Old Grudges

Few days later, Feng walked through the market and purchased a small carriage. Even though he was a great bounty hunter, he lived outside of Omashu, in a small town in the mountains. He loved the outdoors and the beauty of nature. His occupation as a bounty hunter had made him love the great outdoors even more. He wasn't interested in extravagant things and only acquired what he thought was necessary for him or his family. If he had a choice, he would sleep under the stars all day. However, living in a little town was the only compromise that Yoi was willing to accept. With her tailoring and his bounty hunting, there was more than enough funds to provide for themselves in that little town.

Later on, he saw a short, young merchant shouting above all the others.

"Cabbages! Get your cabbages here!" He stopped at the cabbage cart.

"Can I please have three."

"Sure thing Sir!"

Just as he received his parcel, he sensed a dangerous presence behind him. He turned around in time to see a body flying towards him. He moved away just in time and the person crashed into the cart.

"Nooo," shouted the merchant, "not my cabbages!"

A fight had begun in the market and was quickly turning into a battle royal. Feng gathered his things and made for the exit. The last thing he needed was for the guards to think he was involved. He went straight to the stables closest to the hospital and got his trusty mount, Kuai, the ostrich horse. From there he rode to the hospital.

"Is everything ready?" asked Yoi when she saw him enter the room.

"Yes. If you and June are ok, we can leave immediately."

*Giggles* "Our daughter is out cold. I doubt she will mind."

Feng smiled and proceeded to gather their things. Yoi followed him to where the carriage was. As Feng placed their things in the carriage Yoi went over to Kuai.

"Hi Kuai, long time no see. I want you to greet the newest member of the family, June."

The mount looked down at the sleeping baby and neighed.

Feng joined her. "I think he approves."

"You say that as if he had a choice."

From behind the couple, Naz spoke. "Leaving so soon?"

"Yes. We village people, love our clean air."

Yoi gave her husband a questioning look. "Who's we?"

"Did I say we? I….I meant…me." *Big Smile*

"I don't know what you saw in him Yoi," Naz said as she gave her a hug.

"Me neither."

"It's not too late to change your mind."

"Really?" *Big Teary Eyes*

"Of course. There are plenty of non-village men around."

"Please let me know when you find someone for me."

"I will." Both women started to wail and shed crocodile tears.

Feng wasn't amused. "You know am standing right here." After the women were done having their fun, he helped his wife onto the carriage and handed her the baby. He then turned to Naz and gave her a hug and thanked her for everything she had done.

"Just make sure you do everything to keep them safe and we can call it even."

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The sun had begun to set as Feng stopped the mount outside the house. Yoi's servant came out to greet and assist them. As they settled in, he realized that the firewood wouldn't last the night and so he went to fetch more. The cloudy night sky gave an ominous feeling as he returned. Instinctively he sensed the presence of a person standing in the shadows near his house.

"Who are you?" He asked loud enough for the person to hear but not loud enough to attract attention from the people inside or from his neighbours.

"Hello, Feng." A tall muscular figure stepped out of the shadows.

"Mawi! What do you want?"

"Took me a week to track you down my old friend." Feng remained silent. He had a stern look on his face.

"Oh, c'mon now. Don't give me that look. I just wanted to see how you were doing. Congratulations by the way. I see you are a dad now."

"Out with it Mawi."

"Ok, fine. I need you to join me on a hunt."

"Find someone else." Feng started walking towards the house.

"I would but we both know you are one of the best trackers around. The pay is good too."

"Am not interested."

Just as he walked past, Mawi spoke in a low dark tone. "You owe me."

"I owe you nothing." Feng replied. "You know the rules of the hunt. First come, first serve. And I got to the target first."

"You wouldn't have got that job if your weasel friend hadn't told you about it."

"Maybe you shouldn't have tried to kill him, and the rest of your crew. A greedy man will eventually walk alone."

Mawi burst with anger. "Who are you to tell me how to run my crew? Those weasels wouldn't even be alive if it wasn't for me."

"Gentlemen! Is everything okay here." A patrol unit had come around a corner. They found it strange that two men should be whispering in the road at night. When Mawi begun to shout, they felt like they had to intervene.

Mawi looked at the guards, then back to Feng, and then, he walked away.

"Hey you! Stop!"

"Its fine officer."

"Are you sure Feng?" one of them asked.

"Yeah, its fine." He lied.