[color=7bcdc8][center][h2]Huo[/h2][hr][/center][/color]

[color=darkkhaki]"If you know where our contact is, we need to go find her quick. Otherwise, we may want to leave town for a bit and return when things calm down."[/color]

"Shunon is likely finishing up a shift, so he's probably at the port. If you can't find him, I'm sure his sister or his friend know where he is, they all work for Old Man Bido over at the Knotweed Fishery."

Huo's blood ran cold as he listened to the bartender, putting together the pieces of where this Shunon probably was. The figure who had run out the tavern earlier probably had some kind of connection with him, and the sudden attention towards the fishery meant that things were bound to spark momentarily. Part of him wanted to just stay at that bar and continue playing his banjo, laughing and singing with the patrons. But a quick look to Ryschi and taking his former words into account, Huo knew now wasn't the time to sit around. He gave a nod of thanks, put his leaf hat on his head, and walked out the front door of the Black Eel Inn. He looked back to Ryschi briefly to mutter, [color=7bcdc8]"The storm is already here. Best we follow the tracks now 'fore they wash away."[/color]

As soon as he stepped outside, the chaos was already immediate. A stranger ran past, being called after by a couple soldiers shouting about a fugitive. Huo lowered his head slightly as they passed, not making eye contact with them. His fingers flexed reflectively, his body ready to call forth the nearby waters... but he restrained himself. The sight of an erected wall in the direction of the fishery and the sound of boulders crashing and the dull thuds of impacts captivated Huo's attention. He needed to do something. Anything.

So, Huo began to push against the dispersing crowd, finding himself getting pushed back with equal measure. He looked to his left, towards the shores upon which this fishing village was built, and an idea crept into his mind. He pushed himself laterally towards the docks, until he was at the edge near the water. He took a deep breath, lifted his hands into the air, and dove into the cold water. The shock was different than he was used to back home. It was much colder, and it stung his eyes. It wasn't nearly as bad as the water in the Southern Water Tribe, but this would suffice. While sinking into the water, Huo whirled his arms around himself, pulling the water underneath and behind him in a consistent motion. The water obeyed his commands, swirling and crashing around him. Within moments, Huo emerged in the open waters riding atop a wave. He rode it down the length of the docks, to the border of the wall. He briefly looked towards a young man in flowing blue and white attire, hoisting a large bag of rice in his arms. He didn't appear to be an aggressor.

Huo's eyes shifted up towards the 9 soldiers and the two figures that stood in opposition. The more aggressive of the two was familiar, a patron of the inn who had left in a hurry only moments ago. She seemed to be more akin to a local, and seemed to be holding her own. The other Huo only recognized as seeming to dress a little similarly to Ryschi... most likely a fellow air nomad. The small wave carrying the waterbender lapped up onto the dock enough to deposit Huo, where he stood with his arms at the ready in a defensive stance. His eyes scanned the fight, watching the various soldiers as he arrived.

The nearest soldier turned to face Huo, boulder already hovering in the air and ready for a strike. The soldier hesitated at the arrival of another interloper, and Huo spoke softly. [color=7bcdc8]"Woah... woah... I think things round here are getting a bit out of hand, feller. I'm sure we can talk things-"[/color]

A singular movement cut off Huo's attempt at diplomacy. He recognized the shift in stance from his last encounter with soldiers at the shore. His heartbeat shot up, and his body acted on instinct. Two quick motions, and water seeped up from behind Huo in a tendril-like whip. Huo took a step forward, flicking his arms towards the soldier. The whip obeyed the command, blasting the earth kingdom soldier in the chest and knocking him into his ass. On the inside, Huo's panicked heartbeat echoed inside his head. His breathing remained surprisingly steady, and Huo took a step backwards. He pulled his arms back, and the water returned and flowed through the air between his open hands. He moved his hands to keep the water contained and at the ready, turning his gaze towards the soldiers. His mind focused on the faces of the scared citizens he had been pushing against seconds ago. [color=7bcdc8]"Please... leave the people here alone. Is this really worth it?"[/color]