A new Journey

Disclaimer: I do not own avatar or any of the series characters only the ones I make up belong to me.


Chapter 8

Inn of the Crab, The Market Place and Moe

The market was packed with travelers, merchants, and if Bato suspected right thieves. He didn't expect to stay here long at all two days at the most. He would gather all the information he could about this port while he was here but when they came back through a year later he would spend a few extra days here just in case he missed some important information.

Before finding a Inn he wanted to shop for a few items, Bato and Katara had been to several shops, he bought all sorts of dried fish and fruits, a few pieces of heavier clothing and writing supplies.

As the day was winding down Bato stole a glance at Katara who was holding a small basket of groceries, she looked beautiful in even in a dirty market place. But he wasn't blind the day had worn on them. They both were tired and needed to bathe, also the sun was slowly setting and the last thing he wanted was to wander around at night.

“What a lovely backside on a women.”

Both turned to see who had made that statement, there only a few feet away was a short fat man, he had yellow skin and black teeth and his hair was an ashy black. He wore no shoes or a shirt only loose pants and was sucking on a raw fish head.

“Yes it is, and that back side will belong to me and only be touched by me. If you value the teeth you have left I suggested you keep your mouth shut and your eyes on the ground.” Bato said

The nasty little man had the nerve to look surprised, but he took heed to Bato's warning, turning on his heel he walked away disappearing into the night.

Katara had never heard Bato threaten anyone she was ready to defend herself against the man who disrespected her but Bato stepped in, she was truly appreciative.

“Thank you, you know you didn't have to do that.” she said

“What kind of husband would let his wife be disrespected.” he said with a grin

“I guess you right, and since your playing the part of my husband so well I'm cooking supper.” she said

“You've got a deal, now lets find an Inn.” Bato said

Shortly they found a merchant who was closing up his shop and asked for directions to the nearest Inn. By the time Katara and Bato had gotten to the Inn the merchant recommended it was very dark in that area of the town but lights still shone brightly from the inside. As they approached they noticed the Inn was heavily decorated with images of crabs.

From the outside it appeared to be very shaggy the wood was rotten, the paint was chipping, and there was a strong smell of dampness but when they walked threw the door everything in the hotel was as if it was brand new. The scent of honeysuckle wafted through the Inn, It was heavily decorated in earth kingdom colors and you could see the symbol of the crab every where.

Bato was never a man to be materialistic but tonight he was very happy to be staying in a very moderate inn instead of a hut or pitching a tent somewhere in the woods, which they would have to do when they start traveling on foot in two days.

They approached what appeared to be an empty desk, Before he or Katara could call out a young boy popped up in front of them so fast they both jumped slightly. The boy looked to be barely twenty but he had fine features, green eyes, a lean but toned body and smooth light brown hair and smooth skin.

“Welcome to Inn of the Crab, my name is..” but he was interrupted by an old bald man who wore a shirt and nothing else he had age spots all over his body and in his hands were crabs struggling to break free of his grasp.

“Toe you must hurry, come see the crabs dance!.” the old man said before turning to run out the Inn leaving only the sight of his backside in his wake
What in the gods is going on at this Inn? Bato thought he looked at Katara who had a strange look on her face.

“For the love of the gods grandpa my name is Moe, and cover yourself!” he said

“I'm sorry my grandfather has been acting strange for a while now but rest assure he is perfectly safe, now what can I do for you today?” Moe said

“We will be needing a room for only two nights, modest but spacious please.” Bato said

“We have a room that would fit your needs, and your name is Mr.?”

“Mr. Manipi and this is my wife Magena.” Bato said

Katara had to hold in her laughter at the silly name he had chosen for him self, but she wondered about the name he had chosen for her, it made her think about the painting in his bedroom on his ship or the poem her father had written for her mother all those years ago.

After Moe had all the information he needed he led them to the second floor and stopped two doors down from the stairs that led back down to the lobby area. He handed them both matching sets of silver keys and disappeared just as quickly as he had appeared down stairs in the lobby.

Katara had to wonder about the boy he could appear or disappear just as the young woman they met during the time of the war who worked for the agents in Ba Sing Se but he didn't look like that type of kid he probably had to be swift to meet the demands.

Bato opened the door and walked in thankfully there were safety candles already lit, he used them to lite the fireplace. The light danced around the room which was beautiful. It was green and gold very earth but small hints of blue could be seen in some of the furnishings.

There was a small sofa and chair, by the window was a desk set. The next room was a kitchen and dinning area combine and last was the bedroom the bed had green sheets and a blanket and off to the side was a small bath that was built into the ground.