The Next Avatar (On Hold)

Chapter 7

After breakfast Opal offered to show me around Zaofu. I instantly accepted her offer and we headed out around 10 after she cleaned up. Walking through the town was amazing. Many metal benders were out and about buying supplies and socializing.

"So, you must not be used to the city, seeing as you spent most of your life in the swamp. Do you want to take a look around the shops?" I was paying so much attention to my surroundings I almost didn't hear Opal. "O-Oh um yeah." I answered flustered

"Hey how about we go in here? It's a great shop that sells baked goods, jewelry and souvenirs." I looked at the small metal building in front of me. A small green sign hung from the door stating "40% off on all purchases. "

"Let's go inside." Opal took my hand and gently tugged me through the door. Looking around I spotted a small necklace hanging on one of several hooks. It had a silver tree pendant and instead of a chain, it was held together by a smooth black leather rope. I wonder how much it is.

I turned around with the necklace and opened my mouth to speak. "U-Um excuse me." The store clerk, an old man wearing a normal green robe, turned to me and smiled kindly. "How much is this necklace?" I was so nervous my voice was shaking.

"11 silver pieces." He stated still smiling. A bit much for a necklace... I reached for my pockets. I don't have any money. "Do you want that necklace?" Opal asked.

I shook my head. "N-No I just..." My face flushed. "If you want I can buy it for you. There's no need to be shy!" I nodded. "T-Then in order to make it up to you I will do whatever you ask me to."

At my age, asking someone to buy me something like a child. Opal laughed. "That seems like a fair deal. I'll keep that in mind." She pays the old man the money for my necklace and her baked goods.

We walk out of the shop and continue on through town. We buy some groceries for dinner and pick up a few other things we need. My feet begin to ache as it gets later in the afternoon. "Let's head home. I don't want the kids to cause any more trouble for Huan. He values his precious artwork." She dramatically waves her arms like the time before and we both laugh.

"Oh, hold on. I'll be back in a second. I just realized I forgot to buy the scented soap that was just recently shipped in from Ba sing se." I nod and she runs off down the street.

It's kind of busy here. Might wanna move somewhere where I won't accidentally drop the groceries if I get pushed or something. I walk with the groceries to the opening of an alleyway. Setting down the bags I look around and spot a small animal on the ground.

A...ferret? I walk cautiously towards it, excited at the thought of possibly seeing one with my own eyes. I've never seen a ferret before. When I reach it my eyes widen and I clasp a hand over my mouth.

Blood is matted into its white fur and it's steadily bleeding. I didn't notice until now, but a small trail of blood leads from the corner of the alley way to the spot the ferret lies. It whimpers as I reach out and gently stroke its head.

I pick it up slowly and gently, staining my pale fingers with blood. "It's okay. I'm going to help you." I say softly,  not noticing the figures watching me.

Suddenly 7 men jump from the top of a building and surround me. "Hey lady, I believe you have something of mine!" I look up and hold the animal as close as I can without hurting it. "That there is a rare ferret that is native to the Northern Water Tribe. It can withstand cold temperatures and has a keen sense of smell. It's worth millions!" One guy speaks up.

"Hand it over!" A tall buff guy yells. They're just some Earth bender thugs. "If it's such a rare creature that's worth millions, why is it nearly dead? Shouldn't you take better care of what you own?" I reply with a hint of anger in my voice.