Just because the equalist leaders were taken out doesn't mean the equalists disappeared. They were crazed as ever, like a hive of buzzard wasps without a queen. A small team had brought in the thugs that attacked Tahno earlier.
"We have certain relationship, Huo, you keep bringing us money, and you got to keep your bending. Well, since I can't follow up on my end of the deal, I'll just have to threaten your life. Where's my money?"
The waterbender and earthbender stayed down trembling. The firebender looked up, the gold now hardened on his face, and spoke in a shaky voice.
"We were about to shake this waterbender down this morning, but this freaky chick jumped us and got him away," he described the situation in detail. After a while the equalist leader raised his electrocution rod and Huo silenced himself.
"So, you're telling me that one seventeen year old girl beat all three of you, the strongest of the triads, and managed to pull a grown man from the fray and get away from you. Is that what you are saying?"
Huo visibly gulped. The man with the electrocution rods paced in front of the triads, letting the lightning dance inches from their feet.
"They say, lightning never strikes twice," he thrust one of the rods onto the earthbender's chest. He let loose an agonizing scream and shook violently until he dropped to the ground smoke rising from his body.
"Make sure she doesn't strike twice either!" and the firebender and waterbender fled to carry out their orders.
