Chapter 143
Yui Bay. The city of Tienhai.
Along the cobblestone road, lined with new six and seven-story buildings, a multitude of people moved about. A large family passed by, their clothing dominated by green and crimson hues—a clear sign that both parents were from different nations. The youngest member of the family nearly collided with a tanned beauty whose lovely figure was concealed by traditional blue garments of the Water Tribes.
"Please forgive my son," his mother pulled him closer. "I told you not to run around like that," she scolded him sternly.
"It's nothing, I was too absorbed in my book," the girl awkwardly waved with one hand, as the other firmly held a book.
To some, this conversation might seem insignificant. But not to those who had witnessed the city's changes since its inception. Over the past year, the citizens of Tienhai had clearly "broadened their minds." The streets were no longer filled with wary groups of people constantly expecting some trick. After all, people of other nations walked right beside them! That's what every group thought.
Time passed, and people began to simply get used to living alongside their former enemies. It's hard to remain the same when you see people with different facial features every day, features not belonging to your ethnicity. When you work with them in the same factory. When your children simply ignore your prejudices and calmly make friends and play together. Sooner or later, you realize a simple truth that had eluded you for many days... They're no different from you. They have the same fears, worries, joys, and sorrows. And the only major difference between you is your place of birth.
"Fresh newspapers for sale! The latest news!" a boy called out, his feet beside an open crate of newspapers. The expensive fabric of his outfit didn't suit his line of work—unless, of course, you knew he was the son of one of the city's largest printing press owners.
The second wave of settlers keenly felt the bustling life here. According to them, it seemed as if this city lived several times faster than even the capitals of the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation. Various events happened daily, so there was always more than enough news.
The front page of today's newspaper proudly displayed a massive number: five hundred thousand. In just one year, the population of Tienhai had grown to half a million. And with each new month, the number of newcomers only increased. It wouldn't be long before the population reached a million.
"Damn the Triad!" cursed a man who had just bought a newspaper from the boy. The second page featured a full-width image of a charismatic older man with graying hair, a clear sign of his age. His golden eyes unmistakably marked him as a member of the Fire Nation. "A reward is offered for any information about the leader of the Triple Threat Triad," he continued reading aloud.
A month ago, a gang led by the firebending magician Lightning Zolt began wreaking havoc in the city. They engaged in any dark activity imaginable and were smart enough to avoid the police. With powerful earthbenders, waterbenders, and firebenders in their ranks, they could easily terrorize small and medium businesses. Not even hesitating to kidnap the relatives of their victims, they amassed huge sums of money.