Which is in that house right there... Someone I know is there right now she confermed it... While not at the same time" he said with a smile. Hopefully that would satisfy the girl for Nyimas sake

Nyima looked at the girl dumbfounded, she got that she really wanted to be part of the conversation, in fact she felt a little bad for Rayn and Mizuki. They were after all unnecessary wheels in her and Zhou's conversation. Her look shifted into a slight glare when she mentioned how they were late of an appointment and had to go. She acted as if her and her brother's reunion was nothing but a hinderance. She understood, that the girl didn't really care about their reunion but that didn't stop it from being a big deal. She didn't even care that she was supposed to be seeing the Avatar, in fact, she didn't give to flying hoots. The girl could walk the five feet in broad daylight to the building without her brother. She had questions about the North and the answers didn't involve the words, I can't speak for your family. She balled her hands up into fists when Rayn spoke up, stating that they were probably going to finding the Avatar, most likely trying to keep the girl there a little longer. She took a deep breath and calmed herself, preventing herself from punching the girl for her disrespect of the moment her brother and she were having. She looked at Rayn and smiled slightly, giving him a small nod of thanks. She looked back at her brother, "You did... Well it looks like you had the right idea... You found me...." She stole a glance at Mizuki before looking at her brother. She was looking for answers that she cared about not some summary of the politics of a nation she hardly connected herself to anymore. She was blunt with her question, not wanting to even give the girl a chance to steer the conversation away from it, "How are mom and dad?... Are they healthy? Well?... Do they hate me? Do... Do they even talk about me?"
~~~~~~~~
Zenji was about to bow on the ground like the rest, when she noticed the clear look of shock and distress of Masuto's face. She was sure that it was disrespectful in some way not to bow before the Avatar when he was being named but she wasn't going to get on the ground and allow him to have a panic attack. She grabbed his arm and smiled, "Hey... It's okay..."

She held his arm for a moment before she released it, "When Avatar Aang found out he was the Avatar he ran and hid himself in an iceberg for a hundred years. You're already taking it better than him and look what he achieved for us."

She noticed one of the White Lotus looking at her, clearly not impressed by her lack of bowing and slight disrespect of Aang. She ignored it though, Masuto needed her standing and making him feel better. She took his hand that held the stuffed Air Bison she had given him and held it up. She looked at him with a small smile on her face, "Need a cuddle buddy?"

She grinned and came to terms with something he might be freaking out about. Air. She gave him a soft smile, "As an airbender... I wouldn't mind helping you... I'm not a master but I could teach you until you find a real one... I wouldn't mind..." She shrugged, "I also know some hide out that we could go to, that are bound to have a master."

She squeezed his hand along with the bison, "No Avatar has done it alone... And neither will you... Now, it is just a matter of making your team."

"Sixteen years ago today, the earth bender Avatar Hato died protecting his village from a small group who has now grown in to being what is the Rogue Benders. That day me and the other members of the white lotus were told about his death by the spirits, also on the same day we began our search to find the next Avatar." Zhi glanced over to the Avatar's mother and sister as well, watching as they cried. She wasn't sure if it was happiness, or sadness due to the possible dangers ahead. Possibly a mix of both, she didn't know, so her attention went back to the Avatar, "To cut it short, Mastuo Takumi, you are the Avatar."

After those words had been spoken, Zhi bowed in unison with her fellow White Lotus members...Though she stuck out from the usual white outfits, it was easy to spot which one didn't belong. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that his mother and sister bowed as well. And the face of one of the members as Zenji didn't, and talked so...Casually about Aang. Though that just made her giggle quietly, enjoying the fact that Zenji was helping her friend out about the conversation.

Then the next words, "As an airbender... I wouldn't mind helping you... I'm not a master but I could teach you until you find a real one... I wouldn't mind...I also know some hide out that we could go to, that are bound to have a master. No Avatar has done it alone... And neither will you... Now, it is just a matter of making your team." Caused her to stand out. Stepping over the White Lotus members, ignoring the bowing. She was now face-to-face with the Avatar, keeping a bit of distance of course.

Without coming right out with what she wanted to say, she greeted him first, which of course would be the polite thing to do with anyone, "Hello, Masuto Takumi, my name is Zhen Juan....But you can call me Zhi," she spoke softly and calming. A voice that held concern and could reassure most people, "I know this may be allot coming from one day...But what your friend here said interested me," she said as she glanced at Zenji then back to Masuto, "I am an undercover agent of the Police Force, but first I became a sentry of the White Lotus. Set out to protect the Avatar, and also...I wish to teach you fire bending, or help you become more proficient in it."

She then looked at Zenji, a short smile on her face, "I wish to protect you as well, airbender...There are bad people out there."

He was losing himself in thought, worry about what would happen now that he knew that he had to save the world from these rogue benders. If it was true that Avatar Hato died when the rogue benders had just started, he wasn't sure about how he would be able to win against someone that strong. He then thought about how he was going to have to leave his family. He had only just reunited with his sister after a year of her traveling. He didn't want to go so quickly, but he knew well that the world needed him as soon as possible. He was turning into a large ball of stress until Zeji grabbed his arm. After hearing her speak he took a deep breath to calm himself down and get back to the present. He was right in front of the white lotus along with the woman that he hadn't met before. His mother and sister were still trying to gold back tears about having Masuto leaving them and possibly have to jump head first in to danger for the sake of helping the world.

He took another breath and nodded, Avatar Aang had ran away when he was announced as the avatar, and although he was twelve, Aang had a level of knowledge and maturity that some people could only hope to achieve. He didn't know how he was going to live up to the avatar name, and even if he did it would take a while to get to their level. When Zenji had grabbed his hand that help the stuffed bison plushie, he listened to what she had to say and although it was a very serious moment, he couldn't help but let out a very small laugh and a little smile. She had also agreed to being his temporary Air Bending teacher until they had found an actual teacher to help the both of them with that specific bending art. He was glad that she was there for him and willing to help him through this, and he also hoped that he found other bending teachers that were just as willing as she was.

He still wasn't sure about what he should say in this, and simply stood there, trying his best to figure out words that would make sense and say them in a way that nobody would be able to tell that he was on the verge of having a nervous breakdown or panic attack. He had finally found some words, but before he could say anything, the woman who had joined the white lotus stood up and walked in front of him, greeting him politely."Hello, Masuto Takumi, my name is Zhen Juan....But you can call me Zhi," He listened to her, bowing shortly and calmly smiling to show everyone that he was okay and feeling a little better. Her next set of words explained why she was with the white lotus, as she was one herself. She had also stated that she was a police force agent as well. He was also glad to hear that he would get more fire bending training, since he was somewhat proficient in that bending art, but could always use something new to try out when it came to using fire. Since he was now the Avatar, he felt like it was his duty to watch over Zenji and protect her from any of the rogue benders that crossed their paths. His smile widened as he heard Zhi offer her services to protecting Zenji as well, and smiled at the two of them. Before he said anything, he gave Zenji a quick and meaningful hug to thank her form calming him down. it it weren't for her he'd probably be out cold and on the ground, not understanding how to cope with the information he had received. Masuto let the young air bender go and smiled like he usually did. "Thanks Zenji, I probably wouldn't be standing if you didn't help me." He turned back to Zhi and nodded. He sighed lightly and thought about his mother and sister, which he just couldn't face and tell them that he had to leave them for quite some time. "As much as I hate to leave, we should better get going then." He looked at the door to the house which was still open because of the white lotus members and smile. "KUEI!" He shouted, resulting in a growl and stomping feet to make their way to the door. Masuto's Armadillo Bear Kuei had been with Masuto almost since birth, and was one of the few things he took with him on his way to Republic City. Kuei walked to the door and stuck his head through, looking oddly at the new figures that had appeared in the house. He remembered Zenji very vaguely, but the white lotus members and Zhi were a mystery to the hybrid bear.

Mizuki raised a brow at Zhou. Irritation snaked up her neck as she watched him glare at her. Sure, she supposed she could understand that what she said could have been taken as her rushing the reunion of the siblings before her, but that wasn't how she had meant it at all. She shifted her gaze to Nyima and took note of her glare as well. She opened her mouth to say a snappy remark, but froze at Rayn's comment.

"If you are doing something that's so important right around here... With the Lotus walking in a group into that appartments.... I'm pretty sure you guys are looking for the new Avatar... Which is in that house right there... Someone I know is there right now she confermed it... While not at the same time"

She looked to the note she had been given then to the appartments that the man had pointed to. Her jaw fell open, shocked. "Did you just say the Avatar? The Avatar is here in the city?" She all but ignored the conversation between Zhou and his sister. She cut her eyes to them once more. "Sorry if you took my comment the wrong way. I meant that we had been sent here for urgent reasons we weren't aware of... Least I wasn't. By all means take as much time as you want and need - " She paused looking at Zhou, resisting the urge to glare back. "After all, your job playing bodyguard for Noki is no longer needed here.."

Mizuki turned away and walked to the building, making her way to the appartment that matched the notes address. Taking a deep breath, he made her way and knocked lightly on the doorway. She glanced inside the open door and cleared her throat, suddenly nervous for some reason. "Uh... H-Hello?"

After Rayn told them about this Avatar he looked at Mizuki who was shocked... Despite this big news he quickly looked at his sister who asked Nyima "You did... Well it looks like you had the right idea... You found me...." She stole a glance at Mizuki before looking at her brother., "How are mom and dad?... Are they healthy? Well?... Do they hate me? Do... Do they even talk about me?"

Rayn watched Zhou Really closely as he spoke. " they are well... Besides heart broken that their only daughter had vanished with out word for three years. They were mad at first but mother just wants you back. Rinji, he is married to the generals daughter now... So there is no one waiting for you to get married to back home. " he looked over at Rayn then back to Nyima, "They try not to speak of you too much... It is still a deep wound... They think you are dead. Except me... I never lost hope."

He looked over as he heard Mizuki speak. "Did you just say the Avatar? The Avatar is here in the city?" She looked at them "Sorry if you took my comment the wrong way. I meant that we had been sent here for urgent reasons we weren't aware of... Least I wasn't. By all means take as much time as you want and need - " She paused looking at Zhou. "After all, your job playing bodyguard for Noki is no longer needed here.."

At the comment Rayn raised an eyebrow and Zhou narrowed his eyes. Before Zhou could say anything Mizuki turned away and walked to the building, making her way to the appartment that matched the notes address. Taking a deep breath, he made her way and knocked lightly on the doorway.

Nyima watched at the girl left and noticed the Armadillo Bear peeking its head in the door. She laughed a little when she caught a glint of blue. Her eyes widened, there was no way that the Airbender had found the Avatar. She stared the blue the she could see and it getting pulled up into what appeared to be a bun. That confirmed it to her, the blue was hair not a piece of cloth, meaning the Airbender was in that house. She grabbed her phone and looked at it. She gasped, "Oh... I'm late for work..." She looked at Rayn, running her hand up his forearm and gripping it tightly, "Rayn... Take me." She added softly with a sense of urgency.

At which both men stood shocked... They looked at each other... One with a look of surprise and the other with hate.

She looked at her brother and smiled, slightly disappointed that she'd have to leave so soon but she wasn't going to let this girl slip through her fingers again. She hugged him, "It was really good seeing you. Hopefully, I'll see you soon," she pointed down the street where they came from. "My house is one block down take a right and five blocks more on the corner of the sixth on the right." she kissed his cheek "bye"

At which she pulled Rayn with her and moved around the corner.

Zhou was lost for words but he had to continue his mission. Despite what the 'princess pain in the neck' said. He would have to catch up later. He moved up to the house and said said quickly as the door was being answered ," You don't have say if I'm relieved or not... I never failed a mission yet and I'm not starting now..." They would have to visit her before they left with the avatar. As they answered though all he could think of was hate for Rayn now...

As they moved around the corner Rayn said, "Just a friend... But you didn't complain that you were my Nyima?" With a smile he pulled her to him and spun her against the wall. Not hard but that he blocked her way. " Now you are saying take me? Are you implying something Nyima?" His face inches from hers, eyes locked together. He could see her blush as clear as day. Which only made him smile more

Nyima held Rayn's hand as she ran around the corner with him, away from her brother. She opened her mouth to begin to explain the quick departure when Rayn started to speak. She looked at him, Just a friend... But you didn't complain that you were my Nyima? She was suddenly getting pulled close to him. A moment later, her back was against the wall with Rayn preventing her escape. Now you are saying take me? Are you implying something Nyima?

Her cheeks burned red when he brought what she had said moments ago. She hadn't even thought about it that way, she was just trying to get away from her brother so that she could tell Rayn about the Airbender. She closed her mouth that had still been hanging open since she tried to speak in the first place. She shook her head, "We are just friends... and... um...." she didn't have much of a rebuttle for the Nyima thing. What could she say to that? She didn't complain that she was 'his Nyima'. She bit her lip, trying to keep her head on straight, making sure nothing could be taken wrong, "And I meant take me to work."

She brought her hand up and rested it on his elbow, "As for the whole... Your Nyima thing... well," her other hand rose to touch his cheek as she smiled. A moment later, she pulled his arm toward her, rotating his head away until she had flipped their positioning. She winked, "You taught her a few tricks," Not moving away from him, she kept him pinned against the wall, "Now, the real reason I wanted you to take me... away, was I saw the Airbender from the other day in the house. I couldn't exactly say that in front of my brother now..." Her face went red again, "You don't think he took that comment the same way...... Oh spirits...."
~~~~~~
Zenji stepped back at the woman that came in with the White Lotus walked up to Masuto, introducing herself. She was slightly surprised when the woman turned to her and said that she would like to protect her as well. At the mention of bad people Zenji nodded. She started to pull her hair up into a bun, hiding her shaking hands, "I am... aware of these people... I've had quite a few run ins with them myself."

Her hands fell back to her sides and she was suddenly being pulled into a hug. She laughed a little and hugged Masuto back, "I feel as though you are wise enough to know that isn't true. Trust me, Airbenders are wise beyond their years."

She grabbed her staff and held it across her body while Masuto announced they should leave. She looked at the Armadillo Bear that he called upon and smiled, "Good to see you again, Kuei,"

She glanced at Masuto and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Say goodbye... It was one thing I know that Avatar Aang regretted for not doing." she smiled at him, "I'll meet you outside."

She looked at Zhi and grinned, "Care to join me?" As she walked toward the door, there was a soft knock and a girl calling hello. Zenji turned and looked at Masuto, "I believe one of your friends has arrived and missed the big announcement, Avatar."

As the woman approached the door, Kuei moved from his spot at the door and looked at the girl questioningly. There was yet another person that the Armadillo-Bear had never seen before and he was more confused than he was the last time. He moved over so he could still see everyone in the house from the window as he looked in, but Kuei wondered why so many unknown people were coming to his rider and friend's house.

Although he had been settled down, Masuto still had things on his mind, and he was slowly drifting away from the real world an in to his thoughts, he hadn't noticed the light knocking when it had actually happened because of this, and if it weren't for Zenji speaking up about it he wouldn't have known that someone else was here. He was sure that the door had been opened by the white lotus when they came in, and then when Kuei stuck his head through the door so see all of the people, but Kuei was now standing at the window waiting patiently, so he was confused as to had had actually happened while he was zoning out.

The young Avatar-to-be nodded to Zenji and made his way to the door, still uneasy with the title of 'Avatar.' He placed his hand on the door knob and twisted it, staking a step back and pulling it so he could give the person at the door a little room. This person was unfamiliar, and at the least Masuto was a little shocked that no one other than Zenji had attended his party because he invited them two days beforehand. Masuto let go of the door and gave a small wave to the woman standing there, and although he didn't know who she was, he had a feeling that it had to do with this Avatar status. "Hey!" He smiled kindly at her and motioned her to come inside, and by that time the white lotus members were clearing from their spot near the door, so they wouldn't have to be stepped over. Masuto had only fully noticed the woman in front of him, and despite the man behind her being taller, he only vaguely recognized his existence for the time being and would say hello to him afterwards.

Mizuki looked to Zhou and started to say something when she was approached. She shut her mouth and stepped more into the door with a light bow. She blushed slightly, thinking the stranger had heard Zhou's last comment. She held out her hand with the note from Ko'noki.

"My name is Mizuki Toka'ana.. I have been sent from the Northern Water Tribe elder, Ko'noki to secure a package from this location. Where ever its contents may travel I am to go... " She looked around the room curiously. "Though it is curious... I was not told what content the package held within, I have just learned that this in fact the location of the Avatar.. " She offered a sweet, friendly smile. "For which I pledge my contract to, of course.. If there is a lotus member avalible, I have Temple Eldest Ko'noki's parchment as verification here with me for their inspection...." She resisted the urge to blush at the sudden rambling she felt she was doing.

He watched Her cheeks burned red. She shook her head, "We are just friends... and... um...., And I meant take me to work."
His smile lowered a bit. As he realized he miss took what she said. "Oh..." He said softly as he started to feel like a fool.
She brought her hand up and rested it on his elbow, "As for the whole... Your Nyima thing... well," her other hand rose to touch his cheek as she smiled. A moment later, she pulled his arm toward her, rotating his head away until she had flipped their positioning. She winked, "You taught her a few tricks," Not moving away from him, she kept him pinned against the wall, "Now, the real reason I wanted you to take me... away, was I saw the Airbender from the other day in the house. I couldn't exactly say that in front of my brother now..." Her face went red again, "You don't think he took that comment the same way...... Oh spirits...."
He was taken off guard as she got the spin on him. He defiantly rubbed off her over the years. What surprised him even more was when she mentioned the airbender from a few days before in the house. He loooked around the corner to catch Zhou walking into the house. "Great.."

He thought for a moment. "Well your brother is going to be there with Mizuki for a while... We can't follow that's just a dumb idea. " we are going to have to send someone to follow and update. Someone good. If we interact at all we are going to have to wear masks from now on."

" any thoughts? " he asked as he looked back at her

---

As Zhou walked in he heard her speak, "My name is Mizuki Toka'ana.. I have been sent from the Northern Water Tribe elder, Ko'noki to secure a package from this location. Where ever its contents may travel I am to go... " She looked around the room curiously. "Though it is curious... I was not told what content the package held within, I have just learned that this in fact the location of the Avatar.. " She offered a sweet, friendly smile. "For which I pledge my contract to, of course.. If there is a lotus member avalible, I have Temple Eldest Ko'noki's parchment as verification here with me for their inspection...."

He crossed his arms and said with a low voice. " My name is Zhou, I'm a special forces soldier from the northern Kingdom, I was sent to make sure Miss Mizuki made it to this place and once she is finished escort her home." He looked at her for a moment then continued " He looked at the Boy. Which seemed at the center of attention from where he was standing. " that means your training and journey to become the Avatar will become my duty to make sure you succeed. I'm at your service young avatar."