Benders of the Oracle's Dagger

Suffering and Bad Deals.

Lapis wheezed softly. The pain he had been through was driving him nuts. He couldn't bend, so getting water to even just drink or heal himself wasn't an option for him. He simply sat in the cage, motionless, as he beared through the pain. Footsteps filled the air as he relaxed the best he could.

"Alright. It's time to get talking." Lapis ignored the words as he started passing out. An electric shock brought him out before he could. He yelped at the pain that reappeared. "Now!" Lapis huffed weakly as he fell asleep. He couldn't keep going. Nothing seemed to wake him as he rested from the pain.

???

A tall male stared down from his throne at two people as they bowed down.

"Where's my aura?"

"We are still looking for it, my lord. The prisoner is refusing to speak and is resisting our attempts." The female replied softly, but enough for the lord to hear.

"Hm... at least it's a better report than that of the border guard. They admitted to letting a group of four out of the border. At least you two are staying on your tasks. Excellent work, Lynn and Cynn." The duo nodded. "Send Carol to me. I need her magic."

"Yes, my lord." They spoke in unison before going out. A few minutes later, if even that, a tall woman came in and bowed. Her wizard robes gave away her description.

"You called for me?" He smiled.

"I have heard the aura has moved across the border. Can you reach out and allow me to talk to the ruler of the sector the aura is in?" She nodded.

"Of course, my lord."

???

A small female looked out from her castle as a screen appeared next to her. She hummed as she floated it in front of her and sighed.

"Lord Gelicant. What a surprise. What have you lost today?" He huffed.

"There has been a very powerful aura that has escaped my sector. I would appreciate it if you could find it and return it to the proper sector." The girl hummed as she looked out the window.

"Gelicant... you know what my answer is."

"No I don't. Please tell me." Her eyes hit the screen and flashed, making the connection crumble slightly.

"As the Lady of the Kithicor Sector, I will not allow you to take what has arrived. If the aura would rather be here than there, that would be its choice. I will find it, but it will return upon choice. We have different policies, Gelicant, and the same rank. You have no overrule against me, so back off." She huffed as she looked away. "Is there anything else?" He growled.

"Well at least you will find it. That means I can calm the cage." She paused.

"Excuse me?"

"I'm not going to tell you. Not unless you give me the aura." She raised an eyebrow.

"First of all, your dealmaking sucks. Second of all, I know you. What poor soul have you put into the cage of torture? Answer now or else the aura never is given the chance to leave." He quivered.

"Fine... I have a waterbender that refuses to cooperate with my generals. The name's Lapis." Her eyes flashed a cold color, shaking the connection.

"Yeah, deal's off. You aren't getting anything out of me. I have that kid's family in my sector. Have a good day and don't try anything." She waved her hand and the screen vanished. She snapped and the window turned into a doorway with a portal. "To the aura please."

???

Lapis faded as he watched the ceiling. He wouldn't be able to help anyone in this state. Sure, he'd live thanks to his training. But he wouldn't be able to do anything until he was able to recover and regain stability. He drifted off as he thought about his family and friends. They were safe, sure, but were they emotionally ok? He didn't have time to think much about it before the pain returned. He curled up into a ball and passed out.