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With dawn hours away, Fen Ji’s warehouse district was silent as it ever got. This was not the same as being silent. A faint glow seeped through windows draped with ragged cloth in a squat, broad brick structure.
The men inside were busy. Barrels marked “rice” were levered open, the contents poured into straw bags labeled as coming from different provinces. To be resold later at a higher price due to the greater “shipping” costs. In the grain’s place, priceless Earth Kingdom earthenware and pottery, wrapped in padded fibers before the barrels were sealed shut again.
The men moved quietly, jokes kept to a minimum, and uttered at a whisper, but with unhurried efficiency. It spoke to confidence in their security. Copper, silver, and where necessary, gold, reached the appropriate palms. The authorities would look the other way, as they had for months. So long as the smugglers didn’t draw attention to themselves, they were free to do as they wished. Routine.
Or so they thought.
It started innocently enough. Tao muttered, “Why is this taking so long?”
He was working alongside his best friend. Chikara grinned, flipping dark hair out of his eyes for the 50th time that night. “Wei’s off relieving himself.”
“What? No, he left to do that a while ago!”
“He’s old, Tao. It’s harder when you get old.”
A palm thick with calluses smacked Chikara upside the back of his head. He whirled to find Wei glaring at him from a face lined with years. “My hands get harder with age, too. Besides, it isn’t me that’s the problem.”
“We’re working,” Tao protested.
“I know that,” the older man responded. “Shen’s not here.”
He looked around. “Neither’s Tam.”
A quick check of the warehouse floor revealed three other workers missing. Tao took a deep breath. “Ta – ”
Wei’s hand clamped over his mouth. “Keep your voice down. I’ll go look for them.”
He shuffled into the shadows. Tao rubbed his palms, a wisp of smoke rising between them. “Shouldn’t he take a light?”
Another worker snorted, “Wei’s been working these docks since King Bumi still had all his teeth. He don’t need a light to get around.”
“Is there some reason my merchandise is still sitting where anyone could see it?”
The clipped voice belonged to Fei Long, a major importer and exporter in the southwestern Earth Kingdom. The hard-soled, molded shoes he’d taken to wearing, marking him as a man on the cutting edge of a changing world, clicked sharply against the rough stone of the warehouse floor.
Tao and Chikara immediately redoubled their efforts. Fei Long frowned as rice spilled across the floor. “That rice is earmarked to Governor Shiying near the Si Wong Desert. He’s paying a premium. Stop wasting it.”
The duo sweated nervously, but tried to be more careful. Fei Long returned to his upstairs office, watching coolly. If he found the absent workers concerning, the only sign was how he ran thumb and forefinger over his mustache, trimmed neat and short until it was scarcely more than a thin charcoal line.
The monotony of rice being sifted and glazed pottery being wrapped was broken by the rapid slap of soles against the floor. Wei staggered from the shadows, eyes wild. He hunched over, gasping, as Tao and Chikara rushed to his side. “Spirits.”
Tao sucked in a breath. “The Blue Spirit?”
The older man shook his head. “Yes. No. Two spirits.”
Chikara laughed, a little too loud, as others joined them. “Two spirits? Come on, Wei, this is no time for bedtime stories.”
Wei’s arm shot out like a piston, fingers clamping on Chikara’s shirt. “I’m not joking.”
He pulled himself upright, intending to glower at the insolent smartass, but a flash of color drew his eyes past Chikara's shoulder.
The Blue Spirit’s leering face floated at the edge of the shadows, too high for any human.
Wei pushed away from the others, trying not to lose composure entirely. Following his gaze, Tao and Chikara turned slowly. A startled squeak escaped the latter.
An arm emerged from the shadows below the face, one finger pointing at Wei. Tao and Chikara spun back, but all they saw were legs and hands disappearing into the shadows. He had not even time to call out.
Tao was not much of a firebender, but he could generate light. Cupping a flame, he rushed after Wei, and found him soon enough. Chin on his chest, Wei’s limbs dangled at the elbows and knees like a puppet’s, held by something that did not reflect back his flame. Shadow itself. Panic spread among the others as they joined Tao and Chikara.
“We’re under attack,” one declared, rushing to grab a hefty iron bar. He was pulled into the shadows before he got halfway there.
An earthbender named Hu launched a rock that way, aiming high, hoping to strike his attacker. Everyone heard the rock clatter loudly, but harmlessly against a far wall.
“What is this nonsense?” Fei Long stalked down the stairs, narrowed eyes moving from face to face as though determined to pin them all. “Stop making all this noise and return to work immediately.”
“The Blue Spirit is here,” someone cried.
“Oma and Shu sent him to punish us for stealing Earth Kingdom history,” another said, prostrating himself.
Fei Long’s face turned red and his lips disappeared. He stalked to the weeping man, wrenching him to his feet. “The Blue Spirit is a folk tale, and the outlaw who assumes its identity, nothing but a hooligan.”
The man shook his head like a broken doll. Fei Long slapped him. “You should be more concerned what will happen to you for failure.”
He spun the man so he was facing the rice barrels and shoved him. “Get back to work, or I will – “
The threat went unfinished. Fei Long lifted into the air, flipping upside-down as some invisible force held him by one leg. He thrashed ineffectually, arms dangling as he rose into those shadows. “Stop gawking, this is no spirit magic – “
He fell silent. The workers instinctively bunched in a circle, each trying to shield himself. Trembling, Tao raised his arm, willing his fire to grow. He wished he hadn’t.
Fei Long hung suspended, too distant and still to discern if alive or dead. Above him, Tao’s flame caught an outline. No arms or legs were visible, it was simply a mottled grey-black shape. A being of shadows. There was no face, yet all those below felt its attention upon them.
Tao’s fire dwindled. He couldn’t catch his breath, and his thoughts began to spin out of control. The shadow was eating the light of his fire! It was the Twilight Spirit!
Beside Fei Long’s body, the Blue Spirit leaned into view of Tao’s fading light. A hand reached out, and grasped Fei Long’s shirt. It do so with gleeful deliberation, each finger slowly closing around the fabric. The Blue Spirit disappeared without even disturbing the wind, taking Fei Long with him.
When the local magistrates arrived to investigate reports of hysterical screaming, they found several unconscious workers scattered through the warehouse. The majority were unharmed, huddled in the center of the floor. They knelt, faces to the floor, arms extended.
They were surrounded with every lantern, candle or torch they could find, their stolen goods laid in front of them like an offering.
* * *
The spirits paused on the provincial governor's rooftop. “I still think it would make more sense if you were the Spirit of Smoldering Embers.”
“The Spirit of Smoldering Embers only appears in one play, and just barely,” the other countered. “No one would know who I was supposed to be.”
The Blue Spirit folded his arms across his chest. “They might.”
“Only if they’re as big a theater nerd as you.” His companion drew closer. “And the dark colors worked like Sokka said they would.”
A huff of a laugh escaped. “I still can’t believe that. His sketch was awful.”
“It was the waterbenders Katara found that were skilled at dye work.” On the streets below, calls of alarm went up. Lanterns blazed to life. “We should get inside before someone shoots us.”
The duo slid down the backside of the roof, landing in a crouch on a ledge.Once sure no one was near, they dropped onto a balcony and slid open the screen granting access to their room. The Twilight Spirit closed the screen as the Blue Spirit lit a single candle. Keeping the light low, casting no shadows to be seen from outside.
That done, Fire Lord Zuko finally removed his mask. Fire Lady Mai pulled back the dark hood that hid her hair and eyes. A light piece of the mottled fabric covered the lower half of her face, and she pulled this around her neck, where it looked like a simple high collar.
Zuko placed his dao in their case, while Mai divested herself of her knives. “How did the obsidian blades work?”
She shrugged, spinning one around her fingers. “The weight’s different. It's good I practiced. They worked. The workers couldn’t see them. Just another sign of my great spirit powers,” she added, eyes shimmering with amusement.
A single sharp knock, followed by two slower knocks. Suki’s warning.
Zuko hurried to undo his bracers. Rapid footsteps were approaching. When he heard Governor Wan calling in concern, Zuko tried to pull his tunic over his head while removing the bracers. This succeeded mostly in getting him horribly tangled up and unable to see how to fix it.
Mai’s fingers efficiently undid the bracers, but even as Zuko flung his tunic into a dark corner, she put her palms against his chest and shoved. He barely avoided shouting as he fell back on the bed.
Mai climbed after him, loosening the clasps holding the outer layer of her garment. Whispering, “Go with it.”
* * *
“Fire Lord Zuko!” Governor Wan, pupils reduced to dots in his worry, threw aside the wooden door, and stopped dead in his tracks.
The Fire Lord was on his back, the Fire Lady astride him, a dark blanket draped across her shoulders. Zuko turned his head slowly towards the open door, and blinked slowly. “Yes, Governor Wan?”
“I,” Wan realized he hadn’t bowed and did so with all haste. “I apologize for this intrusion Fire Lord, Fire Lady. I heard noises I couldn’t identify as I approached your room.”
Wan tried not to flinch as the Fire Lady gazed coolly over her shoulder at him. ”I can well believe that, Governor. Now would you explain why you have interrupted your Fire Lord’s relaxation?”
“Of course,” Wan stalled, needing a moment to remember why he was here in the first place. “We have found evidence of a terrible criminal act this evening.”
The Fire Lord propped himself on his elbows, but made no action to move the Fire Lady. “What sort of criminal activity?”
“A prominent and respected exporter, Fei Long of Swallowtail Bay, was attacked at his warehouse by that outlaw the Blue Spirit!”
The Fire Lord frowned. “I’ve heard of Fei Long. Is he injured?”
Governor Wan was pleased to hear such concern. “He was struck on the head, but is conscious now and receiving medical attention.”
“He must be an industrious man, to be at his warehouse at this time of night,” the Fire Lady remarked.
This time, Wan couldn’t help flinching. The Fire Lady had a way of sounding both bored and piercing at the same time. “Yes, well, he was overseeing a shipment of rice that was to go out in the morning.“
“It’s not like the Blue Spirit to attack someone over rice.” The Fire Lord was trying to look serious, but Wan found it difficult to accept this given the current position.
The Fire Lord should really stand up and get dressed, not that Wan would make such a critique. “There were some vases and jewelry that look Earth Kingdom in origin, but Fei Long insists they are his personal possessions.”
“What do his employees say?”
Wan blinked. “I beg your pardon, Fire Lady Mai?”
“His employees,” she repeated. “The ones who were no doubt preparing the shipment. Unless Fei Long is so industrious he does all the work himself.”
“Ah.” Wan had forgotten them. “Several tried to confess to helping Fei Long steal and smuggle those items for sale on the black market, and this is why they were attacked by the Blue Spirit.”
The Fire Lord tilted his head. “The Blue Spirit attacked them alone?”
“I, ah, I think so. There were mentions of another spirit, the Keeper of the Dead, but these are simple dockworkers. You know how easily confused they can be, especially when frightened. Is that a concern?”
“Certainly not.” The Fire Lord was grinning up at his wife, whose expression Wan could not see. The governor did not want to know what was going on under that blanket. “I’m certain if there had been more than one spirit, they would have been too memorable to mis - urk.”
The Fire Lord abruptly groaned, and the Fire Lady stroked his face with one hand, leaning closer to whisper something. Wan almost stepped closer, to inquire as to the Fire Lord’s well-being. Then the Fire Lord gave his wife a look Wan couldn’t decipher. Wan stayed where he was. “I intruded, My Lord, because, with a notorious outlaw loose in the city, I was concerned for your well-being.”
“Your concern is appreciated, Governor.” The Fire Lord re-assumed his formal tone. “Both the Fire Lady and I are well. I agree, the Blue Spirit’s presence is concerning. Fei Long in particular is likely in danger. Captain?”
The Kyoshi Warrior outside the door stepped in front of Governor Wan, who tried not to be offended. “Yes, Fire Lord?”
“Would you assign two of your warriors to guard Fei Long until morning? I would like to question him further.”
“Certainly.” The Captain stepped outside and gestured to two of the other warriors, who left straight away.
“Is that necessary, Fire Lord? To question Fei Long, I mean?” Two sets of golden eyes locked on him and Wan gulped. “I simply mean, he has suffered a great fright.”
“Then he should be eager to help us understand why the Blue Spirit would target him,” the Fire Lady answered. Her tone did not invite argument. “It might provide the clue to capturing them, since they’re obviously reckless and overconfident.”
“Mai's right,” the Fire Lord agreed. “We'll need every advantage to capture such an elusive criminal.”
“I see your point,” Wan said. “It will be done. My office will be available for questioning Fei Long.”
“Thank you, Governor Wan. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.”
“I live to serve.” Wan made the sign of the Flame and bowed again. “I apologize for disturbing your relaxation. Good night, Fire Lord, Fire Lady.”
The governor departed swiftly, hoping he hadn’t interrupted the creation of the heir to the throne. That sort of thing could linger with your family for generations.
* * *
The door slid shut. The footsteps faded, and Suki offered the “all clear” signal knock. Still on his back, Zuko eyed Mai. “Reckless and overconfident?”
Mai raised her chin, face perfectly composed. Only the faint flicker of mirth in her eyes betrayed her. “Are you denying it?”
After a long staring contest, he huffed, “No. Not the reckless part, anyway.”
His arms drifted up her sides, brushing the folds of dark fabric that comprised Mai’s costume and masqueraded as their blanket. “That’s why I have you, to think things through.”
Mai let it slide from her shoulders to pool at her lower back, revealing pale skin underneath. “And go unnoticed in the shadows.”
“Told you the Spirit of Smoldering Embers would have been better.” Zuko let his fingers trace patterns along her stomach, relishing the pleased sigh that escaped her. “They’d remember a red mask.”
Mai rolled her eyes. Zuko pulled her closer. “Joking. You heard the governor. The workers saw you. They’ll spread the word.”
“I expect to see a big bounty on the Twilight Spirit’s head. By order of the Fire Lord himself.”
“Naturally,” he agreed. “Say, half the Blue Spirit’s?”
She raised one eyebrow in challenge. “Half?”
Zuko pretended not to notice. “This is the Twilight Spirit’s first offense, and it can’t compare to breaking the Avatar out of Pouhai Stronghold.”
“Pouhai Stronghold when it was being commanded by Zhao,” Mai countered. “The incompetence lowers the difficulty.”
“Hey,” Zuko protested, but Mai silenced him with a kiss. Zuko didn’t mind that at all.
They took their time, content with soft kisses and touches. No further than that. This was to affirm the other was safe and whole. They had grown more comfortable saying what they felt, but for both, and Mai felt for herself especially, it was easier to show how she felt. To show Zuko how much he mattered to her in how she wanted to be sure he was unharmed.
The adrenaline of action and nearly being caught drained from them slowly. Much later, Mai rested her chin on his shoulder. Fingers traced along his back, and she felt the corded muscles slowly grow tense. “What’s wrong?”
“Do you think Governor Wan is part of this? He was really downplaying how suspect everything was. We know Fei Long was paying off people, maybe Wan is one of them!”
The temperature in the room began to rise. She leaned back to make eye contact. “Maybe, but as far as we can tell, he’s done a good job. The tax records are clean. The hospitals and schools are well-staffed and cared for. He’s carried out all the reforms you’ve pushed. Truly carried them out, not just enough to fake it. There’s no reason Fei Long would need to bribe Wan, if he could get by paying magistrates or customs inspectors to look away.”
Zuko pursed his lips. It was his thoughtful expression, but it always looked like Sokka tricked him into eating sea prunes. “I guess.”
“He might be afraid you’ll think he’s corrupt,” she added. “You’ve built a reputation for not tolerating that, and the people you’ve caught don’t end up well.”
The pursed look vanished, replaced with a scowl. “You make it sound like I banished them.”
Mai knew it was touchy to bring up things like that. Too close to reminding Zuko of Ozai. But they promised to be honest with each other. “You did banish Councilman Hiroki, in accordance with Fire Nation law. Until you realized you could charge him with violating various trade practices and have him imprisoned instead.”
His eyes flashed, and the temperature spiked. “He was selling children!”
“And you’ve changed the laws to address that,” she said, adding, “I’d have slit his throat if you wanted.”
Zuko somehow looked more outraged. His voice was a fierce whisper. “I’d never ask you to do that.”
Mai smiled inside, but remained serious. “Even if all you’d do is take Wan’s governorship, it would be a loss of face, status and power. That could scare him into doing a good job.”
“I don’t want them to do a good job because they’re scared of me,” Zuko grumbled, but his skin cooled. “I want them to do it because it’s right. They’re supposed to serve the people, like you and I.”
“It’s only a theory,” she said. “Maybe he does it for the right reasons, and hates the idea you’d think he’s involved, or doing a bad job.”
Zuko stared into the distance. His glower reminded Mai of his first return to the Fire Nation. Frustrated and unsure how to fix it. Then, nothing Mai tried worked, because she didn’t know what the problem was (because he wouldn’t tell her.)
At least now she knew the problem. “Zuko, do you know for certain Governor Wan is involved?”
“No.” He was still staring into space.
“If he isn’t, what will you do?”
“Keep him as governor.” He was looking at her now, albeit like she was crazy. “Like you said, he’s doing a good job.”
“If it turns out he is involved?”
“I’ll have him removed and charged.” He frowned again.
“Didn’t you create an entire list of possible replacements for governorships, council seats and military positions in the event you needed honorable people to fill them?”
“You know I did, because you helped me.” He let out a long sigh, but she felt the muscles in his back loosen. Now when he looked at her, he smiled. “I get it. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
He smiled a little wider, held her a little closer. “Thank you, Mai.”
She put on her most court-manners expression of bland courtesy. “Of course, my Lord.”
“You don’t sound like you feel properly appreciated.” His voice took a husky tone, hands roaming up and down her back. “How can I make my Twilight Spirit happy?”
She pressed a kiss to his neck, added a gentle bite that made him gasp. “Finish what we were starting before the governor barged in.”