《Burnt Lotus (LoK fanfic)》


 Chapter 1

    "For fuc- Deescalate, Korra!Deescalate!"


    Korra ignored Xing and leapt onto Naga''s back, and the polar bear dog quickly outpaced the pursuing metalbenders. She didn''t know why the supposed law enforcers of Republic City wanted to arrest her for doing her job, but Korra was determined not to get caught. For now, she needed to get to Air Temple Island, where hopefully Tenzin could help clear up the misunderstanding.


    It was an aborted hope as metal cables from an airship in the skies wrapped around Naga''s leg mid-jump, and then more cables bound the Avatar to put an end to the chase.


    Korra tasted the beginnings of despair as she sat in the interrogation cell of the police force''s headquarters. Especially after her harsh, unforgiving interrogator revealed herself not only to be the person in charge, but also to share a bond.


    "Wait, Beifong? Lin Beifong? You''re Toph''s daughter!"


    The captain barely reacted. "What of it?"


    "Well then why are you treating me like a criminal? Avatar Aang and your mother were friends, they saved the world together."


    Infuriatingly, the words didn''t take on Lin. "That''s ancient history." Ancient history? Korra blinked in confusion, briefly wondering if things in Republic City had gotten so bad that it addled the mind of the daughter of the famed Toph Beifong. "And it''s got diddly squat with the mess you are in right now! You can''t just waltz in here and dole out vigilante justice like you own the place!"


    Tenzin''s arrival half-saved Korra from her predicament, but her heart also dropped at his cold announcement that she''d be sent back to the South Pole. Her attempts at persuading him fell on deaf ears¡­at first. But thankfully, Tenzin came around on that very night, just moments away from Korra boarding the ship back home in shame.


    "I have done my best to guide Republic City towards the dream my father had for it. But you are right, it has fallen out of balance since he passed. I thought I should put off your training in order to uphold his legacy¡­ But you are his legacy. You may stay and train airbending here with me. Republic City needs its Avatar once again."


    Korra didn''t hide her relief and gratitude, and the elation she felt at that moment was unsurpassed. Yet, even as she hugged Tenzin and his kids tightly with all the appreciation in the world, something nagged at the back of her head. As if she was missing something¡­


    Only when a small boat docked by the Air Temple Island''s lone pier, and a bedraggled but familiar face dragged himself out, did Korra shamefully realize what that something¡­or rather, someone¡­was.


    She let go of Tenzin''s family and turned to her minder with a weak smile. "Oh¡­hey, Xing. Um¡­sorry I left you back there?"


    The firebender gave her his trademark blank stare. Instead of responding to her, Xing turned to the White Lotus members standing by their ship''s boarding ramp and bowed deeply. "I apologize for my negligence," he intoned ritualistically, and Korra found herself almost reciting the words herself as they left his lips. "I will strive to better improve upon my duties as the Avatar''s guardian."


    And just as before, Korra quickly cut in before Xing could break into the full, remorseful recital. "None of that again," she said as she walked over to the White Lotus group. "I stopped Xing from heading back to snitch on me," she said confidently. "So that''s why he''s here."


    Korra''s confidence faltered the moment she glanced at the unamused Xing and his blank stare. "Uh¡­well, he''s here now?"


    The boy relented with a sigh and a shake of his head, and returned his attention to his superiors. "Please do not be too harsh on the Avatar for her¡­reckless actions. I promise that our trip back to the South Pole will be-"


    "Uh, Xing?" Korra interrupted, and thankfully he stopped. "I''m not going back."


    Her tutor and minder was silent for a few seconds, and then looked over her shoulder to a mildly confused Tenzin who managed to nod at the unasked question. And then Xing sighed again before he looked to the other White Lotus members. "I suppose I''ll be staying here too?"


    Korra saw them exchange subtle glances before nodding as one. But while she smiled at the fact of having another familiar and friendlier face around in this foreign land, Xing, pessimistic as ever, was far from enthused.


    "Per-keh-fookin-ley. Could I at least request an immediate bump to my allowance since city life''s going to cost a lot more?"


    *****?


    Lin was woman enough to admit she probably stewed in her thoughts a bit too much as Tenzin left with the Avatar. She didn''t see them off, and instead found the next pile of work to focus her attention and banish away her irritation at the latest development involving Tenzin.


    Which made it all the more embarrassing (though few would see that) when a sergeant popped into her office to inform her that the Avatar''s companion was still in a holding cell.


    The Avatar''s other companion, who had surrendered much earlier than the Avatar, who Lin had forgotten in her annoyance at Korra and Tenzin.


    "Fuck."


    What made it worse was that the boy was the complete opposite of Korra. Based on witness reports, the White Lotus agent, Xing, tried to stop the fight with the thugs with words, and received a punch to the guts for his efforts. That in turn set the Avatar off.


    The metalbenders at the scene made it a point to note that Xing also tried but failed to convince Korra to stand down, and after she tried to flee, he quietly turned himself over to the police. The sergeant in charge also noted that Xing was muttering a string of nonsensical words under his breath, most likely swear words. Considering that he showed no signs of hostility as he was apprehended, perhaps the words were directed at the Avatar instead?


    That was an amusing thought.


    Lin personally headed for the Xing''s cell and found a boy no older than Korra sitting on the bed with unmistakable Fire Nation features in the dirtied attire of the White Lotus, sans the cowl. He stared at her with amber eyes and gave a single nod in greeting. "Officer. How may I help you?"


    He was polite and reserved, far too much so compared to the impulsive Avatar that he supposedly tagged along with.


    "You''re Xing?"


    Xing nodded again as he got up. "White Lotus Initiate Xing, assigned as the Avatar''s minder." He sketched a formal bow, managing to look fully composed and dignified despite his current state and surroundings. "I bear full responsibility for not keeping Avatar Korra in check as I was tasked with. On behalf of my order, I apologize for the Avatar''s¡­inappropriate behavior."


    Articulate and well spoken, though his words sounded mechanical, as if he had them stored up for repeated use. That brought up a rather interesting picture.


    "If you''ll allow me, I can contact the local branch to obtain compensation for all those affected by the¡­incident."


    Lin shook her head. "No need." She bended the metal door open. "You''re free to leave. Tenzin''s claimed responsibility for the Avatar''s mess and will be taking her out of the city."


    The way Xing froze was almost comical. He stared widely at her for a few seconds, as if searching for something. Then he blinked, and his shoulders slumped. "Ko- Avatar Korra¡­overlooked my presence here, didn''t she?"


    That''s a nice way of putting it. Lin winced even as she nodded. "Sorry. I got too¡­engaged in dealing with them that I also forgot until just now. Please accept my apologies, on behalf of Republic City''s police force."


    More heavy silence, and then Xing sighed defeatedly. There was definitely something rather bleak about his ties with Korra. "If you do not mind, officer, how long has it been since the Avatar left?"


    Still restrained, still polite. A shame he''s White Lotus and not a prospective recruit. "About an hour ago."


    "To Air Temple Island?"


    Lin nodded. Rather impressively, Xing didn''t leave the cell immediately, opting to bow instead. "Thank you. If I may impose on you some more, could you tell me what is the best way to get there? And if it''ll be possible with¡­" He checked his pockets, and made an annoyed noise. "No yuans?"


    Keeping a sharp enough situational awareness when most people would be glad of just getting out of the building. A pity that a calm and collected head like his was rendered useless by a reckless Avatar.


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    "The ferry to the island''s just down the main road, and will likely be free of charge for those of the Order of the White Lotus," Lin assured, but then she saw how the sunlight was turning orange outside and felt more pity for the boy. "Though I''m not sure what time is its last call."


    Still Xing remained in his cell. "I¡­see. Thank you for your help, officer. If you don''t mind¡­"


    Lin nodded, and only then did the White Lotus boy step out and hurriedly walked out of the building. She picked up more nonsense words as he calmly rushed out, and decided to chalk it up as an occupational hazard from working with the Avatar. "Poor kid''s got his work cut out for him."


    She genuinely wished him all the best, though that sentiment didn''t manifest in the slightest as Xing just managed to cross the street when a moped turned a corner and slammed into him to send him tumbling.


    *****?


    In hindsight Asami shouldn''t have taken that blind turn so quickly. She just managed to skid to a stop to avoid running the man over, though considering that he was sent sprawling several yards by the impact, the alternative barely seemed any better.


    She quickly got out of her moped to see to her unintended victim''s condition. A few bystanders also began to move in to help. With her adrenaline fuelling her worry, Asami barely registered the significance of the man''s robes. "Oh no! I''m s-"


    To everyone''s surprise, the man stood back up with a foreign curse and brushed himself off. He barely gave her a glance. He was younger than she thought. "Sorry ''bout that. My fault. Please report to the White Lotus office for compensation. I''m sorry, but I''m in a hurry."


    White Lotus?


    And then he began to limp off with surprising speed.


    "W-Wait!"


    He didn''t slow in the slightest, and Asami''s guilt led her to return to her moped and drive after him. She brought her vehicle to a stop in front of him to make sure she got his attention.


    The man seemed too distracted by his pain, but he remained annoyingly polite. "I''m sorry, ma''am, but I really must-"


    "Where are you headed?" Asami cut him off. "Look, you''re too hurt to walk, let alone run. At least let me make it up to you and take you where you''re headed." She''ll pay for his medical bills later, obviously.


    He paused for a second in thought before eyeing her in a peculiar way. It was an entirely cold and calculative gaze, one that she rarely got from people her age. "Thank you," he finally agreed with a weary nod.


    "Hop on."


    It was only as he did so that Asami finally picked out some details. His robes were disheveled and suffered some slight tearing here and there. His face, though locked in a grimace, showed no further signs of damage, though the unkempt hair on top was clearly singed at certain spots.


    Considering that the police headquarters was just behind them, did he run into trouble?


    Also, there were White Lotus members as young as her? She always thought that you had to be of a certain age to be a full member.


    The moped rocked a little as it supported his weight, and Asami glanced over her shoulder. "So, where to?"


    "The ferry to Air Temple Island, please," her passenger answered tightly.


    "Right. Hang on tight." Asami noted how he did so by immediately holding onto the bars behind the moped. It was mildly noteworthy; most people first asked where they should hold onto. A few ambitious idiots used it as an excuse to put their hands where they shouldn''t be.


    They took off in silence after that, at least for a few awkward seconds. Asami broke first. "I''m Asami. Sorry again for that. It was honestly my fault for going that fast."


    "Xing," he replied. "It''s alright, I''ve had worse."


    Asami would''ve chalked his reply down to male bravado, except that the tone he said it implied that he was being truthful. "You don''t say?"


    "Bending practice¡­"


    Right, those can be nasty in the wrong situations¡­ But she didn''t expect the White Lotus training regime to be that harsh.


    Xing let out a soft grunt, and then Asami almost swerved her bike into another crash when she heard something snap behind her.


    "Are you-"


    "I''m fine," he answered, clearly untruthfully. "Just¡­aligning the bones¡­"


    Knowing that he''ll be kicking up a troublesome fuss if she took a turn to the doctor now, Asami kept her eyes on the road and continued on towards the ferry station. Seconds after hearing the snapping of bones, she was sure she felt heat radiating from behind her, washing against the back of her neck.


    "Are you sure you''re alright?"


    "Yeah, don''t worry about me." And this time, he actually did sound better. Asami decided not to think about it too much just yet.


    They reached the station right as the last of the evening sun was going out, and Xing was clearly dismayed at finding that he''d have to wait for the operator to be back from dinner. But even in that state, he was clearly doing his best to maintain his composure, muttering a few words Asami didn''t understand as he looked about the docks for an alternative transport.


    At least he was standing straighter now. In fact, he was barely limping at all, and if not for his clothes and the dirt, Xing could look like nothing had happened to him at all. Probably some secret White Lotus healing technique?


    And, now that the adrenaline''s worn fully off and Asami got to reprioritize her attention, she found herself noticing more details about him. Like how underneath his calm facade, Xing was wound up tightly, likely from whatever he was hurrying towards. He was also not so engrossed in his mission to fail to formally thank her for the ride.


    "My thanks, Miss Asami, for your time and consideration."


    Xing was also being too polite. Asami was all-too familiar with that tone. He was someone either at the bottom-most rung of the organizational ladder, or was saddled with a high-stress task that was subject to volatile feedback from superiors.


    She saw Xing walk off towards a returning fisherman, and now that she knew what to look for, Asami saw how his composure warped and bent under roiling emotions. There was a twitch on his brow, his hands clenched and unclenched out of sight, his feet shifted in and out of a combative stance¡­ He was having a bad day, and her almost crashing into him probably didn''t help matters.


    Seeing the conversation ending with Xing slumped in defeat, Asami decided to butt in and walk over to Xing. "Everything ok?"


    "I''ll¡­have to wait for a bit, it seems."


    Asami nodded over to the fisherman. "He''s not taking any passengers?"


    "Not any who can''t pay," Xing replied sheepishly and a tad bit defensively. He was broke, she realized.


    Did he get mugged or something?


    Frowning at the whole situation, Asami walked over to the puzzled fisherman and didn''t bother negotiating for a price. She asked how much he was charging, paid the requested sum, and headed over to Xing to deliver the good news. The look of surprise on his face was highly satisfying, though she could have done without his deep bow of gratitude.


    "My sincerest thanks, Miss Asami."


    "Please, Asami''s fine." She paused for a moment to deal with a sudden whisper in the back of her head, and then gave him a speculative look. "You''ll be back in the city soon, I hope? I still owe you a medical checkup at the very least."


    "You''re being too kind m- Asami." Huh. His smile wasn''t too bad when it wasn''t so forced. "I''ll be fine, I assure you. And the little accident is already cast away from my thoughts."


    Yeah, his courtesy was most definitely a defense mechanism. Did the White Lotus use scapepuma-goats?


    "But to answer your question, I don''t expect to be back in this city anytime soon." He paused, and from his posture Asami knew the next words to leave his mouth would be lies. "Still, it was nice¡­experiencing this city, for however short my visit here was."


    So he was mugged then. Ran into the triads or Equalists, perhaps.


    She watched him leave with the fisherman, and found it a damned shame that it''d be the last she''d see of Xing.


    Which was why Asami was most pleasantly surprised to see him the next day, standing stoically beside Councilman and Airbending Master Tenzin on stage while Avatar Korra gave a rousing speech to the city. He looked good in a clean uniform, though the cowl hid his hair and obscured the top of his face. She''ll have to find the chance to pester him later.

 Chapter 2

    With Korra staying in Air Temple Island, some changes inevitably followed. The most obvious of which - other than having the Avatar around - was the increased White Lotus presence. Jinora didn''t mind them around, the extra sentries didn''t interfere with daily life much. Besides, they were all respectful and helped chipped in with the many chores on the island, which meant there was less of a chance for her to be roped in.


    And among the scores of White Lotus now staying on the island, the most curious one was the youngest member of the order who seemed to serve as Korra''s shadow.


    Jinora had only seen Xing a few times in the South Pole, and even then, he usually kept back at a distance or quickly left to leave her family with Korra and Gran-Gran. Now that he was here and couldn''t hide anywhere, Jinora curiously watched as the mysterious Xing did whatever his job was.


    Which involved a lot of standing at a distance from Korra for some reason.


    "I have been tasked as Avatar Korra''s minder," he had explained when her father finally asked. Mom had practically forced him to join them at the dinner table for breakfast, and Jinora found his extremely polite expression and manners to be weird. He bowed his head a little as he elaborated. "Initially, I was assigned to aid in tutoring her in firebending. However¡­I¡­my teaching methods were not suitable for her."


    It was equally weird how Korra snorted and rolled her eyes. "Clearly." She swept her gaze across the whole curious table (well, except for Meelo who was still gorging his food). "Xing''s lessons were all ''read this'' and ''understand that'', and the firebending he tried to teach was¡­painful."


    "My methodology was flawed, so I was replaced," he added smoothly, not perturbed by Korra''s words. "But in the masters'' wisdom, they found that I had potential in being Korra''s...aide."


    "He''s a snitch for them, basically," Korra simplified without any heat in her words. "Though admittedly, he''s handy in a lot of circumstances."


    It was only then that Jinora saw a crack in Xing''s placid expression. A twitch of annoyance. "Quite. Like trying to explain your interference to the local metalbending police."


    Korra''s head shrunk into her shoulders a bit as she gave an awkward chuckle. "Right. Like that. Heh¡­"


    "Or being left to negotiate compensation after you scuttled a fishing boat."


    "I mean-"


    "How''d she do that?" Ikki asked, eyes wide with curiosity. Xing gave her an almost serene smile even as Korra tried but failed to stop him from opening his mouth.


    "She was trying to cook the fish she caught on the boat. Her firebending was¡­unrefined back then."


    "It was a one time thing, okay," a flustered Korra cut in too late.


    "The boat, yes. As for-"


    "Okay! You''ve gotten me out of a lot of trouble, okay?"


    Xing''s face remained expressionless, but there was a sense of smug triumph coming from him nonetheless.


    Jinora shared her father''s apprehension, at least judging from how his eyes narrowed a little while watching the exchange.


    Xing was then with Korra as she made her attempt with the airbending gates, standing just far enough away that he was barely noticed.


    It didn''t stop Jinora from seeing him sigh as Korra tried and failed to pass through the rotating structures a couple of times.


    And Korra noticed too, throwing him a glare as she rubbed her forehead. "You got something to say, Xing?"


    "Nothing of value," Xing replied blandly, in a manner that sounded too rehearsed, too often repeated.


    "Yeah?" Korra squinted at him. "No ''useful insights'' into how I can proceed, or ''helpful tips''?" The tone of voice she was using sounded rather weird to Jinora. It was like they were arguing over an old topic.


    The White Lotus observer shrugged lightly. "You''ve made it clear before that my advice is irrelevant."


    "Now Korra-" Tenzin tried to interrupt, but that seemed to touch a nerve, because Korra almost growled out her next words.


    "Then why don''t you show me how it''s done?"


    "I probably can''t; I''m a defective firebender after all, and this is an airbender''s training course," came the smooth reply, though the words gave Jinora a spike of curiosity.


    Defective?


    Korra continued to glare at Xing for a few seconds before he let out a resigned sigh and turned to Jinora''s father.


    "Master Tenzin, if I might request your permission to make an attempt?"


    He glanced at a Korra who could be waterbending with how cold her stare at Xing was, and then back at Xing, before nodding. "Please be careful."


    "Thank you." Xing gave a bow before calmly walking towards the airbending gates. As her father sent the gates spinning again with a gust of wind, Jinora watched the White Lotus guard pick up a fallen leaf and then stare at the audibly spinning relic.


    "So?" Korra asked with impatience. And maybe some annoyance


    Xing let out another sigh. "As I said before Korra, a second of observation often beats a minute of reckless action." He then glanced down at the leaf between his fingers. "Be like the leaf¡­?" And then the leaf began to smolder, and Xing gently let it take off towards the gates. The trail of smoke it left as it was dragged into the roiling winds was pretty, almost mesmerizing. How that was meant to help Xing was beyond Jinora''s guess, but dad was giving his thinking squint again, which meant¡­something.


    "Fire is often direct, but fire can also sway and flow." Xing''s tone became a lecturing monotone as he slipped into a crouch Jinora was sure she hadn''t seen in any White Lotus firebender before. From behind him, Korra gave an exasperated scoff. "What fire cannot burn, it finds a way around."


    He darted forwards suddenly, following after the fading smoke trail and slipping cleanly between two gates at just the right time, but then just as quickly leapt back out right as the gates beyond them almost swiped him.


    "Mistimed that¡­" he muttered before surging out again, slipping between the gates as the openings presented themselves and sticking close to the spinning devices when no such openings were found, and skipping off when he could. That he could keep up with the spinning panels was impressive enough.


    He was quick and almost skittish, but not fluid like Jinora''s or her father''s airbending movements. He moved¡­like smoke, she realized, its lazy pattern jerking about from the lightest gust. Xing rushed forwards just as quickly as he leapt back, and it made him look indecisive.


    But it worked.


    It took longer than Jinora''s worse attempts, but Xing did eventually make it across the spinning gates without another thunk of impact. He walked around the obstacle to rejoin them and bowed. "I hope that is not too poor an attempt."


    Jinora saw how annoyed Korra was, and before her father could offer any congratulations the Avatar was stomping towards the still-spinning gates.


    "Perhaps we should take a break," he quickly chimed in to stop her from running straight at the wooden panels again.


    They tried meditation after that, but Jinora immediately had low expectations when she saw the different ways Korra''s and Xing''s faces twitched. Jinora''s eyes were closed and her mind had slipped into the comfortingly familiar trance, but the edges of her senses still picked up on the fact that Korra barely lasted a few seconds the moment she sat down. Even Meelo tried longer before he defaulted to falling asleep way back when.


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    "Yeah, it''s not sinking in yet, I''m gonna-"


    Korra''s words were cut off by something, and she sighed heavily. "Fine, fine. I''ll try again."


    The Avatar lasted far longer this time, maybe even half a minute, but then Jinora absently felt a faint wash of air as Korra quickly rose up. "Argh, my legs are falling asleep!"


    "Korra¡­"


    "Look, I tried alright? Xing, you know how my legs are!"


    Preoccupied in the tranquility of her own mind, Jinora felt the urge to open her eyes and turn to Korra try and fail to get its claws into her being. Instead, she continued to listen with detachment.


    Really.


    "Korra, please give Master Tenzin''s lessons a chance and take them seriously."


    "I am taking them seriously."


    Xing let out a weary sigh. "Then stop making excuses."


    "Ugh, fine!" Korra descended into a stream of mutterings that slowly tapered off to silence.


    "Thank you, Xing." A small part of Jinora felt surprised at how grateful her father sounded. "Would you care to join us?"


    "I must decline the offer, Master Tenzin. Preparations must be made."


    "Preparations?"


    Preparations?


    They found out what that meant when maybe a minute later, Korra broke from her meditation again. "My throat''s parched, I''m-"


    "Here you go, Korra."


    "Thank you, Xing," came her dry response, probably said through gritted teeth. "You''re a lifesaver." Silence returned, as she presumably was forced to return to meditating.


    And then Korra complained about her sore legs, and Xing provided a cushion to ease her discomfort. When she commented that the air was too chilly, a blanket was offered to her. When she said she forgot something, Xing had said trinket with him, reassuring Korra that he was looking after it.


    It lasted for a while before Jinora heard her father exasperatedly call for another break.


    Only after her meditation did Jinora fully appreciate how defeated and annoyed Korra looked, and how it seemed that Xing had fully anticipated all of her requests, and even more besides. The former was draped in a thin blanket and sat on a rather plush cushion, with a flask and a small plate of half-eaten candies by her side. Whereas on Xing''s end, several items were piled up beside him, including an umbrella, a few small sacks, a scroll and a comb.


    Xing caught Jinora''s amazed look and shrugged lightly as Korra trudged past him in a drone of unpleasant grumbling. "I was responsible for teaching her the finer details of firebending before I became her minder," he explained a bit too nonchalantly. "My teaching methods were inadequate, but I did pick up some tips."


    "Aren''t you too young to be a teacher?" Ikki immediately cut in without any grace or subtlety. "Is that why you couldn''t teach her?"


    "Ikki!"


    "It''s no big deal, Master Tenzin." Xing gave Ikki a smile and a shrug to show that he meant it. "It probably was, in hindsight. But presumably the Lotus Masters thought with my¡­atypical firebending, I might be able to offer Korra a different insight into the spiritual side of firebending."


    "So, Korra''s not cut out for meditating?"


    "Ikki!"


    "It would require¡­some effort," Xing replied a bit too politely. "But I''m sure that you would be the best authority in such matters, Master Tenzin. Korra herself is confident of your abilities."


    His face fell into a frown for a fraction of a second, so fast that Jinora thought she''d imagined it. "Though if I may be so bold, the¡­distractions offered in Republic City might be a challenge. And Korra does not¡­does not perform optimally in overly restricted environments."


    Her father slumped with a heavy sigh. "So I see. Thank you, Xing."


    A loud thunk sounded off in the distance, followed by a roar of outrage. Jinora shared worried looks with her father, but Xing once again shrugged. "That''d be Korra trying the airbending gates again. If I could suggest that you give her some time to vent before you comfort her, Master Tenzin. Maybe avoid mentioning that the lessons would take time; she is keenly aware of that already, however¡­impatient she might be. Perhaps emphasize that her lessons are not part of a race, and she isn''t being judged on how fast she takes to airbending."


    Jinora''s father glanced off to the distance before giving Xing a nod. "I''ll¡­be sure to note that. Thank you once more, Xing."


    The White Lotus minder gave a shallow bow. "My presence would be detrimental to her mood for a while. I''ll remain out of her sight for the rest of the day."


    Jinora and Ikki ended up blinking at each other, and then turning their awed looks at Xing. He really had Korra figured out.


    "Did you get all of that when you were teaching her?" Ikki inevitably asked once their father left to see to Korra.


    Xing shook his head. "Ah, not directly. They are merely observations of what Master Katara said to reassure Korra when my initial attempts at tutoring failed."


    "But Korra didn''t continue?" Jinora had to ask.


    "It was agreed that my lessons were likely incompatible with Korra," Xing answered, looking not at all resentful or annoyed. "Though I suppose I must''ve performed to some adequacy, considering I was¡­promoted to her minder right after that."


    He didn''t seem all too happy about that last part.


    Jinora glanced off to the side, spying her father and Korra walking side by side, the latter looking far less tense than when she left just now and nodding solemnly to whatever it was Tenzin was saying. She watched them enter the temple before looking back to Xing. "So you''ll really stay away from Korra for the rest of the day?"


    "I''ll be out of sight," he corrected with a wan smile. "I''ll still be watching over her, as my duty requires. Just less obviously."


    "You really take your job seriously, huh?" Ikki asked, rocking on her heels.


    "It would be disgraceful if I didn''t," came his reply as he began moving, but paused to look at the still sleeping Meelo. "Should I help you carry your brother back in?"


    "It''s fine," both Jinora and Ikki answered without hesitation. Jinora offered an embarrassed look. "It''s the only time he stays still during the day¡­he could use the time to relax." And so could mom and everyone else.


    Leaving their brother to his meditative sleep, the sisters followed Xing back to the temple, where he easily melted into the shadows while they joined their father in raising Korra''s spirits up.


    True to his word, Xing could barely be seen throughout the rest of the day. It took some effort for Jinora to notice him standing dutifully behind the doorway or out in the halls, though Korra begrudgingly accepted his company when mother insisted that he join them for dinner.


    Lessons continued the next day as if nothing had happened, though Jinora had to admit that Korra still made little progress. At least she was less disruptive when she failed to meditate, settling on disgruntled huffs instead making comments about the weather or her cramps or other such things.

 Chapter 3

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    <div>


    "Miss Asami."


    "Just Asami," she reminded him as she easily slipped in and joined him at the table. "Hope you don''t mind?"


    "Not at all, Asami," he easily replied. "My thanks for your aid the other day."


    Asami almost rolled her eyes, nearly forgetting how he defaulted to being too polite. "Please, I''m the one in the wrong back then. It barely makes up for the accident."


    "And yet, if not for you and your transport, I''d probably have to swim over to Air Temple Island."


    She couldn''t help scoffing at Xing''s casual praise. "Well, if you put it that way¡­" He gave a nod with a more sincere, grateful smile, and then went back to eating. Interestingly, the silence that settled didn''t feel too awkward. Still, she didn''t want to let it linger for too long.


    "So, I thought you''d have left Republic City by now?" Asami teased lightly, earning a deprecating grin from Xing after quietly gulping down his food.


    "Unfortunately, circumstances have changed."


    "The Avatar?"


    Xing nodded, and it wasn''t hard to miss the irritation in his gesture.


    "You''re her bodyguard or something?" Asami hazarded a guess, and the frown that flashed across his face was curious indeed.


    "Or something," he echoed in his flat, diplomatic voice.


    Asami rested her chin on one hand. "You know, most people would be gushing at such a posting," she couldn''t help ribbing.


    And as expected, Xing reverted back to his polite persona and nodded. "Of course, I am grateful for the chance to serve in such a prestigious capacity." The false smile he offered almost sold the act, however now that she knew what to look out for, Asami only saw how hollow the gratitude was.


    "But¡­?"


    Xing stared at her for a moment, and then let out a soft sigh. "But I would be lying if I said that my task is not taxing."


    "You must be really busy," Asami ventured, easily pretending that the people in the tables around her weren''t badly pretending to ignore a conversation that involved the Avatar. Xing likely was aware of it as well, judging from how stiffly his eyes remained on his bowl.


    "Enough to occupy me. I''m just finished with an errand, after this I''ll be headed back."


    "Ah, that''s a shame," Asami offered. "I was hoping you''d have some time for me to repay you for my earlier recklessness. No chance of a day off?"


    Xing''s reply came with a worn, apologetic smile. "I am flattered for your attention, truly. But it would be cruel of me to allow you to keep at this."


    Asami blinked.


    Xing placed his bowl and chopstick down before continuing. "I am grateful for your kindness, Asami, and your interest. But I am nobody of worth. I hold nothing to my name and my time is fully occupied by my¡­profession." He let out a heavy sigh. "If circumstances were different, I''d be more than happy to attempt to make something of this, but¡­"


    "But?" she couldn''t help whisper.


    "But it''d be unfair to you, and the attention you''d be investing." His smile became tighter. "Besides, an heiress of your station shouldn''t have to lower her standards."


    Now it was Asami''s turn to sigh. The self-deprecation was quickly losing its amusement. "You''re giving yourself too little credit, Xing. You should see some of the people I have to deal with."


    "Nevertheless, it would be unkind and unfair of me to-"


    Asami cut him off with a chopping motion from one hand. "I get it," she muttered with annoyance, masking the surprising sting of rejection. She let out a sigh, and then gave a look at Xing''s bowl of rice and couldn''t help feeling some horror.


    "That''s all you''re eating?"


    The flat look he gave her in turn was almost comical. "My funds are still limited, and dinner back at the temple will make up for whatever this lacks."


    Asami couldn''t help smirk at how defensive he sounded. She whipped around to call for service, and then ordered in a couple of dishes and her own bowl of rice.


    "You really shou-"


    "I''m hungry too," she cut in with a bright grin. "Besides, it''s better to enjoy lunch with friends, am I right?"


    The triumph she felt at seeing his shy, resigned smile was almost sublime.


    They enjoyed a comfortable silence as they ate. Beyond the insistence that Xing actually ate more than just white rice. Asami would put off further attempts for today. Seeing Xing relaxed like this was good enough an achievement for now. She could be patient, and contrary to how he presented himself, Asami had a feeling that he was very much worth looking into.


    Maybe she could find a job to offer him if he disliked his current one so much?


    *****?


    "I see you made yourself a friend," Korra teased with a wide grin as Xing finally left the eatery and parted ways with the pretty young lady.


    "Aren''t you supposed to be at the police station?" came the reply, completely glossing over the remark.


    Korra shrugged, casually patting Naga who was panting happily beside her. "Already been there." She saw the look starting to form and rolled her eyes. "Relax, I apologized to Chief Lin properly, just like you asked me to. Tenzin''s still back there, catching up with her. Told us to go on ahead."


    He had an air bison with him anyway, so it wasn''t like he''d have any problems with ferries.


    Xing heaved with a soft sigh, and began walking. Korra followed along, her grin returning. "So¡­you didn''t answer my question¡­"


    "You made an observation, not asked a question," the dour wet towel replied.


    If anything, it only enhanced Korra''s amusement. And hope.


    "You know, you could come over to Republic City more often. Take a break to meet her? I''ll be more than happy to leave you to your free time¡­"


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Xing paused mid-stride and gave an unamused glare. "And I can trust you to actually stay on the island and keep to your airbending training?" Before Korra could nod, the boy had to bring up that incident again. "I won''t have to hurry over to put out a fire in the docks?"


    "Oh come on, Xing! That was just the one time!" She didn''t expect whale blubber to be that flammable¡­or that the whole block was coated in the stuff.


    "It is still the reason why I cannot just leave you be. That, and the time when you commandeered a boat."


    Korra bit back a reply, knowing that it was pointless to try reasoning with Xing over things like this. The guy really likes to bring up old issues as if it was relevant in the present. She''d learned her lesson already, she''s growing as a person!


    "Anyway, we should be heading back to Air Temple Island."


    Of course. Korra sighed. "Xing, you really don''t have a sense of adventure, do you? We''re in Republic City! There''s lots of sights to see, people to befriend¡­"


    "Trouble to pull you out of."


    Urgh. Spoilsport.


    "You''re here to master airbending, not go sightseeing. If Master Tenzin is occupied, you can pick up pointers from Jinora."


    As Korra tried not to roll her eyes, Xing fixed her with an exasperated look.


    "Look, Korra. The faster you learn airbending, the faster you get to go out into the world as a fully fledged Avatar, and you can then enjoy Republic City as much as you want."


    That was true¡­ "But all that meditation," she groaned.


    "Meditation serves a point to focus yourself," Xing lectured as he began walking, easily balancing the paper bags filled with groceries in his arms. Damnit, she got him going again.


    Korra let out a silent groan, not wanting to get stuck in another lecture throughout the journey back home. They passed several stalls, and at least this time they had the money for her to buy a few sticks of grilled meat and candy. Xing didn''t even lecture her about the dangers of wasting money, which was a consolation at least.


    It was only as the ferry landed back on Air Temple Island that Korra realized that Xing had still evaded her earlier ques- observation.


    Well, too bad for him. Now it meant there were other people to pester him about it. She made sure to ask again right as he entered the kitchen with Pema present.


    "So¡­you still never told me about that pretty lady you met, Xing."


    As expected, Pema perked up and smiled at Xing. "Oh, you''ve made a friend Xing? That''s nice."


    Ignoring the glare he gave her, Korra prodded on. "Yeah, but he''s being stingy about it and not sharing the details."


    The boy gave a drawn out sigh before replying. "She is an acquaintance, one that I met while trying to catch the ferry when you forgot about me on our first day here, Korra."


    Oh. Korra cringed at the reminder of her¡­oversight, and had the decency to shrink back with guilt and embarrassment.


    "If not for her assistance, I would have to swim my way across."


    "She sounds like a good person," Pema remarked approvingly.


    Pushing aside her shame, Korra nodded. "Yeah. And it''s rare to see Xing make friends, so I was thinking that I get him some free time so he can try catching up with his¡­acquaintance."


    "That''s a wonderful and thoughtful idea, Korra. I''ll be sure to talk to Tenzin, to see if we can come up with something."


    The beaming smile from Pema not only increased the chances of this working, but it also vindicated Korra''s decision in the first place. She was being considerate, and that it came along with being free of Xing''s overly perceptive attention was just a convenient bonus.


    Not that Xing appreciated it. "Really, it is a non-issue. I have my duties¡­"


    The pregnant woman frowned with genuine concern, knocking Xing off his defensive stance. "You shouldn''t be working all the time, Xing. A young man like you should enjoy life a little. Korra''s safe here, I''m sure Tenzin will be more than happy to arrange something for you."


    "But-"


    "What''s going on?" came the eagerly curious voice of Ikki, and Korra grinned ferally as the girl and her sister stepped into the kitchen.


    The Avatar put on a disinterested voice as she quickly answered. "Oh, nothing. We''re just figuring out how to give Xing some free time so that he can meet up with his new lady friend."


    The glare she received from him was worth it, as the youngest of the sisters focused on Xing with glee.


    "Ooh, Xing''s got a girlfriend? That sooo cute!" Ikki began skipping towards him, her smile bright and devious. "Who is she? Is she pretty? Is she a firebender or an earthbender? Did you save her from robbers with your White Lotus training? Did you-"


    "Ikki dear, that''s enough," Pema gently interrupted, putting an end to the barrage of questions. "Leave Xing to make his friends as he wishes. I''m sure he''s a good judge of character."


    "Thank you," the boy groaned and then made to leave the kitchen, but paused as Jinora took up half of the exit. She gave him a wry grin, and seemed about to say something, but then settled for grinning wider before stepping aside. Xing for his part just nodded gratefully before leaving.


    With him out of the room, the number of interesting topics for the day dwindled. Or it would have, if not for how easy it was to stoke the curiosity of the girls. Korra gave it a minute before she beckoned at Jinora and Ikki. "Well, now that he''s gone, do you want to know what Xing''s girlfriend looks like?"


    Their interest should translate into support to get Xing out of the island to make more meetings with his new ''acquaintance''. If not, at the very least Ikki seems excited enough that she could just pester him into submission.

 Chapter 4

    Banking into an alleyway after weaving through the market crowd, Ren found herself panting heavily with a mix of apprehension and exertion. She gave one final peek out the alley''s corner before heading into the relative safety of the damp and pungent confines.


    "You think we lost him?" she asked with some concern.


    "We better," her partner replied, equally jittery.


    It should have been an easy mark; a wide-eyed White Lotus man who seemed to be lost in thought as he walked absently through the crowded marketplace. With how he looked around every now and then, and how he obliviously kept his purse openly by his side instead of hiding it away, it was clear that the guy was new to the city.


    Yet, even with Ren playing the role of a lost child to distract him while Kai snuck in from upwind, the White Lotus still snapped his hand back to catch Kai''s wrist, startling the boy into a yelp.


    "Excuse me-" the mark started to say, but neither orphan bothered to draw out the encounter.


    Kai quickly recovered, shaking off the man''s grip and snatching the purse away before joining Ren in legging it. Neither dared look over their shoulder, knowing that the effort would slow them down. For minutes they slipped through shoppers and servants, splitting up and snapping into sudden detours with ease honed from their years surviving Republic City''s shadowy side.


    And now, back in their usual rendezvous between a butcher and a fishmonger, the two urchins huddled together behind a massive bin that droned with flies hovering around bones and entrails. Finally, safe from the outside world, Kai produced the purse and loosened its drawstring.


    "That''s not a bad haul," the boy said with a grin as he looked down at rolls of paper yuan instead of mere coins. "The guy''s loaded."


    "Yeah, shame we can''t hit him again," Ren answered with a matching grin despite the future misfortune. No doubt the White Lotus man would be highly wary after this, and likely even hold a grudge. Might be safe to just avoid all White Lotus people after this, and return back to the usual jobs.


    Still, it was an opportunity that neither Ren or Kai could resist, and with how much money they now were looking at, it was a risk well worth it.


    "We can probably stretch it for a couple of months," she suggested, her hazel eyes locked onto the cash they now owned, and her partner nodded, his own honey brown eyes almost gleaming as well.


    "Three, if we keep working."


    "Urgh. I don''t wanna. The triads are getting into another fight." And Ren didn''t want to get caught in the crossfire, like how they almost got caught by the Agni Kai for a paltry pay (in hindsight) by the Triple Threat Triad.


    Kai nodded again. "Then let''s hope the turf war finishes quickly. Come on, let''s grab some food."


    Both kids broke into grins again. "Real food," Ren clarified, almost salivating at the prospect of a real bowl of noodles bought from the stall instead of making up whatever they could with scavenged scraps.


    After both of them did some arithmetics, Kai took out a roll of yuans from the purse and counted out just enough for their meal, and then put the rest back into the purse and stashed the orphans'' precious treasure away into the hidden hole in the wall that served as their vault.


    Walking back out to the streets, the kids went straight to a noodle stall, putting on their best masks of outrage at the storekeeper''s disparaging look. Ren relished the surprised look that appeared on the stout woman''s face when Kai slapped the yuans on the stall''s counter and placed their order.


    "Enjoying your last meals?" she asked dryly in her hoarse voice, less annoying now that she wasn''t screaming at them to chase them away.


    Ren shared a glance with Kai, and then both of them just shrugged. "Maybe our hard work finally paid off," the girl replied with some smugness, causing the noodle vendor to scoff as she prepared the order.


    "Yeah, right." Three clay bowls of steaming noodles appeared on a tray moments later, and Kai gingerly carried it with both hands. "I suggest you take your time and enjoy the food before the triads or whoever it is comes for you."


    Ren rolled her eyes while Kai stuck his tongue out at the mean lady. With Ren protecting Kai and the precious cargo, the two young teens carefully made their way towards another alley, where makeshift shelters of scavenged boards and newspaper and rags hugged the walls like feeding milli-ticks. Greeting the greedy looks they received with a warding glare, Ren unsubtly brandished her shiv to keep the bums from even entertaining the thought of making a try for the food. They reached a small hut of waxed tarp and broken signboards, and Ren had to help Kai balance the tray as he crouched to enter.


    "Hey gramps?" Ren softly called out as she slipped into her home. The old man curled in the corner rolled with a grunt. "Gramps, wake up. We''ve got lunch."


    As Kai placed the tray on the bare floor, Ren woke Gramps up. Ignoring the lingering stench of fish from his night job, it took only a light push for the man to finally awaken with a snort. "Wha-?"


    "Lunch, Gramps."


    Gramps blinked at Ren, then at Kai, and finally at the bowls on the floor. It took him several long seconds before he spoke, and he did so with a disapproving frown. "I told you not to join the triads."


    "We didn''t," Kai reassured. "Honest. We just found a¡­"


    "A quick job," Ren jumped in to help. "One that paid very well."


    The children endured the old man''s skeptical glare for a while, and Ren almost broke under her guardian''s judging gaze. But then he finally let out a heavy sigh and shook his head before rising up.


    "Just promise me you''re not getting into trouble."


    "It''s no trouble at all," Ren replied with a bright smile. Outsiders, especially those guaranteed to be unaffiliated to the triads like the White Lotus, were not only easy marks, they didn''t have the means or ability to navigate the poorer side of the city, let alone figure out how to track down one face in a sea of strangers. This was a one-time windfall, completely risk free, completely unattached to the triads, comple-


    "Indeed so," a voice suddenly cut in, and Ren let out a yelp while Kai jumped a good foot into the air from his seating position as they saw a familiar cowled head poke in. The White Lotus man wore a genial smile on his sharp features, nodding like he was an invited guest at the three of them. His gaze settled on Gramps for a second longer than Ren liked, and both she and Kai got up, subtly going for their weapons as they formed a protective barrier between the intruder and Gramps.


    The man noticed the movement, and his lips tugged up into a dry smirk. "I see I''m interrupting your meal."


    "No," Ren replied flatly, staring at the White Lotus man with as much evenness as she could muster. "We can talk. Outside."


    He gave her a look for a moment before nodding and backing away. Ren winced as she glanced back to see Gramps'' arched brow and admonishing glare.


    "I-It''s nothing, really," she lamely offered, before she and Kai quickly scrambled out of the hut where their White Lotus mark stood passively and simply regarded them with an unreadable gaze. Peeking beyond the man, Ren caught sight of the other bums doing their best to pretend to ignore the man''s presence. Beyond the alley, the noodle vendor''s nosy head poked into view.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    It was Kai who spoke first after drawing in a breath. "Look, we''re sorry, okay. Just¡­just let us finish our meal and we''ll give you back your money, alright? It''s not here, I swear."


    "I know," the man said, and then produced the purse Kai had nabbed less than an hour ago.


    As the urchins'' eyes boggled at the object, the man broke into a wry smirk and opened his purse. "I''ve chased far more¡­persistent people before." The smirk vanished as he broke into begrudging muttering at something.


    "How¡­"


    A shuffle from behind them saw Gramps crawling out of the hut, dragging himself with his walking stick. Ren and Kai immediately made to help him up, but Gramps waved aside their assistance and prostrated himself before the White Lotus man.


    "Please, sir, whatever the kids have done, please forgive their mischief. I will find a way to make it up to you."


    Ren felt her stomach twist at the sight, hating that her guardian had to do this again. Kai too, judging from his appalled look. The two kids exchanged a look and then once more formed up between Gramps and the stranger in defiance. Before either of them could claim full responsibility though, the man shook his head.


    "Relax, I''m not here to hurt anyone." There was a softness in his eyes that made Ren believe him, and a tension she didn''t realize she had melted away. With a slight incline of his head, Kai and Ren moved away, allowing him to walk past them to help Gramps up. "Come on up, sir. The ground''s dirty. I''m just here to talk with these two about their job."


    Gramps slowly rose up on his twisted legs, and Ren noted how the White Lotus man frowned as he took notice of them. She grimaced as guilt shot into her guts and the scowling faces of the Agni Kai bastards flashed across her mind again.


    "It''s fine," Gramps said a touch grumpily, defensive as ever about his legs. "I''m not an invalid. Just old and tired." He leaned on his walking stick, giving the stranger a tired sigh. "But thank you for your concern."


    "As you say, elder." There was an odd tone in his voice. Like he was¡­familiar?


    "So¡­these two¡­did a job for you?"


    The man offered a comforting smile as he nodded. "Quite so, elder." His eyes quickly flashed over to Ren and Kai, bearing the familiar message of ''play along'', and then his smile grew. "Indeed, I''m here only because I found them to be most helpful."


    "Uh¡­ You''re welcome?" Ren managed to say, and he nodded with a glint of amusement.


    "Anyway, I didn''t know I was intruding, so perhaps we can talk later? Wouldn''t want your meal to go cold."


    Ren wasn''t going to argue with that, though to add more to her surprise, the man offered to host the three of them at the noodle stall''s table, managing to somehow convince gramps to accept the aid of hobbling out of the alley.


    As they experienced the novelty of actually sitting around a table for a meal, Ren and Kai exchanged confused but decreasingly wary glances between themselves, and shot puzzled looks at their not-quite-mark. The noodle vendor too, and practically every other vendor in the small square, regarded the White Lotus man with a mix of apprehension and confusion as he ordered a bowl of noodles for himself, and then went to other stalls for meat skewers and vegetables to add to the meal.


    "Come, while the food''s still warm."


    Deciding that she had enough of confusion and wariness, Ren gave a final look to Kai before shrugging and enjoying the food on the table. She slurped down the noodles and tore through the skewers with gusto, deciding that if this really was going to be her last meal, she''d enjoy every bit of it. The man ate with far more restraint, matching Gramps'' speed.


    By the time they were done, Ren was only mildly surprised that he had not drawn a weapon or that his accomplices hadn''t popped out of the shadows. Though sudden realization seemed to hit him once he finished his food.


    "Ah. Apologies for my manners..."


    The words made both Ren and Kai tense up instinctively, but instead of lashing out or snapping to call for goons, the man bowed at them from his seat.


    "My name is Xing, an initiate of the Order of the White Lotus."


    The tension fled again.


    Gramps tugged his mustache and beard clean before giving a courteous nod. "Thank you for the meal, Xing. I am Lidai, a fisherman at the docks." Xing''s smile faltered just a little bit. Weird.


    Kai raised a hand for some reason. "Um¡­ Kai."


    And Ren gulped before nodding herself. "Ren."


    A smile of satisfaction bloomed on Xing''s face, and he focused his attention on the two confused kids. "Now then, could I interest you two in another¡­job?"


    "Uh, what¡­what would you want us to do?"


    "Something simpler than the¡­work you did for me earlier," he said, flashing a wink at Ren, who shrunk a little back at the reminder.


    Xing surreptitiously produced a roll of yuans and rolled it towards her. "As you might be aware, I am new to Republic City, and therefore I''m aware that I''m quite¡­ignorant of the goings on here. I''m sure two well-acquainted people like yourselves might help brief me on what the city''s like?"


    "Why''d you want to know?" Kai asked, beating Ren to it. People like him normally stick to the ''brighter'' parts of the city, and don''t bother looking into the shadows.


    Xing flashed a grin before leaning back a little on his stool. "Well, I have a¡­charge that I have to keep away from trouble. And it''d be easier if I knew what exactly trouble is over here. Whose toes that shouldn''t be tread on, which places not meant to be entered, that sort of thing."


    "Sounds like you''re looking over quite a troublemaker," Gramps remarked with a short chuckle.


    Ren did not miss the annoyance in Xing''s sigh. "You can say that. Anyway, would you be interested?"


    The two kids shared a brief look before nodding in unison.


    "My thanks," Xing said and then slowly rose up. "Should I meet you here, or back where I first¡­offered you that job?"


    "Uh, here''s good?" Kai answered sheepishly.


    "Excellent. I look forward to another companionable lunch. Good afternoon." Xing gave a final bow before turning to leave, but paused midway to smirk at Ren and Kai. "Ah, here''s a tip: Look up, even if you''re in an ice cave."


    "Ice cave?" Ren couldn''t help but say.


    Xing her comment off. "I guess it''s not pertinent in this environment, but the advice still stands. Anyway, good afternoon."


    As he left and Gramps was guided back to their home, Ren and Kai were left exchanging confused glances at each other, both doubting that what had just happened really did just happen.


    Xing had caught them and recovered his stolen money, but instead of a beating, scolding or worse, only bought them a filling lunch with a promise for more. The situation was only made more surreal when a spectator commented that Xing looked a lot like the guy on the papers who was standing beside the Avatar the other day.

 Chapter 5

    It had been an annoying first half of the day.


    A prototype engine had blown up spectacularly because of reasons.


    Disaster was barely averted because someone discovered that a lathe had been miscalibrated, ruining a whole batch of Satomobile parts.


    Another round of Equalist-aligned workers were making noise about competitive pay and opportunities compared to their bending counterparts.


    And to top it all off, her father had been away to assuage one of his bigger investors, leaving Asami to deal with everything.


    It promised to be a very lousy day, so Asami found herself pleasantly surprised when she found Xing sitting by a Downtown waterfront noodle stall. Curiously, he was in cheery conversation with two children in dull, threadbare clothes.


    The White Lotus minder spotted her and gave a simple wave, which Asami took as a reasonable invitation. The two children followed his gaze, and their smiles became muted into something more sheepish as she walked over.


    "Good afternoon, Asami."


    "Xing," she returned with a bright smile. "I thought you''d be stuck on the island?"


    His lips tugged into the briefest of smirks. "I''ve been¡­convinced to take some time off in my daily schedule, now that the Avatar is in the capable hands of Master Tenzin."


    How did Xing make getting leisure time sound like such a chore?


    "And you didn''t have the courtesy to inform me?" Asami teased.


    "I haven''t gotten the opportunity to meet you until now," came the dry but amused reply as he gestured for her to join them.


    "Well, I''m glad you''re taking some time off to yourself at least." Asami then redirected her smile towards the shy kids sitting across from Xing as she pulled over a stool. "Hi there, you''re Xing''s friends?"


    Two heads set with wide eyes turned to face each other for a second before they bobbed in tentative agreement.


    "Kai and Ren," Xing introduced. "Local guides I''ve contracted."


    Asami turned back to him with confusion. "Guides?" The rest of the question went unsaid, not wanting to be rude to his two young guests.


    Xing still picked up on the tone of her question though. "Kai and Ren are familiar enough with the area, and they have a¡­grounded view that has proved highly informative."


    Grounded view? What did he mea- Oh.


    "You''re talking about your work, aren''t you?" Asami accused with a raised eyebrow.


    Xing''s shrug was all the answer she needed.


    "Wait," the girl Ren suddenly spoke up, staring at Xing with surprise. "Your troublemaking charge¡­ You mean the Avatar?"


    Xing let out a sigh before nodding.


    It was the boy Kai who spoke up next, his face scrunched up in a rather comical manner. "So all the questions about who not to piss off¡­"


    "Avatar Korra is not so reckless as to seek senseless conflict," the White Lotus minder said in a deadpan voice, and Asami was aware of how he verbally swerved around the accusations. "But with her strong sense of justice, she can be¡­lured into detrimental situations."


    There was a few seconds of silence before the two kids nodded in understanding. "So you need to know who might try to trap her," Ren said with a tinge of admiration.


    "That''s awesome¡­" Kai muttered. "So the Avatar beats up bad guys a lot?"


    Asami blinked at how they interpreted Xing''s non-answer about the Avatar''s impulsiveness into something positive. How long has he been doing this?


    "The Avatar''s foremost mission right now is to master the elements," Xing explained with some weariness, "but if she comes across something objectionable, she will not hesitate to respond."


    Kai was about to nod but then frowned instead. "So how come you don''t look so happy about it? Isn''t that a good thing?"


    "Well, duh," Ren interjected, "if the bad guys are like the triad bosses, they''ll make themselves look innocent."


    "Oh yeah¡­"


    Asami was blinking again, this time at the implications of the children''s brief exchange. "Where are you two from?" she asked kindly.


    Their animated faces went back to sheepish again as they remembered she existed. "Um¡­" They turned to Xing, who seemed ready to roll his eyes as he answered for them.


    "They stay nearby."


    Not wanting to frighten them any further, Asami happily left it at that and switched topics. "So, I need some lunch. Is anyone else still hungry?"


    With that peace offering, Asami slowly acquainted herself with Kai and Ren, and while she wore her smile easily enough, she held back her sympathy and horror at the casual hints of their destitute states.


    They found eating at a roadside stall (or even on a table she guessed) as a novelty. They knew a bit too much about the current politics and borders of the triads. Xing was taking them to buy new clothes later (that he ''now'' had an allowance was a surprise to process for another time), but they were adamant that the clothes couldn''t be ''too new'' to avoid drawing unwanted attention.


    Yet for all that, both kids were cheerful and lively. It was both highly admirable and depressing at the same time.


    After enjoying lunch with them - which she fully paid for, of course - Asami managed to get a moment''s privacy with Xing while Kai and Ren hurried to deliver their takeaway to their bedridden grandfather.


    "They''re from a rough place?"


    Xing confirmed with a nod. "Quite rough even by most standards."


    Asami looked out to the direction the children ran off to and sighed. "I always knew Republic City wasn''t all bright lights and prosperity, but to see them so¡­"


    "Don''t pity them," Xing cut in with surprising firmness. Asami shifted her gaze back to him, and was startled by the bitterness in his eyes and tone that betrayed a sour past. "Help them if you can or if you want, or just outright ignore their states. But don''t pity them. They''re smart enough to be insulted by that hollow gesture."


    "I¡­"


    "I know you didn''t mean to," he continued, the bitterness receding. "But it''s an easy trap for one to fall into, to say that you feel bad for someone without actually doing anything. Thoughts and prayers..." The way Xing scoffed at those last words was so thick with disgust¡­


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    Asami flinched but did not break from his gaze. "I¡­"


    "Hey Xing! Can we go now?" The conversation was cut short as Kai and Ren returned, waving over at them.


    Asami and Xing shared a glance before they rose up, and she took the chance to mutter a soft but sincere offer.


    "I want to help."


    Xing''s sternness melted away into a smile, and he nodded as she dealt with the fluttering in her stomach. "Thanks, Asami. We''ll brainstorm some ideas next time?"


    As much as she''d like to join the three of them right now, Asami still had the rest of the shitty day of work to look forward to.


    *****?


    As much as she liked Korra, Jinora had to admit that the older girl was quite¡­impatient. Xing''s absence meant that she was almost literally bashing her head against Tenzin''s exercises. Trying to skip a few steps to show her the basic stances was also proving to be counterproductive because failing to make up for airbending''s swift and smooth movements with waterbending''s fluidity added to Korra''s irritation.


    Her footwork was ok, but there was something to Korra''s movements, a stiffness or¡­spikiness, that just didn''t feel right. Something that neither Tenzin nor Jinora could clearly grasp to offer any solid advice for improvement.


    The young airbender could feel the frustration building in the Avatar, even in something as simple and serene as meditating. At least most of it evaporated when dinner came around.


    Most of it.


    Maybe giving Xing time off was a bad idea.


    As was the case in the previous evenings, Korra gave Xing a mild glare when he returned from Republic City to join them at the dinner table, which he ignored. Jinora also had the feeling that him never asking about Korra''s progress might be adding to her annoyance for some reason. The White Lotus boy simply replied to any conversations directed at him - usually by Jinora''s mother - and otherwise ate quickly and in silence.


    This time though, rather than patrolling or standing discreetly aside, Jinora noticed him approaching her father after dinner, while Korra was at the baths. Quietly, she made sure Ikki and Meelo were distracted before darting after the two men, keeping to the shadows outside of her parents'' room as they conversed. It was startling to hear just how tired her father was.


    "I have to admit, I''m feeling at a loss on how to proceed. Korra is making little to no progress at all¡­"


    "Avatar Korra can be¡­stubborn, Master Tenzin, but I''m afraid unless you can find an alternative curriculum that draws her interest, you will have to measure her progress in inches instead of leagues."


    There was a heavy sigh from Tenzin, loaded with resignation more than anything. "Is that why nobody has taught her the spiritual aspects of bending?"


    "It¡­is, admittedly, the most convenient excuse," Xing answered. "Most attempts are deferred in favor of making clearer progress with the more¡­engaging side of bending. But even then, with her complete inability to airbend, I think that sparring with her might not produce the results you wish, Master Tenzin."


    Her father gave another heavy sigh. "I fear that you are right, Xing."


    There was a brief pause before Xing spoke again. "Perhaps you could find a more practical application of airbending movements?"


    "The gates-"


    "With all due respect, the airbending gates are a test of competence, and one that is quite physical in signaling failure. Maybe there is an alternative to visualizing airbending or its concepts? Like how firebenders have to nurture a candle''s flame in the wind, or waterbenders melting a lump of ice in their bare hand¡­ Something that incites the motivation - or desperation - for a bender to instinctively wield their chi?"


    There was a thoughtful hum from Tenzin. "That¡­could work. I might need to search the archives to find a suitable exercise for that."


    "Hm¡­"


    As silence descended on the other end of the door, Jinora found herself ruminating for potential ideas as well. The seconds that passed felt like hours when Xing suddenly spoke up again. "Maybe a simple task, like keeping a feather or two from falling to the ground purely by blowing on it?"


    Jinora had to press both hands on her mouth to stop herself from breaking into a laugh. Just imagining Korra running about with her head pointed upwards, huffing furiously at a feather¡­


    "Maybe keep it constrained within a border, like a circle, as added pressure?"


    Now Jinora had to fight off the picture of Korra running in circles and huffing away at the sky.


    Despite the potential hilarity of that (or was it because of it?) her father seemed to approve. "That might not be a bad idea. A weighted feather, perhaps. Yes¡­ Maybe with a¡­a fan instead of just blowing¡­ I''ll need time to work on the details, obviously¡­ Still, you have my thanks, Xing."


    "I''m pleased you find the idea worth considering. If you wish, I could assist-"


    "No, no. You''ve been of immense help already, Xing. It would be rude of me to impinge on your down time, especially since it''s barely been a couple of days since we''ve decided upon it."


    There was a brief pause, maybe Xing was coming up with a reply, but then Jinora''s father spoke again.


    "It''s fine, Xing." His voice became lighthearted and jocular, to reassure Xing. "Training Korra is my responsibility anyway. It''d reflect poorly on me if I can''t mentor her after I''ve taught airbending to my much younger children."


    Despite the soft chuckle at the end, Tenzin''s words didn''t convince Xing as his doubts were clear in his voice.


    "As you say Master Tenzin."


    At that moment, Jinora felt some offense at the minder for not putting faith in her father.


    On the following day though, after Korra finally snapped and burned the airbending gates, and seeing the look of defeat on her father, Jinora wished she had jumped into the room to convince her father to get Xing''s help.

 Chapter 6

    After meeting Xing''s young friends, there was a fourth purely coincidental meeting with Xing again in the following day, and Asami was beginning to believe in the tales of spirits and fate. He''d just sent Ren and Kai off with boxes of dumplings, and it cheered Asami to see how excited they were as they ran off trying to balance the boxes between them. It was nice to see that they would be bringing their meal back to share with their grandfather, but Asami would also freely admit that she appreciated that it left her free to have a quick meal with Xing by themselves.


    The lunch she shared with him was far simpler than the usual brunch affairs with potential investors or buyers. Asami agreed to Xing''s insistence on keeping to a smaller budget this time, understanding that he didn''t want to feel too obliged to her. Compared to some socialites who blatantly tried hanging onto her coattails, it was a nice change. They had a simple meal of rice and stallside roasted meats, but the comfortable silence as they just ate, with barely a sentence exchanged between the two of them, was refreshing.


    There was no hint of him trying to butter her up with false humbleness, or to ''awkwardly'' seek a favor. Asami made a comment about the fatty slices of meat, and Xing agreed to trade it for his leaner cuts. That was it. Xing didn''t try to weasel his way into her graces, and Asami didn''t force the issue about their social compatibility. They just smiled at each other and ate.


    It was¡­nice. Almost idyllic, even.


    And it set the tone for the rest of the day, with afternoon and evening slipping by in a pleasant haze. No minor emergencies to oversee, no sudden guests to host, not even father discreetly pestering her about the latest batch of prototypes. It was a rare, delightfully boring day indeed for Asami, and she decided to cap it off with a trip to the arena. She really didn''t care who was playing, she just wanted to watch some pro-bending instead of listening to it over the radio.


    To her surprise - and apparently everyone unless it was a really complex scheme - the Avatar was participating tonight, joining the Fire Ferrets.


    About midway through the game, Asami spied Councilman Tenzin shuffling through the seats below her. Judging from his severely restrained expression, perhaps Korra''s participation tonight was a surprise to more than just the current spectators.


    Which begged the question¡­


    Ah, there he was. Asami only needed to crane her neck to scan her surroundings a little to see a familiar figure flashing by the Fire Ferrets'' entrance gate.


    Asami found her enjoyment of the Avatar''s debut to be dampened as she was forced to sit through the matches. Her performance was¡­mediocre at first, but Korra quickly wisened up and almost single-handedly won the Fire Ferrets the game.


    Thrilling stuff, if not for other considerations.


    Once the show was done, she quickly rose up and hurried down, hoping to catch up with Xing. The brief look she got of him worried Asami, and she doubted that he''d be as relaxed as the venerable Tenzin had suddenly become just now¡­


    *****?


    The celebratory mood was immediately cut short the moment some guy in indigo robes stormed into the gym-


    Wait, Mako had seen such a getup before. White Lotus. The Avatar''s own organization or something. So this guy should be Korra''s lackey, right?.


    Though with how she immediately tensed up, maybe not. And why was he dripping wet, as if he''d taken a plunge into the sea?


    "Xing," she tersely stated, likely naming the guy who leveled his narrowed glare at her.


    "Korra." His voice was dangerously even, the tone Mako had heard from gang leaders before legs were broken and skulls cracked. "I was only gone for the day."


    "So what?" the Avatar immediately replied, very defensively, which caused the Xing fellow to glare harder.


    "''So what?'' Korra, you vandalized an Air Nomad relic, you gravely insulted Master Tenzin, and you''re abandoning your responsibilities as Avatar." Even with his voice utterly even, the accusation filled the room far more heavily than if they were shouted by a choir.


    "I''m not abandoning anything!" Korra rebutted with a sharp huff. She glared back at him, but Mako found it to be several degrees less intimidating if he was honest. "I''m here because I needed a break from Tenzin''s lessons."


    Xing''s eyebrow shot up, completely bemused. "Did you apologize? Does he know you''re here?"


    The silence that followed was enough of an answer for even Mako to wince at.


    "Korra-"


    Korra immediately cut in, taking a step towards the displeased White Lotus member. "Look, pointless meditation isn''t for me, alright? Maybe I want to do more than just sitting around uselessly!"


    Mako could practically hear Xing''s teeth grinding as he next spoke. "You''re the Avatar, not a prize fighter."


    Korra took another step towards him. "You know, just because I''m the Avatar doesn''t mean I''m forced to endure the stuffy old texts and useless meditation! I managed to use Tenzin''s move back there, alright? Maybe this is what I have to learn: applying old moves to modern styles of fighting!"


    And Mako began to glance to the exit just behind Xing. His brother however didn''t fully understand the growing danger in the room, and, Bolin being Bolin, tried to intervene between the Avatar and her¡­servant? Lackey?


    "Hey, now, let''s settle down a bit, alright?" Bolin neatly placed himself between Korra and Xing, initially offering both glances before turning fully on the latter. "Look, uh, maybe you should just go back to relax a little, calm your thoughts, and you can carry on your¡­conversation with Korra later?" He went to place a calming hand on Xing, but Mako almost did a double take when the guy slipped so quickly past Bolin to continue staring at Korra, it looked like he just¡­reappeared there.


    For his part, Bolin looked utterly confused, blinking and letting out a soft ''huh?'' before realizing that Xing was behind him.


    "Kindly stay out of a conversation you have little context about," warned the White Lotus man through clearly still-clenched jaws before his attention fully returned to Korra. "You will conclude things here immediately, then you will follow me to meet with Master Tenzin to apologize to him for your misconducts."


    With how she was simmering, Mako genuinely didn''t know if Korra was truly fearless or if she was just too pissed to care right now. "Or else what?" she sneered. "You can''t make me, Xing. We''ve been through that; You''re my minder, not my nanny. Or are you going to write another letter again? You know, if you''re in such a twist with everything I do, why don''t you just quit?"


    "Please, can we all just ca-"


    "Korra."


    The tension in the room dipped just a little as all eyes turned to see the well-known Councilman Tenzin stepping into view. His face was stern, but not severe, which was a nice change.


    Xing immediately stepped aside for Tenzin, bowing slightly. Korra''s glare immediately lifted and the tension bled out of her pose.


    "Uh, Tenzin. I-"


    The air monk raised a hand, cutting off Korra. Surprisingly, his expression softened. "You were really good out there tonight. You moved just like an airbender."


    "Wait, you watched?"


    Tenzin gave a nod. "I did. Pro-bending turned out to be the perfect teaching tool for you."


    A weak smile crept across Korra''s face. "I¡­I''m sorry, for¡­everything today. I was really frustrated with myself and¡­I took it out on you."


    The airbender councilor shook his head. "I think I owe you an apology too; I was trying to teach you about patience, but I lost mine."


    They exchanged smiles, but the rather touching moment was ruined when Korra then turned to Xing. The tone she used was perhaps a bit too vindictive. "See? Everything''s fine. I apologized, I''ll get back to my lessons. And pro-bending''s a good thing for me." She glanced at Tenzin, who gave an uncertain nod, before returning back to Xing. "Happy?"


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    Xing blinked, and then it was his turn to glance at Tenzin for a second, before returning to Korra with an eerily blank stare. "That''s¡­ That it? After the damage, after the¡­"


    Tenzin gave Xing a shallow bow. "I appreciate your concern, Xing, but Korra has acknowledged her mistakes, and I''m sure she will avoid repeating them."


    "And what of the spiritual studies?" The tone Xing used suggested to Mako that he already knew the answer.


    Tenzin didn''t notice though, and simply nodded nonplussed. "I will, of course not forgo those topics, but seeing that at the moment she''s made great strides in airbending, we will focus on that to take advantage of that breakthrough."


    Xing blinked a few times before his shoulders slumped and he let out a weary sigh. "That''s what they all said," he muttered.


    "I have every confidence that Korra will do her best, in both mastering airbending styles and grasping the spiritual duties of the Avatar."


    "Yeah," Korra chimed in with a bright smile. "I''ll make sure to learn both."


    "I heard that too¡­" came the resigned White Lotus'' soft reply, before he began shaking his head slowly and muttering something.


    "...ed up show-nen logic¡­"


    Xing pinched the bridge of his nose as he gave another sigh, somehow heavier than the last, before looking up at Korra. "You''re right, Korra."


    "Huh?" That took her aback all right.


    Xing removed his cowl and mantle in a swift and fluid motion. "I can''t put up with this any more. I quit."


    "Wha-?"


    The look he gave both Korra and an equally surprised Tenzin was akin to a shopkeeper ready to face the consequences of forgoing protection payments. "I know where this leads. You will pay lip service to the lessons you''re not proficient in, and then give up shortly after to focus on the matters you find far easier and more enjoyable. And I''ll be powerless to convince you otherwise, because everyone else will bend over to indulge you. And then it''s another discreet meeting with the masters again."


    "That''s not-"


    Xing cut her off with a wave of his hand. "I''ve had enough of being responsible to uphold something I cannot enforce. The world may somehow bend to your whims, Avatar Korra, but I will not. I''m quitting the Order of the White Lotus, effective immediately." Xing let the cowl and mantle fall from his hands and turned for the entrance. Korra stared at him, eyes boggled, while Tenzin tried reaching for Xing.


    "Wait, Xing-"


    The former White Lotus paused only for a moment. "I have no personal belongings on me, or on Air Temple Island to worry about. Good evening, Master Tenzin, and good luck." As if that answered everything, Xing gave Tenzin a shallow bow, and then repeated the gesture to Mako and Bolin. "My apologies for my intrusion."


    His gaze then turned to Korra, which lingered for only a second before Xing finally exited the gym. There wasn''t any farewell, no nod or parting words.


    Only when he fully exited from view did Korra blink, look around, and finally let out an annoyed huff. "Well, it was about time," she declared with half-convincing firmness.


    *****?


    As expected, Asami found Xing backstage. Unexpectedly, she found him a little out of uniform, leaning against the corridor wall and rubbing at his temples with a sense of resignation, looking far from composed as he usually was. A small puddle of water formed underneath him as droplets fell out of his heavily drenched clothes.


    She immediately began moving faster, but slowed down as she neared him. "Xing? Is everything okay?"


    He looked at her, and that rigid restraint of his came out¡­or a badly cracked version of it anyway. Xing stood straight, but his shoulders were slumped a little, and the mask of indifference he tried to put on did not fully hide the embers of anger in his eyes.


    "Mi- Asami. I''m sorry that you have to see me like this." His voice was shaky, almost cracking. His lips and eyes twitched as he struggled to appear composed.


    Whatever happened after his meeting with Korra, Xing was left in bad shape.


    "Hey, is there anything I can help with?" she offered gently, carefully closing the distance to place a comforting hand on his arm.


    He stared at her for a second. There was a flash of something in his eyes, but it was quickly smothered before Xing let out a slow but shaky sigh. "I¡­I have just resigned from the White Lotus, and my duties to the Avatar," he said, and a weak smirk wormed its way onto his expression. "Do you perhaps know if it''s safer to spend the night in the city''s park or alleyways?"


    Asami''s eyes went wide, and her thoughts immediately raced to figure out what kind of breakdown could have occurred to result in such a shattered Xing. "Oh, Xing. I''m so sorry¡­"


    "You were not involved in the¡­mess. I''ve just put myself in a worse position than before." His smirk flickered. "It''s a good thing I don''t have any prospective girlfriends to embarrass, eh?"


    She almost shook him out of disbelief at the crude humor he tried to use. "What? No! Come on, Xing. I know a few inns you could stay for the night."


    Why was he regarding her with confusion? "But my funds ar-"


    "Then I''ll pay," she immediately answered, giving him a comforting smile. "Come on. It''s still not too late to get you some new clothes as well. No offense, but your White Lotus uniform doesn''t do your looks any favors."


    Xing''s confusion lingered. "But¡­"


    "But what?"


    "I thought you''d be far more¡­disapproving."


    Asami''s face twisted up into a puzzled frown. "And why''s that?"


    "I''ve willingly left the Avatar''s employ?" Xing answered as if it''s the most obvious thing in the world, and Asami found herself breaking into a chuckle.


    "I''m not after your status of being close to the Avatar, Xing," she retorted, and then turned his words from days ago back on him. "I''m already an heiress of some station, after all."


    It was heartening to see him smile a bit at that.


    "Besides, I don''t know what the Avatar''s like, since I haven''t met her. But I know you. And you''re a decent guy, I think."


    "Some might beg to differ."


    "The Avatar? Pfft. Her loss then." Asami gave Xing a speculative look as an idea she once idly entertained crawled out from the depths of her mind. "Say, Xing. How''d you like working for me?"


    Xing stared at her for a second, blinking a couple of times before he answered. "I¡­I don''t think I would be qualified¡­"


    Of course he''d say that. Asami fought the urge to roll her eyes. "You''ll be looking for a job anyway, right? I have an opening right now."


    "But-"


    "Hush. I''ve always been told to get an assistant, and what better candidate than someone who''s been the Avatar''s aide?"


    "Those are different things¡­?"


    "So what? Are you actually qualified to work in any jobs here in Republic City?"


    Xing paused for a moment in thought before shaking his head reluctantly.


    "But you''re willing to learn, right?" At his nod, Asami grinned triumphantly. "Then it''s settled."


    Before he could reply further, and tiring of his self-deprecation, Asami leveled a firmer gaze on Xing. "Xing, stop being so hard on yourself and accept some help, damn it. I don''t know what went on between you and the Avatar, but I know you''re a good guy."


    "I¡­" There was another pause before Xing''s features softened with resigned gratitude, and a smile crept in. "Thank you, Asami."


    She finally let go of him, nodding with utmost satisfaction. "We''ll talk more about your new job later. For now, let''s get you some new clothes, and then accommodation."


    And maybe after that, some more intimate friendship.


    Asami regarded the uplifted Xing and matched his smile with a reassuring one of her own, while unabashedly giving silent thanks to the Avatar for being insufferable (she had to be, because people like Xing did not just up and leave their posts like this) and giving her such an opportunity.

 Chapter 7

    Unfortunately, Asami had mistimed the shops, so Xing had to put up with his robes for a night more. Finding an inn was easy enough, and she easily ignored the look the innkeeper gave both of them. Asami had attended balls and parties with far more scandalous insinuation attached to every moment alone with suitors and their representatives.


    She followed Xing up to his room with little resistance from him, interestingly enough. Asami thought he''d be more politely embarrassed about it, but the former White Lotus minder easily accepted the reasoning of her needing to check on the room''s condition.


    "It looks decent enough," she remarked, noting the amenities. It might not be high end lodging, but there was a bed, a desk with a simple stool, a clothes drawer, a window, and decent walking space to move between them.


    "It''s worth the price?" he asked, and Asami remembered that Xing might be a bit more conscious about his current state than anything else.


    "More or less," she replied casually, consciously not making a big deal out of it so that he wouldn''t either.


    Xing predictably bowed deeply before her, using genuine gratitude to mask his embarrassment. By now his humors had recovered and he was back to his usual placid self, but Asami could make out the bits of self consciousness in how he shifted. Like a factory engineer having to tolerate his overseer''s overseer. "Thank you for your generosity, Asami."


    If he wasn''t so damned sincere about it she''d be rolling her eyes at the familiar words. "Don''t sweat it, Xing. I''ll come to pick you up tomorrow and we can discuss the details of your employment?"


    "Of course."


    Asami consciously remained by the doorway, feeling a sudden pang of self-consciousness herself as she regarded him. With an uneasy shift, Asami found herself giving an awkward smile.


    "Uh, look, Xing¡­ You don''t have to think you owe me, alright?"


    At his perplexed look, she sighed.


    "If you can find something better for you, don''t let me stop you. I''m sure that there''s plenty of opportunities in Republic City¡­or even beyond it. "


    Xing nodded, and the way his smile grew sent happy tingles shuddering up Asami''s spine. "I understand. But you were right earlier, it would be foolish not to accept the chance you''ve given me. Thank you for your generosity Asami¡­ I look forward to working for you, at least for as long as you can stand me."


    Asami let out a good natured scoff. "Oh I''m sure I can work with someone who has been a minder for the Avatar for¡­what? A couple of years?"


    "Five years," he corrected.


    Huh. She tried picturing a younger Xing shadowing the Avatar, and inevitably wondered what kind of trouble the two teenagers could have gotten up to.


    "I''m surprised you started that young¡­"


    Xing shrugged. "The masters assigned me to that task for reasons I''m unaware of, and admittedly there are few options within the White Lotus, especially in the South Pole. I suppose I must have disappointed whatever notions they had for me."


    "I bet you''ll have some stories to tell¡­"


    "I¡­will not take that bet," he replied with careful neutrality.


    Asami let out a short chuckle before taking a step into the room, towards Xing. "So¡­I''ll see you tomorrow?"


    It was hard to simply ignore the growing sense of unease as he regarded her in silence. Finally, Xing nodded. "I will be ready by sunrise." He made no move towards her, his gaze didn''t flash to betray any hidden intent, his smile remained as warm and grateful as it had been.


    Asami didn''t know whether to feel relieved or disappointed.


    "Well then¡­good night, Xing."


    "Good night, Asami."


    She closed the door behind her as she left Xing to rest, briefly entertaining the mild disgruntlement that neither of them had tried harder to make anything more of the moment. But at the same time, she didn''t want to leave a bad impression on Xing. And as much as she liked him, the innovator in Asami didn''t want to hamper Xing from finding his full potential either.


    Better to let him clear his head and see how things go tomorrow. Besides, if Xing''s as good as she had a feeling he was, Asami was sure there''d be plenty of opportunities later.


    *****?


    "There he is!"


    They hadn''t believed it at first when the dumpling man''s wife had said she saw a very Xing-like person climbing out of the docks last night, and then appeared later out of the pro-bending arena following after a pretty lady with his attire missing a headpiece.


    Speculation among the stallowners over whether it was really Xing (along with the wild theories that went along with it) had buzzed throughout most of the morning. Kai had the bright idea of sitting by and passively listening to the various tales, allowing him and Ren to piece together a general idea of what had happened.


    It sounded doubtful that Xing would simply swim over from Air Temple Island just to meet up with Asami, as short as a time that Ren knew both of them. As pretty and kind as Asami was, Xing sounded too¡­what was the word Gramps used again? Loyal. That''s it, he sounded the type to be stuck with his job - even if he clearly hated it.


    So for him to be swimming over - assuming that it was Xing - and following after Asami - assuming it was Asami - meant that something major must have happened. The satay vendor said that he saw the airbender councilman in a bit of a huff when the Avatar made her appearance in the arena, so maybe it was related to that?


    Anyway, with so many theories, Ren and Kai eventually had enough and decided to head out to the docks to wait for Xing and ask him themselves. Dressed in the comfy and hole-less new clothes he bought them, the two urchins easily slid through the main streets with the novelty of not being regarded with dislike by the richer folk.


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    It hammered home the importance of appearances to both of them, and reminded Ren as to why even the lowest members of the triads liked to dress like bigshots. Not being seen like days old leftover and not having people instinctively grip their purses tighter was a nice change of pace.


    They found Asami first, walking out of a fancy clothes store, giving off a different kind of smile that she gave Ren just the other day. Excited joy, if the girl had to place it.


    It took a while for either of the kids to recognize Xing coming out of the store beside Asami, the sharp new modern suit that replaced his White Lotus robes making him look like a young triad lord. For a fraction of a moment, Ren froze at just how dangerous he appeared. Without his robes to obfuscate him, his movements were careful and smooth, with none of the swagger of goons running on bravado. Though smiling warmly at Asami, there was something calculative in the back of his amber eyes.


    His pose was reserved, but not like the stuffy rich folks that turned their noses up at anything with so much as a stain on it. Instead, it was like he was constantly tense and ready to act.


    Ren had seen such people before, usually while hiding out of sight along with everyone else who knew the streets enough, and they were almost always not triad.


    Instead, Xing looked like the ''contractors'' the triads hired when they needed a more professional approach to their usually messy work. The kind of work that makes people disappear without a trace, and witnesses becoming forgetful.


    A carriage trundled down the road, and Ren noted how casually Xing shifted to put himself between it and Asami, likely without the woman noticing it. The way he walked while holding a deep conversation with her suggested that he was far from distracted with his surroundings, especially with the minute movements he made to discreetly guide Asami away from incoming or passing pedestrians.


    What kind of bodyguarding did he have to do for the Avatar?


    "Come on," Kai suddenly said from beside Ren, having recovered his wits faster than her. "He''s still Xing, right?" he offered somewhat convincingly.


    Swallowing her nerves down, Ren nodded and followed after her partner in crime, and they crossed the street in time to see Xing already turning to greet them.


    "Oh, hi there Ren, Kai." It was Asami who greeted them first, her smile still bright though it carried a sort of not-quite-pity with it. Ren rather preferred it to the hollow and often halfhearted displays from some of the stupider rich folks.


    Xing, for his part, gave a friendly nod as he usually did before giving a shallow bow. "I apologize for not seeking you two out sooner, there''s been a change to our schedule."


    "I bet," Ren managed to say with convincing cheek. "Finally decided to ditch the robes?"


    "And the order," he smoothly added without missing a beat. Ren gawked with Kai at that, and then stared at each other.


    "You can do that?" Kai asked in amazement.


    The Whi- The former White Lotus man shrugged. "It''s not exactly a profession with a clear contract¡­"


    Did she want to know why? Maybe not now¡­


    "Uh huh." Ren gave him a look, and then glanced to the rather proud and pleased Asami. "He''s working for you now?"


    The woman gave a satisfied nod before flashing a glance to Xing beside her. "He''s accepted my offer, though it took some convincing."


    Some of the more ludicrous theories from the vendors popped back into Ren''s mind, and she had to force it back while Kai spoke with careful calmness. "So, you''re no longer White Lotus¡­does that mean you won''t need us ''guiding'' you anymore?"


    Oh yeah, there was that¡­


    Before the disappointment could settle in, Xing gave a short but resolute shake of his head. "Far from it. If anything, I might require your assistance a bit more urgently if I''m supposed to quickly adjust to my new role."


    Well, that was a relief. Ren pretended she didn''t see Kai deflate with relief, just as she herself most assuredly kept her composure.


    "And what''s your new job?" she asked the well-dressed couple before her.


    "Personal aide," Asami said with a cheery grin, and both Ren and Kai nodded at each other at how much that made sense. Xing seemed to be the type to rise up as a triad boss'' right hand or something. A rich (and not snobby) lady''s assistant seemed a close enough fit to that idea.


    Then Asami''s face lit up as an idea clearly struck her. She turned to Xing with a speculative look, tapping a finger to her lips. She glanced at Ren and Kai every now and then. "Come to think of it, would you require secondaries for your duties, Xing?"


    Huh?


    "That might be useful," he answered with a bit of a smile. "Though perhaps I should get accustomed to my role before making any hasty decisions."


    Asami was about to say something, but then she nodded instead. "That''s a fair point. No overhyped promises and pointless results. Smart. Looks like hiring you is already starting to pay off." She finished her words with a grin, and then returned her attention back to the two confused urchins.


    "Say, the morning''s still early enough, how would you two like to join us for breakfast or an early lunch?"


    They couldn''t say no to that, not with how brightly Asami was smiling at them. Following after her and Xing, the two children glanced at each other, and quietly wondered who was truly scarier - the man who walked like a ''professional'', or the cheery and friendly lady who had just hired him.

 Chapter 8

    "And this is the main research workshop, where prototyping begins."


    Asami Sato was all smiles as she guided the newcomer through the workshop. Hyung and the other engineers on the floor tried not to blatantly stare at the cheery heiress and the young man that followed after her. While it wasn''t uncommon for Asami to lead investors and people of some influence in guided tours of the Yasuki Sato Building, this was the first time Hyung had ever seen her genuinely animated, and with a young man to boot.


    And Hyung has been in Future Industries for long enough to watch the exuberant girl grow up to know how much she treated such tours as a chore. Most of the other engineers knew it too.


    Usually the brilliant inventor would be going through the motions and doing her level best to ignore or deflect any attention from men her age - usually industrial scions trying to woo her. But there was none of that bland politeness here. She conversed with her sharply dressed counterpart, who looked less like an ambitious fool from a wealthy family trying to impress her and more like¡­an auditor? A dangerous auditor?...in more than short sentences and monosyllables, wearing a warm smile.


    They were even headed down to the work floor for a look, instead of breezing straight to the exit.


    Maybe it was because the man in question wasn''t leering at her, and keeping his attention fully focused on her words. Whoever he was, he seemed to be equally engaged in the conversation with Asami. The stranger''s expression was fixed to a polite, almost placid smile, but Hyung had to face enough shareholders and tourists to know that Asami''s guest was far from inattentive.


    Glances were shared among the engineers as Asami led the man over to them, and with a sigh Hyung put his tools down and dusted the worst of the debris off himself before doing his job and walking over to meet them. Asami gave him a nod in greeting before offering introductions.


    "Ah, Hyung! This is Xing, he''ll be working with us. Xing, this is Hyung, the chief engineer of our research division, and the ruler of this floor and the two floors below it."


    Xing offered a stiff nod, though some warmth seeped into his smile as he offered his hand in greeting. "I am pleased to meet you, Chief Engineer Hyung."


    It wasn''t the polite act that Hyung had expected. The young man didn''t seem to mind at all the engineer''s greasy and metal-flecked grip. No involuntary wince, no flash of discomfort in his amber eyes, nothing. So either this Xing was an engineer as well, or he was well acquainted with similar dirty work.


    Not a typical auditor then.


    "The pleasure''s mine," Hyung greeted back with a courtesy wasn''t used to. "As Miss Asami said, I''m in charge of Future Industries'' research, though I mostly handle the more practical stuff like prototyping."


    Xing gave another nod before glancing over to the heap of metal the Hyung and his subordinates had been working on. "That''s an¡­engine?"


    "An idea of one," Hyung answered with a shrug before flashing Asami a look. The heiress replied with a slight tilt of her head, making the chief engineer feel the urge to sigh. Well, the stuff here was all relatively public knowledge¡­ Any work truly classified was done in the other, more discrete labs outside of Republic City. "We''re always dabbling in new ideas."


    "That makes sense." Xing''s attention flashed back to the incomplete, tubular prototype again. "It looks like it''d be noisy once it starts."


    The chief engineer grunted out an affirmative. "Yeh. We''re expecting a lot of rattling and booming¡­"


    "And a lot of heat¡­ Is that the cooling system?"


    Hyung blinked in a split-second of silence before shaking his head. "It''s part of the fuel-injection. We''ll be figuring out heat after the prototype is built." While it was a lousy guess, it was a good consideration to raise for a civilian.


    "Anyway, what department are you in again?"


    It was Asami who answered with a cheery smile. "Oh, Xing will be my personal assistant."


    The clang of a dropped tool rang out, and Hyung was sure that the entire team was joining him in varying degrees of disbelief at hearing the words.


    Asami Sato did not do ''personal assistants''.


    She was an inventor and steward of Future Industries who had to take sudden meetings to secure investments and deals, or locked down a workshop for days when she came up with critical breakthroughs. Whether despite or because of the lack of any proper scheduling, she hopped from project to meeting effortlessly without missing a beat.


    Hiroshi Sato had given up on trying to get his daughter to have a more organized work life after successive resignations from supposedly talented assistants. The last person who tried scheduling Asami''s life wound up resigning barely a month in after she couldn''t keep up or contain her employer''s impulsive lifestyle. And that was just Asami going about her day as usual instead of trying to be spiteful, as far as Hyung knew.


    And now, after constant independence, Asami had actually hired a personal assistant on her own volition?


    Hyung couldn''t help but give the confused Xing a frown. Then he fixed it on the mildly bemused heiress. And then Hyung had to bite down a sigh. It wasn''t the boy seducing the girl, it was the other way around.


    Xing offered a wan smile at the engineers and then Asami. "I take it¡­I''ll have my work cut out for me?"


    "They''re just being overdramatic," Asami said with a roll of her eyes. "I promise you I''m not that unbearable."


    "As you say," Xing replied with an uncharacteristic glint of mischief in his eyes. "Hopefully I won''t have to offer too many apologies to affronted locals or negotiate compensation for damages wrought?"


    Asami huffed with clearly feigned offense. "We do our testing in controlled environments, and I''m not going around vandalizing property or hitting people."


    The stoic pose from Xing cracked as he finally smirked. "You did run me over with your moped¡­"


    "A fault I''m still offering to make up for," she quickly cut in, and this time Hyung raised an eyebrow at her. "It was an accident¡­" she muttered sheepishly.


    "And a fortunate one at that," her new PA added with a gracious nod, though Asami was already starting to lead him away. Hyung pretended to ignore the pleading look she gave as she left. Whatever trouble Asami had just gotten into, she''ll have to properly brief him before he can make a decision on whether to keep it from her father or not.


    Once the two youths were gone, the chief engineer turned around to share looks with the others, and it seemed that everyone came to the same worrying conclusion: Either pity poor Xing for disappointing Asami in trying to keep up with her hectic lifestyle, or pity poor Xing if he is truly competent and sticks around for long enough for her protective father to take notice of him.


    Or worse, he draws the attention of the small army of Asami''s suitors.


    *****?


    "So, what do you think?" Asami eagerly asked as she finished the orientation in her office. Her official, proper office near the very top of the Yasuki Sato Building, not the improvised workstation down in the labs where she tinkered the nights away.


    "I have a lot to learn," came Xing''s answer with cautious confidence. "Hopefully it''ll take me less than a week to get a hang of things."


    "I''m glad you''re sticking around," she honestly said. "You don''t have to rush yourself, I''m aware that I can be¡­hectic in how I work."


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    Her dashing new PA nodded. "Thank you, Asami. I hope I''m not holding you up on too much work."


    "It''s a slow enough day¡­ Actually, the next couple of days are light on meetings as well, so it''ll be perfect for you to get the hang of things." If she tried looking at it in a particular way, it was as if the spirits wanted Xing to work here.


    "Then I''ll make sure to use the time wisely," Xing replied with a slight bow. "Perhaps to start, do you have a basic schedule you adhere to?"


    Asami fought the urge to scratch the back of her head. "Uh¡­I sorta don''t have one really? Honestly, if it''s not meetings with investors and customers, it''s meetings with the engineers¡­"


    "I understand," her PA said without so much as a flinch. "You need to seize the initiative when opportunity strikes. I''m guessing you don''t keep to a consistent sleep schedule?"


    "It¡­depends¡­?"


    Xing chuckled. "It''s alright, I assure you that I can keep up. Ideally, you should be sticking to a proper sleep schedule for your health, but I understand how inspiration can strike."


    Well, inspiration and the fact that she needed her recreational driving, even if the only available time for it was some hours before dawn. But Xing didn''t need to know that just yet.


    "Anyway, should I start researching the people you regularly meet with, or would you prefer if I begin by organizing your paperwork?" he asked while directing a pointed look at piles of paper on her desk and in one corner. "Or would there be other tasks you''d have me work on first?"


    Asami had an idea of how he could start, but she kept that little thought to herself.


    "The paperwork can wait¡­most of it''s meant for the burn pile anyway. I suppose we can talk about people and companies of interest over lunch?"


    "Of course," Xing started to say, but Asami raised an open palm at him.


    "Don''t get formal with me, Xing, please?" She offered a weak smile. "I¡­it doesn''t suit you. And I''m forced to put up with that sort of thing most of the time already."


    There was a pause before he nodded. "I understand Asami. Off to lunch then?" Asami had to blink a few times to figure out how he was already at the door.


    "Right, how are you with dim sum?" she asked breezily as she exited the office and headed for the elevator.


    "So long as it doesn''t add too many digits to my existing deficit-"


    "Xing¡­"


    He smirked at her disapproval as the door closed behind him. "It would be unseemly for you if it looked like I was feeding off your good graces."


    "But you don''t have any money!" Asami protested. "I can''t just let you starve!"


    "You don''t have to splurge on me either," came Xing''s even reply. "You can offer me a basic allowance until my first salary, and it should make you seem more than generous enough. Overdoing it might foster a more frivolous reputation."


    What did she care about reputation, she didn''t say, because she admitted that she knew its worth. "Fine," she exhaled. "We can-"


    "You should keep to your dim sum, Asami. I can eat elsewhere, as my station requires."


    Asami almost glared at Xing, who easily shrugged it off. "Until I prove my worth, that I''m not some lucky hanger on-"


    "You''re not-!"


    Xing slowly raised a hand to calmly interrupt her. "I know, but to everyone else it would seem that way. So you should not appear to be too gracious to me. I am merely your assistant, at the end of the day. And recently hired too. Keeping some aloofness with me would show that you''re here to give me a reasonably fair crack at this job."


    As much as she wanted to object, Asami ended up folding her arms and frowning. "Hmph. It makes sense, but I don''t like it¡­ It''s just a meal¡­"


    "You''ve been more than generous enough in dragging me up to this point," Xing pointed out in the same calming tone. "Meal or not, I''d like to prove that I''m not just a spur-of-the-moment charity case." Before she could say something about that perception, Xing broke into a grin.


    "Besides, I need to prove some legitimacy to show that I''m worthy of your attention, don''t I?"


    Asami couldn''t help the warmth on her cheeks as she caught Xing''s rather unsubtle meaning. "Well¡­" And then an idea struck her, and she gave Xing a triumphant, wide-eyed stare.


    "Xing."


    "Yes, Asami?"


    "I''m in the mood for dim sum, but I don''t feel like eating out."


    There was only a fraction of a second''s pause from him before he nodded in understanding. "Is there any particular restaurant you''d like me to get your food from?"


    "Yes, the Rearing Mantishawk. I''ll give you the directions. And the list of what I want." Of course the order would be far larger than what she could eat by herself. Hm¡­ She should probably add on a bit more, for Xing''s two young friends¡­ Would kids their age like kai lan or cabbages more?


    *****?


    Qi Song watched as the new hire returned, half surprised that he came back at all considering that he was apparently Miss Asami''s new PA (and boy was that position cursed), and half amazed that he managed to balance a tower of steaming dim sum containers</a> with seeming ease. At first Qi Song and the others had thought him to be another rich guy''s son trying to woo her, though Miss Asami''s smile wasn''t the most insincere, Qi Song personally thought. Then news spread from the guys on the research floors, that apparently Miss Asami actually hired the guy because of some near-fatal accident she and him were involved in.


    He opened the gate to let the man who was too sharply dressed to be a dim sum delivery man in, envying his surefootedness despite having most of his view blocked by the containers.


    "The poor fuck," Xu remarked as he joined Qi Song in watching the back of the man. "Miss Asami clearly doesn''t eat that much¡­"


    Another guard joined in the discussion with a pitying chuckle. "I didn''t see him leave with any paper¡­ Wanna bet she made him memorize some crazy long list?"


    "Miss Asami isn''t that petty," Qi Song defended half-heartedly. "Though she might not care to remind the poor guy if he forgot to write her order down¡­"


    The security guards all watched in eager silence as the new hire left again, about an hour later, this time carrying about half the bamboo containers that were still steaming.


    Xu cackled. "Looks like the poor fuck had gotten the order wrong¡­"


    "Or Miss Asami is done with her meal and she''s having him dispose of it," Qi Song speculated. Probably by giving the leftovers to one of the charity soup kitchens¡­on the other end of the city. If the poor guy was lucky, it''d only be one particular location instead of having to distribute it across various stalls just so she could maximize her time away from a hire she doesn''t want around.


    He came back not long after, with more than enough of the afternoon left. Then in the evening the security guards were left baffled as the heiress of Future Industries left with the new hire on her tail, with both of them wearing smiles.


    When was the last time that had happened? Either Miss Asami was smiling vindictively and her PA was dejected, or she''d be grumbling while her minder was being obliviously smug.


    "I have a feeling we''ll see him around for more than a couple of months¡­"

 Chapter 9

    Though she had only gotten to know him for a short time, Jinora had found herself already missing Xing''s presence just days after he walked out on Korra. Because of what transpired that night, the Avatar was far from the cheery, fun-loving girl that Jinora visited in the South Pole.


    Instead, Korra broke into quiet scowls every now and then, and occasionally Jinora would catch her pausing in the middle of whatever it was she was doing to turn over her shoulders, and then freezing up with a realization that she no longer had someone watching over her. Despite that, Korra put up an act of finding Xing''s absence to be liberating.


    "Who needs him, anyway?" she''d say with a forced grin, before quickly falling into a faint scowl.


    "If he wants to put up a hissy fit and leave, then it''s fine by me." The words were said with believable conviction, but Jinora was sure she wasn''t the only one who noticed Korra''s shifty discomfort as she walked the halls of the Air Temple by herself. As if she didn''t feel truly safe.


    For her part, Jinora doubted that Xing was the kind to simply throw a ''hissy fit''. The young airbender had seen his dumbstruck reaction to the burnt airbending gates when he returned from his mandated break. The relaxed smile switched to disbelief and then disappointment in an instant when she told him what had happened.


    "She simply walked off?"


    Jinora could only nod as she tensed up from an instinctive fear at hearing Xing''s carefully enunciated words.


    "Avatar Korra did not even make an attempt at an apology?"


    The airbender shook her head, and winced as she heard Xing sigh.


    "And she snuck off to the arena¡­" he muttered, giving a glance to the other White Lotus members nearby who quickly retreated from his withering gaze.


    "Dad only found out through the radio," Ikki said with uncharacteristic meekness.


    Jinora remembered how resigned Xing seemed as he looked out across the bay towards the light-filled pro-bending arena. "I suppose¡­it would make an apology more convenient."


    "Apology?"


    Jinora also remembered the wan smile he gave her. "Korra has to apologize for her reckless vandalism and disrespect. And I carry part of the blame as well, for not being there to stop her."


    The young airbender blinked at his last sentence in particular. "But¡­but it''s not your fault?" It happened during his break after all. Right?


    Xing had shrugged with resignation. "I have a responsibility for looking out for the Avatar. It was a weakness on my part to accept the offer of lightening my duties."


    It was his fault for taking time off? How did that make sense?


    Before any comment could be made on that, Xing gave a deep, formal bow to Jinora and Ikki in apology and then left the confused girls to head to the shores of the island. To add to the initial confusion, Jinora also caught his last words on Air Temple Island.


    "This will fucking hurt¡­"


    For a moment, she thought him rather stupid for diving into the water in a clearly crazy attempt to swim across the bay, rather than taking a boat. But then there was a burst of white fire that sent Xing literally rocketing out from and across the water''s surface, faster than a flying fish dolphin. He disappeared into the dark waves shortly after, and then blasted out again with the same white flare. With how fast he was going, Jinora estimated that Xing would make landfall in maybe two-thirds the time compared to a ferry? Assuming that he didn''t slow down or anything¡­


    And they said his firebending was broken?


    Regardless, with Xing no longer around, Korra became more determined and stubborn. While she did smile and grin and laugh, it didn''t come as freely as before. She''d wake up in the morning for airbending practice, always with an expression of focused irritation. Her movements were often jarring and hasty, instead of the serene, smooth flow of a clear-headed airbender.


    It was like she was determined to be an airbender quickly just because she was mad at Xing?


    Yet even in such a short time, it was clear that being fuelled by anger wasn''t bearing as much results as the Avatar had hoped.


    Jinora had caught Korra several times already breaking down into a storm of grumbling when she tripped over herself or almost slipped from imbalance due to her arms moving far quicker or slower than her legs. Her parents had also noticed and tried to shift Korra onto more calming meditation or simply taking a break to clear her head, but it only served to entrench the Avatar''s determination.


    "I can''t put off my training," she had insisted with a forced grin. "You said it yourself, Tenzin, that I managed to apply airbending movements in pro-bending. Now I just need to keep training and eventually I''ll figure out a way to airbend."


    "That''s not how-" But Jinora quietly stopped her father from continuing with that sentence, sensing that it''d only antagonize Korra further.


    "She''s of that age," Pema offered. "I''ll try talking to her when she''s calmed down a little."


    Jinora doubted it''d happen anytime soon. Several mornings later, instead of the usual training, Korra left the island for the pro-bending arena to train with her team, and then came back in the afternoon all focused and tense. Apparently the Fire Ferrets really needed to win the coming tournament, and messing around wasn''t an option.


    And in that same evening, a boy from the Fire Ferrets named Mako - that a blushing Korra insisted wasn''t cute - came looking for his brother Bolin, and Korra joined him in looking for him. They came back the following night, apparently after a dangerous encounter with the Equalists.


    The event had understandably driven Korra to be grimmer and maybe a bit more irritable.


    On the upside, it made her more focused, and Korra eventually cleared the airbending gates without a hitch.


    Now if she could only learn how to actually airbend, so that she''d stop being so surly all the time¡­


    Jinora chastised herself as usual whenever that thought came up. Korra didn''t deserve that. She was under a lot of pressure as an Avatar after all. Still, it''d be nice to have Xing around, if only to help offer some help in calming Korra down. Surely he''d been through moments like this?


    If not, surely he''d know enough of Korra''s less¡­friendly moods to have an idea on where to start. Jinora and her family only ever saw Korra smiling and laughing during their visits to the South Pole. Come to think of it, it always seemed like easy and happy times for Korra in the South Pole¡­ Watching her parents trying and failing to get Korra to unwind was becoming a bit painful, and Jinora hadn''t a single clue on how to help them.


    *****?


    The job at the power plant helped, but it wasn''t enough. Besides that, the taxing work was making a noticeable dent in Mako''s training for the tournament. As much as he needed the money to pay off his debt, he also wanted to actually win and make it big at last.


    Korra was of great help, Mako would silently admit. She might not be the best pro-bender, but she had the raw talent required for it, and more importantly she''d help him rescue Bolin without hesitation.


    However difficult Korra might have been on their first meeting, she was good people.


    If only she had something to donate to the cause. Maybe he should ask if the Avatar''s support people might not be above providing some food allowance at least? Surely whatever''s good enough to keep her in shape would be good enough for Mako and his brother¡­


    Groaning from another hard day''s work, Mako dragged himself out of the power plant as fast as he could in hopes of reaching the tram early. If he was really lucky, there''d be a seat waiting to give him a moment of real rest.


    Unfortunately, it wasn''t going to be that lucky a day. As Mako looked out to the main road, not only was the tram already here and packed with occupants, it was on the verge of leaving.


    Holding back another tired groan, he drew up his reserves and began to dash for the transport. There was no way he was waiting for the next tram, not when peak traffic hour was rolling around and he''d have to fight to even secure a footing on it.


    He rushed past a parked truck, only to freeze when he noticed a motorcycle with a sidecar heading straight for him, the growl of their engine drowned out by the other traffic around them. There was a flush of cold dread as the vehicle shot towards him, but instead of the agonizing collision that his subconscious braced himself for, the motorcycle swerved abruptly but neatly around him, the wheel on the sidecar lifted at least a foot into the air before landing onto the paved road with a thunk.


    Mako blinked, and then the dread of imminent death was quickly thawed away by outrage of almost being a victim. Exhaustion and the tram forgotten, he stomped towards the driver and passenger of the motorcycle "Hey! Watch where you''re going!"


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    Once more Mako froze, though this time in surprise as the sidecar passenger removed his helmet before bowing. "My sincerest apologies," the guy¡­Shing? Xing? Tsing?...Korra''s former disgruntled minder offered, looking all neat and sharp in a socialite''s suit. "I hope you are not harmed?" He offered a look of genuine concern before recognition also filled his eyes.


    "Uh¡­ Xing?" Mako guessed, still unable to reconcile the almost seething former White Lotus member in sopping wet, traditional robes that was Xing that night with the overly polite and utterly modern look of the Xing now.


    Xing gave a nod of mild confusion. "You are¡­Avatar Korra''s¡­team mate?"


    For some reason, the identification made Mako feel self conscious. "Uh¡­yeah. Mako."


    Xing gave Mako a look, and then glanced to the power plant behind him, and Mako preempted the question with defensive glare. "It''s my day job."


    Before either of them could say more, the driver of the motorcycle made her presence known with a pretty voice that matched a dazzlingly pretty face. "Oh, do you know him, Xing?" she asked Xing with a startling familiarity, and then turned her attention to Mako. "I''m so sorry."


    "Uh¡­"


    "My apologies," Xing repeated along with his bow, with slightly more authority in his tone. "If I hadn''t distracted Miss Asami-"


    "Nonsense," ''Miss Asami'', presumably, retorted with clear annoyance. "It''s my fault for being careless, Xing, and you know it." Her head snapped back to Mako with a small, contrite smile. "I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have been speeding like that¡­" And then a sense of deja vu hit Mako as he saw recognition fill her eyes too.


    "Wait, you''re Mako right? You play for the Fire Ferrets!"


    Mako blinked. "Um¡­ Yeah, that''s me."


    Then the bubbling excitement was quickly muted as Asami''s gaze went back to Xing. "Oh, the¡­"


    "I''ve no quarrel with Mr. Mako," Xing replied with a slight shake of his head before offering Mako a speculative look. "I hope?"


    "Uh, no¡­ No. I don''t think so?"


    And then Mako remembered that he was supposed to be angry at almost being smashed by a speeding vehicle, but the outrage had lost all momentum. "Uh¡­ Try not to go so fast next time?" he told Asami, doing his best not to squirm sheepishly under her attention.


    A heavy, awkward silence fell on the three of them before the trundling of the tram reminded Mako of why he was standing in the middle of a main road. "Oh crap, the tram!" Too late, he watched the packed vehicle rumble past behind Xing and Asami. The two of them followed his gaze, and then shared a look between themselves. Asami then gave a shrug, followed by a nod from Xing.


    "You are¡­in a hurry?" he finally asked with carefully measured politeness, not in a snubby, offensive manner. It was rather impressive, Mako later reflected, that Xing could deliver his words with such clear intent. One dreaded to imagine what sort of training or experiences he went through to hone such a skill.


    "I''ve got training¡­" was all Mako could lamely reply with, still trying to process the steps needed for Xing to stomp out of Korra''s service and into a wealthy dame''s graces.


    "Then please instruct us to your destination."


    "Huh?"


    "We can get you there," Asami elaborated with a smile before putting her helmet on again.


    Mako blinked at her, then glanced at the motorcycle, and then looked back at the two of them. "But¡­your cycle only has space for two people?"


    Xing''s light-hearted and amused voice did not match the bone-breaking bodyguard look he had. "Ah, I understand your concern about my employer''s driving abilities¡­"


    "Har har..." his counterpart retorted as she buckled up her chin strap.


    "...but beyond the fact that I can vouch that it was a genuine fluke, the transport we''re offering is back there." Xing''s thumb pointed over his shoulder, where a rather large canvas-covered truck was parked.


    "Maintenance truck," Asami helpfully explained. "We were giving the sidecar attachment a live trial¡­" Her smile became a sheepish one. "I guess we know the brakes and controls aren''t affected by the additional weight?"


    "And the attachment frame held up against sudden and violent motions."


    "Shush Xing," Asami said without heat.


    "Uh¡­"


    "Come," Xing ushered with just enough insistence that Mako''s legs began moving. "I''ll be driving, if that''s any comfort."


    And so Mako ended up hitching a ride on a utilitarian yet comfortable truck, struggling to not stare in confusion at Xing throughout the whole trip. Asami trailed behind them, keeping her motorcycle to a much slower speed even with its sidecar removed and stowed in the back of the truck.


    It was only as they neared the arena that Xing finally broke the uncomfortable silence between the two men. "You''re in dire need of money," he suddenly stated.


    "Wha-?"


    "You do not have the uniform of the plant''s engineers, nor would they have the time to be in a pro-bending team. More common power plant work, benders or not, is considered accessible but hard labor. Accessible enough for a pro-bender seeking a side job, but hard enough that it''s not optimal to do so." Mako felt the urge to open the door and jump out of the truck as Xing''s gaze bore into him for a moment. "You don''t seem the type to be half-assing your pro-bending, otherwise Korra wouldn''t be enamored enough to join your team. So working in the power plant would not be ideal for someone who would more likely prefer to use the time and save his energy on training. Which means¡­"


    "Well, maybe I''m contracted there!" Mako lied defensively, before his mind could fully catch up.


    "The Li-liang power plant does not use rigid employment contracts for their laborers, especially skilled benders that they desperately need. Paying for the day''s work is seen as the more attractive prospect for most lightning benders who''d rather work at the plant on and off for short periods and take on other, less strenuous, jobs in between."


    "And you''d know?" Mako sharply shot back at the former White Lotus member.


    Xing nodded, his eyes fixed on the road. "I should. It''s owned by Future Industries, of which Miss Asami is an heir to. We just finished a tour of operations in the morning before commencing with the motorcycle trial."


    Mako''s jaw dropped. Future Industries? That meant¡­ "Asami¡­ You''re working for Asami Sato?"


    Another nod from Xing as he put his arm out the window to signal a turn and effortlessly guided the truck around a bend with the other hand still on the wheel. "I am, but back to the point, you are perhaps desperately low on funding¡­?"


    Mako squirmed but eventually sighed out his confirmation. "Y-Yeah¡­ We need a few thousand to buy into the tournament¡­"


    "Hm¡­ If you are amenable to it, I''m sure it wouldn''t take much to convince Miss Asami to help sponsor your team."


    "Huh?" Sponsorship? But¡­ "You''re going to help me? Us? I mean¡­Korra-"


    Xing''s shrug was forcibly nonchalant. "My issues with Korra are personal in nature. Your Fire¡­"


    "Ferrets."


    "Your Fire Ferrets are not directly involved in it." A smirk crept up his features. "Miss Asami is an avid fan of pro-bending, and more importantly¡­ I''m sure that Future Industries can benefit from the fact that it will be backing the team that the Avatar is playing in. Honestly, I''m surprised you haven''t been visited by the other corporations yet."


    The truck slowed to a stop outside the arena, and Xing gave Mako a speculative look. "I hope you and your team wouldn''t mind entertaining my employer with exhibition matches and behind-the-scenes tours in exchange for the funding you require? I''ll see if I can keep advertising duties light so you can just focus on pro-bending."


    When put like that¡­


    Mako exited the truck to stand behind Xing as they waited for Asami to join them. Curiously, her first words were delivered with a frown. "You''re right about the truck needing better signals, Xing. I could barely tell when you''re about to turn at times¡­"


    "I''ve got an idea or two that hopefully might be of practical use¡­ But since we''re here, Miss Asami-"


    Huh, why did she wince when addressed by Xing?


    "Mako is willing to show you around the backstage."


    Asami''s face lit up with excitement for a moment, but then became clouded with uncertainty. "Are you sure, Xing? I mean¡­"


    Her minder (more like the less affable sort of ''troubleshooter'' with how he carries himself) shook his head. "I''d like to think that I can reign in my¡­temper. Besides, I''m told that the Avatar is busy training on Air Temple Island today."


    "Oh, okay¡­ If you say so, Xing."


    He gave her a surprisingly warm smile. "You don''t have to worry about me. Oh, while we''re at it, Mako might have a proposal for Future Industries¡­"


    Mako tried not to shift uncomfortably as Asami''s gaze fell on him momentarily. "Mako''s proposal? Or yours, Xing?"


    "Maybe it''s more of a collaboration?" Xing shrugged, and as he gestured for Mako to lead them into the arena. The pro-bender could only do as instructed, his mind reeling from taking in so many turns of events.

 Chapter 10

    Asami hadn''t come back from work. Again.


    It shouldn''t have been surprising after all this time, yet somehow it always was before exasperation set in.


    At least she wasn''t spending the nights out in the city like other wealthy socialites, Hiroshi Sato consoled himself. And truthfully, he wasn''t really one to talk, being gone for days to oversee the discreet buildup in various sites outside of Republic City.


    If he remembered correctly, there hadn''t been any meetings with investors today, and nothing broke spectacularly in the labs and workshops¡­ So his daughter shouldn''t be de-stressing at the racetrack.


    Which meant Hiroshi had to drive back to Future Industries'' main headquarters. Sure enough, the guards reported that Asami hadn''t left the building at all ever since sundown, with only her new aide leaving briefly to fetch food for her and do other chores.


    "The guy left once at around dinner time to get the missus her food, and then left again about¡­ten? Eleven?" The night guard gave an uncertain shrug. "Then he came back about close to one with a small pack. Snacks probably?"


    And that was an interesting development; Asami had picked up a new hire on her own volition. One that she seemed rather content with keeping, to boot. Such was her track record that the security and employees had noticed.


    "The guy¡­Xing?... He''s an alright guy. Er, sir."


    And it was a young man, to boot.


    "Smart looking, polite¡­ Probably knows what to say to keep Miss Asami from kicking him out like the other nine hires."


    "Why do you say that?" Hiroshi had to ask, his instincts piqued.


    The other guard gave a shrug as he joined in. "Miss Asami doesn''t mind him walking beside her. Um¡­ I don''t wanna be spreading rumors, but I heard from someone at the labs that they were found laughing at something together."


    A jolt of danger rushed through Hiroshi''s veins at the implications of this frankly aberrant information. Hiroshi could understand if Asami decided to take on an aide as a favor to an investor (the Shing-Hua family notably being persistent with trying to intern their scions in an unsubtle attempt to worm their way into Future Industries'' innovations), but for her to actually enjoy her assistant''s company?


    And that aide was a boy her age?


    Reining in his paranoia, Hiroshi hurriedly made his way to Asami''s private workshop, unable to keep himself from scowling a little.


    There was a part of him that trusted his daughter being smart enough to handle her own affairs, including discerning the character of her personally selected employees. That part of Hiroshi told him to be calm and not overreact, that Asami likely had some very good, very rational reason for picking her new aide.


    That part was smothered by the other voices screaming for wariness. Asami was still young, and though she had been severely careful with unworthy suitors and wild boys, she lacked the experience to handle every encounter. There was always a chance that she could fall for some trick she wasn''t prepared for.


    What if the boy was a bender? The infamous bloodbenders could puppet bodies¡­ Could there be a type of bending that could manipulate emotions? A¡­a mindbender or something similar? That has to be a sort of waterbending, right?


    The rush of worrying thoughts came to an abrupt halt as Hiroshi stomped out of the elevator and turned the corner. The vague images of his precious daughter being loomed over by some dreaded figure or being wrapped in shadowy arms was banished as he came across a young man sitting calmly outside Asami''s workshop.


    He was dressed like a respected retainer or butler, instead of a garishly dressed socialite who openly associated with the triads. Even as he was halfway up from a cross-legged sitting position by the closed door, he gave off the impression of more of a patient bodyguard than a loitering delinquent.


    Bodyguard - not butler or common servant - because Hiroshi was well aware of how the man''s arms at least were moving into a martial stance.


    There was no evil snickering, no dark cackling. Instead, the young man''s face was set to a neutral, stoic expression. Mildly tanned skin and a sharp face with keen, amber eyes suggested that he was more Fire Nation in origin than Water Tribes.


    So no mindbending then, the bit of Hiroshi not completely caught off guard poorly joked.


    The young man was already standing down by the time Hiroshi fully turned the corner, and a glance by his feet told him that the aide had been tending to a teapot set on a small clay stove. Curiously, a teacup was tipped over a couple of feet away, rolling lazily in a small circle.


    "Hiroshi Sato, sir." The well-dressed youth addressed him sharply as he stood at attention, to the point that all that felt missing was a hand salute to go along with it. "Miss Asami should be¡­resting right about now."


    "Resting?" Hiroshi managed to say as he stared at the young man.


    What did the guard say his name was again?


    The aide gave a single nod. "Yes sir. She should still be in her nap."


    "I see." There was a second''s pause before his thoughts caught up with what the young man had said. "Should?"


    There was only a flicker of hesitation in his eyes before it hardened into something decisive. "I admit I haven''t peeked inside to confirm yet, as I didn''t want to risk waking her up from her rest. It''s been an eventful day for Miss Asami, and I''m unsure if she''s a light sleeper¡­"


    Well, that''s thoughtful of him. He sounds competent too, for what that''s worth. Hiroshi hummed to himself as he tried not to glare too hard at the young man before him.


    A soft clink and a sudden jolt of movement from the bottom of Hiroshi''s vision suddenly caught his attention, and he glanced down to see another empty teacup suddenly rolling past the workshop door. The aide shifted, and as if on cue there was the loud clack-thunk of the workshop''s heavy blast-resistant (not proof, as Asami had revealed in that one particularly unfortunate experiment) door opening.


    "Urgh¡­ Dad?"


    With a groan, a tired and slightly unkempt Asami poked out, rubbing at her eyes as she squinted at Hiroshi.


    He couldn''t help the paternal smile that appeared on his face. "What did I say about spending nights in the lab, Asami?" Hiroshi lightly scolded.


    "I told you I already installed a bed here," was her response through a groggy smirk. "I also thought you''d be back in the afternoon¡­"


    "Things went smoother than expected," Hiroshi smoothly replied. Asami''s smirk was about to turn into a smile, but it morphed into surprise instead when she glanced beside him and noticed her aide.


    "Xing? I thought I told you to go back and sleep?"


    "I did," came his answer, utterly dry of humor or cheek.


    "Then why are you still here?" Asami asked, her sleepiness giving way to cranky annoyance.


    "I went back to sleep, then I woke up, and then I returned here to resume my post," the young man¡­Xing¡­answered, deadpan.


    "When I said ''see you in the morning'', I meant after the sun rose, Xing."


    "I''ll note that down for the future, Miss Asami. In the meantime, I''ll have some tea ready for you?" Xing shifted slightly to offer Hiroshi with a speculative glance. "Or should I make preparations to call it a morning?"


    "Tea." Letting out a mix of a groan and a sigh, Asami gave her father a thin smile. "I''m about to finish with a new idea."


    "So I see," Hiroshi replied with a disapproving frown, already dealing with this enough times to give up on having another discussion. "Please tell me you''ve eaten a proper meal at least?"


    A smug grin appeared on her face before she threw a glance to Xing. "Of course. Xing?"


    The young man cut in without missing a beat, somehow already offering Asami a steaming cup of tea. "Miss Asami had ordered in a full course from the Dai Chow Restaurant, which consists of four carefully selected dishes to ensure a decently balanced diet. Dessert was omitted as it was an unnecessary extravagance for her current needs."


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Hiroshi blinked at the aide for a moment, and then looked back to his daughter, who had settled on looking pleased with herself before she realized something.


    "Oh, dad, I forgot¡­ This is Xing, my new aide."


    "An honor to meet you sir," Xing smoothly greeted with a formal half-bow, as a proper household staff might. No cheeky grin, no insidious gleam in his eyes¡­


    "Uh, right. Good to have you on board, Xing. Do you mind if I had a moment with my daughter?"


    Xing actually gave Asami a brief look, waiting for a subtle shift of her head before he nodded. Hiroshi didn''t know how to feel about that.


    "Of course, sir. I''ll leave the tea on your desk, Miss Asami?"


    "Thanks, Xing."


    The Satos watched in silence - one conflicted, one preening - as the aide picked up the clay stove and its resting teapot to carry it into Asami''s workshop, and then plucked up the two empty teacups from the ground. Only then did Hiroshi noted the fine, almost invisible strand of string that was tied to each cup. Watching Xing spooling up the half-visible strands as he left, Hiroshi suddenly pictured a simple tripwire by the elevator, which would explain the first fallen teacup. Which meant that Xing had also set up a similar system in Asami''s workshop?


    "Mothspider silk," Asami suddenly said, having picked up her father''s thoughtful stare. "Leftover from our research into alternative materials. I guess it''s good enough for tripwires¡­not that we can market that as a product?"


    "Quite." Hiroshi gave his daughter a look, noticing the nervousness peeking from underneath her smile. He did his best to keep his voice and expression neutral, treating the coming subject as if they were discussing her new projects. "So¡­ Xing?"


    Asami''s smile faltered for a moment, but then she rallied. "I met him some days earlier," she explained with brittle confidence. "He''s smart and able, and so when he lost his job, I quickly offered him a spot."


    "Mhm¡­"


    "He''s proven himself very capable so far," Asami continued, "I mean, he isn''t being a suck-up like some of the previous hires, or got underfoot like the others. He''s also got some really good ideas I think we should look into, and um, well¡­"


    Hiroshi simply stared at his daughter for a few seconds as her words trailed off nervously, and then finally he let out a heavy sigh. "I suppose he does seem diligent¡­ I trust your judgment, Asami."


    The bright smile she beamed at him and the sudden great hug he received instantly told Hiroshi that he made the right call. Still, he had questions, questions that might now be easier to ask now that his daughter was in a better mood.


    "So, how''d he lose his job?" Hiroshi asked, careful to keep all judgment out of his inquiry.


    A wince flashed across Asami''s face. "Well, Xing was part of the White Lotus before this¡­"


    White- What?!


    "...and he''s supposed to be the Avatar''s minder of sorts."


    The Avatar? Hiroshi couldn''t keep his eyes from boggling.


    "But they had a falling out, mostly because she''s being a pain for far too long. So he left."


    "You can leave the White Lotus?" Hiroshi blurted, to which Asami shrugged.


    "They haven''t come complaining about it as far as I know¡­ I mean, you''ve seen Xing, dad. He''s smart and considerate. People like that don''t simply leave without good reason."


    She had a point there, he had to admit. More importantly though¡­


    "He used to be the Avatar''s bodyguard?"


    "Kind of? The way he says it, he''s been her minder for a while, and judging from how he talks about her, Xing''s as much of her bodyguard as he is her handler. He''s too polite to say it, but the Avatar''s a bit too willfully reckless. She wasn''t supposed to be pro-bending, for example."


    Now that was most interesting information.


    "I see¡­" Hiroshi put on a sympathetic mask as he nodded to his daughter''s elaboration. "Xing does seem to be diligent and professional, I have to admit¡­ You''re right that such folk usually don''t simply up and leave unless they''re forced to, one way or another."


    Asami nodded eagerly, happy to be vindicated. "Well, Xing was forced to leave, but he was stuck here in Republic City without a place to go and without any funds. When I found out, I had to take him in."


    Though he noted her excitement, Hiroshi''s thoughts were more focused on what opportunities this little development might offer to the cause. A former confidant of the Avatar¡­ Xing would likely possess useful information¡­


    Returning to the present, Hiroshi put on a smile. "Well, as long as he proves capable, I''m not going to complain about him."


    "Thanks, dad."


    A sudden thought clicked in his head, and Hiroshi found himself frowning as he threw a guess. "Now, I''m told Future Industries is now sponsoring a pro-bending team?"


    Nervousness flickered again across Asami''s face as she nodded. "Uh, yeah. I, uh, bumped into one of the Fire Ferrets, and they apparently needed the funding. So¡­I thought that it''d be worth a gamble chipping in for them, in exchange for having our name tied to them."


    "Is that so?"


    She nodded again, with more conviction this time as she continued her pitch. "Yeah. The Avatar''s playing in that team. If you think about it, there''ll be plenty of people who''d be interested in seeing the Avatar play pro-bending, right? She''s the Avatar, after all. And maybe with that sort of popularity, we can use the Fire Ferrets to advertise Future Industries? We''ll give them a Satomobile to use, have some engineers quickly cook up some good pro-bending kit, so that everyone sees that Future Industries is working with the Avatar. Win or lose, that sort of association is bound to turn some business our way."


    Hiroshi hummed thoughtfully as he nodded. The businessman in him could easily imagine what kind of a boon having such advertising might bring to his company. Having the Avatar basically guaranteeing your product''s value simply by using it exclusively¡­ If anything, he felt annoyed at himself for never considering that in the first place.


    The Equalist in Hiroshi also appreciated the fact that such a relation would help mask his cause''s operations, and perhaps even offer a chance to get closer to a more vulnerable Avatar.


    "You raise good points, Asami," Hiroshi praised warmly. "We''ll push our sponsorship with the Fire Ferrets as a proper campaign, maybe make a proper press announcement to really show off."


    Asami slumped a little as relief washed over her. "I''m glad you think so, dad. Honestly though, Xing was the one who came up with the idea."


    Hiroshi couldn''t help the lopsided smirk that formed. "I figured as much."


    "Oh? Er¡­"


    "Up until now, the only ideas you''ve brought up all involved prototypes and engineering projects," he lightly teased. "Making a sudden turn towards public relations is surprising, to say the least."


    Admirably, she recovered quickly, smirking back at her father. "Well, I guess then it''s further proof that hiring Xing''s a good thing for us."


    Hiroshi let out a soft chuckle. "So it seems, Asami. Now, we''ve still got some hours before the sun rises, why don''t you show me what you''ve been working on? It''ll give me some time to prepare if we need to push it to the investors."


    Her face lit up again, and Asami wasted no time in leading him into her domain. "Well, it''s another thing Xing thought up. You know how drivers have been relying on hand signals to show they''re turning? What if¡­"


    Xing again? So he has a talent for providing useful insights. If it keeps up, he''d be a good boon for Future Industries.


    And if that insight holds true for his past employment, it''d be worth keeping Xing close as a source of information about the Avatar and the White Lotus. Amon should be interested in such things.


    Regardless, Hiroshi would have to keep a closer eye on Xing; such a knowledgeable person showed potential to be wily and insidious, and was a greater threat to Asami than a simple-minded corporate scion could ever be.

 Chapter 11

    "We have a sponsor?" Korra asked, grinning brightly at the news.


    The Fire Ferrets would get to join the tournament after all!


    While Bolin was as enthused as she was, Mako seemed a bit less giddy over it as he broke the news.


    "Uh, yeah. Someone came up to me with the offer, and it was impossible for me to refuse it."


    Wariness suddenly flashed across Bolin''s face. "Uh, what kind of offer are we talking about¡­?"


    The hidden meaning behind the question was lost to Korra, but whatever trouble he expected was not present here because Mako shook his head firmly.


    "Don''t worry, we''re not working for any betting rings."


    Bolin''s relief was sincere as he slumped a bit from the hidden tenseness leaving him. "Oh, whew. That''s good to know. So, who''s bailing us out?"


    Mako frowned at his brother. "We are not being ''bailed out''. Future Industries is sponsoring our tournament run."


    "Whoa, Future Industries¡­"


    "Yeah. Asami Sato''s a fan of pro-bending, so, uh¡­she''s happy to get us into the tournament, but in exchange she might come by to watch us train or such. At worst, we might have to do a few exhibition shows to impress some people." He gave Korra a nod. "You might have to do a few interviews, apparently there''d be people interested about the Avatar being a pro-bender."


    "Oh, that doesn''t sound too bad," Korra remarked, she''d be more than happy to talk to people and show off her bending. If anything, it was good to know that her presence could help the Fire Ferrets with their monetary issues.


    Korra would be smiling wider, but she was still trying to figure out what was causing Mako to be so¡­concerned.


    "So¡­what''s the catch?" she had to ask, unwilling to keep puzzling it out.


    "Huh?"


    "Come on, you should be jumping for joy right now. We''re going to the tournament, right?"


    Mako''s gaze shifted away with¡­embarrassment? Guilt? "Well¡­Asami''s coming over later," he deflected instead of answering. "We best clean up the gym and get ready to greet our sponsor."


    Korra glared at her teammate for a moment, but he simply walked off in a hurry.


    "Don''t worry," Bolin said, "Mako''s not gonna put us up with any bad deals. He wants to win this tournament as much as we do."


    "Bad deals?"


    The earthbender nodded sourly. "Yeah, some teams get paid by the triads'' betting rings. They give good money, but¡­every now and then you''ll have to, well, throw the game."


    Korra''s eyes went wide with astonishment. Match fixing? But the news reported that they cleaned up the sport!


    "It only happens in the lower circuits," Bolin explained with a shrug. "It''s kind of an open secret. You don''t see those teams making it up to where we are because otherwise it''d draw attention. There are still a few teams being funded by the triads at the top level, but they''re supposedly not meant for betting¡­not sure how that works though."


    "I see¡­" That was quite a bit to take in. "Well, Future Industries is not a triad, right?" she asked half-jokingly, and barely hid her relief when Bolin confirmed it.


    "Yeah, the worst I''ve heard is them and Cabbage Corp feuding over a tramline, but it''s nothing like a gang fight."


    The way Bolin worded it so plainly and like it was nothing at all piqued Korra''s curiosity.


    "You make it sound like the triads are everywhere."


    "Eh, not everywhere," he replied with a shrug, "but they''re around if you know where to look for them."


    The Avatar frowned with growing indignation that gangsters could run so rampant. She should go to Tenzin about this, or maybe intervene herself¡­if not for Amon and the Equalists still lurking out there. Korra had to focus her attention, one issue at a time, as Xi-


    Korra''s mood immediately plummeted at the thought of her minder. Her former minder. It''s been a week already and Xing still hasn''t returned as she''d expected him to, nor has Tenzin heard anything about him. He probably has left Republic City, as Tenzin had suggested. Well, all the best to him then. At least it''s a win-win that he doesn''t have to act as a deadweight to Korra anymore¡­


    The Fire Ferrets gathered in the gym later in the afternoon, which had been rented out by their wealthy sponsor for the occasion. Korra had done enough meet-and-greets with Katara in the South Pole to know how to put on a good first impression; the sponsors wanted to see a pro-bending Avatar, so it''d be an easy thing smiling and bending three elements together to show off. If anything, they''d probably be easier to impress than fishermen who didn''t appreciate earthbending dams to make catching fish easier.


    It annoyed Korra to remember Xing being the one to calm them down. Guess the dumb fishermen needed an equally dumb minder to communicate clearly¡­


    Before her thoughts could stray further, Korra heard footsteps echoing outside as no doubt Mako was guiding Asami Sato in. She and Bolin exchanged grins before they gave cursory checks on their pro-bending uniforms, and then Korra struck a confident pose just as Mako appeared through the doorway.


    "''Sup Mako?" she greeted with a big grin, but the guy was being overly nervous.


    For a moment, Korra was almost peeved enough to voice her question, but then the girl that must be Asami, dressed in a simple coat of brown and red, appeared from behind him.


    The girl that looked very, very familiar to Korra.


    Wasn''t that the girl Xing had been talking to before?


    A small gaggle of more sharply dressed people appeared from behind her, all older adults with a hint of haughtiness about them. Mako coughed into his fist before he straightened and put on a more confident mask. "Um, may I present to you, the Fire Ferrets."


    There were more than a few excited looks directed straight at Korra''s way. She was used to such attention by now, but what caught Korra''s own attention was the mysterious smirk she most definitely saw lingering on Asami''s lips before it melted away.


    "Heya!" Bolin greeted with his usual cheery tone. "Welcome to, uh, the training gym!"


    "Thanks," Asami replied with a warm smile that somehow seemed directed only to Bolin and Mako. "I''ve always enjoyed pro-bending, and I''ve followed the Fire Ferrets'' team progress this season, what you''ve all accomplished is quite remarkable." Her gaze shifted to Korra and then that smirk flashed again. "I''m glad the Avatar decided to help you out after your waterbender left."


    "Yeah, me too," Bolin obliviously replied, while Mako seemed to be holding back a sigh. "Korra''s been a great help to us, I''m sure with her help - er, and yours, of course - we can win this tournament, and more besides!"


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    "I''m glad to hear it," the green-eyed girl said with a slight nod. "Now, I''ve been briefed on your team''s situation by Mako, and frankly I find it wrong that you two brothers aren''t properly housed, or that you''re not getting the training time you deserve."


    An older man stepped up to offer Asami a sheet of paper, which she then passed on to Mako. Korra watched curiously as he read the document in silence, and then seemed to boggle at the contents while Asami looked pleased with herself.


    "What are- Are you joking?" he half asked, half demanded as he stared at the piece of paper in his hands.


    The heiress'' smile was kind, yet smug at the same time. "I try not to take business transactions lightly."


    "What''s wrong Mako?" Korra had to ask.


    Not lifting his gaze from the paper, he simply answered, "We now own a house?"


    "What?" Bolin exclaimed as he rushed over to his brother''s side to read the document as well.


    "Not yet," Asami corrected lightly. "We still need your approval before we make the purchase."


    Bolin squinted at something before he raised his head towards her. "Wait, that''s a shophouse just across the stadium! I thought that place is prime property?"


    The wealthy, grinning girl gave a quick shrug. "Thanks to¡­certain contacts, I found a lot owner having some trouble - a bad marriage, she wants a divorce but didn''t want to divide her property. So we stepped in and she officially donated the whole lot to Future Industries."


    "Huh? Won''t she be homeless?"


    Asami shrugged, though some of her lackeys seemed to take on the smugness she once wore. A spectacled, older man beside her with too much grease in his hair spoke up. "As thanks for her donation, Future Industries is gratefully offering her free stay in one of our vacation homes in the town of Zilang. It''s a far from even trade, to be sure, but she seems amenable to moving out."


    Korra frowned, finding the whole affair shifty.


    Asami seemed to have caught her misgivings and shrugged again. "Once her divorce is settled, we''ll transfer ownership of the home to her later, along with an additional gift of more money."


    It still sounded shifty to Korra. "What did the husband do?"


    Another lackey responded, a spectacled woman with her hair tied back a bit too tightly. "From what has been alleged, Missus Shimei''s spouse has been, and still is being unfaithful, and is a notorious drunkard with several charges of public misconduct already."


    So, cheating and being a drunk nuisance or something, right? Korra winced as she instinctively recalled the wordy euphemisms Xing had once unraveled for her.


    "Anyway, to not fly off the tangent," Asami said, reeling the conversation back in and glancing back at Mako and Bolin. "Renovations will only take a while and then you''re free to move in. The ground floor will be owned by Future Industries as a store. If you agree to the terms, you''ll get the three floors above it. One floor will be converted to a gym, then one floor for each of you as an apartment. Or if you like, you can share a residence and convert the other floor into whatever you want."


    Bolin again spoke up for the team. "Wow, that sounds very generous¡­"


    That earned a sweet but hollow smile from Asami. "It''d reflect badly if the talented pro-benders sponsored by Future Industries remain essentially homeless, wouldn''t it?"


    "I guess¡­?"


    Oh, right. Korra almost forgot. ''Public relations'' as Xing put it before. One of his more eye-rolling lectures, though there were bits in it that Korra had to admit were useful.


    "Anyway, the earthbenders should be done with the whole building in a couple of days time. We''re ready to provide basic furnishings for your new home and base. In exchange, we ask that the Fire Ferrets make an appearance at a party to announce our partnership, wearing new uniforms of our design."


    "What''s wrong with our current outfit?" Korra asked.


    Asami threw her a weird look, as if trying to hold back on a joke, as she tapped at her lips with a finger. "Future Industries has access to prototype materials that might be far more suited for protective gear than vehicle upholstery. I have a small team who might have some ideas on how to improve the existing pro-bending kit. Within current pro-bending regulations, of course."


    That made sense. If they could even upgrade the protective padding, that''d be a great improvement.


    Asami''s smile became softer as she addressed the Fire Ferrets as a whole.


    "Beyond the first party, you shouldn''t have to worry about having to waste more time making other appearances. And don''t overwork yourselves for the tournament, I just want to make sure the Fire Ferrets get their fair attempt at the trophy. Win or lose, Future Industries will continue to support the team so long as it does its best."


    While benefiting somehow through their association with the Avatar, Korra understood. She kind of got it, and the team was in no position to refuse the offer.


    "Well, I don''t see much of a problem with the deal," Bolin said, by now having the agreement in his hands while Mako simply looked¡­resigned as he nodded.


    Korra gave the brothers a look before shrugging. "If you both think it''s fine, then I''m good as well."


    Asami clapped her hands together as she smiled with satisfaction while one of the men in suits stepped forwards with a pen in hand. "Excellent. Please write your names on the dotted line."


    The trio inked their name on the document, and light applause broke out from the people on Asami''s side as the heiress shook hands with each of them. "I look forward to seeing how far the Fire Ferrets will reach in the coming tournament, with proper training and rest," she grinned, which honestly was a sentiment that Korra could agree with, so she returned it with a grin of her own.


    "We''ll not disappoint you."


    "I''m sure of it." With a final nod, Asami stepped away from the Fire Ferrets with the signed contract in hand, and then spoke in a tone that immediately raised Korra''s hackles.


    "We''ll leave you to your training then. I''ll send some prospective managers for you to choose from later. In the meantime, if you have any concerns, you can bring it up with me¡­or my assistant." The way she glanced over her shoulders to the doorway made Korra tensed.


    And then Asami said a name.


    "Xing?"


    And out stepped a familiar face, his stoic expression and alert posture immediately identifiable despite the new clothes that he was wrapped in.


    "Wait, aren''t you¡­weren''t you¡­?"


    As Bolin stammered and Korra''s jaw dropped, Mako let out a weary sigh.

 Chapter 12

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    In the grand scheme of things, even if this Xing had turned out to be an incompetent charlatan, Future Industries would only suffer a month''s waste of a personal assistant''s salary before he was thrown out. However convinced Asami was, her father would be less tolerant of fools.


    But Xing had matched the expectations placed on him. Dae had heard the rumors that had quickly seeped up the company''s hierarchy, of a highly diligent assistant that not only shadowed Asami, but also kept on her good side throughout. He was professionally amiable by all accounts, but not in a brown-nosing way. In the two weeks of his employment, he''d kept up with his charge and supposedly provided her with an idea or two that impressed even Hiroshi Sato.


    Even this suggestion of sponsoring a pro-bending team was Xing''s idea, a move that made several marketing officers smack themselves for not considering such an obvious opportunity (though to be fair, none of the competition had beat them to it either). And better yet, he followed it up by offering prime real estate to Future Industries to further exploit the sponsorship.


    The moment the pro-bending stadium was built, the commercial blocks opposite it had become a highly strategic location, and the shop owners knew that. Until now, neither Future Industries nor its competitors could open anything more than a kiosk near the pro-bending arena because every owner in the block thought that technology galleries required messy renovations that would affect the lucrative eateries and merchandise stores.


    But Xing had somehow found an in within two weeks of working in the company, supposedly through knowledgeable intermediaries. It took a scorned and spiteful woman to finally give Future Industries the highly visible and potentially lucrative foothold that they wanted, and for a measly price at that.


    Using the additional floors of the property to house the pro-benders was also a good move, though Dae wasn''t as convinced as his colleagues over at Marketing were and he''d wait until the reports came in before celebrating the move.


    Still, the move had highlighted Xing''s competence, which made Dae confused and doubtful at first of why he''d leave his post working with the Avatar. Asami had said that they likely parted on poor terms, but surely the Avatar would value such an able aide, and surely Xing wouldn''t give up such a prestigious post just like that? Granted they were both at a reckless age, but the disagreement between youths, especially those allegedly raised by the White Lotus, shouldn''t be so ugly, right?


    Dae''s doubts were proven wrong the moment Xing stepped through the door to stand before Avatar Korra and her pro-benders. The Avatar''s eyes immediately flashed with the deep anger of someone betrayed.


    "Xing." She spat out the name with a scowl.


    In contrast, Xing remained calm, offering a polite nod that at least seemed devoid of any ulterior sentiments. Maybe that was the point. "Avatar Korra."


    "You''re still here."


    "I had the great fortune of being hired by Miss Asami when she found out about my resignation."


    Tension and danger spiked and Dae and the rest of the Future Industries employees flinched as the Avatar snapped her furious gaze towards Asami. It was the wrath of a person who''d caught the culprit that had stolen a valuable possession.


    Xing spoke up again before things could escalate, the jarring contrast of his almost indifferent tone cutting through the sudden tension. "You gave me the option to leave, so I took it."


    Avatar Korra''s wrath sputtered as her attention was brought back to Xing. "I didn''t-"


    "I couldn''t put up with you anymore, and so I quit, just as you said I could," the young man interrupted, and then tilted his head to glance at the other wide-eyed pro-benders. "Unless I''m the only one who misheard that?"


    Mako shook his head in wise silence, while his brother Bolin finally snapped out his stupor and actually tried to step in between Xing and the Avatar. "Uh, I''m sure Korra didn''t exactly mean it¡­? Things were getting heated up and all that, and-"


    Xing shrugged his shoulders and cut off the rest of Bolin''s attempt at deescalation. "It''s a moot point. I was given the offer to leave, so I left. Similarly, when Miss Asami generously offered to hire me despite my lack of qualifications, I took it."


    The look on the Avatar''s face morphed into something quite ugly. "Oh, so you went for the pretty-"


    "She offered a generous wage along with challenging but not daunting work."


    "So what?" Avatar Korra retorted, her anger rising again. "The White Lotus pays you as well!"


    "They give me an allowance," Xing mildly corrected. "One that is meant to cater to both your needs and mine. I''m sure you recall the times I had to spend it on fishermen, paying for repairs, replacing provisions, or the ship ride here?"


    And once more her wrath was stymied, but the man wasn''t done yet.


    "Besides, you''ve always complained about me spoiling your fun. I''d thought you''d appreciate your newfound freedom."


    Avatar Korra''s feature resolved into a stony simmer. "I do," she finally said through a half scowl and gritted teeth. "You being gone is the best thing that''s happened so far."


    Xing remained indifferent. "So it''d seem."


    The Avatar seemed to finally rein in her anger as she poorly feigned aloofness. The heat in her eyes hadn''t fully simmered down as she glared at him. "I''m just surprised you haven''t gone off to stick your nose into crumbling scrolls and dusty tomes. With how much you like quitting from things when the going becomes tough, I expected you to be locked away in a library."


    Finally some emotion seeped into Xing, though Dae wasn''t expecting exasperation to be it. "I see Master Tenzin still hasn''t gotten around to teaching you the value of discretion."


    "I know what discretion is, Xing."


    "But do you know the value of it?"


    There were a few seconds of heavy silence as the Avatar glared ineffectually at Xing before she finally replied, the embers in her voice seeming to reignite again. "You think I''m stupid-"


    "No," Xing smoothly slipped in. "Only reckless."


    There was a mix of vindication and...something else as she reared back with a humorless laugh. "Well, I saved Bolin my way, and it went off well to boot! If I went about it your way, he''d have lost his bending by now!"


    Xing''s head tilted curiously at her words, and Dae was not the only one whose interest was suddenly piqued. Rather than engaging her about it, the young man gave a glance to Mako. "Lost his bending?"


    "Err¡­ It was a small thing¡­" The leader of the pro-bending team shrank back a little before the Avatar cut in with something approximating a growl.


    "Yeah. Bolin ran into some trouble, and I helped rescue him. And it went off without a hitch too, without having to hear your whining."


    Xing seemed to be taken aback, though likely for a different reason than what was making the Avatar grin. He then glanced back to Asami, who was keenly listening to the exchange between her aide and his former ward all this time. "We might have to invest in a security detail¡­"


    "It''s already in the contract," the heiress replied with a faint smirk. "Figured they''d need it anyway in case we have to deal with bookies."


    Completely ignoring the glare of the Avatar behind him, Xing gave a half-bow. "Ah, my apologies for that oversight on my part."


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    Asami rolled her eyes a little. "It''s fine, you''re still getting the hang of Republic City. Considering the other things you''ve already accounted for, I''d say you''re doing a remarkable job as is. It''s not like I want you gone, after how helpful you''ve been to me already."


    Dae bit back the urge to retort when he saw the amused glint in her eyes. If she wanted to throw verbal jabs at the Avatar''s way, she could at least try to be more subtle about it.


    "Thank you, Miss Asami," Xing replied with clearly some additional ham in his tone, and as expected it kept the Avatar''s annoyance on him.


    "Hmph. You can keep your security," she scoffed. "We don''t need it."


    "Unfortunately, it''s already in the contract," Xing responded with his usual indifferent politeness. "And the contract has been signed by all members of the Fire Ferrets. A security detail will be allotted to the team, the composition of which will be discussed at a later date¡­"


    And then Xing''s gaze shifted to a nervous Mako. "When we catch up about the incident involving Bolin."


    He then returned his attention to the Avatar. "Unless you wish to terminate the contract now, while the ''second thoughts'' exit clause is still applicable?"


    "Second thoughts?" Bolin suddenly asked aloud.


    "It should be near the end of your contact," Xing casually explained. "It allows the Fire Ferrets to end the sponsorship agreement within four hours of signing it, in case¡­new developments arise."


    Silence followed as Bolin read through the contract again, and then meekly exclaimed, "oh right, there it is."


    All three Fire Ferrets shared glances with each other, glances that were laden with silent questions. The atmosphere became tight with tension again as the Avatar returned to stare at Xing with a sense of finality.


    "We won''t terminate the contract," she finally muttered, releasing a wave of relief among both her Fire Ferrets teammates and the Future Industries representatives. But the Avatar wasn''t done, jabbing a finger to hover right at Xing''s face.


    "But we won''t accept you as our manager." Then she shifted her focus onto Asami. "Or her. That''s not part of the contract, is it?"


    "It''s not," Xing easily admitted. "We''ll present an interim representative tomorrow, until the proper stable of managers are made available for the Fire Ferrets to choose from. But during the announcement party, the Fire Ferrets will have to present a¡­cheery front to the journalists."


    The Avatar folded her arms and nodded curtly. "Fine. I can live with that."


    Xing glanced over to Asami, who nodded, and then gave a bow to the Fire Ferrets that would have been sycophantic if he hadn''t kept up his mask of indifference. "Excellent. As we''ve no further matters to raise for the time being, we''ll leave you to your training. Future Industries looks forward to a beneficial relationship with the Fire Ferrets."


    The Avatar remained firmly unimpressed while the two Fire Ferret brothers offered awkward goodbyes. Dae only felt comfortable once they finally exited the stadium, though his superior broke into a wide, triumphant grin instead.


    "Well done, Xing. That went better than expected." The grin melted into a grateful smile. "I know I said you didn''t have to, but really, thanks for coming with us."


    Her aide shrugged. "With Avatar Korra, it is better to be upfront with her about my presence. I''ll agro- draw her dislike onto me, but she''ll remain willing enough to continue working with Future Industries. From there, maybe the relationship can improve from reluctance into something more eager. Better than having her find out about my employment here later and then causing a ruckus that''d be bad for the company''s image."


    "Quite true."


    "As a bonus, we didn''t have to emotionally blackmail the Avatar into sticking with the contract¡­"


    "Not overtly, anyway. She knew the stakes the moment you offered her the exit clause."


    Xing nodded. "I''ll have to follow up with Mako about the kidnapping incident, however. Probably tomorrow afternoon, after the Avatar has returned to Air Temple Island."


    "Good, I''ll leave it to you then. Hopefully we''re not going to have to invest too much in bodyguards¡­ Oh." Dae almost backpedaled in surprise when Asami''s attention turned to him. "Dae, Xing''s been looking through our roster for eligible candidates, and he noticed that your nephew''s looking for a transfer from retail?"


    "Err, yes, Miss Sa- I mean, Miss Asami?" Damnit, he almost made the mistake of calling her by her surname.


    Thankfully, she didn''t seem to care, and instead nodded. "Do you think he''d do well as a pro-bending manager?"


    Dae blinked for a bit before he actually processed what she said. He glanced at Xing, who only offered a shrug and a faint smile. Then Dae bowed deeply, echoing older times of a vassal displaying gratitude to their liege. "If he doesn''t, I''ll make sure he learns quickly, Miss Asami."


    This was not the kind of chance you simply let pass. Hanh was always complaining about working his way up the ladder, well now the lad would have his chance to prove himself. Dae would have to hammer home the importance of not fucking this promotion up to his nephew. Nevermind the Avatar, this was practically a new field for Future Industries. Hanh would be a pioneer in managing a pro-bending team on a corporate level. That sort of thing could open up new doors¡­if one left a good impression.


    "You''ve been a dutiful employee to my father, Dae, I hope your nephew follows in your footsteps."


    "I''ll toss him out myself if he fails to meet expectations, Miss Asami."


    "No need to be so severe," she replied graciously. "Now, Xing?"


    "Yes, Miss Asami?"


    Asami flashed a frown at her assistant before sighing. "Now, it''s been two weeks already¡­"


    Quickly recovering and remembering his part, Dae produced a slightly bulging envelope from his jacket and passed it to the heiress'' hand.


    "And I''ve got to say, I''m quite impressed by your work so far." Before Xing could reply, she passed the envelope to him. "Here, an early bonus."


    Interestingly, the young man genuinely seemed totally caught off guard by the gift, looking a little lost. "I¡­ But the sponsorship¡­"


    Asami gave a light chuckle before taking Xing''s hand and putting the envelope in it. "The bonus for the sponsorship will come later when it starts paying off. My father agrees that you''ve earned it for the little inventions you brought up to me, and for getting us that shop." She nodded over to a particular shoplot covered in bamboo scaffolding. "Oh¡­"


    And Dae produced two smaller envelopes for Asami to pass to Xing. "Here''s the finder''s fee for Kai and Ren. I know they''re too¡­young to handle such cash, so I''ll trust you to look after them?"


    After a moment of being dumbstruck, Xing nodded. "Of course."


    Dae almost laughed at the reminder that the young man had come from the more rural South Pole. He probably was gawking at the sheer amount he now had in his hands, and didn''t fully realize just how much he''d helped Future Industries save from getting a spiteful lady to palm the property off to them. And they''d get to put up a proper store in front of the pro-bending stadium, foot traffic was about the heaviest, and sans any of the usual competition in the area.


    For all that potential, and for the hundreds of thousands Future Industries was willing to pay to achieve that potential, what was a few tens of thousands?


    "I''ll leave you to enjoy the rest of the day off," Asami finished with another grin. "Don''t worry, I promise I''ll be stuck in my workshop, and if I really need you I''ll call you."


    "Uh¡­"


    Asami sighed and rolled her eyes with mock exasperation. "Just enjoy the break, Xing, and treat the kids to something nice."


    Xing finally snapped out of it and bowed deeply. "As you say, Miss Asami. Thank you."


    </article>

 Chapter 13

    At first, setting up a practice in the midst of the boutiques, theaters and clubs of classy Harmony Park district had seemed to be a move made of desperation. It didn''t have the wealthier traffic like the Central and Downtown districts, nor did it have the volume and corporate opportunities that the industrial parks in Green Meadows district offered.


    But somehow, Kilin got her little enterprise to work.


    Up until her arrival, the snazzier clinics in the district tended to focus largely on aesthetic care, while everything else was settled Downtown at the main hospital. At first glance, trying to set up a general clinic seemed doomed to failure, but Kilin soon realized that there was a market for the minor emergencies that sprung up in the fashion and entertainment hub of Republic City.


    The theater folk made up the bulk of Kilin''s business, due to incidents like collapsing stage props, falling off stage, brawls between staff, tea spilling, and the odd director/actor relationship being discovered by their spouse(s).


    There was also an inordinate number of twisted ankles from victims of fashion designers ''pioneering'' footwear. In fact, the fashion industry offered a surprising amount of business due to its high-stress environment. If it weren''t fucked legs, it''d often be bruises and cracked bones from tiffs between designers and their exasperated crew or models. It was mostly minor stuff, barely worth more than an hour''s attention, though there was that one incident where a designer had almost had her neck sliced through by a measuring tape¡­


    Still, the fashion and performance industries were not as cutthroat as the high-end food business. Unlike most clinics, Kilin kept her clinic open until the late hours to cater to the rather lucrative trickle of food poisoning or cleaver-attack victims. If it''s not one restaurant (or their triad backers) trying to sabotage their competition, it''s a more overt conflict that often resulted in the metalbending police bringing over literally chopped up men and women for Kilin to heal¡­after she received a decent down payment.


    Amidst the frenetic madness of the district, Kilin took in anything that could be patched up by a short waterbending session, and referred the everything else to the hospital after stabilizing the patients. The aging waterbender gained a reputation for being the go-to for the right sorts of emergencies, and after she hired more healers from her home village in the North Pole, Kilin''s clinic thrived thanks to being able to operate every day of the week.


    Not that it was booming business every single day, but the opportunity was there.


    Just like the one that just stepped in during the usually quiet afternoon. The fashion season had just ended, and most of the theater companies were shopping for sponsors and new stories to bother with rehearsals or scandals.


    A young man, probably some rich family''s butler judging by how sharply he wore clothes and carried himself (did butlers come this young though?) stepped through the clinic''s doors, followed surprisingly by two street urchins dressed up in decent clothes.


    Their greedy looks and antsy energy gave them away. Kilin had lived in Republic City to instantly recognize poverty-fed desperation. Just like how she could see that the young man was more than just a common servant. The air of professionalism fit the bill, but the way his eyes took in his surroundings reminded Kilin more of a more competent triad bodyguard. The kind that occasionally walked into the clinic with minor things like gaping wounds and broken bones while their bosses who paid for the healing were barely touched by a speck of blood.


    Judging by the fact that the kids were not cowering in fear, Kilin guessed that maybe they were someone''s illegitimate offspring, and due to some reason or another they were now being retrieved to be readopted into the family.


    It could even be a gang boss'' mistress rising up the ranks?


    But that didn''t explain why they''d be here, though. No obvious signs of injury, no hints of discomfort¡­


    Fuck, it''s going to be an outcall, isn''t it?


    The young man smelled of trouble. But with everyone else on their breaks, Kilin had the misfortune of being the only one behind the counter at this moment.


    If Kilin was lucky, this was going to be related to the triads, who practically treated the clinic as sacred neutral ground and knew not to cause a scene.


    If she wasn''t, it''d be one of those wealthy dynasties with their narcissistic entitlement. The kind that demanded a lot but paid poorly.


    Either way, it''d be bad for her reputation to simply shoo away the new customers right away. But if she listened to their proposition, then the butler would have a foot in to be stubbornly insistent, which would force Kilin to relent or call for the police, which could also be bad for business.


    Holding back her sigh, Kilin braced herself as the man came up to the counter and plastered on her best calming smile to set the scene.


    "Can I help you?"


    As expected of a rich family''s servant, the young man gave a short but formal bow, though the kids behind him were occupied with looking around curiously.


    "Excuse me, but I''ve been informed that this clinic does¡­intensive healing?"


    Spirits, this was going to be fun¡­


    "What kind of healing are you looking for?"


    "Old wounds, poorly healed bones." There was none of the shiftiness or innuendo from his words, which likely ruled this out as a triad thing.


    "I''d suggest you seek the hospitals for that," Kilin honestly offered. "If you''re talking about refixing broken bones, then you''re looking at rehabilitation which would take some time, which our clinic unfortunately does not provide."


    The young man didn''t look put off by the deflection, which meant that his employers weren''t completely prissy fuckwits. "Ah, I can take care of the subsequent recovery. I just require aid in fixing the old injuries."


    It took a second for Kilin to register the queerness of his phrasing. Servants usually used ''we'' to represent their employers. He''s referring directly to himself. So this is a personal matter?


    She sighed, and then eyed him warily. "I can only promise to give it a look first, but it won''t be cheap."


    The young man nodded, completely unphased. "I understand. I''ll bring the patient over later. How much would you require for a downpayment?"


    He was definitely not representing a rich family, otherwise he wouldn''t freely offer up a downpayment.


    The notion was further reinforced when Kilin gave her the initial fee for consultation, and the man presented a stack of yuans without hesitation.


    With her curiosity piqued, and seeing that he''d been far more pleasant a walk-in compared to the usual lot, Kilin personally booked the evening slot for Xing. She also had Uki, the clinic''s next best healer, on standby when she came back from her shopping break, just in case it was going to be one of those definitely-not-gang-related wounds again.


    Xing''s return was heralded with the chugging of a vehicle parked just outside. It sounded too rough to be a Satomobile or Cabbagecar or any other civilian vehicle.


    A truck then?


    This was getting weirder and weirder.


    Then soft protests from an elderly man could be heard, and then the two kids showed up, keeping the doors open for Xing to walk in, with an elderly man reluctantly piggybacking on him. Compared to the kids, the old man''s state wasn''t hidden at all. The elder''s face was weathered and unkempt, clearly having endured much. The state of his beard and mustache could make Kilin a good sum simply by showing them off to the prissier fashion critics and healing them out of the ensuing shell shock. His clothes were stained, frayed and holey, while the scrap string kept his sandals on his feet and the soles were worn to the point of being little better than folded paper. If the clinic hadn''t already been acquainted with the smell of vomit and blood and shit, Kilin''s nose would''ve been offended at the faint miasma that clung onto him.


    Juxtaposed to the young man carrying him, was this elder Xing''s family or something? Was Xing one of those kids in the stories who went off to work and then came back to his destitute family to drag them out of poverty?


    Seeing her expression, as well as the stunned looks given by the other healers in the clinic, Xing''s head tilted to one side a little. "I hope the appointment is still on?"


    Kilin quickly shook herself out of her staring and then hastily ushered him into one of the treatment rooms. "Here, you can set him down there."


    "I''m fine," the old man protested weakly, earning eyerolls from the two kids who followed after them.


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    "Gramps, you''re gonna get your legs fixed," the girl said. "We can afford it and you really need it. So stop complaining, it''ll be fine."


    Xing carefully lowered the old man onto the room''s examination bed, and Kilin winced the moment she saw the twisted limbs that were supposed to be legs. They hadn''t been broken as much as pulverized a while ago, and the natural healing was barely guided, if at all, which resulted in lumpy, bent limbs that must have been painful to move in.


    Still, it wasn''t exactly a complex problem, just¡­an intensive one. She''d worked on similar cases before, though those tended to be fresher wounds.


    "This is going to take some work¡­" she muttered, and Xing gave her an optimistic look.


    "But it can be done?"


    Unfortunately. And Xing had already put up a good amount of money upfront, and Kilin loathed refunds.


    Kilin quickly poked her head out of the room to call for reinforcements. "Uki! Yana! Bring in a barrel!"


    The two healers entered shortly after, rolling a barrel of water to back up the one already sitting in the corner of the room. In the meantime, Kilin appraised the rest of the old man and found what she expected: lumps of badly healed bone, mostly on the arms and back, scarring around the same regions, overly rough hands¡­


    This old man had somehow survived a brutal beatdown, and his legs were broken probably as a message. That he lived at all meant that whoever''s responsible wasn''t completely pissed with him, just pissed enough to cripple him as a means of humiliation.


    Kilin sighed before addressing Xing and the old man. "We can do this two ways: We do it over several sessions, treating different areas each time. There''ll be pain, and it''ll last until the treatment is fully completed, and you can expect phantom pains to linger for a while. Or, we do it all at once. There''ll be more pain, but I can certainly guarantee that it won''t last any longer than a couple of days."


    "How bad is the pain?" the old man immediately asked and Kilin threw him a wry grin as she nodded at his legs.


    "About as bad as when you got those."


    "Ah¡­" For a moment, he seemed ready to protest again, but then he looked to Xing and the two children, and the elder drew in and exhaled a heavy breath. "What''s a little more pain, I suppose. I don''t want to waste anyone''s time any further, so I''ll go for the second option, please."


    "Are you sure?" Xing asked with concern, and the old man scoffed.


    "Now you worry? Relax, I''ll be fine. Better to get all this over with anyway."


    Not wanting to witness any further family drama, Kilin snapped her fingers and had Yana lead the two kids out of the room. Xing stayed after promising to sit back and behave.


    Kilin had the old man, who eventually introduced himself as Lidai, to take off the rags that was his shirt, and then she bended up a blob of water from one barrel.


    "Right, take a deep breath and stay calm, alright? If you struggle too much, we''ll have to start from scratch."


    Lidai gave a stiff nod as he no doubt braced himself, and then the Kilin directed the floating blob water to engulf him. Carefully channeling her chi, Kilin stirred up the water to vigorously stimulate her patient''s energy paths. With a grunt, she brute-forced the redirection of chi through the damaged pathways, ignoring Lidai startling as he no doubt felt the burning pang of chi rushing down once abandoned networks.


    "Uki."


    The young woman stepped in to add her own efforts, churning up the water into a glowing maelstrom that began to exert force on Lidai''s body. He admirably endured the pain of re-breaking bones, though the healers lowered the bubble of water to allow him to refill his lungs after a while. There was none of the South Pole gentleness here; Kilin valued expediency over comfort as it meant a higher turnover. The customers usually liked it too, since they got to return to their lives quicker.


    With the patient obscured by the bubbling and glowing water, and the violent rush of it drowning out the pops and cracks of broken bones, Kilin focused her attention on the feedback of energy that swirled within it. While Uki tended to a more general healing, the older waterbender homed in on the subtler pinches in the chi network, ruthlessly cracking apart and reknitting the pathways and the flesh and bone that they were attached to.


    With care only to ensure that no new damage was wrought, Kilin nudged bone fragments back into their original place before vigorously accelerating Lidai''s natural healing to fuse everything back into a solid piece. Calcified knots were ground away, fingers were straightened, and joints were made smooth again. Lidai struggled a bit at times, but it didn''t obstruct the operation so Kilin kept at it.


    Uki expertly excised scar tissue before sweeping the affected areas in healing pulses that saw proper flesh and skin fill up the space. The same sweeps of healing forcibly regenerated shredded fingertips and softened calluses. Kilin felt the girl show off her natural talent by directing chi beyond the usual pathways to reinvigorate and cleanse organs. With her mastery of chi Uki melted away cataracts (a trick Kilin was still trying to perfect), regrew tooth enamel (though not the whole thing - nobody''s that good a healer) and even straightened Lidai''s finger and toenail growth.


    The two healers were standing on wobbly legs by the time the procedure was completed, almost an hour later. They''d replaced the water about halfway in, and once they were done they had two barrels of water yellowed from dirt and blood and flakes of skin. Lidai was lying on the drenched examination bed by then, gasping heavily through an expression of sheer agony.


    With all the repairs he went through, he now filled the bed a few inches more, and his limbs dangled a bit more freely.


    He didn''t have a heart attack at any point of the treatment nor did the pain knock him unconscious, which was nice.


    Herself panting from exertion, Kilin flicked the sweat from her forehead as she turned to the lone observer in the room. "There, it''s done. He''ll still need rehabilitation to acquaint himself with his new freedom of movement though. And he shouldn''t exert himself too much for a month or so¡­nothing more than a walk around the block."


    Xing gave a grateful bow. "Thank you. I''ll see to it, as well as any other recommendations if you have them." A gentle frown of concern appeared on the young man as he then went over to check on Lidai.


    "How are you feeling, elder?"


    "You¡­you wouldn''t want to know," the older man gasped out, though he managed to stop wincing to offer a smile. "It feels like shit¡­but I can feel the not so shit bits as well. Thank you, Xing."


    Xing''s smile became warmer, more¡­familial? "You''ll have to remember to thank Ren and Kai as well, they eagerly contributed to cover this treatment."


    Leaning against the wall to catch her breath along with Uki, Kilin blinked in surprise. Those kids had the money to chip in? Then she remembered not to bother asking too many questions, and banished the thought away.


    With all parties recovered to a modest degree, Xing helped Lidai walk out to greet the excited kids, and while the elder and the children hugged and sobbed, the young man went to settle the all important matter of payment. As expected from what she''d seen so far, there was no haggling involved with him. Kilin passed him the itemized receipt, and Xing read through it in silence before nodding and passing the yuans over.


    Then he, the two kids and Lidai to some degree, gave deep, grateful bows which made Kilin a tad bit embarrassed, while Uki and the other healers on duty blushed and reciprocated with well-wishes, and some of the customers ''aww''ed empathically at the already touching scene.


    "I''d say feel free to come again, but I don''t want to jinx you," Kilin awkwardly offered, and personally saw them off with a more genuine smile. They were hassle-free customers after all, and Xing had been very polite, so the usual plastered farewell would be too rude.


    Still, it was weird that they were leaving in a truck of all vehicles - the kids climbing up the empty back carriage while Lidai took the passenger''s seat and Xing drove. She''d expected at least a more comfortable carriage with a driver with the amount of money they just passed to her.


    "The evening''s still young, we''ll stop for a meal and then I''ll show you to your new home."


    The truck left with the sounds of excited children lingering behind, and once more Kilin blinked as more questions about the quartet popped up. And once more Kilin pushed her curiosity aside and returned to work.


    All the best to them, though, whatever they''re going through.

 Chapter 14

    From the triad-run orphanage out to the streets, Ren had quickly honed her wits to survive amongst the desperate and depraved, lurking within the shadows of Republic City. Like many urchins, she grew accustomed to resting on hard surfaces, learned (and was still learning) how to balance risk and reward, and understood that everything came at a price.


    Everything.


    Food. Safety. Tolerance. Pride. Trust.


    Everything involved an exchange. Ren knew that.


    She just wasn''t too good at figuring out the exact cost of everything yet.


    Too much effort might waste a whole day''s toiling for bruises and a pinch of coins. Too little would result in sloppiness, which made for a lousy trade in anything except for punishment.


    What made things trickier was that not everything had its cost made immediately obvious. A simple sneak-and-grab on a hideout carried the risk of being caught or losing the prize throughout the operation, but back then neither Ren nor Kai had figured out that there was a delayed consequence to the job in the form of angered triad members. Hardened as they were, they were still too young and inexperienced to understand the dangers of being pawns.


    Their employers had gloated over the marks, proudly showing off the stolen treasure and gleefully proclaiming how impotent they were for letting mere children get the better of them.


    For the Triple Threat Triad, it was a good investment, of course. For a hundred measly yuans they humiliated and distracted their rivals, allowing them another inch of advantage in the incessant shadow wars between gangs.


    For Ren and Kai, they learned that week that a hundred yuans, whopping as the sum was at that time, wasn''t worth the wrath of the Agni Kai triad. A hundred yuans was not enough to rent sanctuary, nor was it nearly enough to hire any assistance. Only Lidai''s selfless intervention stopped Kai from being gutted and Ren from being dragged into a whore den.


    He was a complete stranger at the time, yet he willingly bought off the Agni Kai''s wrath with his own dignity and well-being. While younger and stronger passersby simply turned away, the old fisherman had bartered the two children''s lives for his.


    It was a selfless act that had shamed and awed the two urchins, and saw them cling to Lidai protectively. It was a near impossible thing, but both Ren and Kai had resolved themselves to pay off their debt to the kind old man. Gramps was too gentle and generous for the shadows, but Ren started to learn that some softness wasn''t too bad. Having the undeserved sense of belonging Gramps gave was nice, just as it was being able to really relax around an adult.


    Things were going well in the two years after the trio became a sort of family. There were always enough opportunities and jobs that Ren and Kai could make sure that Gramps wouldn''t go without a meal a day at least, even on the stretches where his fishing resulted in nothing but lost bait. They were planning on saving up for a comfier mattress for him as well.


    And then Xing came along.


    Try as Ren might, she couldn''t find any ulterior motives in his generosity. He was nice like Gramps, and despite being a White Lotus he also had an understanding of how the world beyond the shine and glimmer of Republic City worked. Asami was nice, but Ren only trusted her because of Xing. It was still hard to believe that a pretty and rich and clean lady wanted to do anything with people like Ren, Kai or Gramps, let alone throw money at them so freely.


    Xing on the other hand worked in more familiar terms, instantly understanding the importance of transactions, even if he was a tad bit generous with his side of the exchange. He was also honest with what he wanted, putting up front the price for a good meal and yuans without any hidden fees or favors.


    Ren came to understand why he valued information of the shadows of Republic City so highly at first, but it was surprising when Xing quit the White Lotus that the price didn''t change. If anything, it seemed that he managed to turn a bigger profit off the information than before working for Asami.


    It must be nice, having a rich girlfriend.


    Still, even when the big payday came for what seemed to be a small bit of drama, Xing remained honest and understanding. He not only gave Ren and Kai their hefty finders fee with Asami''s well wishes, but did so by taking them to Republic City Bank to set up their own accounts.


    There was no need to warily search for a hole big enough to stuff all the money, or was there any worry of being robbed. The two of them instantly entrusted their account books in Xing''s care, though not before agreeing to his plan of bringing Gramps to the healers. It was a hefty fee, but one that both urchins - and Xing, at his insistence - were willing to pay.


    It was only a thousand yuan to get Gramps walking straight and smiling so brightly. A cheap enough price, a trivial thing compared to what Ren owed him.


    Then Xing had the gall to surprise them by introducing them to their new home after dinner. A proper, honest apartment near the docks four floors up. It smelled a bit from the fish factory a few blocks away, but Ren''s jaw still dropped when she saw the four furnished bedrooms, one of which she''d be sleeping in. Richer people like Asami might consider the rooms too cramped, but to the girl it was a wonder being able to have such a private space at all, her own physical sanctum.


    "Rooms for factory workers¡­" Gramps said with some amazement. "The rent for each room is supposed to be pricey, nevermind the whole floor."


    "That''s why I bought this whole unit rather than rent it," Xing responded with a rare cheeky smirk. "The owner was willing to let it go for a discount in exchange for membership to the Fire Ferrets'' official fanclub."


    "There''s a fanclub?" Ren asked as Gramps balked.


    Xing shrugged nonchalantly as he answered. "There will be. Future Industries will be exploring merchandising and other tie-in options, but so far subscribing to the fanclub would at least offer a meet and greet with the team during the official announcement, and maybe during a pre-game hype event."


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    "Does that include autographs?" Kai asked, and Xing nodded.


    "We''ll be asking the team to sign some stuff during the big reveal."


    The boy''s eyes went wide with excitement, and Ren could pretty much guess what he''d ask next. So could Xing, who answered it before Kai could voice the question.


    "I think I could use more people to smile for the cameras as they receive some exclusive membership goods¡­ They''d get to keep the merchandise, of course."


    "You''re serious?"


    Kai received a grin in return, which was swept across to Ren and Gramps. "Showing that there''s already a bunch of eager members of the Fire Ferrets fanclub, and the fact that they''re receiving exclusive items, should be good for publicity. If done right, the subscription scheme would allow the team to pay for itself after a while, while a good merchandising model should net a decent profit without interfering with their training for the coming tournament."


    That made sense, and Ren suddenly wondered why only Xing was doing such a thing.


    "That''s quite a task you''ve taken upon yourself," Gramps commented, earning another shrug from Xing.


    "Both Hiroshi and Asami Sato have agreed that this option was worth exploring. In the grand scheme of things, Future Industries doesn''t have that much to lose in exchange for publicity and a potential new avenue for profit. And it is a good way to prove my abilities to my employers."


    And to show off to his girlfriend, Ren didn''t quip.


    Gramps gave a grunt of agreement as he glanced down at his legs. "I suppose I can''t complain. Though with the money you''ve spent already¡­ You''ll be staying with us, of course?"


    "Yeah, you own this place, right?" Kai chipped in. "Doesn''t make sense to keep staying at that inn when we have an extra room here."


    Gramps'' head immediately snapped to Kai on hearing that, and then snapped to Xing. Ren knew that admonishing look, and she started to feel a bit bad for her benefactor. "You''ve no place of your own yet?"


    "I¡­was planning to look for a separate residence once my salary came in. I have enough to stay at the inn-"


    "Nonsense!" The two urchins flinched as Gramps fixed a resolute, almost oppressive gaze of a disapproving elder on the young man. "If you''re trying to save money, then there''s a room here. You can find a better place later."


    Xing''s head bowed with surprising hesitation. "I¡­wouldn''t want to test your patience. My duties would see me cause a commotion at odd hours."


    "We''ve been living in an alleyway up until now," Gramps replied. "That''s about the norm for us. If privacy is what you need, or more space, we can arran-"


    The younger man''s hands quickly came up. "No, no. It''s not that. I just do not want to interject myself in your lives more than necessary."


    Ren found the way he said the words to be odd; They were sincere, and also carried with it a familiarity of a well-used excuse. Then a thought flashed through the girl''s mind.


    Was it a White Lotus thing?


    Xing used to guard the Avatar or something, right? Maybe he had to get up to all sorts of things for his bodyguarding, and White Lotus bodyguards weren''t supposed to get in the way of everyone else, or something like that?


    Even if that was the case, he shouldn''t have to worry about such things now, working for Asami, right? She looked like the type who would rather have Xing obviously around rather than have him out of sight.


    Xing eventually relented under Gramps'' nagging, though he conceded with a small smile, and the four of them proceeded to pick their rooms. As the sun fully set, Xing left to check out of his inn, Kai helped Gramps with some basic leg exercises and Ren enjoyed a proper bath in probably forever. As she soaked in the wooden tub, the girl found the lack of noise to be unsettling.


    She could hear the water ripple and drip, as well as Kai and Gramps outside, so clearly. There were no garbled cries of stall vendors hawking, or the groans of the opium huffers, or the constant thuds and clattering of footsteps. There was a very faint commotion in the floor below and the world outside, but it was not enough to be comforting.


    The girl looked up to the plastered ceiling, and then to the walls around her. She was now in a bathroom larger than the ramshackle hut she shared with Kai and Gramps. This room was far stronger and more secure than that hut at the end of a dirty alleyway. The whole apartment was clean, safe, and comfortable.


    Ren sighed before sinking into the tub. It''d take a while to get used to this.


    That night, as nice and soft as her bed was, Ren found herself slipping into Kai''s room. The boy was also awake, in the midst of tossing and turning. They shared a silent look, and then Kai easily shuffled away to make room for her. The two children found comfort and reassurance in having their backs pressed against each other like they always did, the blanket on the floor simulating their old bedding well enough.


    They''d learn how to enjoy their privacy later.


    The next morning, Asami showed up, smiling brightly as ever, with Xing carrying another stack of dim sum again. The breakfast was nice, with the rich lady finally meeting Gramps and greeting him with all the warmth as she greeted the two barely-teens. She was more excited than everyone else about the new apartment, pointing out how well situated the apartment was and offering recommendations to upgrade the place (what''s an armoire, and how thick do mattresses really get?)


    Then before Gramps went off for sleep, Asami placed sheets of paper onto the thin plank table, and pushed one each to Ren and Kai.


    "Now, while my trusty personal assistant has offered brilliant ideas, I realize that Xing might be taking on more than his fair share of work ensuring that his ideas bear fruit. It seems my assistant could use assistants of his own. And while Future Industries does not condone heavy child labor, we don''t mind providing less strenuous opportunities to bright talents."


    Ren stared at the contract before her as Asami grinned cheerily at them. "So, would either of you be interested in part time jobs?"

 Chapter 15

    "My hand hurts."


    "Suck it up, Korra," Mako sighed but did not look up as his own hand automatically went through the motions of inking his name on a colored print of his face. By now seeing his own stoic face looking back at him had worn the discomfort into distaste, but the captain of the Fire Ferrets soldiered on.


    He was down to the final stack of prints, maybe about seventy sheets left?


    His hand trembled with repressed aches at the thought of reaching the end of this. This was not how he wanted to spend the day off, but¡­


    "We could take a break now, and continue another day?" Hanh gently suggested, and to the guy''s surprise - but not Mako''s - that only made Korra shake her head with a grunt of denial.


    "I''ll finish mine today," she declared stubbornly.


    The Fire Ferrets'' interim turned full-time manager wisely kept silent and returned back to his own workstation to clear out the paperwork still present.


    At least Korra''s not childish enough to snap at him. It was the team''s decision to settle the autographs in one day. Better to get the boring obligation done in one day to free up the others for training and other matters. Hanh had relayed and supported Xing''s idea of breaking up the task into at least two days, to ease up on the strain, which further sealed the deal for the Fire Ferrets.


    Korra flashed a scowl at hearing Xing''s name, and instantly doubled down on finishing in one day, so that Xing''s stupid homework wouldn''t ruin more days than necessary. Or something like that.


    Bolin was easily convinced, even right now he showed none of the weariness that weighed on Mako or Korra. Mako glanced at his brother and almost shuddered at the smile on his face as he eagerly sought to please the yet unrealized members of the team''s official fanclub.


    As for Mako himself, he simply wanted to get anything Future Industries related quickly done with, so as to not risk their contract. Like the fact that they were doing this in the comfort of their new personal workspace. Future Industries had generously furnished the brothers'' new home, and the floor used as the team''s gym also had a neat little office in one corner, complete with cushioned chairs and shiny new desks.


    It''d be a lot neater if the stacks of autographed pictures weren''t taking up some of the space, though.


    Getting the photos taken was a grueling ordeal in and of itself, the stupid ''director'' had too many crazy ideas about taking shots of them mid-leap and with very specific expressions. Mako was sure he snapped a muscle putting on a ''grimace of fiery resolve'' or whatever the hell the loony director called it. And having to do that while spinning in the air? Or holding it while the camera''s flash powder went off right in front of his face and blinded him?


    If not for Korra''s own outburst eventually cowing the man into more sensible scenes, Mako would''ve strangled the madman.


    Mako shuddered as he laid eyes on the piles of team autographs. They had worked on those first, with Bolin making a game out of signing his name and then passing it to Korra, who then passed it to Mako. The innate competitiveness in the three of them, Korra and Mako especially, had doomed their wrists as they sought to race each other.


    It was a very stupid mistake, and one that their manager failed to stop because he was still very respectful (maybe too respectful) of the Avatar and her abilities. But Hanh did offer bags of hot water that soothed some of the accumulating soreness, and he very diligently refilled water flasks and snack trays.


    Korra didn''t fully trust him (because of his ties to Xing) but she liked less the hassle of meeting more prospective managers Xing and Asami Sato might have selected for them. Mako and his brother found Hanh to be capable enough as well, so the guy became a full-time fixture in the office.


    Despite being maybe a couple years older than Mako, Hanh was polite and sharp, more in the ''young and eager to please'' way, instead of Xing''s latent assassin vibe. He happily provided explanations to the obligations the Fire Ferrets had to meet for Future Industries, along with providing reasonable suggestions on how to achieve them, and he was transparent about the paperwork he was dealing with as manager of the Fire Ferrets.


    Mako was surprised to learn that there were discounted laundry and tailoring services for pro-benders, or that the team could reserve choice arena seats for friends and family. Reserved parking, free tea service, affiliated healers¡­ There were perks that he doubted even Toza, the arena''s gym manager and former pro-bender captain, knew about. Such things were available, one just had to submit the right forms for them.


    The phone rang to interrupt Mako''s thoughts, and Hanh snapped it up as quickly as he always did. "This is the Fire Ferrets, how may I help you? Ah, Miss Asami."


    Mako wasn''t the only one who perked up at that name, though Korra was far less enamored and more annoyed. For himself, the pro-bender captain only felt a flash of envy and fear, both directed to the heiress'' scary assistant. It was clear Asami and Xing had a thing going on, and as pretty as she was, Mako didn''t think that fighting for her attention would lead to anything good.


    "Ah, yes¡­ Of course. Of course, Miss Asami. Right. Thank you."


    The Fire Ferrets waited until their manager hung up before taking a short break with the signing to pester him. "What''s that about?" Mako quickly asked, before Korra could be snippy about it.


    Hanh beamed a smile at them as he clapped his hands once with satisfaction. "Ah, the venue for the sponsorship announcement has been confirmed; the arena owners have agreed to allot some space for us to use."


    "That''s convenient," Korra remarked, and Mako nodded in agreement. Butakha wasn''t one to lease the arena''s space so easily, as evident with the various fees Mako and Bolin had to pay while living in the gym''s attic. It was more impressive considering that the whole announcement thing was a big party, and Butakha really didn''t like it when people tried to move things about within his arena. For years already he''d shot down various pro-benders'' call to convert some of the unused rooms into extra gyms during off season, or expand the storage rooms to support the increasing number of pro-bending teams.


    A lot of yuans must have been thrown Butakha''s way to change his mind.


    "Very convenient," Hanh echoed, his head bobbing up and down as well. "Since we''re there, we could proceed with a quick showoff on the field after the Q&A with the reporters, if you all feel like it."


    Bolin raised his hand along with a question. "Won''t we have food and fans to meet?"


    Their manager shrugged. "We can do those after. It shouldn''t be too hard a workout."


    "That''s true¡­"


    "We don''t have to set it in stone yet," Hanh reassured them, "you can see how the session with the reporters go before deciding. I''ll just make sure the staff are prepared for that eventuality."


    "Cool, thanks, Hanh."


    "Just doing my job," came the humble reply. "Oh, as it''s an official event, you''ll all be required to dress¡­appropriately." Hanh gave the brothers in particular a look, and offered a disarming smile before either Mako or Bolin could begin forming excuses. "Miss Asami has recommended a tailor to help with the occasion. I''ll set you up¡­say the day after tomorrow? It''ll be part of Future Industries'' sponsorship budget, of course."


    Mako blinked. "Uh¡­okay?"


    Before Hanh could express his satisfaction, Korra spoke up with some sharpness in her voice. "What about me?"


    Their manager was unphased as he gave a shallow bow. "Ah, your traditional South Pole dress would be sufficient, Avatar Korra. Xing has suggested that the reporters would be likely more¡­enamored with that look, to which I have to say I agree. You''re the Avatar, not a mere Republic City damsel."


    The annoyance that threatened to flare up on her face was quickly morphed into a mix of surprise and relief. "I¡­see."


    Hanh then gave a polite cough as he swept a placating look across the room. "Also, Xing anticipates that the looser attire would be better for dealing with unwanted encounters."


    "Xing''s expecting trouble?"


    The man''s face scrunched up into a skeptical frown. "Mm¡­ He thinks that some people in Republic City might find your presence, uh, overwhelming."


    Korra gave a weird, flat look. "Oh."


    "What''s that mean?" Bolin innocently asked, to which the Avatar sighed before explaining.


    "There''s people who are¡­uh, they look up to the Avatar a bit too¡­much?"


    "Fans, Bolin," Mako chimed in. "Korra''s gonna draw some crazy fans, just like those girls that keep throwing themselves at you."


    "Yeah, I guess you can call them that, though they tend to be older. Usually people who really liked Aang." Korra frowned for a moment. "I met a bunch of them in Wolf Cove. They''re mostly alright, but¡­Xing¡­had to step in a couple of times."


    "Oh! Oh¡­"


    Mako didn''t know which was more comical; his brother''s naive jealousy flaring up at the thought of men throwing themselves at Korra, or Korra begrudgingly voicing her gratitude for having Xing around.


    "There''ll be security guards employed, of course," Hanh confidently assured. "But I suppose it doesn''t hurt to be cautious. Anyway, other than the tailors, there shouldn''t be much else to take up your time."


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    Mako sighed with relief. "Good. I don''t think I''ll be feeling my arm after this is done."


    "Oh¡­"


    And the Fire Ferrets immediately tensed up.


    "Do any of you have any dietary restrictions or preferences? We''re finalizing the catering for the event."


    The trio deflated with relief and shaking heads.


    *****?


    "My head hurts."


    "I guess it''s time for a break then," Xing said with a smile.


    Ren and Kai both groaned as they dropped their pencils and slumped back in their seats. As they blanked out, their mentor got up to pour them some tea.


    The three of them were seated outside Asami''s office, each with an impressive desk of their own that was frankly wholly unnecessary. Xing promised that the workspaces would be occupied with paperwork in the future, but for now only Xing''s desk had a small stack of papers on it, while the three of them sat around Ren''s desk for their studies, and Kai''s served the important role of hosting the teaware.


    "You''ve got too much free time serving with the Avatar," Ren complained as Xing offered her a bowl of tea.


    "Not as much as you might think," he gently corrected. "But I''ll admit that there''s not much to do there in the White Lotus compound in the first place, so¡­"


    Kai let out a pained groan. "I really hope we''re gonna use what you''re teaching us, Xing."


    "I''ll be sure to make sure you don''t waste your time," he replied with a light smirk as he picked up Kai''s worksheet. With the paper held up, Ren could make out the scribblings of weird patterns that she and Kai were learning to memorize and inscribe. It was a weird cipher that had each individual pattern attached to specific sounds. Instead of writing the character for ostrich horse, for example, you''d have to string up the correct patterns to match the pronunciation of ostrich horse.


    It sounded simple enough when Xing had explained the basics of it, and Ren could appreciate how useful such a code might be out in the streets, or when used to writing down things whose characters were foreign to her (like ''armoire''). But she underestimated just how much of a pain it was to try and memorize and differentiate more than half a dozen different squigglies. It took two days before either of them could match in writing the sounds Xing made. And with how things were going so far, it looked like it''d take more than two days for them to grasp how to properly construct words and sentences.


    So far, figuring out the right ''spelling'' for the words was also hampered somewhat by how different people pronounced each word.


    ''Kai lan'' or ''gai lan''?


    ''Mai'' or ''Mae''?


    ''Avatar'' or ''Avatuh''?


    Most people in Republic City still carried their regional tics from their original homeland; someone raised with a Fire Nation tradition often spoke differently to someone from either of the Water Tribes, particularly in emphasizing parts of words. In the same manner, there was a distinction between them and the ''original'' citizens of Republic City, whose families grew up along with the city.


    For the time being, Xing decided to set the code to his own pronunciation of things, which wasn''t too bad Ren supposed. He wasn''t not undecipherable like some of the fishermen Gramps spoke with, or as harsh in intonation as a lot of the triads were. Or as flowery as Asami got when she wasn''t conversing with her two young interns.


    Still, Xing''s code had its upsides, the funnest of which was the ability to string together the squigglies to spell out nonsense sounds. Ren and Kai had spent much of the day before trying to spell gibberish, just because they could. And then Xing taught them some really weird words like ''perkele'', ''kurwa'' and ''putang ina''. Ren was sure they were all swear words with how Xing was grinning as he spoke them aloud.


    "You''ve both made good progress," Xing presently said, putting Kai''s worksheet back down and then going for his own bowl of tea. "I think by next week we can start a simple written exchange."


    "I can''t wait," Ren sighed dryly.


    Their conversation was interrupted by an audible juddering, followed by the ping-slam of elevator doors. Immediately Ren and Kai joined Xing in standing at attention before Asami and her father turned the corner, dressed in casual leathers, returning from their morning walk. Both Satos gave the trio warm smiles and nods as they approached, though Ren could tell that Hiroshi took a bit of effort to offer his greeting.


    Not that it made him a bad man or anything, the industrialist was trying to be friendly to a couple of slum orphans and the guy who was making Asami smile a lot. He was trying to be nice instead of putting on a slimy mask, and Ren appreciated it for what it was.


    "Mister Hiroshi, Miss Asami," the trio greeted as one, and Ren and Kai almost synced with Xing''s bow.


    While Asami rolled her eyes and huffed softly, her father chuckled and waved them to rise. "Please, Asami doesn''t want you to be so formal around her, and so do I."


    "As you say, sir."


    Hiroshi gave another chuckle as he nodded approvingly at Xing. "I suppose I''ll settle with that." Then his gaze shifted to Ren and Kai. "How''re you two faring? Everything alright?"


    "Yes sir!" Kai quickly replied with his chest puffed out. "We''re grateful for the opportunity, sir."


    "No need to lay it on so thickly," Asami sighed, but as Ren fidgeted, Xing smoothly spoke for them.


    "They''re grateful for the chance given them, and like me, they prefer to err on the side of politeness when dealing with benefactors in¡­higher circles."


    This time Hiroshi Sato broke out into a hearty laugh, causing everyone to look at him with mild confusion.


    "Ah, I get it," he said with a warmer, more genuine smile now. "Can''t afford to accidentally be rude to the rich folks, eh?" Before anyone could reply, he grinned. "Hey, I know how that feels. Why, when I was your age, I was a mere shoe shiner, and all I had to my name was an idea: the Satomobile. Then I was fortunate enough to find someone who believed in me, and my work ethic¡­"


    Ren was drawn in along with Kai, as Hiroshi loosened up considerably and spoke to them as if they were conversing over a bowl of noodles in the market square.


    "Dad, stop showing off," Asami gently admonished.


    The Satos entered Asami''s office shortly after that, leaving her assistant and the two interns to their own devices again.


    "Well, their meeting might take a short while," Xing said with a grin. "So¡­ Notes?"


    Immediately Ren adopted a more serious, analytical tone and expression. "Both of them did not look too tired."


    "But Mister Hiroshi had some mud stains on his boots, while Asami had either mud or grease on her pants," Kai seamlessly continued.


    "Which suggests¡­?"


    "They had a walk¡­across a puddle?"


    Xing shrugged. "Perhaps, but that''s not relevant for us."


    Ren thought for a second before she offered her answer. "They hadn''t changed when they came in¡­" Xing nodded at that, which then encouraged her to think hard for another second or so.


    "So¡­they went for a walk, and then came straight back here instead of changing?" Kai annoyingly cut in.


    "Correct. And the relevant part to us would be¡­?"


    It took another couple of seconds before the two interns shared stumped looks with each other, and then Xing completed the puzzle for them.


    "More than likely, Mister Hiroshi and Miss Asami went for a long walk without going back to their home to change and recuperate. That means their lack of exertion is not due to a relaxing bath, which means that their appetites might not be as large than if they took a jog or a run, and then went for a bath."


    "What if they had stopped to eat before they came in?" Kai asked, again beating Ren to it.


    "Then Asami would''ve told us to get our own lunch just now."


    "Oh, right."


    "So for us, as her assistants¡­"


    "We should¡­not call for a heavy lunch?" Ren speculated, and thankfully earned a nod from Xing.


    "Exactly. And while Asami might ask us to get extra food for our sake, it''d be rude to overindulge in her generosity. So we can roughly estimate what''s a good portion for them and us. But before we can place an order, we must first know what they''d like to eat. So, I''ll leave that to¡­Kai to ask them?"


    "What? Right now?"


    Xing''s smile became a teasing smirk. "What do you think?"


    Kai paused for a thoughtful moment, glancing at the closed office doors and then to the clock by their desks, before he responded. "It''s still early¡­ Asami prefers to eat closer to noon, but I don''t know Mister Hiroshi''s preference¡­ So I should wait until it''s closer to noon?"


    "Yup. Mister Hiroshi seems as tolerant as Asami of us, so he shouldn''t be too put off if we''re unprepared if he wants to eat early."


    "Cool," both interns said as one.


    "Which gives us some more time to pick up where we left off," Xing added without missing a beat, and both Ren and Kai groaned at the reminder of their writing lessons. "Come, finish your tea and then we''ll try spelling out names."

 Chapter 16

    With only a week to organize things, Asami thought that the announcement event was put together rather well. All of the relevant people had come to the grouping of tents by the arena''s entrance, especially the reporters. A few technicians from Republic City Radio were also present, setting up a microphone stand for live broadcast.


    Some pro-bending enthusiasts from her father''s circle of acquaintances were mingling about, adding just the right amount of upper class significance to the event. For clout''s sake, a few retired pro-benders were also invited, ready to give their thoughts on what sort of difference having a sponsor would''ve done for them back in their day. Asami''s father bet that it wouldn''t take too long for them to harp on about it once the drinks started flowing.


    Hired security guards maintained a perimeter around the event area, while patrolling by the roadsides was the noticeable presence of Republic City''s metalbending police. Because, again, the Avatar was showing up. Apparently, Chief Lin wasn''t as pissed off as everyone expected for being informed at such a short notice. Annoyed, yes, but supposedly that was her default state. Still, having a police presence had already drawn a curious crowd outside the arena grounds, kept back by tall metal fencing.


    The members of the Fire Ferret''s nascent fanclub milled about more nervously, mostly ogling at the environment they were currently in. All were dressed in shirts and pants of the team''s new red and white colors, with the silhouette of a rearing fire ferret on the chest and back, and Future Industries'' logo emblazoned on the shoulders. Besides Ren and Kai, and those few who were here due to favors, Xing and his young assistants had recruited fans mostly from the less affluent areas.


    "They''d be more obvious in appreciating the opportunity," Xing had explained with some cynicism. "Makes for good photos, and it''d also mean they''re more likely to be on their best behavior to just be in the same room as the Avatar. If not, there''d be less repercussions if we have to boot them out due to¡­misbehaving. Regardless, it''s better than having entitled socialites making a fuss about wanting more than a handshake or something along those lines."


    Breaking it down like that, Xing made a disturbing amount of sense. So much so that Asami wondered not for the first time what kind of public stunts he had to pull off while overseeing Korra. Asami wouldn''t pry until he was more comfortable with opening up, but it''s looking more and more like Xing was more qualified as a steward or regent than a mere assistant.


    Maybe she should look into officially bumping him up somehow, to show that he''s appreciated here. Surely if- once this pays of, her father could be convinced to offer Xing something.


    Though she did rather like having his company so conveniently close by¡­


    Was there such a position as executive PA?


    Shaking such conundrums off her mind, Asami returned to the present as Councilman Tenzin and his family were ushered in. Dressed in the orange and yellow robes of their order, they moved with serene grace, even Tenzin''s pregnant wife. No doubt they were here due to Korra being part of the Fire Ferrets, rather than holding any love for the sport itself. Still, theirs was a prominent attendance, enough so that Asami was beat to greeting them by her father, who''d put on his businessman''s charm.


    As she watched the two men exchange politely friendly greetings, Asami noted the daughters of the councilman peeling off to skip towards her. Literally skip, as the airbenders'' feet barely touched the ground to propel them forwards. Their eyes and grins were bright with excitement, which somehow set off the alarms in Asami''s head.


    Still, they were guests, and young girls too, at that. "Welcome to the arena," Asami greeted amiably as they approached, but she barely finished the sentence before the younger sister came up to her with a very, very enthusiastic look.


    "Ooh, you must be the pretty girl Xing likes!"


    Asami could only blink as her mind stalled. "Uh¡­"


    "What do you like about him? Are you dating yet? Is he-"


    "Excuse my sister," the older girl hastily interrupted with an ungentle tug of her sibling''s collar. Then she bowed, and her sister suddenly switched to a more polite expression and followed suit. "Thank you for your welcome. We''re grateful for the opportunity to be here."


    "Ah, y-yes... " Finally her mind reoriented itself, and Asami gave a polite cough. "Avatar Korra requested it, and we weren''t taxed on space¡­"


    The girl Xing likes?


    Fighting down her blush, the heiress managed to recover her smile and wore it again. "I''m Asami, you''re familiar with Xing?"


    "Yes, though only for a short time," the older sibling answered while preemptively raising a hand to block her sister from doing so. "I''m Jinora, and this is my sister, Ikki. Xing came with Korra, but¡­things became¡­messy after that."


    "I''m sorry to hear that," Asami politely replied. "I found Xing outside the arena, and he told me he''d left the White Lotus¡­" She was ready to repeat that whole spiel again, but there was a look of understanding in Jinora that stopped her.


    "I¡­get it. Thank you for looking out for him." There was something somber about the way Jinora spoke, though it only lasted for that moment before a cheeky smirk formed on her face. "I hope you''re not too worried by Korra to enjoy time with your boyfriend."


    Again, Asami could only blink dumbfoundedly as the girls giggled and ran off.


    Boyfriend?


    Shaking away the growing warmth in her cheeks, Asami stared as the airbending sisters mingled with the crowd, and felt quite conflicted.


    On the one hand, she''s the pretty girl that Xing likes.


    On the other hand, she didn''t feel like she was treating him like much of a boyfriend. Then again, he was being too diligent as an employee instead of trying to suck up to her like what other so-called prospects would do¡­


    Gah, she''ll have to figure this out later.


    A growing commotion drew Asami''s attention to the crowd outside, and the guards and metalbending police began converging. With some shouting and mild shoving, the crowd was cleared for a roofless Satomobile to pass through, painted in the Fire Ferrets'' colors, with their team''s logo emblazoned proudly on the doors. As coached, the three pro-benders were standing in the expanded rear section of the car, waving at the confused and awed crowd with passable grins. Their padded pro-bending uniforms were bright and clean, the silken red armor pads practically glinting from the evening sun, and the white undersuit further highlighting them. All three cradled their visors in their left arm in almost the exact way


    It took a hired plant to point Avatar Korra out for the mood of the spectators to finally swing towards excitement. The security was on point though, and the vehicle''s passage did not buckle.


    There were clicks and whirrs of cameras being brought out, and Asami braced herself in time for the barrage of camera flashes going off, all directed at the Fire Ferrets.


    Hanh drove the Satomobile into the arena grounds without a hitch despite having to lower his profile throughout the whole drive. The team''s manager was almost invisible, keeping within the car as the Fire Ferrets exited and kept up the crowd service for a bit more. Only as the trio turned and began heading towards the tents did Hanh slip out to rush to his next position.


    While the journos began mobbing up to intercept the Fire Ferrets, Ren and Kai quietly began herding the official fanclub to one side, making sure that everyone was nicely spread out when the Avatar and her teammates arrived. When the cameras tracking the Avatar inevitably turned around, they''d capture the illusion of a much bigger welcoming party awaiting the Avatar. Sure, accurate numbers would be reported - if anyone bothered to - but seeing the picture of a wall of fans would be more evocative.


    At least that''s what Xing said.


    And Asami trusted his judgment, especially after Isashi, the head of Future Industries'' marketing department, threw a fit when he found out about it. Apparently it was an embarrassment that nobody in marketing had thought about such a trick, or if they did, they didn''t bother to raise it. At least it wasn''t such a humiliation that their coming sales bonuses would be cut.


    With the cameras going off and turning the Fire Ferrets into flickering white spirits, Mako led the trio into the tent with a more stoic face now, likely at his limits of tolerating the blinding attention. Bolin was far less grumpy and far more enthusiastic, still smiling cheerily at everyone around him. And the Avatar who followed after them had her expression somewhere in between the brothers.


    The cameras'' click-blasts continued as Hanh appeared again to lead the Fire Ferrets to the dais where a few of Future Industries'' higher ups awaited them (Asami''s father prominently standing out of course). Asami herself was more than happy to stay away from the spotlight in favor of overseeing operations. Not being in the same photo as the Avatar would mean dealing with less idiots having another reason to hassle her.


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    "Welcome, one and all!" Asami almost rolled her eyes when she heard her father''s ''awe the investors'' voice. "Welcome to this great new step for Future Industries, and pro-bending!"


    Asami tuned out the speech to look about, and seeing that everything was going about as smoothly as it could be, she signaled Hanh and other secondaries to keep watch while she melted away from the tents.


    She found Xing not too far away, lurking in the shadows. Unsurprisingly, he chose to remain away from the gathering, to keep clear of Avatar Korra and ensure that her mood didn''t sour. His gaze alternated between the dazzle of the tents and the crowd beyond the fences who were straining to listen to the echoing speech carried by the loudspeakers.


    "So far so good," she simply said, and her assistant nodded in reply, though he didn''t look as relieved as she thought he would.


    "We''ve captured public interest. There''s a few reporters that weren''t invited who''re outside, as the marketing team expected. So far, our plants have intercepted them, and are selling the story nicely."


    A team from marketing had been volunteered by Isashi for the task, along with hired help scouted by Ren and Kai. They would wait for opportunities to answer the inevitable ''what is going on?'' questions with pre-crafted rumors and speculation.


    "I heard someone at Future Industries found out that the Fire Ferrets couldn''t afford to participate in the tournament, so they''re sponsoring them. Hiroshi Sato started from humble beginnings, so maybe he sees the same potential in the pro-benders?"


    "Apparently Future Industries bought the brothers a new home; they used to live in the arena itself. Supposedly they might have resorted to shady dealings to survive, but they''re trying to turn a new leaf thanks to the Avatar."


    "My friend saw one of the brothers working in the power plant the other day. Imagine having to slog there and then still pro-bend! A shame that the Avatar can''t help too much or it''d make them look weak."


    Semi-accurate truths were sown to paint the Fire Ferrets and Future Industries in a positive light. Focus was placed on the brothers'' hard past, partially because the public generally liked rooting for underdogs, and also because it played up Future Industries'' benevolence. The Avatar was not used much in the rumor sowing other than as a means to reinforce Mako and Bolin''s character. Otherwise it''d risk the company looking like it was trying to suck up to her.


    Through the plants'' loudly delivered lines, the public stuck outside the arena would get a vague but carefully cropped picture of what was going on, giving the rumor mill a head start before the official press release hit the stands tomorrow.


    "No signs of trespassers yet," Xing added. "Though I saw someone run into a teashop to use the telephone¡­ It could be a competitor finally getting the news."


    "They''re bound to find out, either today or tomorrow," Asami replied with a shrug. "But as you''ve said before, we''ve got the team with the Avatar in it. We''ll just have to tighten up security around the Fire Ferrets a bit more."


    Silence fell between them, allowing Asami to hear Mako nervously giving his prepared speech. It sounded like he got over the mild stammer Hanh had told her about.


    "You know," Asami spoke up, not content to merely enjoy the silent moment with her assistant, "judging from the reception already, I''m pretty sure we''ll be getting the publicity you hinted at."


    Xing gave a cautious nod. "We''ll have to wait until the merchandise rollout to be sure, but¡­I suppose things are looking optimistic so far."


    "Hmm¡­ I''d say even if the buzz fails to sell souvenirs, it''s still a win for Future Industries advertising."


    "So long as it makes up for the expenses¡­"


    Asami chuckled before throwing him a grin. "Pfft. None of the fanclub members paid for their membership, but we didn''t have to pay them to show up either. The reporters were invited, not hired, and they came because of the Avatar, as you rightly pointed out. We only paid for a new shoplot - which we wanted all this time anyway - tailors for the uniforms, rental of this space and the furnishings that go with it, some rumor mongers, and a couple of vehicles customized for the Fire Ferrets."


    Her grin grew wider as Xing regarded her with comical wariness. "In exchange we''re not bidding for radio time or ads on the papers, or fighting for wall space for posters. At worst, we''ve maybe used up two thirds of the budget for the usual promotional advertising. Trust me Xing, we''re doing way better than you think. I might have to worry about Isashi trying to poach you after this."


    Though she finished with a soft giggle, Asami''s grin still melted away into a more serious expression.


    "Though, if you want to find better opportunities-"


    "I think I''d like to enjoy settling for mediocrity and remain where I am for the time being, Asami," Xing replied with gratifying haste. "I hope you don''t mind my lack of ambition."


    "Far from it," came her reply, along with a smile of naked relief. "I think I''d rather have you around for a while more, I don''t like having you run around to someone else''s beck and call. I hope you don''t mind my selfishness."


    The heiress and her personal assistant exchanged wry smirks, before Asami braced herself and put on a cheeky grin.


    "Though, I suppose you''ll need to get into a more fitting position, like heading a department."


    Xing''s head tilted to one side. "Why''s that?" Asami almost giggled as she expected him to begin figuring out the schemes and plots such a move could provide.


    "Well, it''s so that I can do this without making it look like I''m utterly exploiting you."


    "Do wh-"


    She leaned in, before her nerves caught up with her impulses, and pressed her lips against his. The contact was hot and dizzying, and Asami found herself leaning against Xing as he held her gently by her arms as their lips began to move. She tasted the tea and lotus buns in his hot breath, and her tongue slipped out to spar and lose against his more domineering organ. Occasionally their teeth met with awkward clacking, though that experience was thankfully rare.


    It must have lasted for a good minute at most, and Asami''s courage was slowly being fuelled by her growing excitement to run her hands down his body¡­but then Xing quickly pulled back and stepped away, just in time for her to hear a shuffling of feet.


    "Xing, Asami." Kai''s voice called out, right as Asami turned to see the boy appear. "The team''s Q&A is finishing. Do we go on with the fan meeting?"


    "How is the team?" Xing asked, utterly unfazed.


    "They look ok, but I think Avatar Korra is a bit, uh, annoyed by the questions about her training."


    "Mako and Bolin?"


    "They seem fine¡­? Hanh said they snacked a bit before coming over."


    "Hm. Then once the Q&A is over, go for fan dining instead of meeting. Hanh would know the seating arrangement. If Korra is still looking irritable, make sure she''s sitting between Mako and Bolin to avoid anyone riling her up further. Or if they get occupied, put her with you and Ren."


    Kai''s head dropped in a sharp and eager nod. "Will do, Xing." The boy quickly turned to run off, leaving Asami to stare at Xing with lingering¡­excitement.


    "I suppose I''ll have to go in and herd the other guests away from the Avatar."


    "I¡­suppose so." Xing licked his lips, and Asami was oh so tempted to taste them again.


    But this whole operation was a big deal for Xing''s prospects, so she shackled her desires and with great reluctance turned around to return to the tents.


    It''s alright, she consoled herself, she''d get to ''talk'' with Xing further later. Maybe they''d have more chances for discreet meetings once Ren and Kai were trained enough to be delegated more duties.


    Yes, that was a very, very good reason to see the interns properly trained.


    *****?


    "So?" Ren asked as Kai rushed in.


    "Dining option."


    "Right, I''ll tell Hanh." Ren was about to leave, but then the boy broke into an annoyingly wide grin.


    "No way," she breathed out with disbelief.


    Kai nodded stupidly in response. "Yes way. They were standing alone in the dark when I found them."


    The girl threw her lifelong friend a skeptical look. "So?"


    "Xing''s lips were shiny. Just like Asami''s lipstick."


    Ren''s eyes went wide, and then she had to fight down the same grin that now broke across Kai''s face. "Come on, we got work to do."


    "And not a word to anyone," he finished with an easy nod. "Well, we''ll have to start looking out for Asami''s suitors¡­ Oh, and you owe me fifty yuans, Ren."


    Damnit.

 Chapter 17

    It had truly surprised Tenzin when Xing had left them that night in the arena. What little interactions he had with the young man had shown Xing to be diligent and reliable, if a little too reserved. Even down in the South Pole, the aide had been reserved and generally elusive, slipping out of halls and homes even during social dinners with Korra and Katara.


    Tenzin''s mother always lamented how seriously Xing took things, along with how withdrawn he was from everyone, but otherwise praised the boy''s keen and dutiful mind.


    "Korra would need such a reliable companion for when she leaves to see the world," Katara had remarked over a more private dinner. "The two of them might not be the warmest of friends, but they''re still of that age. Like me and Toph, back when we were young. Or you and Lin."


    Tenzin remembered the skeptical look he leveled at his mother that evening. "Lin and I¡­"


    But Katara had chuckled and shook her head. "The both of you becoming¡­intimate might have been too much for your clashing personalities, but that doesn''t take away the fact that you two did good work together, and still do."


    She had a point¡­sort of. Growing up, Tenzin and Lin were friends initially the loosest of sense, their youthful impetuousness often pitting them against each other as it forced them to band together to get out of mutual trouble. But they shared a bond over the invisible burden of expectation of having such storied parents, and the legacy that came with it.


    In hindsight, it was that burden that probably made the two of them think they had to attempt a deeper relationship, yet it was also clear that the same shackles of legacy stopped such a bond from flourishing. Lin''s burden was to tirelessly carry on her mother''s work in Republic City, while Tenzin''s was to ensure the future of the Airbenders. Their relationship had then reverted to barely being friends again in the present, Lin especially being able to tolerate Tenzin for long enough to cooperate for the good of Republic City.


    "Xing has a strong sense of duty, one that has kept Korra out of the worst trouble. I''m sure once they''re out in the world, they''ll learn to appreciate each other''s company."


    But it seemed that that sense of duty had its limits, which had been surpassed that night. Tenzin had sent a letter to the South Pole right after that incident, and for a moment, he worried about Korra''s hardening belligerence, which mirrored a younger Lin.


    The drama came to a surprising twist as Korra returned from her pro-bending training barely a week later in a darker mood, muttering about her encounter with Xing. He''d not left Republic City as they had expected, instead the heiress of Future Industries had somehow swooped in to hire him. To hear Korra say it, Asami Sato had been lurking in the shadows, simply waiting for the right opportunity to seize Xing. It was teenage exaggeration, of course, and Tenzin was quietly relieved when he heard that Xing would still be involved with Korra, however indirectly, through the whole sponsorship deal.


    The airbender master couldn''t help being impressed by that display of duty. Even after falling out, even after entering someone else''s employ, the young man still kept an eye on his former charge. If he truly wished to strike his own path, Xing would''ve surely done all he could to avoid going anywhere near Korra.


    Tenzin had to admit then that his mother might be right about Xing, though that remarkable sense of duty raised new concerns.


    If not for his own obligations to Korra and Republic City, Tenzin would''ve sought Xing out much earlier. Thankfully, the sponsorship event had provided an excellent opportunity for him to scout things out. As he went through the ritual of socializing with the hosts and other guests, Tenzin kept an eye and an ear out for the young man. While there was no initial signs of Xing around, Asami Sato glancing off to the shadows beyond the bright tents every now and then, and then later disappearing in that direction for a moment, had provided a good clue.


    The airbender and councilman patiently bided his time. Once the first barrage of publicity photos were taken, and the tables were set and Korra and her team changed out of their pro-bending suits into more appropriate dinner attire, Tenzin guided Pema and the children to their seats, and easily slipped out of the area with an ease honed from a pettier time avoiding an enraged Lin and intolerable city officials who sought private dealings with the heir and later successor of the Air Nation.


    As expected, he found Xing keeping watch just outside the tents, his gaze cast outwards to the crowds still gathered beyond the arena''s fences. Despite the change in attire and station, Xing still exuded the same keen and composed air, and he turned smoothly to greet Tenzin''s intrusion with a polite bow without a hint of surprise.


    "Councilman Tenzin."


    "Xing. I''m glad to find you doing well."


    "Thank you, sir."


    The airbender raised his hand and offered a gentle smile. "Please, call me Tenzin."


    There was a moment of hesitation before the young man nodded. "What can I do for you?"


    "How have you been doing, Xing?"


    The question caught him off guard, as even in the dim lighting the puzzlement was unmistakable in Xing''s momentary pause.


    "I''m¡­doing fine." It was hard to read past the wariness in his voice, but Tenzin didn''t see any signs of reluctance or anger in his posture at least. "Future Industries¡­ Miss Asami has been very welcoming and generous."


    And there was that pang of bitterness, the flash of resentment in Xing''s amber eyes, no doubt comparing his current state with his time in the White Lotus.


    "It is nice, holding a proper job instead of having to adopt a lifestyle."


    Now that he thought about it, Xing was raised as a White Lotus instead of being inducted into it as others would, so they might have taken his role for granted, and no doubt being a bodyguard is a thankless task¡­


    Wait, was Xing being paid in the first place?


    Perhaps Tenzin should bring this up with his mother later¡­


    Presently, he gave Xing a slow nod. "I''m relieved to know you''re doing so well."


    There was a moment of silence between them, but Tenzin eventually put an end to it before the awkwardness got too heavy. "I''m sorry for what happened back then¡­"


    Xing shook his head as a brittle smile formed. "It was inevitable, I think, one way or another. I suppose I should be glad it happened back then, otherwise I would not have found my current employment."


    The question had to be asked. "Was it truly so bad?"


    A heavy pause followed before the former minder gave a measured reply. "It was¡­onerous, but tolerable, I suppose. At least back in the South Pole." There was a slow, heavy sigh. "I did ask the masters to be reassigned to a different role, but I was¡­convinced to give it another chance, at least until the end of the year¡­"


    Tenzin began his defense before he really realized it. "I know Korra can be stubborn, but-"


    Xing interrupted with another shake of his head. "It''s not Korra. At least she''s not the main problem."


    And Tenzin blinked in surprise. "She''s not?"


    The shadows accentuated and gave a sinister color to the smirk that crept up Xing''s face. "How is Korra progressing in her meditation?"


    Tenzin froze up, and on defensive reflex he began sputtering. "W-Well, she''s¡­she''s been making progress in her airbending movements¡­ But between her pro-bending and my own duties¡­"


    The smirk grew wider, sadder as the feeble excuses trailed off. "I know where this will likely lead: You will have Korra continue her martial training because it shows the most promise. You''ll try to downplay her lack of progress in her spiritual studies in your reports to the White Lotus, which will earn you resigned consolation from the masters. Perhaps Master Katara might ask you to be patient, and to try a different tact¡­ She''d use her ''water carving streams through cliffs'' metaphor if that''s the case¡­"


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    ''Water carving streams''? Is it the one about finding the right cracks and weakest parts? How such streams don''t run straight or something?


    Xing drew in a breath before his head slowly shook again. "If I was still around, I''d get a separate letter, another ''request'' to convince or prod Korra into turning her attention into spiritual studies. I''d try and fail, of course, and if the conversation doesn''t turn too sour I would only need to endure the silent treatment for a day or two¡­ To try and achieve my task, I''d send off yet another letter to the masters requesting for a firmer hand - permission to ground her, enact a schedule to regulate her activities, or just add a heavy incentive/deterrent scheme to direct her studies."


    Those didn''t sound like bad ideas, though with Korra''s stubbornness, it might devolve into a battle of wills¡­


    "I''d be rejected again, of course. Grand Lotus Altaq would remind-"


    Xing suddenly stiffened, and before Tenzin could react the sound of soft footsteps came pattering from behind him.


    "Hey dad?" Jinora called out. "Mom says to come and eat. Oh, hi Xing." The girl broke into a bright smile. "Are you joining us for dinner?"


    Xing smiled softly as he responded. "I have duties to attend to, I''m afraid."


    Jinora''s smile fell into disappointment. "Aww¡­" Then she broke into a vicious grin. "I guess I''ll have to ask your pretty girlfriend all the questions then."


    As Tenzin sputtered at his daughter, the young man only sighed. "Please don''t hassle Miss Asami too much, there''s still events after the dinner that she has to tend to."


    Not getting the reaction she wanted, Jinora put on a face. "You''re no fun."


    "Jinora!" Tenzin interrupted at last, breaking out of his stunned state. He swiftly moved back to the bright lights, gently but firmly guiding his giggling daughter by the shoulder before him. "Come along now, our food''s waiting. I apologize for intruding on your time, Xing."


    "Not a problem, Councilman Tenzin," came the smooth reply. "Thank you for not being too¡­aggressive in getting me to rejoin the order."


    Well, he didn''t have the time to do so¡­


    Returning to his family in the tents, Tenzin put aside his concerned thoughts for the time being, and found that his wife and children were sharing the table with Asami Sato of all people. It took a second before the councilman in him realized the unsubtle politics of the seating arrangement.


    Hiroshi Sato, as founder of Future Industries, shared a table with the close friends and investors that were invited. It was as much to honor them as it was to show outsiders how close knit the inner circle was when their table inevitably appeared in the background of the photos of the Avatar''s table.


    As this was an informal function, as councilman, it''d be unwise for Tenzin to be at the same table. Not if he wished to remain apolitical. The various tycoons of Republic City were constantly vying for influence to expand their businesses; having Tenzin seated with Hiroshi could be seen as the Air Nation''s councilman tacitly offering his support for Future Industries.


    But simply putting said councilman in a separate table could be seen as an indirect insult as well, to invite an influential guest only to isolate and snub them. It was ludicrous, but Tenzin had learned from the resulting fuss that a compelling enough rationalizing can affect how gossip grows and branches. Toph Beifong fulfilling the minimum of her obligation to attend a fete was so easily construed as her Water Tribe hosts snubbing her, and no matter how many people (including Toph herself) made it clear that she purposely chose to be seated in the quietest corner, Polar Orca Therapeutics ended up wasting far too much resources to combat the bad press, and subsequently lost their market share to the Healer''s Guild.


    With its heir seated with Tenzin and his family, Future Industries was assuring everyone that it was not neglecting a member of the city''s ruling council in any way, even as it respected the niceties of not politicizing said councilman''s attendance. It was an annoying dance, but one that, at least for now, Tenzin appreciated as it sat Xing''s new employer next a couple of seats away.


    "Ah, Councilman Tenzin." Asami greeted brightly, but Tenzin gestured to keep her from rising from her seat.


    "There''s no need for formalities, I''m sorry for interrupting your conversation with Pema."


    "It''s not a big deal, dear," his wife remarked lightly, her attention flickering to him for a moment before fixing a smile back to Asami. "Asami and I were just sharing our thoughts on Xing. Did you know Xing was the one who masterminded all of this?"


    Tenzin almost tripped over as he sat down, and stared at his wife who was smiling a bit too serenely. Since when was she interested enough to be involved in this?


    Wait, Xing actually planned the sponsorship with Korra''s team?


    "What he''s done is quite impressive," Asami commented, not noticing or understanding the silent exchange between husband and wife. "After hearing how he left, I''m impressed that Xing can put aside his own misgivings for Avatar Korra to organize this sponsorship."


    "Well, yes¡­ How is Xing faring in Future Industries?"


    The heiress wore a smug grin. "Oh, he''s been a great help! I appreciate the hard work he put in so far, as well as his suggestions. If anything, I suppose I might have to find a way to get him to relax a bit more and look after himself."


    "Oh?" Both Tenzin and Pema raised their eyebrows at that little bit of bragging.


    Asami''s grin grew a little. "He thinks first of others instead of his own wellbeing. I have to promise him I''m getting my due rest at night, otherwise he''d be forgoing his own sleep to watch after me. He clearly has his¡­reservations with Avatar Korra, yet he was the one to suggest this to improve Future Industries'' prospects. And despite throwing his all into work, he still finds time to help others."


    At seeing the whole family''s keen and intrigued looks (except for Meelo who was gorging himself), Asami gave a nod over to Korra''s table, where she sat with her two pro-bending teammates to one side, and the members of her fanclub filling out the rest of the space, elbow to elbow. Most of the people there were barely eating, preferring instead to engage the Avatar in excited conversation. For her part, Korra seemed to enjoy the attention, smiling brightly as she spoke at length about something.


    "The boy and girl sitting next to the Avatar? They said Xing took them and their grandfather in after he encountered them in the streets. Xing says he''s merely repaying their aid, but I think he''s playing the humble card a bit too much."


    "Is that so¡­?"


    Her grin melted into a softer smile of admiration and naked affection. "The first thing he did with his pay was to pay for the grandfather''s healing. Then he bought them all a house to live in. I''d have gladly gotten him a more comfortable place, but Xing''s insistent on not ''leeching off his employer''s goodwill'' like what most everyone else does. Heh¡­I''ll probably have to find a reason to justify his coming pay raise to him."


    As Asami shared a light laugh with Pema and the girls, Tenzin found his concern bubbling up again.


    So Xing left Korra and the White Lotus, yet maybe he had not completely abandoned his obligations if he had orchestrated this sponsorship? And his sense of duty also extended to admirable charity¡­ By the sounds of it, it''d be nigh impossible to persuade Xing to return to the order if he seems to have taken to his new life so well.


    "I hope you can forgive my crassness, but I''m glad that he quit the White Lotus."


    "It''s¡­alright¡­"


    Maybe he''ll have to dig into Xing''s time in the White Lotus, and see if they truly had dropped the ball in raising him.

 Chapter 18

    "Most interesting¡­"


    Hiroshi nodded at the masked figure sitting across from him. "Tenzin was clearly uncomfortable about the subject when I asked him about it, but his roundabout answer verified what my daughter had said: Xing and the Avatar had reached a breaking point. Even her pro-bender teammates were awkwardly reluctant to retell the falling out."


    Amon leaned forward, the cheap office desk creaking softly as he rested his chin on steepled hands. "Yet he was the one to suggest the sponsorship¡­"


    Hiroshi shrugged. "Tenzin believes it''s proof that the boy hasn''t completely abandoned his ties to the Avatar, if not the White Lotus¡­that Xing is still dutiful enough to look out for her."


    "Hm. Your daughter thinks otherwise?"


    "Asami is certain that he''s doing it almost purely for the benefit of Future Industries as a means to prove his worth, and that Xing is mature enough to put aside his personal misgivings for the Avatar to profit off her."


    "And what is your take on the matter?"


    Not for the first time since the sponsorship event, Hiroshi mulled over what he''d seen and heard for himself. It was possible that Xing still felt like he had an obligation¡­a soft spot¡­for the Avatar. One rarely suggests cooperating with the person they messily cut ties with so quickly, after all. But then again, Xing has shown a surprising level of business acumen for a supposedly cloistered White Lotus initiate¡­


    And there was no denying the effectiveness of that publicity stunt; The day after the reveal, word of mouth and newspaper articles made the Fire Ferrets limited fanclub known throughout Republic City. By noon Future Industries'' stores and galleries were being besieged by people looking to sign up for the Fire Ferrets'' fanclub. The membership forms were completely gone by lunchtime, with most applicants opting for a seasonal subscription. That amounted to only seventy yuans, but seventy yuans for basically a slip of embossed paper not even worth a yuan, the right to fight for exclusive merchandise once they''re released, and the promise of the chance of meeting the Fire Ferrets during playoffs or fanclub events?


    Profiting off the membership almost felt criminal.


    With the membership applicants went the autographed photos and armbands and flags, which boosted profits further. The latter two were complimentary, the former available to purchase for twenty yuans.


    Twenty yuans for a photograph that''d otherwise cost no more than five, just because someone left their signature on it.


    Maybe Hiroshi should''ve kept Xing''s suggested price of fifty yuans instead of playing it safe. He was glad that he took up the young man''s advice to disinfect the photos though - there were not a few reports from outlet managers observing the disturbing practice of the purchased images being kissed or even licked.


    Maybe Xing wasn''t being hyperbolic when he said it was possible to market the towels used by the Avatar¡­


    Besides the ludicrous profits, Future Industries also enjoyed significant savings in advertising. Without having to pay anything else, the company and the Fire Ferrets came up on the airwaves just about every hour as pro-bending and culture commentators brought up the impact of the sponsorship.


    Pundits debating over the propriety of the Avatar competing in the tournament was followed by the discussion of the modifications and performance of the Fire Ferrets'' Satomobile, which then was followed by radio hosts verifying and/or sympathizing the rough life of Mako and Bolin. Isashi expected the hype to hold up for at least half a week before winding down, allowing for some down time before the tournament actually started and interest spiked again.


    What really made it clear to Hiroshi that Xing''s marketing ploy was a brilliant idea though was not the profits or the excitement it garnered. Instead, it was the simple, satisfying and spiteful fact that every other company - not just his competition like Cabbage Corp, but just about every big corporation - was racing to find their own pro-benders to sponsor.


    It''s a pity that they don''t have Avatars in those teams.


    Satisfaction aside, the fact remained that Xing had been the one to raise the idea. Whatever his intentions, he definitely made it clear that Asami hiring him had paid off spectacularly.


    "I think it''s safer to assume that both could be true," Hiroshi cautiously answered. "Xing might still harbor obligations to his past¡­employment, but he also wishes to impress."


    Amon seemed to agree, lifting his head and leaning back into his seat. "A valid stance to take."


    The industrialist nodded slowly. "I''ve given him and Asami my permission to use some engineers to prototype more ideas. Supposedly, Xing has something that might advance the Satomobiles'' competitive edge." He paused to give the Equalist leader a pensive look. "Regardless of whether the presentation is successful or not, I''m thinking of promoting him."


    "It''d give you a reason to interact with him more openly," Amon said approvingly.


    And put some distance between him and Asami, but that wasn''t relevant to the current conversation. Honestly, if Xing kept performing so admirably, Hiroshi could see him as a worthy partner for his daughter¡­if not for that one particular issue about his character.


    "Even elevating him to assistant of a subsidiary would give me a wider window to meet with him. It might take some time, but I might learn something significant about the Avatar that we can use."


    Amon hummed thoughtfully for a moment before responding. "Even if you can glean some insight into how the White Lotus operates, it would give us an advantage enough for when the time comes¡­ Yes, we can afford more time for our buildup."


    The eyes behind the mask suddenly bore into Hiroshi with a cunning, disconcerting gleam. "Perhaps we could even convert him to our cause, with the right incentive. He''s proven to be worthy of your admiration¡­"


    Hiroshi tried not to flinch.


    "Of course, we could arrange for Xing''s great flaw to be¡­equalized. If he truly harbors resentment against the Avatar, we can exploit it, and maybe he might even abandon his bending freely out of his¡­affection for your daughter. He''d be worthy of her hand then, would he not?"


    That¡­that sounded like a good idea. Assuming that Xing really did resent his past life, of course. Convincing him to join the Equalist movement would be a big boon, especially with his keen mind aiding in the proliferation of the Equalists'' beliefs.


    If Xing really did prove himself to be worthy of Asami''s hand, Hiroshi could see himself being happy to allow Xing the responsibility of caring for her¡­eventually.


    They discussed the matter for a little while more, then Hiroshi collected the required paperwork that was proof of his tour and left the Equalist-run factory to continue with his day''s schedule.


    Quietly turning over a couple of factories to the cause allowed him an easier time to maintain communications with Amon, nevermind the logistical ease in equipping the organization. From janitors to overseers, everyone in those factories were Equalists who answered to Amon and Hiroshi. They were also among the best run ones despite having no benders to weld or move earth, as much proof of the Equalists'' belief as to avoid giving cause for inspectors and investigators to sniff about.


    The drive back was occupied with plans on how best to approach Xing without drawing Asami''s curiosity. It''d be poor showing as a father to draw her into this conspiracy and risk her wellbeing.


    Come to think of it, if Xing doesn''t prove up to snuff, he could be assigned to a tour to a few factories, and maybe suffer a freak accident or two¡­


    *****?


    Wenli tapped his foot with growing irritation as he stared into a filthy alleyway. Around him, his lackeys were collecting the week''s tribute from the market square''s vendors. So far everything was going smoothly, everyone was paying on time with no signs of any skimping.


    From the vendors anyway.


    With his mood turning sour, the lieutenant of the Agni Kai turned about to cast a demanding look from the pathetic koala sheep manning each stall. "Where are the little pests?" Nobody met his gaze, though none of them looked antsy enough to be suspicious.


    "They could have fled, or been killed," one of his underlings unnecessarily opined, earning a scowl from Wenli that caused the meathead to shrink away.


    "Nobody flees or dies without paying me my dues!" Wenli snapped. "I''m not going to be swindled by those filthy elephant rats!"


    True, the two kids could only ever muster a pitiful sum that was barely worth the effort of scaring them into paying up, but it wasn''t about the money. The little shits and their crippled geezer worked in Agni Kai territory, so they owed the Agni Kai a cut of their profits.


    It was the principle of things.


    It pissed Wenli even more to know that the kids had recently gotten chummy with some rich prat. Supposedly their new benefactor had bought them new clothes and stuffed them with better things than stall scraps. The urchins must''ve finally lucked out and found a mark; Someone not wealthy enough to have their young delicacies delivered discreetly to their mansions, but rich enough to personally come down here to lure their prey with little gifts.


    They think they might be clever by getting new food and filling their stomachs, instead of being paid in yuans. But Wenli would get them to pay their dues, one way or another.


    Once he found them.


    Such benefactors don''t tend to keep their toys at home. Too long term, high upkeep to accommodate and dispose of. It''s cheaper to rent, and some folks apparently liked the hunt. Wenli couldn''t agree with that; he rather be reassured in the knowledge that there''s a stable of whores waiting for him every night.


    Back to the point, the fact was that the kids were still staying in the alley until only a few days ago, when they just upped and left with their new friend in a truck. He apparently carried the old man out with him as well.


    What use is a crippled old fisherman? A hostage? A sideshow?


    The puzzlement, and knowing that he''ll have to waste his time asking around for the skeevy tax evaders (fuck, he might have to spend good yuans for this), further infuriated Wenli. Yet he couldn''t just let them skip out of his turf. If word spreads that he couldn''t keep his grip on a couple of brats and a hobbled elder, twats like Zhu and Yazu would hang it over his head. Fuckers would probably love rubbing it in his face in front of the bosses.


    Wenli fumed until he was just about to burn something down, but then ''Mace-Hands'' Kengo prodded him and directed his wrathful gaze to the other end of the market square.


    "Hey, Wenli. That''s the brats, right?"


    The lieutenant squinted at a trio of people just casually walking through, and sure enough, there were the two brats, walking beside a guy who did not have a rich twat''s swagger. The boy and girl were barely recognizable in clean office(?) clothes and without the dirt and shit all over them, with neatly combed hair and neat shoes and all the luxuries that alleyway bums don''t usually afford. But the way the kids froze as they spotted him sealed their identity.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    He''d never mistake those frightful little eyes.


    Wenli gave a brief glance to the nearest stall owner. "Oi. That the fuck who''s been taking the little pests?"


    He caught the hurried nod of the noodle vendor at the edge of his vision as he focused on the man who now took a step forwards to put himself between Wenli and the kids.


    None of the overconfidence or naive air of rich twats. Not dressed like one of them either.


    A manservant maybe? He moved a bit too sure-footedly though. One of those ''trained in the dojos'' servants then?


    Eh, it didn''t matter. It was only one of him at the end of the day.


    Wenli felt a scowl form on his face as he snapped his fingers and beckoned his squad to form up. Wenli stalked towards the trio while eight men ungently pushed aside people and tables and stools to close in around them.


    "Can I help you?" the butler had the balls to ask so calmly.


    Wenli glared at the guy for a second before responding. "Yeah. Yeah, you can." He jerked his chin at the urchins cowering behind the servant. "You took in these strays, eh?"


    The prat kept up his cool act as he glanced at the brats behind him before meeting Wenli''s gaze and answering. "I have."


    Wenli took a step into the fucker''s personal space and jabbed a finger on his chest. "Look, I don''t care whether it''s you or your employers, I don''t care how diddle them, but those two brats have been living in Agni Kai territory, and that means they''ve got rent to pay."


    There was a flash of anger in the man''s amber eyes, which gave Wenli much satisfaction. Fucker didn''t like having his kinks get called out in public, eh? It''s probably him that''s been hiring the kids, not his employers.


    Good, it means he could be squeezed for extra cash, as a silence tax.


    A grin of dark glee broke over Wenli''s face as he stared down the butler. "Those strays owe me, and therefore owe the Agni Kai. And since you''ve adopted them, you''re adopting their debt. D''you understand me?"


    There was a moment of heavy silence, but Wenli didn''t stop grinning. Nine to one, he knew how this would play out.


    "How much is owed?" the man eventually said, just as calmly as he spoke the first time despite the clear anger bubbling behind his eyes.


    "Oh, nothing too much," he sang. "They''re mangy strays after all. Four thousand yuans. Oh, and a thousand for the old coot." Wenli''s grin turned into a toothy smile as he ''remembered'' the crippled geezer. "Almost forgot that one. Consider him a discount."


    Wenli felt a bit disappointed when the man immediately went for his jacket instead of trying to haggle. It meant that he should''ve charged more. Ah well, it wouldn''t be good for his image to change his mind now; he can task one of the boys to shadow the trio and give them a house call later.


    "Here."


    Wenli snatched the thick wad of cash off the man, and gave a low whistle as he riffled it with a thumb to get a rough estimate. Crisp notes. Definitely more than 5k. Seven maybe? Judging from the glare he was getting, the little tip was about as much as Wenli was getting for now.


    A shame. It''d been a while since he sicced his boys on a valid target, but crumpling the fucker right now would risk too much attention for no gain.


    Eh, with how the day''s turning out, Wenli can afford to forgo some violence for today.


    He grinned again at the impotent servant as he tucked the hefty fee into his own vest. "Nice doing business with ya. Feel free to visit us again, eh?"


    Wenli turned about and snapped his fingers, and his boys shuffled after him to leave the market square. Windfall or not, he had other places to visit, shop owners to shakedown. The Agni Kai lieutenant easily ignored the frantic muttering from the brats and the no doubt reassuring words from their patron coming from behind him as he made his exit.


    "That went way easier than I expected," Kengo commented, and Wenli chuckled as he stated the obvious.


    "Fucker''s a kid groper. Those types aim young because they can''t fight for shit. The guy can put on his tough guy act as much as he wants, but I got his number."


    That earned nods and mutterings of understanding from the squad. As it was daytime, they turned into an alley to cut towards the back of the tea shops instead of heading out into the main street. No point risking a frisking from the metalbender patrols, especially not with a few crisp thousands on him.


    Seeing their arrival, the usual loiterers in the narrow alleyway wisely slipped back into their shops. For some reason, that buoyed Wenli''s already improving mood further. It was like the world was telling him that nothing could stand in his way, at least for today. Perhaps fortune has finally come a-knocking.


    Ah shit, that reminded him¡­ "Hey Kengo, you an-"


    Something dropped and bounced off his head, leaving a thin trail of smoke. Wenli looked down to see a ball of smoldering newspaper. As his mind registered what he was seeing, the newspaper exploded in a thick cloud of sweet, tangy smoke. The narrow alley was quickly filled with a thick haze of cloying incense, and echoed with the cacophony of coughing fits that followed.


    Wenli quickly turned to flee from the eye-watering and nose-burning fog, but he had barely begun spinning when something struck and broke his left shoulder, and knocked him onto his back. He gasped rather than screamed because of the smoke scratching in his throat.


    The pressure shifted onto Wenli''s chest before he could rise, almost crushing his ribs. Wenli''s tear-stained vision was surrounded by a dark figure looming over him, the incense haze obscuring its details.


    The amber eyes glaring angrily through the coils of smoke, though, was unmistakable.


    There was a blur of movement, and Wenli gurgled as a thick layer of smoke fell onto his face, then flowed into his nostrils and down into his lungs. The pressure lifted off him seconds later, but as he rose and started swatting away the hazy mask wrapped around his head, pain ripped across his throat. The taste of blood mingled with incense, and Wenli spent his last gasps coughing out smoke as he grasped onto his leaking neck. He was too focused on trying to live to appreciate the staccato of pained cries, or to fend off the repeated sharp pangs that erupted all over his body.


    *****?


    Sergeant Koshi of the Republic City Police Department frowned as he descended onto the scene. A suspicious burst of smoke had been reported in an alleyway and as the nearest airship he and his team quickly dove to investigate. They landed on the rooftops sandwiching the smoky alleyway, hearing no footsteps of fleeing suspects or the grunts of a scuffle.


    Metalbending their metal wires into fans to blow away the thick haze revealed nine bodies lying in pools of their own blood. With how garishly red they were dressed, these unfortunates were likely low-ranking Agni Kai members. Koshi sent up a flare to call for backup before jumping down to get a closer look.


    Nine still corpses, all covered in multiple stab wounds, all showing signs of their pockets being rummaged through. A classic gang ambush. Probably opened with a smoke bomb to surprise and blind the victims, making it easy for the attackers to come in with daggers.


    Koshi took a sniff, and couldn''t help exchanging a look with his colleagues. "Incense?"


    It was a curious thing, but then again with how the poorer gangs were improvising weapons and tactics all the time, perhaps it shouldn''t be so surprising. Or it could be a message. He''ll leave it to the experts to figure out whether this was a calling card or not.


    *****?


    "Apologies for my lateness," Xing said as he returned, and Ren meekly waved back.


    He rejoined them midway back to Future Industries'' headquarters, after all three of them had let the encounter with Wenli distract them from their noodle run. Xing handed them their tiffin boxes while he carried his and Asami''s, and casually fell in beside Ren and Kai to continue their roundabout way back. The moment Wenli had left, Xing had asked which route the gangster would likely take, and plotted out a detour to avoid any accidental bump-ins with the bullies again.


    Knowing that they were keeping clear of Agni Kai territory did make Ren feel safer when he remembered the noodles and urged them to continue going back while he returned to the market square¡­ But the long walk back with Kai had filled the two with shame and guilt of having Xing protect them as he so casually did.


    Yet, there was also a bit of¡­joy, of relief, that he stood up for them without hesitation, and was outraged on their behalf.


    For a moment, Ren was really worried that Xing would lash out against Wenli, but he thankfully kept his cool. She didn''t know what she''d do if another good person was crippled because of her.


    "Is it really ok?" Kai asked nervously, voicing the worry he and Ren shared.


    Xing nodded too easily as he replied. "It''d be a nasty surprise if you hadn''t told me about him, but since you did, I''ve been prepared for it." The reassuring smile he gave them made Ren''s guts twist with guilt. "Having the early bonus made things easier."


    "B-But it''s five th-" Ren blurted, and was quickly interrupted by him.


    "It''s a small sum to free you two from their attention," he said evenly, fixing her and Kai with a serious look. "You two don''t deserve to be shackled to such goons. Besides, we''ll be getting our monthly salary in a few days."


    "But they''ll come looking for us again. I''m sure of it." Men like Wenli were like mosquito-weevils and would keep circling back to pick on you the moment they found an opportunity to feed on.


    Xing shook his head a bit too confidently. "I doubt it. He''ll want to, of course, but we''re now staying well within the Triple Threat''s territory, are we not?"


    "He can still find us when we go out¡­" Kai muttered.


    "We''ll just start shopping in a different spot then."


    They wanted to protest further, but Xing was having none of it, just as he insisted that neither of them needed to pay him for the five thousand he''d just given away. Because Xing was Xing.


    "I''m sure I''ll find a chance to recoup that loss. Now, the matter has been dealt with, so no point in dwelling on it, alright? It went as peacefully as it could, and none of us were harmed."


    Ren nodded reluctantly before sharing a look with Kai. The two of them silently resolved to work harder, to repay the faith and support Xing had invested in them.


    "Oh, and I''ll only summarize for Asami if she asks. Best not to get her worried unnecessarily."


    The two young interns nodded in agreement. Knowing Asami, the heiress would kick up an even greater fuss and worry over them a bit too much. She might even make the guilt worse by buying them a new house with security guards or something.


    They walked back in silence after that, though Ren at one point noticed something.


    "Where''s the incense coming from?" she asked with a sniff.


    "Ah, that''s me. Passed by a vendor on the way and got some of the stuff on me, I''m afraid."

 Chapter 19

    Asami reined in her annoyance as she rose up from behind her desk. Once more, her father had gone off for his inspections of the factories outside of Republic City, an admirable task which again clashed with the meetings with the subsidiary directors. While it was meant as a show of trust in her abilities to herself and the directors, Asami was very sure that her father simply hated attending the meetings and conveniently found a perfect excuse to avoid them.


    At least she had Xing around to boost her morale this time.


    "Director Dao, Miss Asami," he announced evenly by the door, and then guided the managing director of Li Shu Steelworks to the plush chair across Asami. The burly man wore a mischievous smirk underneath his bushy mustache from the moment he entered her office, which grew as stomped his way over.


    "Ah, Asami my dear! You finally caved in, eh?"


    The heiress squashed the urge to twitch or scowl. "Mister Dao," she greeted, pushing away the exasperation from her voice. "It''s good to see you too."


    "Gotta say¡­" he continued on, somehow ignoring her while still offering a bow of respect, "I admit that your choice of assistant isn''t bad. Better looking than my boys. Probably far less of a meathead as well." Asami didn''t bother confirming that assumption. It''d be like agreeing that the sun shone brighter than a candle.


    The man quite literally fell into his seat, and the poor chair creaked and shuddered from the heavy collision.


    Dao was the reason why they emphasized robust furnishings over more elegant ones in the executive offices. It was that or hold meetings with him on the ground floor, where it was arguably cheaper to have earthbenders on standby to constantly bend up replaceable chairs and tables.


    "Xing has proven very capable thus far," Asami replied, as neutrally as she could muster before sitting down.


    "I bet- Oh, thanks, sonny." Dao took the tea bowl offered by Xing, and audibly inhaled the steam rising from it. Surprisingly, he then turned to Xing with an impressed look. "Huh. Gaoling Black?"


    Xing gave a short nod. "Yes, director. Unadulterated, as is traditionally served."


    "And rightly, too," The tycoon grunted approvingly. Asami kept her puzzlement silent as he then looked at her with a mix of respect and annoyance. "People nowadays¡­they add honey and milk because they can''t stand the bitterness. Bunch of bloody pansies, I tell you what." For all his reputation as an avid carouser, Asami never imagined Dao to be a tea connoisseur.


    So much resentment and vehemence bubbled up in his gruff voice over the talk of tea, and with his free hand Dao began gesticulating angrily. "You''re supposed to enjoy the raw taste. Appreciate the degrees of bitterness in it as the distilled melancholy of the leaves'' life. It''s what gives the tea its identity, it''s what makes Gaoling Black so special. You don''t add plum juice to your orange slices just because it''s too orangey, do you?"


    "Uh¡­"


    "Bunch of ignorant savages¡­" the steel baron muttered, staring at the bowl of amber tea in his hand, his anger seemingly evaporating along with the wisps of steam.


    And then in a swift motion he downed the whole bowl in two loud gulps, heedless of his talk of savoring melancholy and whatnot. Asami blinked all of three times as she watched him finish the premium tea and then offer the empty tea bowl back to an unphased Xing.


    "Haaah¡­ You got anything lighter? Bloody hate black tea."


    "Would Ember Island hojicha do, sir?"


    "Eh sure. I''ll settle for some flavored water."


    As Xing walked off, Dao tossed a wink at an incredulous Asami. "You like ''em obedient and keen, eh?"


    "Wh-What?" Her eyes boggled for a second, but Asami quickly recovered and forced down the embarrassment as she glared at one her father''s closest business partners. "Xing has proven to be very capable and valuable to the company thus far."


    "I bet."


    "He takes his duties far more seriously than your sons, and has already provided immense value to Future Industries."


    "That''s not saying much," Dao replied, unperturbed at all. "Stuck ''em all in the mines, yet there''s still fresh batches of angry parents¡­ Ah, thanks."


    Xing returned, and this time Dao was far less cavalier with how he drank his tea.


    Asami gave a cough as she surreptitiously gave her aide an apologetic glance. "Anyway, on to the matter at hand¡­"


    "Fine, fine. I''ll keep my banter for your old man when I see him. Now, what can ol'' Dao do for Future Industries?"


    Hiding her relief, Asami softened her gaze at the boisterous director. "Mister Dao, I''d like Li Shu Steelworks to allocate some stamping machines for our pro-bending project."


    The man''s eyebrow rose a bit. "Eh? I''ve already received that message. We''re refitting two stampers."


    "We need more."


    "More?"


    "Four more stamping machines," she said resolutely. "We''ll send over the designs shortly."


    Dao had the presence of mind to put away his bowl before he responded. "That''s quite a bit you''re dedicating there. Six stampers means we''ll have to start compromising on Satomobile or airship parts."


    "Commission new stampers then. We can suffer a small backlog for now. Future Industries will provide the appropriate funding."


    Now the steel baron''s eyes went wide. "That''s¡­ You''re¡­ It''s quite a lot you''re investing, you know that, right?"


    Asami grinned at his worried expression. "Xing, if you''d be so kind."


    Xing showed up right beside Dao, startling him (and straining the poor chair even further) as a tray was presented to him. Then the man stared at the metalware before him, and his beefy hands delicately plucked up a tin cup. He spun it before his eyes, appraising the logos of the Fire Ferrets and Future Industries embossed onto it, along with the portraits of the sponsored pro-benders.


    "We''ve planned commemorative memorabilia for the upcoming tournament," the heiress elaborated without hiding her smugness. "I understand that it costs at most two yuans to produce five of such cups. Guess how much we can sell them for?"


    The tycoon was thoughtfully silent for a moment before he presented an answer. "Eight a piece?"


    Asami''s grin widened. "Try twenty." She savored the sight of Dao sputtering and almost dropping the cup.


    "Twent- Are you sure?"


    "We sold off the other prototypes," she answered with a cheery nod. "The members of the fanclub were fighting each other for the chance to throw their money at us."


    Dao, understandably, gave a skeptical look. "For a cup?"


    Asami shrugged nonchalantly in response. "Well, we stamped the bottom of it with a serial number as a sign of limited availability. We''ve checked their interest, and twenty seems to be a good enough price. The plan is to produce five thousand of such cups for the tournament, and then have another thousand each for cups with one of the Fire Ferrets'' members replacing the team logo. All the cups will be given a serial number."


    "If it''s only a limited run-"


    She fixed Dao with a look as she talked over him, the same look that her father liked to use to stop Dao from butting in too early. "And then, we''ll sell more¡­''generic'' versions to the public. Marketing expects at least a few thousand in sales for the first few months. It''s the same scheme for the other items."


    Asami gestured at the rest of the items on the tray: a metal stamped scale miniature of the Fire Ferrets'' Satomobile (the dolls of the Fire Ferret drivers was assigned to a different company), decorative tin plates - each embossed with the portrait of a Fire Ferret (with Future Industries'' logo stamped on one corner of course), and finally a few pendants with the Avatar''s smiling face etched onto them.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "So yes, we''ll need six stampers, at the very least. The faster we can get our stock in, the greater the lead we''ll have on the other companies that are still scrambling to sponsor their own teams. We have that small window to enjoy a monopoly and maximize brand recognition."


    Dao stared at the cup in his hands, and then to the tray''s contents, and finally gave Asami a puzzled look. "Huh. Hiroshi''s really confident then?"


    "Our marketing department agrees with the proposal, and my father has loaned his faith in the project."


    "Proposal huh¡­" the man muttered, and then gave her a weird look.


    "What?"


    Dao smirked. "You''re a smart girl, but I never thought you''d shift from tinkering to marketing."


    It was very hard not to feel proud as Asami glanced at Xing''s way. "Oh, it''s not my proposal."


    Dao followed the gaze to the aide, squinting as he gave Xing a proper appraisal this time. "That so? Found yourself a font of good ideas, huh?"


    "Quite so," she answered, before Xing could say something stupid like it was all thanks to her generosity and such. He really needed to keep some credit¡­ "As I said, he''s already proven himself, so my father''s willing to invest a little more of his faith."


    "Hoh? He''s that good eh? Then again, for your old man to let someone your age be close to you¡­"


    Dao''s grin did not waver as Asami glared at him. Not that she didn''t mind if that was true, but Xing needed to solidify his credentials before the rumors could be allowed to spread. Asami wanted to make sure that he got the respect he rightfully deserved, not be viewed as some charity case.


    "Future Industries has always, and will always value talent," she said evenly, her cold glare clashing against Dao''s toothy grin. "I especially have no time for lazy sycophants-"


    "Like my dumb sons¡­" Dao casually interjected.


    "-or narrow minded fools-"


    "Like the tryhards from other families¡­"


    "So I find Xing''s competence to be a breath of fresh air, and it''d be a criminal waste to simply leave his potential to be ignored."


    "So you haven''t been asking him to assist you in bed¡­"


    "Mister Dao-"


    Dao''s hands quickly snapped up defensively. "Relax, relax, I''m only joking, girl! Yeesh¡­ I mean, he is a decent looker. If he''s even half as smart as you make him out to be, I''d be happy to let him have his pick from one of my girls if you''re not gonna keep him. Heh¡­inject some brains in my family. Whatcha think, boy?"


    Being addressed directly, Xing finally spoke up. "I''d have to decline such a¡­generous offer, director." Asami felt a swell of satisfaction at the answer.


    "Eh, so the girl''s already got you by the balls, eh?" Dao instantly replied, though his grin finally melted away when Xing directed a contemptuous, withering stare that made even Asami want to shrink away even though she wasn''t its target.


    "Director Dao, please do not cast such assumptions of relations between Miss Asami and myself. They are beneath her station, and such jokes, however un-malicious as they were intended, can lead to damaging rumors which would in turn lead to¡­severe consequences."


    There was finally a moment of silence in the office before Dao audibly gulped. "Right¡­ Uh, right. My bad. Ol'' Dao will shut his trap up. Sorry."


    Xing gave a curt nod as Asami marveled at the rare sight of a cowed Dao. She''d have to tell her father about this. If nothing else, they could bump up Xing''s existing pay just to make sure he''s around to stare Dao into silence whenever needed¡­


    "If we can get back to business?" Asami quipped, not bothering to hide her amused smirk as she brought Dao''s attention back to her.


    "Uh¡­right." Another loud gulp, and then the man''s old boisterous smile returned, albeit with a touch of brittleness. "So, six stampers, huh?"


    Dao didn''t raise any meaningful protests as they hashed out the final details, and once he left, Asami found herself rather satisfied with the meeting. Oh sure, dealing with Dao was always a bit of an ordeal, and while he always had her father''s back even from the early days of Future Industries, Dao wasn''t a complete yes man. Plus, for all his loudness, he was still head of Li Shu Steelworks for a reason. Asami might detest his sons as useless parasites (though their sisters were tolerable at least), but Dao had an innate business cunning that deserves respect. Just like Isashi''s and the marketing team''s approval, Dao not raising any real fuss over Xing''s idea was another promising sign.


    Still, Asami let out a sigh as she slumped back into the seat and Xing returned from ushering Dao out.


    "So, that was Dao," she said in an apologetic tone.


    "He is¡­lively."


    The heiress rolled her eyes. "Pfft. Wait til you see him at parties¡­ Anyways¡­"


    Remembering something, Asami then pushed herself off her chair and walked over to a mildly puzzled Xing. She stopped right in front of him to give him a mild glare. Then Asami poked her aide lightly in the chest as she began to speak.


    "You are not beneath my station, Xing."


    "I was jus-"


    "Ah ah." Her finger went up to land on his lips. His soft, wonderful lips. "Stop demeaning yourself, Xing. I mean it."


    They locked gazes for a few seconds, and then Xing slowly nodded. "As you wish, Asami," he answered softly, his lips rubbing against her finger.


    "Good," she said with a gentle smile. "You deserve a lot more than you think, Xing."


    Catching her by surprise, Xing caught her hand as she was about to pull her finger off his lips, and his mouth opened to gently suckle at the tip of it. Asami inhaled shakily as she felt his warm tongue flicking against her finger, and there was an urge to have that same sensation replicated in different¡­parts of her body.


    It lasted far too briefly, and Xing gave a small smirk as he slipped her finger out of his mouth. "Mm¡­ I''m happy enough with where I am, Asami."


    "I¡­I''d rather have you promoted," she said, her voice becoming husky as warmth started to bloom in her. "At least then we can¡­"


    "That''s true," Xing conceded, replying to her unfinished sentence, and then his hand was gently caressing Asami''s cheek, just as hers was lightly brushing against his.


    "When''s my next meeting, Xing?"


    The way Xing licked his lips was so mesmerizing¡­ "We''ve got quite some time, I think¡­"


    Both of them leaned in, and Asami shuddered with bliss as she felt her dutiful aide''s warm lips press against hers, and his strong hands holding her close.


    *****?


    "Miss Asami''s busy," Ren firmly said, and received the stacks of paper from the lady. "We''ll make sure she sees the paperwork by the end of the day."


    "Thanks," the lady from engineering replied with a smile. "You two kids are such good secretaries."


    Ren successfully stopped herself from rolling her eyes at the patronizing compliment, and after the lady left, she glanced at Kai who was still pretending to be busy going through a stack of forms.


    "Think they''ll be done anytime soon?"


    To answer her question, the boy slipped out of his seat and quietly sneaked up to Asami''s office door, and then gently pushed on it. Kai took a quick peek, and then turned back to give Ren a shrug.


    "Probably. They''re still clothed."


    Ren shuddered before going back to work. Or rather the appearance of work.


    Adults and their icky kissing¡­


    Ren would give them another half an hour before she broke up their fun and asked for lunch.

 Chapter 20

    It was too lovely a morning to be up and awake, but Kilin couldn''t really complain. She had willingly accepted the invitation to be a medical consultant.


    Why Future Industries would want a medical consultant was beyond her at the moment, but since they were paying her for her time, the healer wouldn''t let that puzzle nag at her mind. It didn''t stop the rest of her clinic''s healers behind her from voicing their speculations, even as they triple-checked the barrels of water kept on standby, or the bandages and other medical equipment that was stashed aside.


    Still, it was a curious assembly of people at the Sato''s private racetrack, which apparently also served as a test track for their Satomobiles. Standing just a few feet away from Kilin was a group of sharply dressed corporate people, probably the company''s higher ups, which included a pleasantly curious Hiroshi Sato and his more confidently smug daughter. Just behind them was another group of meeker, more subservient subordinates with clipboards and pens and abacuses. The two kids that had approached Kilin for this job were standing with them, though they were noticeably more excited than anyone else.


    Another group stood beyond those two, wearing more practical work clothes with grease-stained aprons and gloves. The engineers, most likely, and they seemed to be the most apprehensive of everyone here. A couple of them were manning bulky cameras set on tripods, though this didn''t look like any photoshoot setup Kilin was familiar with.


    The idle murmurs died as a quartet of Satomobiles drove up and parked themselves before everyone. One of the cars was markedly different in appearance compared to the other half, or any other vehicle Kilin knew of, for that matter. It had a flatter and longer profile, with sloped windshields, and an additional set of lights on the front and back.


    The drivers quickly exited their vehicles, and all but one quickly went to drag things out from the cars'' back seats.


    Kilin recognized Xing walking up to the spectators, wearing a confident showman''s pose. He took the time to give her group a polite nod in greeting before turning to address Hiroshi Sato and his clique of executives.


    "Mister Hiroshi, directors, thank you for allowing me this opportunity, and for attending this presentation."


    The founder of Future Industries gave an indulgent smile. "You''ve earned it. And I have to admit, I''m quite eager to see the ideas you''ve got. Hopefully we don''t need the Avatar for this one?"


    Polite chuckles rang off as Asami Sato gave a look of exasperation. "Don''t get him started, dad." Curiously, some folks, including the two kids, shared that look as well. An inside joke that Kilin was missing out on, then. Eh, she wasn''t being paid for that.


    Kilin was, however, familiar with the smile Xing gave; it was the same as actors trying to rein in their immense satisfaction as they accepted praise from critics or pledges of undying love from fans. He was genuinely glad and proud to be standing there.


    "I hope the investment in resources and personnel will not disappoint."


    Murmurs arose when the other three drivers reappeared, dragging out moo-sows</a> of all things. Judging from the looks of the animals (especially the obvious gash on their necks), they''d been freshly slaughtered and bled out, but not gutted. As puzzlement rose among the spectators, Xing turned and went over to help stuff the animals in the driver''s seat of each Satomobile. Kilin heard a distinct click coming from one of the bog-standard Satomobile, and after craning her head a little, she saw the pig in it wearing straps of some sort.


    It took barely a minute before Xing was walking back to address the crowd. He gestured to the additional lights on the vehicles. "As you''ve all no doubt noticed, we''ve implemented the turn signal lights that Miss Asami-"


    "That you came up with," Asami cut in with amused exasperation. "Stop giving away your credit, Xing."


    More chuckles, and then Xing cleared his throat to continue. "That Miss Asami had approved enough to develop the prototypes."


    Another round of laughter, with Hiroshi joining in this time and giving his annoyed daughter a smirk. "Now I know what you mean, my dear."


    "Yes. Annoying, isn''t it?" the heiress replied with feigned irritation.


    "Only because he''s genuine, instead of being suckups like some prats we know." That response earned quite a lot of snickering and nodding from just about everyone in Future Industries. "Now then, Xing, I suppose the moo-sows have nothing to do with the turn signals?"


    "No, Mister Hiroshi. The turn signals will be proving themselves in the road tests next week, I just thought to show you that the lights themselves aren''t as bulky as some feedback has worried about."


    Now that he mentioned it, Kilin joined everyone in giving the lights on the Satomobiles another look.


    Yeah, the smaller lights didn''t look too bad, though she supposed it would sound clunky if you just heard that a car''s going to have another set of lights on it.


    "Hm. That''s true."


    That marked the last comment about the turn signals, and then Xing gestured to the pigs. "This will be a demonstration of a potential safety device. The moo-sows will stand in as drivers." He then smoothly turned to Kilin with a short nod. "Madam Kilin, I hope I''m not mistaken, but the animals would make for a decent proxy for a human when it comes to studying damage?"


    Feeling the attention of everyone locked onto her, the old healer let out a nervous cough before she answered. "The¡­ Moo-sows are a bit on the heavier side¡­ Their skin is tougher too." Now that she was thinking about it¡­ "But when you prop them up like that, their bone structure and organ layout isn''t too different from ours, not counting their legs anyway."


    "So, anything that mangles the moo-sows would mean a far worse result on a human driver?"


    She nodded curtly. "Yeah, that''s about right. Not useful for light damage, but for heavy stuff like car crashes¡­I suppose they''d do."


    Xing''s smile grew warmer as apparently his method of presentation was reinforced, and he gave a nod to several engineers, who stomped their feet and created a wall of earth in the middle of the lane several yards down from the Satomobiles. Another collective stomp, and the wall visibly compacted with an audible crunch into something much more solid.


    "We''ll start with the stock variant. Could everyone please take a few steps back, for safety''s sake." He turned to an engineer by the Satomobile with the unstrapped pig, and the man tinkered for a bit before jumping away right as the vehicle coughed to life and promptly began speeding down the lane. It was going at a decent speed as far as Kilin could see. The earthen wall ahead of it shifted about to intercept the car as it swerved, and eventually, the Satomobile crashed into the barrier with a loud crack of metal and wood, and the shattering of glass.


    "Now then, if you''ll follow me?" Still smiling, Xing bade everyone to follow him, Kilin''s group included. They came to an all too familiar sight for Kilin. The Satomobile had buckled a bit, the front wheels collapsed. Smoke spurted from underneath moo-sow who lay on the deformed car''s hood, and the glass windshield behind it was a shattered mess.


    Xing casually walked up to the mangled scene and gestured for Kilin to join him. "Madam Kilin, if we imagined the body to be a living, breathing human, what would your initial impression be of the damage sustained?"


    Kilin scowled as she stepped up, not a few of her older cases coming to mind. "Very likely dead, otherwise they''d be dead soon."


    "Too soon for a healer to arrive?"


    She nodded, and pointed at the shards of glass sticking out of the pig. "Sometimes blood loss, but often due to the damage to their internals."


    The young man helpfully walked up to the mangled moo-sow and flipped it onto the ground, where the body crumpled into a sagging heap of shattered bones. Kilin didn''t bat an eye as she heard sounds of disgust from behind her.


    Pussies. This corpse wasn''t bleeding, nor was its eyes holding desperately onto the glint of life.


    She pointed to the deflated and shredded torso of the pig. It was practically eviscerated from going through the glass. "Chest''s completely gone, impact with the steering wheel and the dashboard¡­ Abdomen would require a lot of work, organs can be healed up with time, but the spine¡­" She glanced at the bent steering wheel and the scraps of skin and meat stuck to the glass still on the windscreen. "Even with water healing, that''ll leave a lifelong impairment at best, like Zheng Jia."


    There were mutterings as Kilin brought up the former theater diva. Even with Kilin fortuitously being at the scene of the accident as it happened, the actress had been so shredded by glass and metal that she was a mess of scars even after months of healing. Even if she was brave enough to return to the stage after that, the crippling spine injury and similarly maimed lungs and heart kept her firmly stuck in a wheelchair.


    Because of what happened to her, the theater folks now saw thick fur scarves as taboo, particularly when driving.


    "Now then, if we can return to witness the modified Satomobile?"


    As earthbenders carried away the wreck and shredded corpse on rolling waves of earth, the other Satomobile was started up. The mood was understandably heavier now as everyone watched the second vehicle roar towards the wall of earth at the same speed.


    The collision was slightly different this time around. There were the sounds of metal buckling and glass breaking, and the damage at first looked the same. Except that as they approached, this time the moo-sow was not draped on the car''s front. Instead, the pig was still strapped to its seat, showing only some signs of lacerations due to glass shards.


    Everyone slowly walked around the vehicle to appreciate the damage and have a clearer look at the driver''s compartment. Up close, Kilin could see the two straps around the pig - one across the shoulder, one across the waist - which had kept it in its seat.


    Engineers stepped up to create two earthbended walls, which sheared and isolated the smoking engine compartment from the rest of the vehicle.


    Once more, Xing walked over to the pig, and with some fidgeting in the seat, something clicked to release the straps and allow him to liberate the corpse and deposit it to the ground.


    Stolen story; please report.


    "Safety belts. Seat belts. Madam Kilin, if you wouldn''t mind?"


    Kilin didn''t hide her surprise when she inspected the body. "Nothing obviously fatal, yet¡­ The cuts from the straps aren''t lethal, and I don''t think there''s much impact against the steering wheel¡­" She gave gentle, probing presses with her fingers across the chest, and then carefully moved the moo-sow''s head. "There might be fractures, and maybe a few bones broken¡­ Yeah, the lungs might get punctured from this one¡­"


    "How''s the neck?" Xing politely and almost rhetorically asked.


    "I¡­no, it''s still connected," Kilin reported as she swiveled the head in her hands. "At worst, there might be whiplash¡­ Maybe a couple of months in a wheelchair if the spine''s dislocated badly¡­which it''s¡­not."


    She glanced down at the rest of the corpse and frowned. "Internals might get badly bruised."


    "But it''s preferable to being launched out the windshield?" he casually asked.


    "Obviously." Kilin scoffed.


    "Of course, a moo-sow is tougher than a normal human¡­"


    "Same difference," she added, playing along. "Even if they''re taking more damage, they''ll live long enough for me to heal the broken bones and bruised organs. Short of the neck snapping, or the broken bones shredding the heart and lungs, I''d say the chances of surviving in these straps-"


    "Seat belts."


    "-is way better."


    Her declaration was the signal for the gathered spectators to break out in excited murmurs. Uki stepped up beside Kilin to inspect the moo-sow herself, and eventually wore a smile. "If these¡­seat belts¡­are around, we''d get more customers from accident victims¡­"


    Smart girl.


    Before Kilin could comment, the venue host of the little show spoke up to silence the growing chatter.


    "That''s a rather effective demonstration, Xing," Hiroshi said with a smile that was only second to the beaming smile his daughter directed at Xing. "Now, not to detract from its effectiveness, but how expensive would this contraption be?"


    As an answer, Xing glanced at one of the surlier engineers, who then gave a grunt and spoke in his stead. "Not as much, boss. Took a bit figuring out the spring mechanisms, but I''d say it''d be cheap enough¡­if we can get the machinery for it up."


    "You''re vouching for it, Hyung?"


    The engineer shrugged. "It works, it''s simple enough to build, and we''ve done more finicky additions to the assembly line¡­"


    "Hm¡­"


    "It could be held as an advantage against the competitors, Mister Hiroshi," Xing smoothly added.


    "That is true¡­ By the way, Xing? Those two cars there¡­"


    Xing glanced back to the flatter shaped Satomobiles and smiled at his employer. "Ah, right. Another safety feature, this time in its design. Coupled with the seat belt, it should increase passenger survivability by a noticeable margin for higher speed collisions."


    "That one would take a bit of vouching," the engineer Hyung mumbled loud enough for everyone to hear.


    With a curious nod, Hiroshi let Xing make his second presentation, and the young man walked over to a Satomobile, clicked the seat belt on the seated pig, and then stepped away as it began shooting towards a wall of compacted earth. At the same time, the last standard Satomobile was also sent hurling down the track alongside its newer designed counterpart by an engineer. Both were moving much faster than the previous two vehicles, and the collisions that ensued were far more spectacular.


    For a moment, as she watched the front end of the newer designed car disintegrate into bits of flying metal (which landed harmlessly on an protective earthen dome created by the earthbenders) as it smashed itself against the wall, the Kilin felt a twinge of sympathy at the catastrophic failure. Especially compared to the more intact standard Satomobile.


    But then she noticed that Xing was still smiling.


    What awaited them at the scene of the wreckage was a weird contrast of survivability.


    The front of the badly dented but otherwise intact Satomobile looked decent enough, but upon tearing its buckled door open, Kilin saw the moo-sow hanging limply within its seat belt restraints. A quick check confirmed that if it was alive before this, the chances of the pig surviving the crash was slim. Kilin gave the head a gentle tug, and sure enough felt it move a bit too freely.


    Maybe less than slim.


    On the other hand, the front of the longer Satomobile had completely caved in. Yet the destruction seemed to stop there, and behind the flattened mess, the moo-sow strapped in its seat was cut up a little from the bits of glass and metal flying around, but it wasn''t lolling about ominously. Kilin was acutely aware of Xing''s satisfied smile as she checked the body and found that it was a little mangled, but in a far more preferable state than the pig in the other car.


    "It''d take some healing, but you''d walk out of this wreck more often than you would from the other."


    The astonishment was unanimous, with Hiroshi and his inner circle walking around to inspect the remains of the front-flattened Satomobile. Xing shared a look with Hyung, and the older man let out a sigh before shaking his head.


    "Fine, maybe it might not be as hard a sell¡­"


    Instead of retorting, Xing addressed the amazed crowd with what almost sounded like a lecturing voice. "Just like an egg being wrapped in crumpled paper is more likely to survive a fall compared to one wrapped in a metal shell, this prototype utilizes a longer profile with a weaker front that''s designed to crumple and absorb the force of a crash. The passenger''s compartment was still kept strong though, to ensure that they were not completely crushed. There are improvements to be made though, like a means to ensure that the engine block doesn''t shoot inwards to crush the passengers¡­"


    "Do you have a list of such improvements?" Hiroshi asked with an eager glint in his eyes.


    Xing lowered his head apologetically. "Unfortunately, my understanding of vehicle design is poor, so I''m still unaware of what areas that could be improved." He paused for a moment before tilting his head towards Hyung. "However, Chief Engineer Hyung has his suggestions on how to improve on this design."


    "They ain''t gonna be cheap, though," the chief engineer muttered, but Hiroshi was already nodding.


    "It doesn''t have to be. Animal-drawn carriages are cheaper than automobiles, but people are buying our Satomobiles because it''s safer and more convenient. If we can sell safety to the public¡­" And the industrialist threw a speculative look at Xing, who subtly braced himself under the gaze. Like an actor preparing to hear whether he''d be assigned a speaking role or as ''Background Bush #1''. Hiroshi gave a glance at Asami, who seemed to be just as tense as Xing.


    After a moment, he addressed Xing in an authoritative tone. "Xing. Now, you''ve been coming up with plenty of good ideas already, but I can''t help but notice you''re better at showing how good those ideas of yours are."


    "Thank you, sir."


    "Now, I''ll agree with Asami that you''re too good to be stuck as an aide right now. However, Future Industries does not have a fitting role for a keen mind such as yourself. Can''t let Isashi slack off now, can I?" He ended with a jocular smirk which caused one of the stiff collared directors to deflate a little, and which Asami didn''t appreciate.


    "But-"


    Hiroshi raised a firm hand to interrupt his daughter. "That being said, while Future Industries does not have a fitting position¡­we''ve other companies in other fields that could use your skills."


    Asami froze and blinked a few times, while Xing still remained tense. However, Hiroshi''s clique of executives and directors were nodding without being smarmy about it, which was probably a good thing?


    The industrialist broke into a wide grin. "So¡­how do you feel about leading one of our subsidiaries? Say, head of Future Media?"


    There was a heavy pause in the air before Xing finally answered, with an uncharacteristic stammer nonetheless. "I¡­ Uh, head, sir? Me?"


    "Yup." And Hiroshi gave his daughter a second to let out a triumphant noise before he continued. "We''ve been mostly using it as an arm for marketing - mostly to liaise with the stations, and secure licenses and locations¡­menial stuff. If you''re up for it, I''ll have you turn it into something more." He nodded to the smoking wreck to the side. "The¡­meatier advertising campaigns, the sponsorships, I''ll leave those sorts of promotions to you. Future Industries'' marketing team will remain focused on managing our galleries and billboards as usual, but Future Media will be going out to reach out to the public."


    Kilin stared with dumbfounded amazement as Xing seemed to actually be thinking the offer over. How was this even a dilemma? Judging by the looks from several people, including the two kids just behind him, she wasn''t the only one that felt the urge to strangle him into saying yes.


    Eventually though, Xing let out a cough and shared a definitely non-platonic look with Asami Sato. Then he gave her father a resolute nod. "Thank you greatly for the opportunity, Mister Hiroshi. I''ll not disappoint you."


    "I''m sure you won''t," came the hearty and very pleased reply. "And please, just call me Hiroshi."


    "Good luck with that," Asami muttered, earning scattered snickers.


    With the demonstration coming to a close, Kilin and her excited staff left the racetrack in high spirits. She''d wished good luck to Xing as he handed over the hefty pay, which more than made up for playing consultant for a day.


    "I hope you don''t mind if we sought your services again?" he''d asked, as if she was actually on the fence about it.


    "Keep the pay good, and I''ll even help you find people to drive your Satomobiles into the walls," she joked, and then lazily waved the contract of secrecy about as she turned to leave. "Hope you enjoy the promotion, director. And don''t worry, my clinic knows how to keep secrets. Even simple ones, like requests for¡­preventatives and protection for young couples."


    That got her group snickering, but that Xing only smirked and nodded instead of sputtering like an embarrassed dolt was quite admirable indeed.


    "I''ll be sure to bear that in mind should the need arise."


    A very ambitious young man, that Xing.


    Alas, if only Kilin was younger, and was as rich and pretty as Asami Sato.

 Chapter 21

    Contrary to what many outsiders believed, the night lights of Republic City were not all that blinding, nor was it omnipresent. By simply turning a corner from the main streets, one could leave the dazzling electric lights and enter the canyons that were the city¡¯s back alleys. It was a world of sooty shadows, cast by the dirty flames of oil lamps and crocodile carp candles and newspaper-fueled cooking fires. Occasionally the flickering flames would leap and dance as firebenders rented their services to rapidly incinerate waste, or guide the desperate towards the outhouses.


    If you were lucky, those firebenders were new residents, and would price themselves cheaply as a show of communal support. More often than not though, the prices would be pegged at whatever the governing triad ¡®protectors¡¯ decided it¡¯d be.


    For all its wonders, electricity still came with a running cost, and most of the poorer homes behind the modern facades - sometimes literally so - saved such a marvel for more necessary operations, like spinning fans to keep the air of the tight spaces from growing too stale, or keeping the radios and communal washer running.


    Besides, so long as the locals had a decent distribution of benders, fire hazards were essentially a non issue as well. And electric light bulbs gave off as much heat as a lamp anyway, and were far more expensive to replace when it invariably blew out. Better to save them for special occasions like heavy storms, night-long celebrations, or entertaining visits from the local triads.


    In the same manner, simply turning the corner around a boutique clothing store would cut one off from the oppressive lights of the pro-bending arena, as well as the beacon of serenity coming from Air Temple Island¡¯s pagoda.


    In the shadows between Republic City¡¯s Downtown and the Green Meadow district just a bridge away, even the reflections from those landmarks dared not highlight the waves. Here, the waters of Yue Bay were dark and foreboding, with the light from the heavens and the not so impressive specks from the bridge to the industrial district defining the churning, ungentle waves. The air was thick with brine and spiced with escaping sewerage, and the gloom masked the ugly chemical spills and lumps of disintegrating trash that slowly corroded the rocky coast.


    It was a thick darkness that even the triads disliked being shrouded in, that the airships of the metalbending police only floated over only once a night, if even that.


    That didn¡¯t mean that the area was completely abandoned though.


    Whispered curses and muttered exchanges could be heard beneath the crashing of waves. Despite the scattering of crouched silhouettes over the jagged rocks, there was not a single source of light among the night fishermen of Republic City. Lidai expertly navigated across the rough slabs of stone, enjoying the fact that he could now leap and hike through to the more advantageous points instead of having to crawl to the more accessible point near the sewer exit.


    With healthy legs, his hands no longer needed to cut themselves on stone and scrap metal holding onto dear life, and his knees were free from the countless pinprick stabs. He found his old perch upwind of the stench - the one from before he met the two children - and smiled in the darkness as he noted how untouched the site was. The scavenged mat was still there, now encrusted with salt and gravel, as was the glass bottle wedged between rocks that was still half-filled with tea.


    The shadowy figures yards away from Lidai didn¡¯t acknowledge his return, but that nobody took his place was a clear enough sign that his absence was noted. Despite their destitute states, the night fishermen of Republic City truly did keep to their own code.


    Lidai swept his mat clean before sitting on it, allowing himself a second to enjoy the flare of nostalgia of having his ass and legs constantly irritated by the uneven surface. He kept his rattan basket beside him and drew his fishing rod, and then his hand went through the motions of stringing and hooking the line with practiced ease despite the darkness. He didn¡¯t need bait as the fish here couldn¡¯t smell anything amidst the waste they swam in.


    With dozens of hooks hanging off his line, the old fisherman cast his rod out, and then leaned back to wait. The nocturnal vulture rays here were lazy and weak, so there wasn¡¯t much effort required in catching them, only patience. They were inedible, but living easily off the city¡¯s waste meant that the ¡®shit fishes¡¯ still had some value to be ground from their fat and bones. The oil extracted from them served as cheap lubricant for cogs and gears, making a lot of the alley folk¡¯s machinery affordable to maintain. What¡¯s left of the fish would then be ground down, bone and organs and all, and then turned into fertilizer or bone meal.


    It was low paying work for a tedious and somewhat dangerous job, but it was a stable job that suited Lidai¡¯s lifestyle rather well.


    Of course, now that he was dragged into much better living conditions, the former cripple no longer had to worry about catching enough to feed his two trouble-finding dependants, or even himself for that matter. If anything, he was now the dependant in their strange relationship, Ren and Kai insisting that they pay for everything now that they had jobs that paid so ludicrously well.


    He still was out here fishing, though, because otherwise he¡¯d feel completely useless. And he couldn¡¯t have that. Not again.


    ¡°Any good catches?¡± a voice whispered from behind, startling Lidai out of his thoughts.


    By the time he registered the speaker¡¯s identity, he had jerked up and snapped his head around. In the gloom, Xing¡¯s crouched silhouette gave off the same presence as a satiated but amused armadillo tiger. The unfrayed and untattered clothes he wore gave him a much sharper definition compared to the usual shapes occupying the coastline. Lidai could hear the smile in the young man¡¯s words, and the dim starlight reflected the gleam of mischief in his eyes.


    ¡°Xing.¡±


    ¡°I hope I didn¡¯t scare the fishes away.¡±


    As if to punctuate the whispered joke, the waves crashed particularly loudly, and a few people sprayed with salty, sewer-tainted mist cursed loudly.


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    ¡°I¡¯d be surprised if you did,¡± Lidai replied, and then shuffled over to make space for his and the kids¡¯ benefactor. The crunch of gravel and sharp rocks under Xing¡¯s feet was barely audible as he moved to sit. Lidai didn¡¯t bother asking how the lad had learned to be so quiet. He was supposed to have been the Avatar¡¯s shadow, so it stood to reason that he¡¯d picked up a particular set of skills.


    And it was a question that wouldn¡¯t gain any honest answers anyway, if Lidai¡¯s estimations of Xing were correct.


    ¡°So what brings you here?¡± he asked instead. ¡°Thought you¡¯d have a busy day tomorrow.¡±


    Xing gave a shrug as he stared out into the night. ¡°Ren and Kai have picked up what they could from me, and are enjoying their well-earned rest. Asami is dining with her father, and promised to remain at home¡­ Not that it concerns me now.¡±


    ¡°Heh, congratulations. From an assistant to a director in barely a month¡­ I know people in the Fire Nation and Ba Sing Se who¡¯d do anything to achieve what you have.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just lucky that my employers are so gracious,¡± was the ever humble reply. ¡°The Satos have lavished me with frankly undeserved trust-¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯ve more than repaid the favor, and don¡¯t you deny it. It¡¯s Asami and the kids¡¯ words against yours.¡±


    There was a short, soft chuckle from Xing before relative silence fell in the form of crashing waves.


    ¡°Who are you hiding from?¡± Xing suddenly asked, and Lidai almost dropped his fishing rod as he stiffened. He dared not turn his head, but he heard the deep concern in the young man¡¯s voice.


    Not receiving an answer, Xing spoke again. ¡°You could be earning a better living fishing during the day, by the docks. Or working for a fishing company.¡±


    ¡°I¡­don¡¯t like the crowd,¡± Lidai lamely responded, and unsurprisingly the other man was unphased.


    ¡°That¡¯s not counting the other, easier means of work. The alley you were hiding in was right next to the market¡­you could have been kneading dough for the noodles stalls, or cleaning the tables like what the...your neighbors do.¡±


    ¡°Fishing pays more¡­¡±


    ¡°Only on those days you could fill your basket with your catch. But Kai and Ren told me that they often only needed to wash down the bottom third of it. Besides, it¡¯d be extremely difficult for you to carry a full load back with your legs in its previous state.¡±


    This boy was too smart.


    ¡°Who are you hiding from?¡± Xing asked again, almost beseeching in his tone. ¡°I can-¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t waste your time on the troubles of old men,¡± Lidai curtly answered before sighing heavily. ¡°Especially old men who have nothing to their name, save for the short time they have left.¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯d be more important to turn the nothing into something meaningful,¡± Xing replied almost instantly. ¡°Kai and Ren wish for you to join them in enjoying the improvements to their life. For all you¡¯ve done for them, you deserve to share in their happiness as well.¡±


    Lidai shook his head at the thought of the rambunctious duo. ¡°The two of them are too soft for street urchins. The proper ones would have left me to join the triads, or be happy to keep their new earnings to themselves.¡±


    ¡°Blame their teacher, I suppose,¡± Xing quipped cheekily.


    The fisherman shook his head again before finally turning to face Xing. ¡°You should not worry about me. Tell them the same as well. I¡¯m happy enough that you three have bought me my legs back, and are sharing the comforts of your new lives. And¡­and it¡¯d be ungrateful for me to inflict my unnecessary worries onto you.¡±


    ¡°So you are hiding from someone.¡±


    Even in the darkness, Lidai could sense the cold resolve emanating from the silhouette before him. He stared at the amber eyes of the generous young lad piercing through the gloom, and finally gave in with a slump.


    ¡°I¡­ I just need to keep a low profile, remain unremembered.¡±


    ¡°Yet you stepped in for Kai and Ren.¡±


    ¡°My life¡¯s worth far less than theirs,¡± he instantly rebutted, perhaps with a bit more force than intended. It was probably the bravest thing he ever did. ¡°They¡¯re¡­they¡¯re kids. Good kids. They¡¯ve got long futures awaiting them¡­¡±


    ¡°And you don¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ Mistakes were made. Big mistakes, that needed to be paid for with lives.¡±


    Lidai closed his eyes, allowing himself to remember the happier past that he gave up, to remember her smiling face¡­


    ¡°So you offered yours?¡±


    He nodded slowly, regretfully, before opening his eyes and drawing in a lungful of stinging, salty air. ¡°It was the least¡­the least painful option. But I am too much of a coward to simply die, so I disappeared instead.¡±


    ¡°For your family¡¯s sake?¡±


    Lidai let the crashing waves answer for him.


    ¡°It¡¯s not too late,¡± Xing eventually said.


    ¡°Better that it was.¡±


    ¡°You have a family who misses you.¡±


    Lidai almost barked out a laugh, letting the younger man¡¯s disapproval wash over him. ¡°With what I¡¯ve done? Nah. Nah, if I showed up again¡­by now they¡¯d hate me. They should hate me for leaving them.¡±


    ¡°You left them for their sake, did you not?¡±


    There was another bout of silence before the keen lad spoke up again. ¡°I¡¯m an orphan.¡°


    Lidai blinked in surprise at the sudden change in topic, but kept silent.


    ¡°As I understand it, I was raised by the Order of the White Lotus, because my parents weren¡¯t prepared to raise a firebending toddler. I don¡¯t remember their faces at all.¡±


    This time it was Xing¡¯s turn to let out an audible sigh. ¡°But I¡­think I remember my grandfather¡¯s face¡­ I think- I¡¯d like to think that even knowing that he approved of them giving me away¡­ If I saw his face again, and if¡­if he apologized, truly apologized, I¡¯d be glad to see him again.¡±


    There was a tremor in his voice that kept Lidai from responding, and he simply listened as Xing lifted his shoulders to force out a shrug.


    ¡°But that will never happen. They¡¯re gone¡­¡±


    It seemed like he wanted to say more, but he caught himself. Eyes glistening with restrained emotion, Xing offered a slow nod. ¡°Your family would miss you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s better that they forget about me.¡±


    Xing¡¯s voice hardened. ¡°Then, if you wish to leave your past behind, at least consider the life you have now. Kai and Ren care for you; They¡¯re saving up to buy you a boat so you can fish all you want in the daylight.¡±


    They¡¯re what?


    ¡°Asami is ready to help buy them a new home, a proper one in the Central District. But they¡¯re worried that you¡¯d hate being away from your precious¡­job.¡±


    Lidai felt conflicted at hearing that. That the two children still thought about his perceived needs was immensely gratifying, but also highly unnecessary.


    ¡°Let me help,¡± Xing said, far more resolutely this time. ¡°You deserve to step out of the shadows, step out of¡­¡± He paused, and gestured to the murky, shit-stained waves. ¡°...this. If you¡¯re concerned about attention, then I can find you a discreet job in a comfortable office. If you¡¯re worried about being a burden, then you can use that new job to pay for your fair share.¡±


    Lidai stared at the shrouded figure before him before sighing in defeat. ¡°You¡¯re not going to let me refuse, are you?¡±


    ¡°Not a chance,¡± Xing said, clearly grinning from the tone of his voice. ¡°I¡¯ve been known to be stubbornly persistent in having things my way in one form or another.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Lidai replied, unable to resist as he raised an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s what a rich lady like Asami likes about you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s what the Avatar disliked about me,¡± Xing smugly corrected.


    ¡°Ah, that makes more sense¡­¡±


    A more comfortable silence settled as an unvoiced agreement was made between the two men. Then Lidai remembered he was holding onto a fishing rod, and gave the now bent over rod a hard tug as he shuffled to get up.


    ¡°Ah, shit. Left the line in for too long. Here, get the basket ready. And watch yourself or you¡¯d have to buy new clothes if they catch the shit fishes¡¯ slime.¡±


    Might as well make his last night here worth a bit more¡­

 Chapter 22

    By all means, having a new head for Future Media was a great thing, especially if it meant that its previous steward was transferred someplace else where she couldn¡¯t loom over him anymore. And according to the rumor mill, the replacement was far from a petty cunt looking to flex his power.


    Despite that happy news, Mozi couldn¡¯t help but feel nervous as he sat across from the keen-eyed director who was staring down at the small stack of papers that was no doubt filled with Shu Ling¡¯s venomous take of Mozi¡¯s performance.


    It didn¡¯t matter, he told himself; at most, Mozi would finally get fired and be free to find employment elsewhere.


    ¡°Mister Mozi Yiufang¡­¡± the director finally spoke, looking up to bore his gaze into Mozi after seconds of sifting through the papers. ¡°It seems that you have a¡­colorful record on you.¡±


    Mozi drew in a breath to respond, but Xing lifted a few sheets in one hand and continued on.


    ¡°It is interesting¡­ My predecessor, Miss Shu Ling, paints a rather damning picture of your conduct. She¡¯s given me all this to warn me. By her account, you are still employed despite the grave transgression against her person, and only because of your family ties to Future Industries. In these reports, she is being most magnanimous for enduring your presence despite what you¡¯ve done to her.¡±


    Mozi almost sneered at the bitch¡¯s lies. Then the director let the papers slip through his hand and with the other, reached for a separate folder and patted it softly. It was hard not to glance at the plain and mysterious packet.


    ¡°And yet, the testimonies I¡¯ve gathered casts you in a slightly different light; that you¡¯ve been a diligent employee, content to keep your head down and your business to himself. Quiet, but not aloof. Intelligent, but not arrogant. Pretty much everyone asked has expressed their surprise that you could be such a knave.¡±


    The director leaned back in his seat and regarded Mozi in a neutral and rather unjudging gaze.


    ¡°And I also realize that I do not have your version of events¡­¡±


    Mozi gulped as he recalled his contract, and began to answer. ¡°It¡¯s all on record-¡±


    ¡°The records only state what you¡¯ve done, with your name stamped onto it as verification, petty typist Mozi. It contains Miss Shu Ling¡¯s harrowing testimony, as well as the testimonies of the two eyewitnesses. It does not, however, contain any transcription from you.¡±


    Despite Xing being further back, the steely stare made Mozi feel like the director was right against his face.


    ¡°I wish to hear it from you, Mozi. Did you truly try to accost then Chief Officer Shu Ling?¡±


    It took several tries of opening and closing his mouth before he could reply. ¡°N-No¡­ No, sir.¡± The denial threw a heavy burden off Mozi¡¯s shoulders, and he slumped a little into his seat. ¡°It¡­I didn¡¯t lay a hand on her, I swear it.¡±


    Xing frowned, and there was a sense that the doubt emanating off him wasn¡¯t directed at Mozi. ¡°And yet the two witnesses said that Miss Shu Ling was in a state of undress, by your feet when they ran towards her screams.¡± The skepticism was surprisingly heavy in his voice, while his fingers drummed on the desk between them. ¡°But given that she said you were trying to tear off her clothes as you pinned her hands down, I¡¯m surprised you had the time and skill to neatly unfasten her qipao.¡±


    Mozi nodded, the bitter memories of that day bubbling up. ¡°She¡­approached¡­propositioned me, that evening.¡±


    ¡°Miss Shu Ling and you were¡­¡±


    He quickly shook his head. ¡°No. I al- I never accepted her advances.¡±


    ¡°But she still persisted?¡±


    Mozi nodded again, gulping down the taste of bile as he remembered the cloying scent of her perfume as she leaned too close towards him on several occasions, and he shuddered with disgust at the phantom tingling of her manicured nails lightly running down his thigh that evening. ¡°I¡­I already¡­have someone else. She knows that. But¡­¡±


    The director let out a soft sigh, and there was a deep sympathy in his eyes. ¡°What set her off and made her accuse you of attempting to rape her?¡±


    Mozi tried not to so much as blink, fearful of seeing Li Ming¡¯s horrified face again. ¡°I-I told her I was already engaged, that we shouldn¡¯t¡­I shouldn¡¯t¡­¡±


    There was another, more drawn out sigh. ¡°So she was already half-naked when you firmly rejected her, at which point she started screaming.¡±


    A silent nod was all he could manage as he fought off the memories of the wails of denial that had condemned him.


    ¡°And did she know there¡¯d be people still on the floor?¡±


    This time Mozi firmly shook his head. ¡°She was surprised when the doors opened¡­¡±


    ¡°But she quickly improvised and you are where you are now.¡±


    Demoted down to merely a typist in a dark corner of the building, looked down and avoided by everyone, barely making enough to get by, and unable to leave his humiliating post because of the damning repercussions.


    ¡°Y-Yes sir.¡±


    The office air tasted stale as silence filled the room for several long seconds, and then finally Xing let out another heavy sigh. ¡°So why, after all that, has Miss Shu Ling basically put you on indentured servitude instead of simply firing you? Besides looking beyond magnanimous to save your family¡¯s face?¡±


    The Yiufang clan was one of Hiroshi Sato¡¯s earliest investors, which was what landed Mozi his once-cushy job in Future Media in the first place. The clan also was entrenched in more traditional views, which meant that to the elders, Mozi getting a criminal record like this in older days would¡¯ve been a scandal that only exile or death could wash away. To save face, the Yiufang clan gladly gave Mozi up to Shu Ling, all but disowning him in exchange for having no charges pressed. Officially, Mozi had merely carried out ¡®gross misconduct¡¯ that warranted discipline.


    He¡¯d still be in Future Media, so that the clan wouldn¡¯t suffer the shame of their scion being thrown out due to a terrible crime, or lend truth to the rumors of his wrongdoing.


    Mozi remembered the days when Shu Ling would drop by the janitor¡¯s closet that was his office to sneer at him, wondering aloud what Li Ming would make of his sorry situation while also threatening the girl¡¯s life in the same breath.


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    ¡°You¡¯re worse than useless, but you¡¯re mine. And I won¡¯t let some stupid bitch take what¡¯s mine. Maybe you¡¯ll eventually learn your lesson, but until you learn how to grovel¡­¡±


    And he never did. Not when he still clung onto the vain hope that Li Ming might still, somehow, take him back. Assuming he managed to escape this hellhole.


    ¡°She¡­she is possessive¡­?¡± was all he could offer.


    ¡°Bloody young-day-rays,¡± Mozi thought he heard the director mutter.


    ¡°Unfortunately, much as I believe you, unless you take this to the authorities, your name will remain tarnished. However, as Miss Shu Ling chose to withhold all this paperwork from entering the company¡¯s records and Republic City¡¯s police archives, you¡¯ve officially only got the stain of unfounded allegations on you. Frankly, all this blackmail material she¡¯s given me is only dangerous to your clan¡¯s standing, not to yourself.¡±


    It was so easy to say that. Mozi sighed dejectedly. ¡°But¡­if she took this to court¡­¡±


    Surprisingly, the new director broke into a smirk. ¡°As I¡¯ve brought up earlier, I noticed some inconsistencies in her testimony, and there are more. Beyond her neatly removed dress, no bruises were recorded, nor any other signs of struggle. She said you pinned her down, but I noticed that the cleanup crew didn¡¯t mention any disorder to your desk nor the charts on your wall in their cleaning reports. Yours is not an outright lost case, Mozi. It just would require a lot of work¡­¡±


    The smirk grew, though Mozi noted that it contained a tinge of sourness. ¡°If it comes down to it, I know an Avatar would be interested in hearing of such an ordeal.¡±


    ¡°Wh- You know the Avatar?¡±


    Xing gave a light shrug before he answered. ¡°I¡¯m¡­acquainted with Avatar Korra. And I can attest to the fact that she has a strong sense of justice¡­regardless of how capable she is at meting it out. If you bring your predicament to her, along with sufficient proof of your innocence, you¡¯d have a powerful supporter who¡¯d go out of her way to right the wrongs before her.¡±


    Despite the reassuring contents of his words, why did Xing not sound too enthused or pleased saying all that?


    Still, Avatar support or not¡­ ¡°It¡¯d cost too much,¡± Mozi muttered, and Xing agreed with a slow nod.


    ¡°Unfortunately so. It will be an uphill battle, and you¡¯d likely be bled dry regardless of whether you clear your name or not. And that¡¯s before damages you have to cover if you involve the Avatar and she gets¡­proactive.¡±


    The last joke wasn¡¯t exactly funny, but Mozi kept silent.


    ¡°If it helps,¡± Xing added, ¡°as the new director of Future Media, I can revert your unique employment contract back to something more¡­normal. So, effective as of yesterday, seeing that I have no official reason to continue her sanctions, you are no longer beholden to Miss Shu Ling¡¯s more oppressive terms.¡±


    Mozi stiffened and stared blankly at Xing in disbelief and surprise. He almost wanted to jump with joy, but this sounded too good to be true. The director then pushed two separate sheets of paper across the desk towards him.


    ¡°It¡¯s a small consolation, I know, but I am able to offer you two choices now, moving forwards, Mister Mozi.¡±


    Mozi picked the forms, and read through the one that Xing gestured to first. ¡°One: You are free to resign from Future Media. The¡­debt owed to Miss Shu Ling will be written off, and you are free to pursue other careers - even among the competition - without fear of your alleged but undocumented misconduct haunting you. I can provide a suitable cover story to not risk the Yiufang clan¡¯s reputation¡­I¡¯m a young director, I can afford to make some reckless changes to mark my entry into the company.¡±


    Mozi licked his lips as he stared at the resignation form before him. It was tempting, and also very generous of Xing¡­ He glanced up at the man across him, who seemed to be studying him carefully.


    ¡°Option two,¡± Xing said while nodding at the other sheet of paper - a new employment contract. ¡°You¡¯ll be immediately reinstated back as secretary to the director, which will also serve as a review period to decide if you would be a better fit someplace else within Future Media. Considering that the former chief officer had assigned you for¡­personal reasons, rather than out of any qualifications or merits you might actually have.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t the fairest deal from the company, but from the man who¡¯d just took control of the company, Mozi knew it was about as fair a chance as he was going to get.


    Xing slowly got up, keeping his gaze on Mozi all the while. ¡°You seem to be a good man, Mozi. I suggest you make your decision by tomorrow at the latest, so I can decide whether to start looking for a replacement or not.¡±


    ¡°I¡­thank you, sir.¡±


    The young director gave a light shrug. ¡°You should save your thanks for your girlfriend.¡±


    Girlfriend?


    ¡°A certain Miss Li Ming approached me yesterday just as I was entering the premises. She begged me to free her wrongfully disgraced betrothed who was condemned here.¡±


    Mozi could only stare at the director blankly.


    ¡°You¡¯re a lucky man, Mister Mozi. I wish you two all the best, whatever decision you make¡­ Oh, she¡¯ll be dropping by around noon. I¡¯ve told the guards to lift the ban on her entry.¡±


    Mozi left the office in a daze, and barely held any awareness of the rest of the morning. He only snapped out of it when he recognized Li Ming¡¯s achingly familiar face as she ran and embraced him in his tiny closet of a workstation. It took several dumbstruck moments before he finally broke into an emotional wreck, and thankfully nobody disturbed the two of them as they sobbed into each others¡¯ arms.


    Later in the evening, after he¡¯d composed himself, Mozi entered the director¡¯s office once more, this time of his own volition.


    ¡°Sir?¡±


    Xing calmly looked up from a mess of papers and folders. The bin beside the desk was also half-buried under a pile of crumpled paper. ¡°You made your decision, I hope?¡±


    ¡°I¡­I¡¯d like to ask a few questions, if I could?¡±


    Xing sighed softly as he nodded and abandoned his attention to the paperwork beneath him. ¡°Ask away.¡± He gestured to the empty chair across the desk, and Mozi slipped into the cushioned seat with far less apprehension this time.


    ¡°If¡­if I chose to resign¡­ Would Shu Ling know?¡±


    ¡°As far as I know, Miss Shu Ling has been promoted to oversee the modernisation and operations of the Huoshui water mills, near Senlin Village. You¡¯ll have at least a couple of days¡¯ head start if you choose to flee Republic City.¡±


    ¡°What about yourself?¡± Shu Ling has proven herself to be a spiteful bitch, after all.


    Yet Xing didn¡¯t seem at all perturbed or amused. ¡°If the former chief officer wishes to protest your emancipation¡­¡± He absently picked at the paper under his hands, and a dark grin flashed on his face for a fraction of a second, startling Mozi. ¡°Well, I do hope that she can provide me with far more concrete evidence of my mistake, otherwise I¡¯ll have to raise concerns to the relevant authorities of false accusations and gross abuse of power. Imagine the Yiufang clan hearing that their scion had been framed and their gratitude engineered.¡±


    Mozi heard himself gulping, and silently made a note to not cross this man before him.


    ¡°Did you have any other questions?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­uh¡­yes. Yes, sir. If I choose to remain in Future Media, what if¡­what if my colleagues decided that they find my presence, um, intolerable?¡±


    Xing was thoughtfully silent for a few seconds before answering. ¡°I do not have solutions for that, unfortunately. People will believe what they want to believe. It will be up to you, in the end, to prove whatever rumors about you wrong. If it¡¯s any consolation, many people I¡¯ve asked so far seemed truly surprised that you would - or even could - assault Shu Ling.¡±


    ¡°I¡­I see. Thank you, sir.¡±


    The following day, as Mozi returned to Future Media with his decision, he was greeted by a crowd of apologetic coworkers.


    ¡°We¡¯re so sorry about what happened to you!¡±


    ¡°Look man, I didn¡¯t know she was such a waspquito! I should have said something¡­¡±


    ¡°Spirits, we didn¡¯t know! We¡¯re so, so sorry, we didn¡¯t know she was lying!¡±


    It took a confused Mozi several attempts before he understood why he was being mobbed. Someone had taken a good peek into Director Xing¡¯s paperwork last night, and found his skepticism of his predecessor¡¯s testimony, complete with annotations and notes. That knowledge spread in the morning and a lot of harbored doubts and speculations were unearthed, culminating in the grim apologies and regretful sobbing all around him.


    Days later, as Mozi processed Director Xing¡¯s incoming paperwork, he couldn¡¯t help but grin as he read the circular that was sent to all of Future Industries¡¯ subsidiaries.


    Shu Ling Jia had been terminated and banned from the Future Industries Group, and was being investigated for gross misconduct. Appended was a personal apology from Hiroshi Sato to employees and investors of the oversight of the vague crime that has been committed, as well as a reminder for everyone to raise any suspected wrongdoing towards the company to the higher ups.


    Mozi had to stop himself from whistling as he rose up from his old desk outside the director¡¯s office to pass the memo to Xing.

 Chapter 23

    To many, Councilman Tarrlok¡¯s gala in honor of Avatar Korra might have been held a little too late considering that it¡¯s been a month since she laid foot on Republic City and settled in Air Temple Island. Sure, the inertia of administration meant that even the most impulsive decisions might take a while to execute, but taking a full month to celebrate the Avatar¡¯s presence was perhaps a little too slow.


    But for some, especially those who were invited to the event, they only saw just another scheme of the ambitious councilman. Among the business barons and organization leaders, Tarrlok had a reputation for politicking far more intensely compared to the other councilors. It made him the likeliest point of contact if one wanted a flexibly-minded councilman who would lobby for your position¡­for the right incentives.


    The give-and-take that occurred with him did not make him too wealthy when compared to his peers, but it did enable policies favoring the Northern Water Tribe to suffer far less obstruction than it should.


    Various fishing cooperatives agreed to absorb the additional cost of freezing their catches and increase their exports to the North Pole, because Tarrlok had fought hard for the increase of the United Republic¡¯s fishing rights and eventually against his Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom representatives.


    Similarly, Wooly Otter Textiles solely used furs imported from the North Pole despite the higher price - especially when compared to South Pole furs - as an exchange for the councilman wading in and weighing in on their little conflict with Sam Ni Industries.


    He was not the only councilor who threw their weight around to benefit their home country, but he was by far the most active in it. As such, Tarrlok was either the most famous or  infamous member of the United Republic Council, depending on where one stood on the agendas he backed.


    Thankfully, the Northern Water Tribe councilor has yet to be involved in the realm of innovation and technology, mostly because every magnate of that arena was already a powerful figure in their own right, and they didn¡¯t want to escalate their rivalry into a greater moneysink than it already was. And besides, so far the industry of electricity and automobiles and advanced machinery has been developing nicely without outside intervention; there was no point adding a destabilizing factor that could see unwanted policies and regulations introduced.


    For Asami, personally, she was glad to not have to deal with Tarrlok at all.


    She still remembered the encounter with him during her mother¡¯s funeral. Asami might not remember the exact words he had tried to console her with, but she remembered the tone in which it was said. It was barely sincere, especially when compared to the other councilors who managed to offer some genuine compassion.


    Even the Triple Threat Triad¡¯s opportunistic offer to take vengeance for Yasuko Sato¡¯s death sounded more sympathetic. The goons had shown up with heads bowed and solemn faces as they paid their respects, and they remained so even as she eavesdropped on them making their offer to her father.


    Asami still remembered catching Tarrlok¡¯s sad mask so easily slipping into something¡­slimier as he spoke with her father.


    Ever since then, she held a deep distrust of the Northern Water Tribe¡¯s councilman. But distrust or not, Asami had her obligations to fulfill as heiress of Future Industries, though it also helped that Tarrlok was often too busy smiling and laughing with the bigwigs like her father to offer her any more attention than a modicum of courtesy.


    So attending a gala like this was considered tolerable enough as long as she didn¡¯t wrack her head trying to figure out Tarrlok¡¯s motives for hosting it in the first place. It¡¯s a responsibility for her father and men and women like him to deal with.


    Asami had an ordeal of her own to deal with, having to entertain and smile at unaccomplished halfwits who thought they were eligible enough to be seriously considered her suitor.


    Or it would be an ordeal, if not for Xing¡¯s fortunately timed promotion.


    Thankfully, her father had kept his disapproval to a minimum when Asami decided on her plus one. And for his part, Xing didn¡¯t mind at all having to meet her and her father by the steps of City Hall to escort her in. Knowing him, the aide-turned-director probably felt like it was expected for someone of his ¡®low¡¯ standing, instead of a petty snub or a test from Hiroshi.


    Asami didn¡¯t know which line of thought felt stupider.


    But she did quite enjoy the looks of disbelief she got when she entered the building arm in arm with Xing. His black and red ensemble went rather well with her own red dress, she thought happily as she ignored the stares from her rejected suitors.


    ¡°Looks like I was right,¡± she said softly through a lazy smile, ¡°we made quite an entrance with your dashing looks.¡±


    ¡°I still say we could have achieved the same result on a smaller budget,¡± Xing quietly complained, and Asami gripped his arm a little tighter.


    ¡°Oh, hush. I can¡¯t let my date not look the part. You have a house to buy, so it¡¯s only natural that I chip in.¡±


    ¡°You needn¡¯t have¡­invested that much in me.¡±


    ¡°Why not? It¡¯s a good suit. You can use it for other events, director.¡±


    Asami threw a cheeky glance at the man she clung to. ¡°Besides, I can¡¯t trust you to be even a little frivolous with your money.¡±


    Really, it¡¯s Xing¡¯s own fault for being so sensible with his spending. He prioritized purchasing a new home and new clothes for his three charges, as well as investing in the big safety promotion. According to Kai and Ren, everything else would either be for day-to-day expenses, or be saved for the future.


    He¡¯s just like her father, Asami noted: trying to prove to the world that he could achieve feats with his own two hands whenever he could, accepting opportunities but refusing to be a charity case. The amusing thought was dulled when she then realized it was probably due to his upbringing in the White Lotus. Being raised in that organization as the Avatar¡¯s peer, tutor, and then minder must have made quite a mark on Xing. The heiress couldn¡¯t begin to imagine what sort of trouble Xing was dragged into for him to hone his mind to what it was now. To have a talent for consideration and presentation suggested that he at least dealt with a lot of Avatar Korra¡¯s¡­consequences.


    Banishing that sobering thought aside, Asami kept up a polite smile as she guided Xing to a particular cluster of well dressed men and women.


    ¡°Hah, there¡¯s the bright lad!¡± Dao boomed, almost spilling his drink as he raised both hands to feign a great hug. ¡°And with a most esteemed lady by his side, to boot!¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Xing, you¡¯ve met Director Dao,¡± the heiress smoothly introduced, inured to the boisterous welcome.


    ¡°Director Dao,¡± Xing greeted with a nod and the proferring of his hand.


    Ah, she forgot to warn him about it.


    Dao of course swooped in and almost yanked the whole arm off its socket as he shook the hand enthusiastically. Asami was not the only one regarding Xing with some admiration as he managed to remain on his feet without visible signs of struggle.


    ¡°Hahah! No need for formalities here, my good lad! You¡¯re among peers now, Director Xing! Come, come, let me introduce you to everyone. Now, this smug looking hag here¡­¡±


    Asami didn¡¯t hide her smirk as she left her date to Dao¡¯s loud mercies, and she shrugged her shoulders helplessly when Xing gave her a half-pleading look. Tarrlok or not, this gala was a good chance for Xing to network with the other directors and chairpeople within Future Industries. Better that they barrage him with questions now than waste time in more important meetings.


    They¡¯ll get their alone time later, when the initial excitement of socializing has died down and things transitioned to quieter deal-making and conspiracies. Less chance to be disturbed then, anyway. Now was the phase of the gathering where she showed off Future Industries¡¯ new talent. Asami noted how Dao¡¯s loudness attracted the curious looks from the competition. The investors and heads of Cabbage Corp, Keum Enterprises, and more, threw unsubtle glances at Xing¡¯s way, and those at the far end of the room shifted a little closer to pick up the details of Xing¡¯s supposed exploits.


    Not because they couldn¡¯t hear Dao, but because apparently he was so loud that his echoes interfered and overlaid with his words.


    Ignoring the kerfuffle being raised, Asami turned to find her father smiling approvingly at her well executed ploy. She smiled back, and then watched as he went off to talk business with a Fire Nation invitee.


    She was about to check back on Xing when the doors opened and the next batch of guests entered. Asami found herself raising a curious eyebrow as Korra appeared beyond the crowd, with the Fire Ferret brothers on either side of her. Korra¡¯s traditional Water Tribe dress contrasted nicely with the brother¡¯s more modern suits, though Asami made a note to talk to Hanh about getting their pro-bending team a more coordinated set of attire for future events.


    Unless they could make wearing pro-bending uniforms acceptable for formal gatherings?


    Behind the Fire Ferrets, the calm faces of Councilman Tenzin and his wife came into view, and the bright laughter that suddenly rang out told Asami that he had brought his children along.


    Tarrlok¡¯s uncomfortably smooth voice broke through the din to herald the Avatar¡¯s arrival, and being too far behind the crowd, Asami didn¡¯t bother trying to greet them just yet.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he supposed to be in the White Lotus?¡± a hard voice suddenly asked, and Asami turned to find the metal-clad form of Chief Lin Beifong looking at her with some almost suspicious puzzlement. Seeing that she had her attention, the metalbender gave a nod to Xing¡¯s way, who had managed to break free from Dao¡¯s hold and was addressing several subsidiary directors with his standard professionalism.


    ¡°Chief Beifong. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡± The older woman gave a curt nod in response, not being one for pointless niceties. Already used to such exchanges, Asami continued. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were acquainted with Xing.¡±


    ¡°Met him when I arrested the Avatar,¡± the police chief bluntly stated, which in turn fully caught the attention of Asami and a few people within earshot. More surprisingly, Lin Beifong actually formed a rare smile as she regarded Xing. ¡°The boy had the decency to cooperate with us. Pity he couldn¡¯t get her to do the same¡­¡±


    That sounded like quite the tale¡­ Well, it¡¯s one more interesting topic to bring up later. Maybe in front of Kai and Ren, so they could enjoy it as well.


    Presently, Asami tried to restrain the smug triumph from her voice and expression. ¡°I see. Well, I found Xing had¡­quit from the White Lotus. As our-¡±


    Ah, right. Better not bring up the crash with the chief of police.


    ¡°-previous meeting left me with a good impression of him, and seeing that he had few options at that moment, I offered him a job.¡±


    There was a moment of unreadable silence before Lin finally replied. ¡°Huh. Good for him. Looks like he¡¯s doing well for himself.¡±


    It was hard not to brag about her date. ¡°Xing has proven to be quite the talent. So much so that he¡¯s just been promoted to head of one of our subsidiaries - Future Media.¡±


    The police chief gave a somewhat interested hum at that, before nodding. ¡°It¡¯s a shame for the Avatar to lose someone with his head screwed on right, but¡­ Eh, glad he¡¯s moved on to something better.¡±


    Approval and compliments from Lin Beifong? A rare thing indeed.


    Asami then almost chuckled at wondering how Xing would downplay himself if she told him about this.


    The metalbending chief of police already moved on before she could get any further details, so Asami started to head back to join Xing. She barely took several steps before she heard a voice calling her by her recently adopted nickname.


    ¡°Hey, pretty lady!¡±


    The heiress turned to find the two airbending girls dashing up to her. The younger sister, Ikki, was beaming a huge grin as she immediately launched a barrage of questions. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you with Xing? Why is he with those adults there? Where did he get his suit? Did you buy it for him? Does Korra-¡±


    The older sister, Jinora, finally coughed to interrupt the verbal stream, flashing an apologetic look before adopting a more polite smile and bow. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again, Miss Asami. You look very pretty tonight.¡±


    ¡°Please, you can just call me Asami,¡± Asami gracefully replied. ¡°And thank you. You two look just as lovely and lively as before.¡±


    ¡±Why aren¡¯t you with your boyfriend though?¡± Ikki butted in, and this time Asami wasn¡¯t flustered by the term.


    Remembering her interactions with Ren and Kai, the girlfriend of the young director consciously kept her reply from being too condescending. ¡°Well, Xing needs to get to know more people, and it¡¯d be better if I wasn¡¯t around to affect how people see him.¡±


    Jinora was the first to nod in understanding, though her sister was the one to voice it. ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t want people to think he¡¯s being babied by you!¡±


    The sibling shot the younger one a glare before nodding again. ¡°We understand¡­ It¡¯s a bit like how people try to get our father to like them by talking to us?¡±


    Asami gave the sisters a sympathetic look. ¡°Quite so. Except that some people might also think Xing might not be as smart as he is because I¡¯m around to help him.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­not good,¡± Jinora agreed, and then offered a surprisingly grateful smile. ¡°Thank you for helping Xing. I¡¯m sorry that he had to¡­leave us.¡±


    There was clearly more the girl wanted to say but couldn¡¯t, considering the very public surroundings, so Asami shifted the conversation to less weighty topics to keep the girls engaged and giggling. They ran off shortly after to pester their mother about finger food, so once more Asami made to rejoin Xing.


    And once more she was intercepted, this time by a far less enthusiastic figure.


    ¡°Quite a bright party,¡± Avatar Korra remarked, the brothers no longer by her side. A quick scan with her eyes found Mako fending off a gaggle of excited socialites, while Bolin was happily entertaining Hiroshi and some investors with lively pro-bending gestures - probably giving an old play-by-play.


    Accepting the unasked aid to get the hangers on off her back, Asami gave a nod and gestured for Korra to follow her to a quieter place. ¡°It¡¯d reflect poorly on Councilman Tarrlok if he welcomed the Avatar with anything less than lavish fare.¡±


    The Avatar glanced over her shoulder to give the ¡®I¡¯m busy¡¯ glare to several people, who then wisely backed off, and then returned to the conversation. ¡°Yeah, well I appreciate the gesture, but honestly, it¡¯s weird to have a party, like, right now.¡±


    Unsure of whether to introduce Korra to the inner workings of Republic City politics, Asami only shrugged. ¡°Things can take a while to get done, especially for powerful people with a lot of things on their plate.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sure it is¡­¡± There was a flicker of something on Korra¡¯s face, and after some hard staring she slouched a little to whisper her next words.


    ¡°Tenzin told me that I shouldn¡¯t trust Tarrlok, and that there¡¯s another reason to host this gala¡­¡±


    It was impossible for Asami to not feel some pity at seeing the suspicion peeking out of Korra, and the fact that she was quite clearly out of her element.


    A spiteful voice in the corner of the heiress¡¯ mind wondered if the Avatar would be missing having her socially adept minder around right now.


    ¡°Tarrlok is¡­wily,¡± Asami admitted. ¡°But I¡¯m afraid that I can¡¯t tell what other motive he might have for hosting this gala¡­ Where is the councilman anyway? He should be giving a toast in your honor by now.¡±


    Korra gave a quick shrug. ¡°Dunno. Said something about checking on other guests¡­¡±


    Ah, that made sense. Can¡¯t toast without all the right VIPs around.


    ¡°Anyway, I always meant to ask¡­¡± Asami blinked as she heard how the Avatar¡¯s voice hardened so suddenly. ¡°I¡¯m surprised Xing¡¯s still sticking with you. Or you¡¯re still keeping him.¡±


    Those weren¡¯t exactly questions, but the tone of the words was most definitely confrontational.

 Chapter 24

    Now that she had time to think it over, Korra could admit it, if only to herself.


    She didn¡¯t like Xing leaving her.


    She didn¡¯t miss him, obviously. The absence of his constant presence was a great thing, and Korra could finally take things easier.


    Sure, there was a bit of adjustment to be done, but Korra was old enough to make those adjustments to her life. Besides, it was childish of her to find reassurance in the shadows he once lurked in, especially when there were other White Lotus members staying in Air Temple Island who also managed security.


    The lack of nagging was something that Korra also had to deal with, surprisingly. She had to pull back the impulse to comment at the snark that no longer came, now that the nitpicking presence no longer hovered over her. It goes to show how long she¡¯d been dealing with Xing that she found that sort of scrutiny to be something to be missed.


    No, Korra didn¡¯t miss Xing leaving her, but she did take umbrage at how he left her. She¡¯d been stuck with him for more than five years, having to put up with his smug, funless demeanor that was, according to the masters (even Katara),  supposed to be a measure of how mature and dedicated Xing was to his duties.


    Yet all it took was a bit of a quarrel outside of the White Lotus compound, and he quickly threw off his act and left to chase the lights and glitz of Republic City.


    Tenzin hinted that it was probably something that¡¯s been bubbling up for a while now, but Korra didn¡¯t believe it. The Xing before was the type who grumbled and moaned uselessly, and with hindsight Korra could see that it¡¯s to stay in the White Lotus¡¯ good graces because he relied upon them for a place to stay. He even got his own personal room, away from the shared dorms every lower ranking White Lotus member had to stay in.


    But now that he was out here, the ungrateful asshole decided to just throw it all away because he ¡®had enough¡¯ of being reminded that he didn¡¯t hold as much authority as he liked to think he did. After all the lectures about discipline and commitment, Xing just quit the moment he was in a dazzling city with its promises of¡­things.


    Hypocrite.


    And of course he hopped over to the pretty face he met days earlier. No doubt he won her over with his facade of seriousness. The two-faced mink-snake probably hasn¡¯t been nagging her much either as he tried to worm his way into a better position. Asami wasn¡¯t as bright as Mako made her out to be then, to take Xing in as her assistant.


    Unlike Tenzin, Korra was sure that the whole sponsorship scheme was Xing trying to prove a point to her, trying to lord his new position of authority over her. And she didn¡¯t doubt that he was the one who masterminded the plot, either. It grated her nerves that the prick who supposedly quit any involvement with her turned back to spite her.


    Tenzin and Mako might believe that there was nothing nefarious to the sponsorship, but they didn¡¯t know Xing like Korra did. For all his recently revealed hypocrisy, he did have a tenacious streak. He liked harping on the same subjects, and like the whole thing about optimal bending stances, he could let an issue ferment for months before letting it blow up to smugly tell her ¡®I told you so¡¯.


    If he wasn¡¯t being so bloody obtuse with how he gave his advice, maybe she could bother trying to heed them.


    So yes, Korra didn¡¯t trust Xing to not be a vindictive asshole.


    Which was why she took this opportunity to get a few things straight with Asami in a quieter corner of the hall.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised Xing¡¯s still sticking with you. Or you¡¯re still keeping him.¡±


    ¡°Sticking with me? What are you trying to insinuate?¡± the rich girl asked, quirking an eyebrow at her.


    Korra kept herself from scoffing her words out. ¡°It¡¯s been, what, a month since Xing joined you?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­?¡±


    Now how to put things nicely to the rich girl who had little idea, but also controlled the purses of the Fire Ferrets?


    ¡°I¡¯m just a bit surprised you¡¯re lasting this long, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Xing has been most helpful to Future Industries,¡± Asami simply replied, and the Avatar almost rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Is that really so, or is it what he wants you to think? Take it from me, Xing has a habit of just spouting stuff that sounds deep but doesn¡¯t amount to much.¡±


    Like his stupid approach to firebending. Xing can¡¯t bend properly, yet he gets the masters to listen to his ¡®chi flowing¡¯ nonsense like he¡¯s some sort of sage. They can¡¯t even replicate the stuff he made up! Yet because of the way Xing so artfully arranged his words, the masters still somehow try to learn how to bend like a broken bender like it held some sort of deep secret.


    The heiress began to frown. ¡°I haven¡¯t experienced that myself. His insights have already been very useful.¡±


    Korra wanted to be skeptical, but the way Asami was taking affront made it seem like Xing had given major contributions already.


    ¡°Huh. I bet he¡¯s finally able to apply all that reading he did.¡± Before he started tutoring and then shadowing Korra, Katara said Xing always spent his time in the archives reading up anything and everything he could. ¡°I guess he finally got to put some of the old masters¡¯ wisdom to use.¡±


    For some reason, that annoyed Korra.


    Asami remained unimpressed. ¡°If he did, he has a unique method of applying his knowledge¡­ The ideas he¡¯s brought up are all quite groundbreaking.¡± The way she then smirked further annoyed Korra. ¡°No offense to the wisdom of past masters, but the ideas he¡¯s given us don¡¯t seem like they¡¯d be found in old texts¡­ Otherwise we¡¯d be seeing them implemented already.¡±


    So¡­he¡¯s coming up with new stuff, not just reciting stuff from dusty books?


    Korra felt the annoyance writhe in her gut.


    Well, it¡¯s not like he could figure out good bending ideas, she reasoned. Makes sense that he only has good ideas for things outside of bending.


    Taking some effort to remain composed, she gave the heiress a curt nod as she threw out a guess. ¡°I suppose that makes up for him breathing down your neck, then.¡±


    She did not like how Asami smiled. ¡°Oh, no. I appreciate Xing¡¯s diligent attention.¡±


    Hah! She was right, Xing was probably playing nice and hasn¡¯t been treating the rich girl like how he treated Korra.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°Heh. Wait ¡®til he starts keeping watch outside your window while you sleep, or insist on tagging along literally everywhere you go.¡±


    There was a flicker of something in Asami¡¯s eyes before her smile grew. ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t have any problems with that. After all, it¡¯s a good sign that he¡¯s taking his job seriously.¡±


    Korra stared at the other girl with some disbelief. ¡°What? You actually like having him creep around in the shadows?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s what he¡¯s paid for,¡± the heiress replied, shrugging lightly. ¡°Well, not exactly what he¡¯s paid for, but him going above and beyond to watch over me makes me feel safer. Of course, I make sure to compensate him for his troubles appropriately.¡±


    Something more than just annoyance wormed in Korra¡¯s gut. Before she could process that, the rich girl¡¯s face shifted into mild confusion.


    ¡°Wait¡­you said he keeps watch outside your window?¡± Oh, is she finally getting it in her head how ridiculous Xing was being?


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°You live with the White Lotus?¡±


    ¡°Most times, yeah. I stay in their compound. It¡¯s a place with guards already. Though, sometimes I go back with my parents.¡±


    ¡°And he follows you there.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Korra answered with some exasperation. ¡°I mean yes, it doesn''t have watchtowers nearby, but Wolf Cove has its own patrols.¡±


    Then Asami¡¯s features hardened, and Korra was surprised at the hostility peeking out from it. ¡°And he keeps watch outside your home¡­in the South Pole.¡±


    ¡°Uh, yeah?¡±


    The other girl seemed to pause to take in a breath for a moment. ¡°You let him stay outside to watch you under all that snow?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t snow all the time in the South Pole,¡± Korra quickly responded. ¡°Besides, I told him he doesn¡¯t need to keep breathing down my neck, but the guy refuses to go back to his own room for the night.¡±


    ¡°Did¡­did you at least offer to let him keep watch indoors?¡±


    Ew. Korra instinctively flinched. The last thing she needed was having Xing loom over her while she slept.


    Asami noted her expression, and then sighed out her next words. ¡°Did you at least offer him some blankets? Hot drinks?¡±


    ¡°Pfft. It¡¯s Xing. He came with all those set up. Even got the other White Lotus night patrols dropping by for drinks at times.¡±


    Adding to Korra¡¯s confusion, Asami¡¯s left eye began twitching. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°And he¡¯s been out in the elements watching over you¡­for five years?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. So?¡± Korra shrugged off the weird venom in the other girl¡¯s words. She took the opportunity to glance behind her, and felt some relief that the rising tension hadn¡¯t drawn anyone to creep closer to listen in on their conversation, though Tarrlok was taking his sweet time¡­


    ¡±It¡¯s Xing being stubborn and stupid.¡±


    Asami glared at her for a moment, before she deflated with disappointment. ¡°You¡­ That¡­explains so much. Poor Xing¡­¡±


    ¡®Poor Xing¡¯?


    *****


    ¡°Uh, Xing?¡± Mako asked after finally slipping through the huddles of people to reach the guy.


    Xing offered him a placid nod, then returned to the group of clearly powerful men and women to dismiss himself from their company.


    ¡°Is there something I can help you with, Mako?¡±


    This had got to be an act, right?


    Mako gave a discrete shift of his head towards the two women in the corner of the hall. Initially, their worrying encounter didn¡¯t seem like much, but Mako couldn¡¯t help but notice the rising stress in Korra¡¯s pose, and the more subtle flicker of something more than mere annoyance emanating from Asami. ¡°Uh, shouldn¡¯t you be¡­¡±


    Xing¡¯s didn¡¯t even follow the movement. ¡°It¡¯s not my place to intervene in Asami¡¯s and Korra¡¯s conversation. If anything, my presence might exacerbate things.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? I mean, you¡¯re her aide, aren¡¯t you supposed to stop things from escalating?¡±


    ¡°Either of us trying to cut their meeting short might do just that. Unless things look like they¡¯d go beyond just words, it¡¯s better to let them have their talk.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    Xing shook his head. ¡°With Korra, I¡¯ve learned that unless you can prevent her from initiating in the first place, it¡¯s often¡­less messy to deal with the cleanup than interfering. She¡¯ll be more in control of her words than if her hackles have been raised¡­for whatever that¡¯s worth.¡±


    Wow. That did not sound reassuring at all.


    ¡°What about Asami?¡±


    For some reason the guy then had to adopt a¡­proud air. ¡°She¡¯s far more experienced in this sort of social situation than myself, unless she asks for my assistance or things become physical I have no reason to intercede on her behalf. They¡¯re not drawing much attention as is, so it¡¯s best to leave them to it. And besides¡­¡±


    Mako didn¡¯t like the brief smirk that flashed on Xing¡¯s face.


    ¡°I¡¯m no longer her aide, so it¡¯d be even worse if I joined in the fray.¡±


    Huh? If he¡¯s not her aide, what¡¯s he doing here?


    *****


    ¡°Hey, he¡¯s the one who¡¯s so adamant about not taking a break. I¡¯m not the one stopping him from making friends.¡±


    Korra didn¡¯t get it, why was Asami getting all pissy because Xing was so stuck up? It¡¯s not like-


    And then some things clicked for her, and her annoyance flared. ¡°Oh, I get it¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Now it was Asami¡¯s turn to experience confusion, and it was hard not to savor that.


    Korra let out a heavy sigh. ¡°The Xing you know and the Xing I know are different people.¡±


    Asami¡¯s eyes narrowed sharply. ¡°And what¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± she almost hissed.


    ¡°No offense. I mean, you see him as this exotic and helpful White Lotus guy. And he is, I guess.¡±


    Taking advantage of the attention Asami was giving her, Korra fought down the urge to preen before the sheltered, rich girl.


    ¡°I mean, I¡¯m the Avatar, so there¡¯s only so much he can do for me. Xing¡¯s good at calming down¡­uh, unreasonable people-¡± Maybe because he¡¯s just like them? ¡°But beyond that, I can look after myself better than he can. I don¡¯t really need him keeping watch all the time. I¡¯m not being mean here, but he can¡¯t bend very well. Literally. Ask him about it if you haven¡¯t. If anything, I¡¯m the one who has to protect Xing if trouble really shows up.¡±


    Like that time with the gangsters when they first came to Republic City.


    And judging by the way Asami¡¯s face scrunched up, she hadn¡¯t bothered to ask about the bending.


    Korra remembered her manners and stopped herself from pointing directly at the other girl. ¡°On the other hand, out here, he gets to be more useful. He gets to put all his library time to good use, and actually look after people who could use his protection.¡± Broken bending or not, he was¡­decent in non-bending martial arts. Yes, she¡¯s never beaten him in a non-bending spar, but that¡¯s a moot thing as she could just throw all three elements at him.


    No wonder Xing liked it in Republic City as a mere servant to a rich girl; he finally gets to feel really useful.


    Korra didn¡¯t know how to feel about that.


    Nor did she know why Asami was glaring daggers at her right now.


    ¡°I did not hire Xing to waste his talents as a mere bodyguard,¡± the heiress said through the harsh glare and barely moving lips. ¡°And-¡±


    ¡°Attention everyone, may I have your attention please!¡±


    Korra didn¡¯t know whether to sigh in relief or shout in rage when Tarrlok announced his return. Both girls snapped their heads towards the beaming councilman on the other side of the room while he beckoned everyone towards him. ¡°I have it on good authority that our fete shall be beginning shortly. My apologies for the delay.¡±


    He then scanned the room before grinning as he found Korra. ¡°Ah, Avatar Korra. Would you mind following me for a moment?¡±


    Korra nodded silently and made to move, but not before receiving a final glare from Asami. ¡°Xing is far more than the burden you make him out to be,¡± she hissed. ¡°And neither are all of us so helpless just because we¡¯re not the Avatar.¡±


    Stunned for a moment, Korra watched as the heiress all but stomped off, the crowd instinctively parting before her as she went straight for Xing and pulled him along with her. Mako, who was standing with Xing, gave the parting couple a look, and then directed a wide-eyed stare at Korra¡¯s way, who rolled her eyes at his panic.


    Whatever. If Asami wants to be childish and threaten the sponsorship because of this, then Korra will deal with it.


    Korra made her way to Tarrlok, though she regretted it instantly the moment he ushered her upstairs so she could look down at the gathering reporters that had suddenly infiltrated the hall. Korra was suddenly reminded that one of Xing¡¯s more useful niches was in handling social situations. Shoving down the urge to scowl, the Avatar faced the reporters as calmly as she could muster.


    She didn¡¯t need Xing for this, she convinced herself.


    ¡°Avatar Korra, you¡¯ve witnessed Amon taking people¡¯s bending firsthand. How serious a threat does he pose to the innocent citizens of Republic City?¡±


    And kept convincing herself as she faced their barrage of questions.


    *****


    Mako didn¡¯t have to pay attention to Korra to tell that she was getting flustered by the journos. Nursing a drink, he sighed as he glanced at the exit where Asami had just dragged Xing through, and then looked for Bolin, who turns out was obliviously enjoying the attention of a gaggle of socialites.


    Fuck, maybe he¡¯ll have to break the bad news to Korra tomorrow.


    And hopefully Asami¡¯s riled state wouldn¡¯t transfer to Xing, the new director of Future Media¡­and the guy who now seemed likely to hold the strings to the Fire Ferrets¡¯ publicity.


    Mako gulped down his drink, and then sought out his brother. Maybe Bolin¡¯s oh-so-loveable face would help soften the blow¡­ Or could he get Hahn to do it?

 Chapter 25

    ¡°Asami, are you alright?¡± Xing finally asked as they were in the safety of her Satomobile. With the driver¡¯s compartment separated by a thick sliding metal panel specifically meant to offer visual and aural discretion, the two of them now had a measure of privacy within the plush passenger¡¯s compartment.


    Asami looked at Xing and felt another swelling of irrational outrage at the fact that this diligent, considerate man had been so¡­so¡­neglected by the Avatar and the White Lotus.


    Well, if Korra didn¡¯t think Xing was worth much, then Asami would be more than happy to have him by her side to appreciate his counsel and company.


    ¡°I¡­spoke with Korra.¡±


    ¡°I know. Did she¡­insult you?¡±


    Asami shook her head. ¡°Not really, but¡­she insulted you,¡± she said a bit petulantly as she leaned against him. ¡°Which is just as bad.¡±


    Her date scoffed lightly, and gently placed a hand over hers. ¡°Broken, useless bender?¡± At her nod, he broke into a short chuckle. ¡°Yeah. It means she¡¯s a bit miffed.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. She¡¯s being ungrateful.¡± Asami paused and pulled away a little from Xing to lock her gaze to his. ¡°Is it true you spent nights outside her place, to keep watch?¡±


    Confusion played across his face for a moment, and then the aide-turned-director shrugged. ¡°It was my responsibility.¡±


    ¡°How did you get any sleep, then?¡±


    ¡°In the daytime, whenever Korra was with the masters...which happened often enough.¡±


    ¡°But you still had to stay outside, at night? In the South Pole?¡±


    Again, Xing¡¯s blase reply was shocking. ¡°It wasn¡¯t so bad, the furs and blankets made things quite bearable.¡±


    Asami started to frown. He was trying to brush it off. She wanted to say that he was so young back then, but then the faces of Kai and Ren flashed across her mind.


    No wonder Xing cared for them so much.


    ¡°Well, it still isn¡¯t right. Especially since she¡¯s being so disrespectful despite all you¡¯ve done for her.¡±


    Xing frowned and went thoughtfully silent for a moment before shrugging again. ¡°I guess looking back, it did seem I was being¡­mistreated. But it was a necessity at the time. At least it felt like it.¡±


    ¡°Is it?¡±


    There was a firm, resolute nod, and Asami felt a pang of sympathy as she saw how his gaze darkened. ¡°The Avatar has¡­enemies.¡±


    Obviously, otherwise the White Lotus wouldn¡¯t be so protective of her. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean they should be putting a boy your age against them.¡±


    ¡°Unless they couldn¡¯t trust anyone else.¡±


    Asami¡¯s eyes went wide, her instinctive rebuttal dying in her throat as she processed his words. Was he saying that the White Lotus was compromised somehow? But still, to place the burden of safety all on Xing¡­


    There was a weird silence that threatened to drag on, but then Xing broke it with a sigh. ¡°It¡¯s¡­well, I know I don¡¯t owe them any loyalties, but¡­I¡¯d rather not get into it. Just¡­just know that it was a stupid burden I chose to take in hindsight, but it made the most sense at that time.¡±


    He fell into a mutter that was just barely audible. ¡°Though¡­ Could¡¯ve moved her next to Katara, or the middle of¡­ Or organized patrols¡­ Stupid tunnel vision¡­¡±


    Xing suddenly froze mid-mutter, and Asami found herself starting to pull away from him as a heavy, almost grim aura fell on him.


    ¡°Xing?¡± A silent gasp left her mouth as he gave her a guilty, regretful look. ¡°Xing, is everything alright?¡±


    Xing gulped, and then seemed to resolve himself to a grave task. The hesitation looked out of place on the usually stoic and alert young man.


    ¡°Asami, I¡­I need to confess something¡­¡±


    Something cold fell into her gut at the severity of Xing¡¯s words. ¡°Wha- What is it Xing?¡± Her own words came out in barely a whisper, as her mind raced through possible reasons for the sudden heavy mood.


    Was he planning to leave, to return to the White Lotus?


    Did he have a sweetheart back in the South Pole? A child, even?


    Did he¡­was he pretending to like her?


    Asami¡¯s mind raced through a myriad of outcomes for all of four seconds before Xing provided the real answer.


    ¡°Asami, I¡­I¡¯ve killed people.¡±


    Oh, thank the spirits it¡¯s not-


    ¡°What?¡± Asami stared at him as her mind finally caught up to what he just said. As if mirroring her shock, the Satomobile rocked from a turn.


    Xing nodded. ¡°I have killed people¡­¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± came the impulsive, stupid response.


    There was a short pause as he braced himself. ¡°The Avatar has enemies¡­and some of them had to be¡­removed.¡±


    Deep down, Asami wasn¡¯t surprised at all. It made sense after all; Xing was tasked to protect the Avatar, which meant he¡¯d obviously have to deal with violence. And Asami¡¯s own loss was a lesson that not reacting or containing the violence appropriately could result in tragedy. Deep down, she knew to expect Xing¡¯s hands to be bloody in doing his duty as a minder. Just like how her family¡¯s security detail probably ¡®escorted out¡¯ quite a bit of trouble that trespassed onto the Sato estate.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    But hearing the admission was still startling, somehow.


    There was an ugly resignation in his eyes as he drew away from her, shifting all the way towards the door. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to hide this fact from you, I was just¡­¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Asami shook her head as she reached out to him. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Xing. I mean, you were doing your job, right? You were keeping Korra safe.¡±


    The guilt on his face intensified. ¡°It was¡­but¡­¡±


    ¡°But?¡±


    Xing gave a heavy, aching sigh before the words left him in a pained whisper. ¡°Nob- I hid them from everyone.¡±


    Asami blinked a few times. ¡°Everyone?¡±


    He nodded, and she blinked again.


    Hid? He hid his kills? A picture flashed in her mind, of a stony-faced Xing cutting down somebody from just behind Korra and then dragging the body away even before the figure was dead. Why would he need to hide the ki-


    Ah, right. It was like her family¡¯s security detail again, intercepting trouble to give their charge peace of mind and go about their day without distractions. Except with Xing, he had to take out threats to the Avatar, a venerated figure of the world. Immediately Asami began to think of the negative ramifications of a public attempt on Korra¡¯s life.


    It would, incidentally, also explain the Avatar¡¯s¡­cavalier behaviour. Korra was oblivious to the danger Xing was staving off.


    Then Asami remembered that he had been doing this when he was in his young teens, a boy forced to kill because that grim responsibility was thrust upon him by his elders.


    And Asami found a new reason to dislike the Avatar and her White Lotus.


    The newly enlightened heiress regarded the young man she¡¯d come to trust and grow fond of in a short time, and found that she hated the naked trepidation that now weighed down on him. Xing had decided to open up to her, to trust her with a secret she doubted anyone else knew, and he was expecting to be rebuked, rejected¡­discarded because of it, instead of seeking understanding or acceptance.


    A small part of her wondered how the Avatar and her White Lotus might react to the revelation; Would they be angry? Sympathetic? Judging from Xing¡¯s current reaction, probably the former.


    Her curiosity itched to draw out more details, but Asami ultimately gave a nod of understanding as she respectfully let the matter be. Korra¡¯s dismissive thoughts of Xing didn¡¯t cast any doubt or suspicion on him, if anything it only highlighted the value of his character.


    And the value of the Avatar¡¯s, the ungrateful bitch. If not for the lucrative sponsorship (and that it was tied to Xing¡¯s own performance), Asami would¡¯ve been happy to just cut all ties with her.


    ¡°Asami?¡±


    Ah, she was riling herself up¡­ Asami relaxed her jaw and loosened the grip on his hand,  sourness taking over her voice and expression. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°No, I-¡±


    She cut him off with a soft, reassuring smile. ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere, Xing. You did what you had to do. Your secret¡¯s safe with me, I promise. I just hate that you had to go through all of¡­that, growing up.¡±


    There was a pause from him as he realized that he wasn''t about to be screamed at or thrown out. Then the meekness in him melted a little to allow for his lips to form a smirk.


    ¡°I can¡¯t complain, since it led me to meet you,¡± came Xing¡¯s suave reply, and the heiress blushed and felt her heart flutter at the admittedly cheesy line as their eyes met again.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have minded if we met a little earlier,¡± she whispered as her face slowly moved closer to his. ¡°Growing up with you would¡¯ve made things¡­better. For both of us.¡±


    ¡°It probably would have,¡± Xing muttered back, his head tilting a little and his fingers rising to lightly hook under her chin to guide her closer.


    If not for the light swaying reminding them that they were in a moving vehicle (with a driver who¡¯d snitch to her father), Asami would¡¯ve insisted on taking things further. She had to settle for a slow, gentle kiss instead, and savored the contact of her lips against Xing¡¯s, and his hands against her body.


    Even as she enjoyed their little moment of intimacy, a corner of Asami¡¯s mind made a note to talk to her father about Xing¡¯s lousy upbringing (sans the killing, of course), which shaped his selfless diligence. Asami will see that Future Industries does not take its new subsidiary director for granted, like how the White Lotus and its Avatar did.


    She¡¯ll also have to find a way to flaunt Xing¡¯s successes at the dimwitted bitch. If not for Xing¡¯s sake, then for Asami¡¯s own satisfaction.


    *****


    Outwardly, Hiroshi only paid little mind to Asami storming out of city hall with Xing in tow, and laughed off Dao¡¯s crass insinuation of the two ¡®taking the party elsewhere¡¯. He could admit that his own youth with Yasuko was similar in¡­enthusiasm.


    But inwardly, the father was highly concerned for his daughter. He could trust his driver to transport the two of them swiftly to minimize chances to do anything regretful, and report any suspicious activity in the backseats tomorrow. Maybe he could also trust that if not Asami, then Xing¡¯s sharp and pragmatic mind would stop him from crossing any lines.


    Yet, however distressing their exit was to him, Hiroshi found himself even more concerned at the reason that caused Asami to leave in the first place. Few might have seen it, with Asami¡¯s back purposely covering most of her private conversation with the Avatar, but Hiroshi did.


    And he was surprised to see just how angry his daughter became after that brief interaction with the confused, and then smug, Avatar. As a father, he was familiar with his little girl¡¯s tantrums as she grew up. This was not so much a girlish outburst or vented frustration, as it was a genuine offense.


    As Hiroshi continued to nod and grin with his peers, he tried joining the dots to form reasonable hypotheses. Something Avatar Korra said had greatly insulted Asami. It could quite possibly be about Xing, seeing how possessively she dragged him away with her.


    Did the Avatar imply something disparaging about Asami¡¯s relations with Xing?


    Did Xing and the Avatar¡­?


    Now that could be quite useful, if it was true. But it¡¯d also be a huge demerit on the young man as well. Hiroshi would not allow some two-timing philanderer take advantage of his daughter¡¯s compassion. He¡¯d have to check in on Asami tomorrow. As much as he wanted to do so immediately, he had to place some trust in his little girl and the competent young man that was her date¡­or give the latter enough rope.


    Until then, Hiroshi just mingled with the other movers and shakers of Republic City, easily glossing over his daughter¡¯s departure. Then as the city¡¯s carrion feeders - better known as journalists - mobbed up before the Avatar, the tycoon paid attention to questions that bombarded the clearly unprepared girl, an obvious setup by Tarrlok to have the naive, sheltered girl herd herself towards his agenda.


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid!¡± came Korra¡¯s sudden outburst. ¡°If the city needs me, then¡­I¡¯ll join Tarrlok¡¯s task force and help fight Amon.¡±


    So that¡¯s what it was. Hiroshi¡¯s mask almost slipped as he felt the urge to frown with distaste. Maybe it was better if Xing had remained with the Avatar; that way he¡¯d be able to keep her away from maneuvers like this, and the Equalist movement could progress with far less hindrance.


    As it wasn¡¯t the case, Hiroshi gave a subtle nod to one of his peers, a mere crate producer for Cabbage Corp and another fellow Equalist. A much less prominent figure in such an esteemed gathering, which was the point. The other man slipped out of the gala with far less scrutiny and suspicion, to pass the message along to the Amon. Hopefully he¡¯d manage to improvise something appropriate for the Avatar¡¯s intervention.


    Curse politicians and their need for showmanship.


    ¡°Whazza ma¡¯er Hiroshi?¡± Dao half-belched out, his face as red as a chili pepper from his drinking. The man barked out a laugh as he gave Hiroshi a friendly smack on the back. ¡°Don¡¯ worry! Yer girl¡¯s smart, she¡¯ll twist the dick off tha¡¯ boy if he tries to do anything she doesn¡¯t want!¡±


    The worst part was that this was Dao being in control of his senses¡­he probably only drank a couple barrels¡¯ worth of rice wine.


    Then Dao¡¯s face split with a wide grin, and Hiroshi felt the urge to punch his old friend. ¡°Of course¡­that raises the question of what exactly she wants! Hah!¡±


    Hiroshi simply glared at the steel baron as everyone else in the conversation berated Dao for his crassness. As usual, Hwa was the first to smack the man over the back of his head, the Frostfire Diva - and owner of Water Petal Theater - taking the most exception at the utter breach of decorum.


    Letting the scene play out, Hiroshi glanced out to the exit, and suddenly found himself far less worried about the Avatar playing police than he was with her former aide being with his daughter. Maybe he¡¯d better start figuring out potential options on how to deal with any¡­messes that might reveal themselves tomorrow.


    If Xing wasn¡¯t as professional as he made himself seem, then maybe he could serve as a test subject for the new gauntlets, or the mecha tanks¡¯ weapon systems¡­

 Refracted sting

    "Hey there, boy."


    I bit back a sigh as I got up to greet the man approaching down the hallway. As usual for White Lotus initiates, he was garbed in indigo and white uniform, though his padded bracers and greaves were absent. Not too big an infraction within the compound, it usually meant that the initiate wasn''t being tasked to sentry duty anytime soon.


    Not an archivist, though, otherwise I''d be familiar with his face, and he''d know my name. An attendant or one of those glorified janitor/maintenance workers then? He had the swarthy skin of a Water Tribesman - probably Northern Water Tribe, since his complexion doesn''t look so weather-worn - though nowadays, less thanks to rape babies and more to intermingling between the elemental nations, I shouldn''t be surprised to find that he''s capable of throwing earth or fire around.


    "Can I help you, brother?" I greeted, offering a slight bow to go along with it. His mantle''s collar wasn''t short, and he still had his cowl on, so there was no way he held a significantly higher rank than me.


    Which meant I could technically chide him for not addressing me with minimal courtesy, but at this point, I rather get things over with quickly than having to go through that song and dance again. Unlike the Avatar, age still affected the deference a fourteen year old White Lotus initiate received.


    The wooden boards creaked softly as the man walked up to loom over me (it''s either loom or crouch down patronizingly to my level, few people think of stopping some distance away so that neither of us would have to strain our necks ) before he gave a hurried nod. "Is the Avatar busy?"


    Ah, so an attendant then. Whose glorified delivery boy was he?


    "She''s undertaking her meditation lessons."


    Or at least trying to. At least she seemed intent on giving it a proper try this time after Katara''s anecdotes about Aang''s own lessons with Tenzin.


    The man shifted for the briefest of moments, and I almost rolled my eyes when I noted a twitch on the edges of his lips.


    Shit. Please don''t tell me Korra''s inability to sit still is already making its rounds through the compound¡­


    He produced a rolled up scroll and waved it at me. "Well, do you think I can go in and meet her for a bit? I''ve got a message to pass to her. Uh, personally."


    I frowned at the scroll in front of my face. "I''m afraid that I can''t do that. Master Katara doesn''t want Avatar Korra to be disturbed for the afternoon."


    I quietly thanked Korra''s constantly straining my patience and courtesy as I kept myself from overtly reacting to the flash of surprise that overtook him. "Master Katara''s here?" he asked, his eyes suddenly shooting to the door behind me.


    "No," I answered slowly. "But she''s left strict instructions that nobody''s to enter."


    "Ah, well¡­ If that''s what Master Katara says¡­" For a moment he began to turn back, but he suddenly snapped back at me, lunging with both arms.


    Fortunately for me, I was already ducking to one side, my smaller size giving me some play within the confines of the wooden corridor.


    "The Avatar''s in dan-agh!"


    Unfortunately, I was expecting a charge, not a stream of water that shot out from behind the man. The water whip that came at me was slower than Korra''s, but it still tore through the plank wall and glanced against my shoulder, slamming me against the boards and cutting my cry of alarm short. I didn''t even have time to think of recovering when the glob of water splashed against my face, and biting pain overwhelmed me as it froze over. My vision became blurred by ice, and my airflow was cut off as the ice plugged my mouth and nose.


    Blinded and asphyxiated, I almost fell into a panic as I instinctively tried to pry the ice off my face. The pain quickly became sharp and intense, especially in my nostrils and exposed eyes.


    A part of me wanted to firebend to melt it off. The problem was I didn''t know where I was facing, and who might be in my way. Already my exertion was melting the ice in my mouth, causing an uncomfortable trickle of water to run down my throat. As my body spasmed from the painful gagging and retching, I absently noted the sounds and vibrations of a lot of movement from seemingly all around me.


    There was a lot of shouting, some fiery explosions, and the grinding of earth. I couldn''t make out the exact words due to my own noisy struggles, but I was pretty sure Korra had just blasted the intruder into the far end of the hall.


    Sure enough, barely a second later, I felt someone drop beside me, and a wave of heat washed against me to melt the ice away. Coughing and sputtering to replace the cold water for fresh air. Then I felt warm hands press against my face, and the familiar tingling of chi healing bloomed across my face. I forced myself to stillness as the healing did it work, focusing on the sounds of a chase echoing from the hallway.


    "It''s alright, Xing. You''re fine."


    "Thanks, Korra," I half-gasped once she lifted her hands away and allowed me to see clearly again. The young Avatar was kneeling before me, her features heavy with concern. I glanced at her meditation chamber, and found the door blasted outwards to splinters. Korra had, presumably, preemptively struck first.


    Not too far from the two of us, the impostor''s rolled scroll was shredded from an explosion. It didn''t take long for me to look about to find the finger-sized dart sticking out of the ruined doorpost.


    "Did you get him?" I asked through a mouthful of warming water, and Korra quickly shook her head. Her whole body was shaking, I noticed. Mine too.


    "He ran off, but the others are chasing after him."


    "Yeah, good luck with that," I muttered a bit too loudly, and focused on my trembling hands. "Trying to catch a White Lotus in a White Lotus compound."


    Sure enough, despite the compound going on lockdown and everyone being mobilized for a manhunt, as the afternoon wore on it was clear that the intruder had escaped. Both of us were with Katara and the other masters in the main hall.


    They found a collapsed tunnel under the section of the wall just behind the barracks. An initiate''s corpse was also found outside the compound, half-buried in the frozen ground. They found the discarded White Lotus uniform on the path leading to the ice sheets, away from Wolf Cove. Under it was a sleigh, clearly abandoned. Another pair of footprints was discovered, fleeing along with the assassin/kidnapper.


    "This is most troubling," Grand Lotus Altaq remarked as he and the other masters stood guard in the room.


    "Worse than troubling," Master Shi-Eng said as she rose from the apothecary''s table to address everyone, holding the dart in hand. The usually stern woman gave me a sterner nod. "Xing was right. The dart''s coated with poison. A tranquilizer, for better or worse."


    Not even Korra missed the tenseness in the room becoming much tauter as the masters exchanged silent but clearly meaningful looks at each other. Finally, Katara broke from the apprehensive atmosphere to direct a soft smile at me.


    "Thank goodness you were there to stop him, Xing. If he managed to sneak in to strike Korra¡­"


    "He wouldn''t have hit me!" the girl beside me cut in, affronted as usual that anyone could beat her in a fight.


    I let out a soft sigh. "You weren''t meditating at all, were you, Korra?"


    Immediately she flinched and shrunk back a little. "Err¡­well¡­"This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Katara''s smile didn''t waver. "In this case, we can thank the spirits that you remained alert."


    That''s true enough, I guess.


    "Just as we should be grateful for Xing keeping watch over you."


    Ah shit, this means I''m stuck with Korra, isn''t it?


    *****


    I know I''ve accepted that I''m living in a world with a degree of anime logic, but fuck do I wish I had the knowledge to exploit the tropes. At least I should''ve watched the damned show, so I''d know how this whole attempted kidnapping thing panned out.


    But since I didn''t have a clue, I had to rely on good ol'' paranoia and not-so-common sense to guide me. If the fuckers decided to come back for another round, my chances of surviving an encounter with them would likely be a lot lower.


    Which was why I was being a massive hypocrite right now and sneaking out of the White Lotus compound, adults be damned. If Korra ever found out, she''d be intolerable.


    Still, it was necessary. With the kidnappers'' last known location being the ice sheets, and the search parties on foot and boats coming up with nothing, it meant that there was probably a window before they truly escaped.


    I watched my partner in crime as she led the way. Naga was smart enough to put aside her dislike for me when I told her I needed her fur to further protect Korra.


    "People tried to hurt Korra," I told Naga with all seriousness, and her eyes actually showed some offense to my words. "I want to stop them from trying again. Would you help me, at least this once?"


    She actually kept silent as we snuck out, not glancing at Korra''s personal quarters when we scampered across it. It was easy enough getting the polar bear dog out of the compound, she could dig through the cold ground with surprising ease. We just had to figure out the right spot for her to tunnel through.


    I trudged across the thin coat of snow, the bundles of Naga''s shed fur I''ve tied to my fur boots quite effectively dampening the noise I made as well as keeping my soles warm.


    Naga actually lay down to let me comb out huge tufts of fur from her body, when before I couldn''t get within arm''s length of her or risk getting kicked or knocked away. Sure, I had to also pay her with my supper, but it was still a significant improvement to our relations.


    With Naga''s fur under my boots, as well as stuffed under my clothes, I barely felt the night''s chill. I left behind the white headband to my cowl, as well as the mantle, because the silk material might be too shiny. The rest of my uniform remained on me, mostly because I didn''t have the time or resources to come up with suitable camouflage. The most I managed to improvise was a scrap of indigo cloth to shroud my face, mostly to help retain some warmth, but also in the vain hope that the dull color would help me sneak a little better.


    Beyond that, I wore a roll of rope across my shoulder, and a pouch by my belt full of contingencies.


    With the full moon (or Yue''s full face as some of the more sentimental Northerners might say) high above me, I followed after Naga as she followed the trail of the White Lotus impostor. We both kept a low profile, - with the ice sheets so flat and featureless, it''d be easy for us to spot any oddities even from a good distance away, and vice versa.


    It didn''t take too long for Naga to suddenly flatten herself even further, her tail drooping low and her body visibly shuddering as she growled softly.


    Not bothering to ask the obvious, I took the rope off me and kept it by my side. The two of us slowed our pace to be as silent as possible, and eventually Naga stopped in the middle of nowhere. The polar bear dog''s head scanned about in confusion, and her pearly whites peeked through her jowls as she growled with visible frustration.


    Not wanting her to reveal our cover any further, I called out to her in a calming whisper. Of course, I wasn''t stupid enough to try patting her. "Hey. Hey, Naga. Relax. I think I know where they went."


    The white furry beast looked at me with some annoyance, and then huffed as if saying ''go on then''.


    Ignoring the growing numbness on my extremities, I slowly slid down on all fours, and began tapping softly at the ice. Sure enough, there was a duller thud at one point, marking a void beyond the thick ice.


    "Down there. Ready, Naga?" I gave the polar bear dog a look, and she drew back in preparation for a pounce.


    Free from the confines of ice and wooden structures, I removed the mittens from my hands and placed the bare and already freezing palms against the ice. Wincing from the pinpricks of pain that erupted all across my body as I consciously loosened the open meridians to let the ambient chi enter my system for a fraction of a moment.


    Gritting my teeth and fighting off the growing agony, I blinked away tears and forced the pulse of energy flooding into the open wounds of my chi network to go through my arms and hands. The freezing numbness quickly melted away before the warmth of chi pouring through my body.


    It took all I had to not cry out as the energy was shunted out of my palms. The blast of white fire knocked me upright, and there was a loud, explosive sizzle as ice and snow was vaporized in an instant.


    With my body starting to ache, I quickly got up and peered through the steam. Below, in a small cavern no doubt carved by a waterbender, two men were lowering their hands from their faces. Around them, fur rugs and opened supplies covered the icy ground.


    I leapt down and sent another blast of white fire between their heads, this time through my open mouth because it gave my limbs the chance to land properly. They cried out in surprise as steam filled the hole, and considerately remained stunned as I landed neatly before them. Up close, even through the thick steam, I could see that one of the men was a Water Tribesman, while the other was too pale for it - Either Earth Kingdom or Fire Nation.


    "Naga, that''s the one!" I helpfully pointed out the infiltrator, and as a white, furry meteor descended I darted to get behind his accomplice. Using the same lessons that had won me my sparring streak, I launched a precise kick into the side of the man''s right knee.


    His friend had pulled a surprise on me earlier, almost choking me to death. I was not taking any chances.


    A painful burst of chi accelerated my kick, and I bit down the flare of pain as my bones in my foot broke from the impact.


    Still, my opponent had it worse, his knee bent sideways with a sharp snap that was quickly replaced with a cry of pain. I cut it short by launching a knee up his right side as he fell. I couldn''t deny the satisfaction as I felt ribs bending and then breaking.


    Screw what the masters said, Korra really would''ve lost that round if I went through with this move.


    My opponent ended up rolling on the ground, his right leg twisting like a rag doll''s while he held his side and coughed specks of blood on the fur and ice. For my part, I suffered another blinding flare of pain as a rush of chi over-accelerated my body''s healing to readjust and reknit the bones of my foot back to its healthy state. With one foot tingling from the fresh recovery, I used the other to drop a quick axe kick down on his shoulder as he rolled about, as insurance.


    With my target''s incapacitation, I snapped my head to find Naga on top of the infiltrator. She was growling furiously as her teeth sunk into his forearm. The man grunted as he writhed desperately to break free, but having a fanged furball the size and weight of a pony on top of him stopped him from going through the motions of proper waterbending. At most, his free hand managed to conjure a blob of water, but with all the shaking Naga''s head was doing with his other hand in it, the poor victim clearly couldn''t maintain his concentration to turn that water into an ice spike or dagger.


    He was kicking away at her sides, though. They were weak strikes, mostly with the knees rising to thud mutely against Naga''s furry underbelly to no visible effect. Or maybe it was making the polar bear dog angrier?


    Still, not wanting to risk a sudden breakout, I dashed over to help put an end to the fight. Remembering my moment of utter helplessness earlier, I went first for the man''s free hand. A quick stomp down as his hand was curled mid-bending, and the thoughts of ice covering my face was shattered, just as his fingers were. The kidnapper''s screams echoed off the ice as he jolted from the pain, which only allowed Naga to let go of his forearm, and take a bite out of his cheek.


    "No, Naga," I quickly interrupted, drawing an angry glare from the blood-smeared polar bear dog. "We need them alive. To know if there''s anyone else who wants to hurt Korra."


    She let out a reluctant growl.


    "Plus, Korra might not be happy with him like this¡­"


    Another, more reluctant growl, and Naga''s maw withdrew from his face, and she was content to remain seated on top of her subjugated foe.


    I checked on the other man still coughing his lungs out, to make sure he wasn''t about to try anything funny, then I let Naga watch after them for a bit as I climbed out of the hole to retrieve the rope, and send out a column of white fire up into the sky.


    It didn''t take long at all for a squad of wary White Lotus to appear over the hole''s ledge. I recognized Grand Lotus Altaq''s surprised, bushy face under the starlight.


    Makes sense, I suppose. With Katara guarding Korra, as the next most skilled waterbender Altaq would be heading the rapid response team to deal with threats before they could go anywhere near the Avatar.


    "Grand Lotus," I greeted with a polite bow. "I''ve found the assailant from earlier, as I said I would."


    Altaq was not amused at all. "So I see, Xing."


    The men were carried away to be healed and incarcerated, while I stood before the Grand Lotus to receive what I hoped was a suitable reward for my efforts.


    "You''ve proven your capabilities, and your point, Xing," Altaq admitted with only some dissatisfaction. "If it''s really what you want, I''ll talk to the other masters about giving you access to the older archives."


    Yes! Finally a chance to explore alternate methods of bending legally, no need to remember the archivists'' schedules anymore.


    My inner celebration was short-lived when the Grand Lotus interrupted with an addendum. "It''s also clear that your martial skill is far more honed than expected."


    Why did that not sound like a good thing?


    He actually bowed to me in apology, in the middle of nowhere, with a bunch of other White Lotus members watching. "On behalf of the other masters and the White Lotus, I''m sorry for looking down on your competence, Xing; You''ve managed to fend for yourself against greater foes despite your¡­perceived disability. It is a humbling reminder to all of us that elemental bending is not the be all and end all."


    Nice words, but I still felt a sense of foreboding¡­


    "Henceforth, I''m immediately extending your secondment to Avatar Korra," Altaq declared, totally serious and magnanimous. "Don''t worry, I''ll be sure to impress upon her that you''re entirely worthy of the honor."


    Ah, shit.

 Moderation

    It was hard to deny that being able to leave the compound for pretty much the whole day was a great thing, even if it meant accompanying Korra. Sure, I still didn''t like the ''honor'' of being her companion/minder, but actually going out to experience civilization almost made up for the burden.


    Katara came up with the idea, though it was because Korra was starting to get restless at constantly having me closeby. For my part, I was just following Grand Lotus Altaq''s orders, as they were still leery of another possible infiltration. In the months after that failed attempt Katara always sat in during Korra''s meals, using the pretense of keeping her company while not-so-subtly being on the alert for any poisoning attempt. At the same time, patrols were rotated irregularly, and other than the higher ranking masters, I was the only member of the White Lotus who was allowed within spitting distance of the Avatar. Every other evening, Altaq or some other waterbender master would do a round around the compound''s walls, to check for anything unusual.


    It quickly resulted in Korra''s usually hidey-holes to sneak out being discovered and covered up, and the masters kicking a fuss at the greater-than-expected enemy infiltration. Korra didn''t try to correct them, so neither did I.


    The waterbenders also froze up a small block for myself to live in, away from the communal dorms and closer to Korra''s own quarters. It was nowhere near as cozy as the Avatar''s fur and ivory decor, but having my own icy hovel was much nicer than sleeping through the snores and rustling of everyone else. Though maybe if I kept up the good work, I could petition for a comfier bed, that wasn''t laid on a foundation of prickly hay for insulation.


    All of that''s to say that within a few months'' time, Korra had had enough of the constant scrutiny (especially from having me constantly hovering around) and had brought it up to Katara over dinner. By then, things have relaxed a bit, and Katara acquiesced. And because Katara did, so too did the other masters with varying degrees of reluctance.


    Of course, Altaq also ordered a group of older White Lotus members to shadow us as we went into Wolf Cove, though they kept their distance due to Katara''s directive.


    "They''re kids, let them enjoy their youth. If anything happens, we can trust Xing to buy some time for the group to intervene." She made it sound like I was immune to alpha strikes or ambushes. That nobody else protested that notion meant that she wasn''t the only one to think so.


    Still, the first day out was nice enough. Korra being excited to simply jog around Wolf Cove was almost adorable, while the awed residents, particularly the adults, kept a respectful distance. At least initially. Only after meeting up with her parents and - as her father was chief of the tribe and city - being introduced to several prominent figures, the invisible barrier was slowly eroded.


    First came the older folks, people who had known Aang, and heaped praises on Korra for bearing resemblance to him in some form or another. That of course made Korra beam proudly, and she eagerly basked in the huddle of seniors.


    Then some parents brought their infants over to receive the Avatar''s blessing, and again Korra was more than happy to accommodate them. Then they found out that Korra was a waterbending healer, and people started to really crowd around her.


    I stepped in at that point, doing what I could to push the eager supplicants back. Annoyingly, I had to get on my tiptoes to give the nearest White Lotus observer - who was a good dozen of yards away from the growing mob - a pointed look before they finally swooped in to help with crowd control. By the way they warily addressed the crowd, either the masters assigned newbies to guarding the Avatar, or the White Lotus weren''t trained at all to deal with mobs. Hopefully it was only the former, though I can easily imagine an order so used to being clandestine or relying on their reputation to gain cooperation being ill prepared to handle a nascent mob.


    Good thing I worked in retail and conventions in my past life, or the clamour of eager petitioners might be truly overwhelming.


    "Thanks, Xing," Korra sighed with relief as the crowd was dispersed.


    "My apologies, I didn''t expect the people''s excitement to be so¡­frantic." Her father, Chief Tonraq, was genuinely contrite. It was mostly aimed at his daughter, but I still got a brief look, which was more than I expected. "I''ll have guards assigned to you."


    "It''s fine, dad," Korra replied with an easy smile. "Everything worked out okay, and I''ll know better next time."


    At his frown, the girl gave a bright grin that I felt was foreboding. "It''s fine, really. After all, I came out here to leave all the constant attention¡­" She gave me a sideways glance before correcting herself. "Well, most of the attention. Besides, I can look after myself."


    "If you''re sure¡­"


    Would it be rude if I cut in?  This is still the Avatar and the Southern Water Tribe''s chief talking¡­


    "Xing?" Korra''s mildly peeved tone meant that she noticed my indecision.


    Eh, since I had their attention, might as well.


    "Perhaps a¡­token squad could be assigned?" I suggested to both father and daughter. "So, uh¡­" Fuck, what''s a good excuse to get more bodies around me? Oh, right! "To show that Wolf Cove has the¡­uh, honor of looking after Avatar Korra?" There''s prestige in these sorts of things, right?


    I endured the annoyed look Korra gave me even as her father gave me a nod of approval. "That''s quite insightful of you. Don''t worry, Korra, I''ll make sure that the men will keep their distance to not get in the way of your fun."


    "Thanks, I guess." The girl deflated a bit, but not as dejectedly as when Katara had convinced her of the necessity of the squad of White Lotus following us.


    With more people shadowing her, Korra''s excitement was a little muted for the rest of the day, though it slowly melted as people learned how to behave when approaching her. I had to stand in the way a couple of times, mostly when Korra showed off her multi-elemental bending to impress the crowd; Some onlookers got a little too enraptured and got dangerously close to the flaming balls of ice and swirling debris.


    The first day ended with Korra coming across a group of kids her (and I guess my) age on an open field. Far less taken in with her reputation than everyone else, the boy leading the rosy-cheeked gang put on a passable show of not being impressed by the girl who''d spun rock, water and fire around her earlier, and accidentally challenged her.


    "It''s whatever," he had simply said, which was more than enough for Korra who prided herself in her bending.


    "Oh yeah?"


    "I mean, you''re just spinning a bunch of things around, so what." Poor sod. He was trying to remain cool and uncaring about her reputation. And before I knew it, I was standing with Korra on one end of the field, to face down twelve boys and girls in a snowball fight.


    It was nowhere close to a fair fight.


    "Stand back, Xing, I can handle this myself."


    Or course she could, she was trained by Katara and other waterbending masters, whereas the teens arrayed against her were¡­maybe given a basic education in bending? I didn''t exactly know what Wolf Cove''s education system was like, but I bet it was nowhere near as comprehensive as the stuff Korra got.


    I demurred for a moment, but relented before her irritation grew into a scowl. "Try not to ruin the fun for them," I suggested as I stepped back.


    Korra scoffed before she began shifting into her stance. "You''re telling me about fun?"


    Korra gave them two volleys of waterbended snowballs, blocking all of the fluffy projectiles with tiles of ice. Thankfully, her retaliation was measured - relatively. With a stomp, massive boulders of snow rolled towards the opposition as if they were tomb-delving archaeologists, and completely buried them. Mr. Cool was pulled out of the snow feet first, and his teenage pride clearly snapped.


    "Th-That''s cheating!"


    "No it isn''t," Korra replied cheekily. "It''s a snowball fight, and I used snowballs." The kids around her were nodding with defeat at that simple logic, but their glorious leader was the opposite of convinced.


    "Stupid cheater!"


    I was in the midst of stepping in then, noting how the accusation was getting on Korra''s nerves. But then she managed to calm down with an audible exhale, and gave the boy a final glare before giving me a steely look. "Xing, we''re leaving."


    Well, that''s surprising.


    "It''s getting late. I had my fun winning the snowball fight¡­"


    Ah shit, way to spite the guy, Korra.


    "Shouldn''t we-"


    "Come on, let''s go." She walked right past me and the wide-eyed boy, pointedly ignoring his incredulous glare.


    "Hey!"


    I gave her departing back a glance, then looked at the sputtering teen. Yeah, he''s too riled up now, better to not engage him. I then gave everyone else a short and awkward bow. "Thank you all for-"If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Their shifting eyes and the movement at the edge of my vision caused me to snap about. I dove forwards as the affronted boy created a large snowball and hurled it at Korra''s back.


    I watched her turn around at the crunching sound of impact, and felt the jarring pain as what was more than just snow slammed into my ribs.


    "Xing? Hey!"


    Korra leapt over me, but this time I didn''t have to strain my ice-bruised side to wave for help. The city guard and White Lotus converged on Korra before her victim was thoroughly mauled.


    We both received praise from the masters when we returned; Korra for her restraint (she didn''t harden her snow into ice and the boy''s face was still recognizable) and myself for intercepting the impulsive attack. Then after seeing a preening Korra off, Altaq and Katara took me aside for a pep talk.


    "Your quick thinking has kept Korra safe once more, Xing," Altaq began with a rare smile that lasted for a few seconds. "But as you''ve seen, it only takes an instant for things to turn ugly."


    Katara joined in, wearing a kindly smile. "You''ve done much better than I would have when I started travelling with Aang. I''m glad you''re looking out for Korra, I''m sure you''ll keep her out of trouble."


    Well, it wasn''t a lecture, and the day ended without Korra complaining about my company, which was nice. The outings in the following days went on nice enough, too, with the people of Wolf Cove getting accustomed to having the Avatar wander through its streets. Korra took part in more games with the local kids, though thankfully there were no more dick waving contests anymore.


    Unfortunately, all the familiarity also resulted in some people forgetting themselves.


    Barely a month after she started her thrice-a-week trip into Wolf Cove, the White Lotus shadows and city''s security group became a bit more relaxed, just as their Avatar ward was. I couldn''t really blame them, as the routine was generally uneventful.


    As usual, I remained just a pace behind Korra''s side as she wandered through the snow-frosted square of Wolf Cove''s largest market. And as usual she basked in the attention she received, the vendors more than happy to offer up their baubles to her.


    "No, Korra, you shouldn''t," I sighed as she slowly pulled back from a rather ornate ivory necklace.


    "Why not, I can pay later?"


    "Remember the deal: you promised you''d only buy if you remembered to bring the money."


    She pouted at me, and I noticed how the vendors right around her started shuffling back as they realized that the Avatar was flat broke.


    "Aw, come on. You can just go to my parents'' place and ask them for some cash."


    She''d need more than just ''some cash'' if she was going to pick up the stuff that was dangled before her¡­


    Steeling my voice, I shook my head. "Sorry, Korra, but I''m not gonna let you break your deal. Remember what Katara sai-"


    "Yeah, yeah. My word should be my bond," Korra said as she slumped in defeat. "Fine. I''ll just¡­look around."


    I hid my relief as we continued exploring the market. If it''s one thing that kept Korra sticking to her lessons, it was the stories from Katara and her peers about how Aang followed those same principles as well. Hopefully after this, she''ll be more careful about making promises and oaths; as Avatar, Korra''s words would carry an uncomfortable amount of weight to it.


    Also, Katara or Altaq might give me another quiet round of passive-aggressive encouragement to get the lessons to stick with Korra.


    "Maybe you could be creative, just like how Toph was with Aang?" Katara might say, often using her experience as a reference. I had a feeling that she was trying to inspire me, as if the position of practically being the Avatar''s shadow was really such a big deal.


    The Grand Lotus was a bit more blunt about it, which I could appreciate. "It would not be good for Korra if she embarrassed herself in public. You''re a bright lad, Xing, I trust that you''ll find a way to make the lesson¡­palatable for Korra to pick up."


    It was like being in retail again, having to answer to the managers, while also maintaining customer satisfaction. Fuck, imagine Avatar Karen¡­


    "Oh, wow!"


    My musing was cut short as Korra ran up to a couple of burly, pale-skinned men. Earth Kingdom, judging from their preference for greens and browns on their clothes. Dunno why the people kept to their homeland''s color scheme so much, now that I thought about it¡­


    One of them presented a whole whale walrus tooth, carved down to depict catamarans on rolling waves. The intricate piece was almost as long as the man was tall.


    "Whatcha think, Avatar?" the other man said with a grin. "Nice, innit?"


    "It''s so pretty¡­" She stared at the milky-white piece of art in wonder for a second before shifting it to the men. "How long did it take you to make it?"


    "Oh, not too long at all. Zao here''s a master at making stuff like this."


    "Very good with my hands," Zao simply said, though I was more impressed that his arms remained untrembling as they were kept outstretched to present the ivory.


    And I didn''t like how he phrased his reply.


    His companion spoke again. "Now, this one here''s already got an owner, but-"


    "I''m sorry, but we don''t have the money on us right now," I interrupted, earning a glare from Korra, though not even a flash of emotion from the men. That Zao''s friend grinned wider gave me a bad feeling.


    "Eh, it''s no matter at all. You''re the Avatar, right? Our pops were saved by the previous one, so we figured we''d show our appreciation. We''ve got a piece or two we can give away as thanks, how about it? Smaller pieces too, so you can carry ''em back home with you."


    Korra''s eyes went wide, and I knew I could only follow after her as she in turn eagerly followed the so-called grateful men to the back of the market. Beyond the stalls and vendors, Zao''s friend gestured down an icy alleyway, lined on both sides with carved ivory in a variety of shapes and sizes.


    "Whatcha say? Wanna take a look?"


    Korra all but ran in, batting away my attempt to stop her. The man gave an¡­unsettling chuckle as he followed after her. I gave a quick glance behind me, noting the silhouettes of White Lotus and city guards hanging around beyond the shadows.


    Well, at least they''re in sight¡­


    I pushed down my annoyance and stepped into the alley to catch up with Korra, taking maybe a dozen steps before the ice wall beside me quietly slid open and someone pushed me into the darkness.


    The sharpness pressing against my neck and liver kept me from immediately fighting back as the wall closed, leaving me in dim lighting where a couple of figures skulked.


    "Keep your mouth shut if you wanna live, boy," Zao said behind me, the stench of his breath washing down the side of my face. I glanced down a little, just enough to see a jagged ivory blade against my neck, and his other hand pressing down heavily on my shoulder. To my side, someone else held another blade against my side, keeping almost at arm''s length away from me."You so much as move your legs and arms funny, and you''ll be dead before you can bend."


    Outside, I could hear an excited Korra and their accomplice engaged in conversation. She was poring over some particularly large ivory piece, or something.


    "Come on, tie him up already," Zao said, snapping me back to my predicament. I counted four men in this space with me. Judging from the way the two in the shadows moved, they might be decent fighters. They moved fluidly and with confidence, though the way they loomed over me felt a bit artificial, as if they had to consciously appear intimidating.


    The blade at my neck bit a little into my skin. "No funny business, boy, unless you want to whistle out your throat."


    Huh, funny that he mentioned that...


    "Hey, where''s Xing? Where''s your friend?" I heard Korra ask outside.


    "Eh, Zao''s probably trying to sell him a piece."


    "We''ve no money, though." Good, Korra, press X to doubt!


    "Well, he can''t buy now, but later on¡­?"


    "That''s true¡­" No, Korra. Press X! Press X!


    Strong hands yanked at my wrists, and felt the rough cords going around them tightly. Another shadowy figure crouched down, no doubt to bind my legs together.


    Being sure that there were only four assailants with me, and picking out the rough dimensions of the room, I shot my knee up into the crouching figure, hearing the satisfying crack of his jaws slamming shut.


    "What''s that sound?"


    I was already channeling my chi and my body was already moving even as I felt the blinding pains of my throat being slashed and my right side being perforated. A surge of heat to my hands burnt away the rope and created a flashbang, causing the men to cry out in surprise and their grip on me to weaken.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Korra!" I shouted through my tinnitus the moment the wound in my neck melted shut. "Trouble!"


    Not waiting for her reply, I quickly lashed out at the men around me before they recovered. No point in trying to fight fair; It was already four on one, and they were larger and stronger than me.


    Without thinking, my hands and feet shot out. Movements honed by countless spars with Korra sent a barrage of kicks and punches at the men around me with the intent of making sure they didn''t have the chance to bend against me. Bursts of chi at the right time propelled my strikes, giving them added force that broke through Korra''s boulders and ice walls. I aimed for the joints to disable, as learned from the old manuscripts in the archives. I missed a fair bit, but breaking their bones instead of dislocating their joints was a decent consolation.


    I had my opponents crumpled on the ground in maybe a dozen seconds, and by then there was the unmistakable sound of Korra going on a rampage outside. I bit down the pain to melt down the wall to the alleyway, and sure enough she was finishing up on her beatdown. Zao''s friend was encased in ice and pinned to the wall, and two other accomplices (who probably used their bulk to shield the alleyway from outside observers) were being pummeled by rocks and ice. Shattered ivory crunched under her feet as she advanced on them, as usual preferring to beat her enemies into submission rather than encasing them in earth or ice.


    Well, at least Korra didn''t use her firebending here.


    Help came too late, as it didn''t even take half a minute for the Avatar to stand victorious among her clobbered foes. She noticed me, and the triumphant grin on her faded a bit into mild shock.


    "Xing? Are you bleeding?"


    Huh? I glanced down at myself, noting the blood on my uniform¡­and my fists. I looked back, and found the four men I fought far more mangled than those Korra had defeated. I spied broken bone jutting poking out from awkwardly angled limbs, and bits of blood specked on the wall.


    Maybe it''s a bad idea to only spar with Korra¡­


    While the other White Lotus and city guard took in the men, I found a large crate with a false top buried under the broken ivory. Probably to throw me and Korra in?


    "Well done, you two," Altaq greeted us once we returned. The other masters in the hall were beaming smiles after hearing the report on how well Korra handled herself in the ambush.


    "Xing, your quick and selfless thinking stopped the mercenaries from kidnapping Korra."


    Yes, mercenaries. Someone hired those goons to kidnap the Avatar. Someone really wealthy, and maybe from the North Pole, assuming that trail wasn''t a misdirection. That''s kind of the point of hiring outside help, after all.


    Healed up by Katara, cleaned up and in a new uniform, I bowed silently before the praise. No point in interrupting the speech.


    "And Korra, well done for acting quickly, and with¡­discretion."


    There it was, the not-so-subtle look that the Grand Lotus and a few of the masters shot at me. Even Katara gave me a look of concern. Altaq continued to praise Korra''s decisive action for a bit more before she was dismissed.


    Not me, though.


    "Xing."


    With Korra absent, the disapproval in Altaq''s voice was heavy. "While we commend you for your bravery and for foiling the plot to kidnap Korra, I must say that I hope you will learn to show more restraint in the future."


    "But I was surrounded," I impulsively replied.


    "You were," Katara said with a slow nod, some disappointment in her tone. "I know you were scared, but you did not have to be so¡­brutal."


    Indignation swelled in me, and I felt a need to defend myself. But it was just as quickly smothered as I remembered the futility of talking back to the higher ups in my old life. I was getting off with a warning right now, no need to exacerbate things.


    "You''re doing your best to protect Korra, and we''re grateful for that. But you should learn how to¡­to moderate your retaliation."


    I kept my mouth shut as they went on for a while more, and genuinely tried to take the advice to heart. I used the downtime I had while Korra was studying with the masters to study pressure points from the archives and White Lotus healers, or tried seeking alternatives from my past life. Maybe I could figure out how to make pepper spray and smoke bombs?


    A shame that all that knowledge would not be put to its intended use.

 Chapter 26

    ¡°Chief Engineer Hyung sent an update - the new Satomobile models should be ready in a couple of months¡¯ time, four at most, if there are issues with the assembly line. We¡¯ll get our fifteen advertising models as promised.¡±


    Xing gave a nod, tapping his fingers absently on his desk as he reviewed another document.


    ¡°Any issues on our end?¡± the new director asked, still as distracted as he was ever since the day started.


    Mozi shrugged lightly. ¡°Until we can finalize the date, we can¡¯t be sure whether there¡¯ll be issues in booking the venues, though with no festivals anytime soon, City Hall should let us use the sites without much hassle. It¡¯s the same for the reporters - many have shown interest, but until we can provide a definite date we can¡¯t be sure of their attendance. On the other hand, we secured backup butchers for the moo-sows, on the off chance of any complications with those we¡¯ve already contracted. And training for the demonstrations are proceeding smoothly.¡±


    The last part was probably the most important to Xing. He had felt that it was a precarious thing to figure out just how much information of the new Satomobiles¡¯ features should be revealed to the presentation staff. Too little, and they might not be prepared for questions and hiccups. Too much, and there¡¯d be a risk of a leak, prematurely revealing the new innovations to Cabbage Corp or other rivals.


    Some might call it paranoia borne out of pressure to truly impress, but Mozi knew that his director would not see it as a personality flaw. After all, this was not only going to be a massive new feature for Satomobiles going forward, but the means of advertising it might be game changing as well. The director was shifting away from traditional newspaper and radio advertisements to draw initial attention, and instead intended to rely on spectacle and word of mouth.


    It was a novel idea, and one that could easily be rendered impotent if the competition picked up on it too early and preempted it with their own copy of the idea.


    Hence the need for obfuscation and secrecy, and why the selected staff for the big day were being drip-fed information of the demonstration they¡¯d be presenting. Right now, all they knew was the fates of the moo-sows that¡¯d be sitting in the new Satomobiles, and were grasping the concept of dampening impacts to increase survivability. The exact features - the seatbelts and crumple zones - were still kept from them.


    ¡°Hm,¡± was all Xing said.


    Mozi watched the director for a moment before coughing politely. ¡°Sir, perhaps you should return to deal with the previous issue first?¡±


    ¡°What? Oh, this.¡± Xing looked back down at the paper in his hand, containing Hanh¡¯s report. The very public announcement of the Avatar joining with Tarrlok¡¯s task force was understandably a big deal for Future Industries. While it might be good for optics to have a crime-busting Avatar in the Fire Ferrets, one couldn¡¯t ignore the inherent risks of taking part in anti-Equalist raids.


    ¡°It¡¯s a minor annoyance, but it¡¯s Korra¡¯s problem,¡± Xing simply said, finally letting the report fall away from his fingers. ¡°Admittedly, I should have expected that there¡¯d be more than just businesses who¡¯d want to lionize the Avatar. We¡¯ll make adjustments going forward, but for the task force, we¡¯ll just let things play out.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure, sir?¡± Mozi wasn¡¯t so convinced, even when his director nodded his head. ¡°Forgive me for my impertinence, but you don¡¯t seem as¡­certain as your words.¡±


    Xing stared at him for a second before some sort of understanding dawned on him, and he broke into an embarrassed chuckle. ¡°Ah. I¡¯m really not worried about the Avatar. Trust me, Mozi. She¡¯s free to play hero as much as she wants, so long as she abides by her contract. And whatever my misgivings of her, I trust Korra to be a capable combatant, and not do anything stupid like get herself maimed by Equalists. Her pride wouldn¡¯t allow her to. In any case, I have the martyr card ready if she somehow manages to get herself too injured to take part in the tournament.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re sure¡­¡±


    The director nodded as color crept into his cheeks. ¡°I am. I¡¯m just¡­¡± He fell silent, and then stared appraisingly at Mozi for a moment. ¡°Mozi, you and Li Ming¡­ Do you two go on dates a lot?¡±


    Mozi blinked at the sudden change of topi- Oh. Oh.


    ¡°Uh, well¡­ I try to, when the oppor-¡± Hurried footsteps mercifully interrupted him, and the door to the office opened shortly after to reveal a rather worried Asami Sato.


    ¡°Xing?¡±


    ¡°Korra?¡± he simply replied. The heiress nodded once, which was then answered by a mild shrug. ¡°I¡¯ll be drawing up responses for the probable outcomes of her involvement in the task force. But beyond that¡­¡± He shrugged again as the words trailed off.


    Somehow, the response surprised Asami, and she slowly walked into the room to regard Xing thoughtfully. Mozi, already standing up, offered her a seat, which she took with an instinctive ¡®thank you¡¯. The secretary then glanced at his superior, and Xing subtly nodded his head. Mozi silently shuffled out the door and closed it, and then headed to the side table to prepare the tea.


    All the while he kept an eye out, ready to turn away anyone before they got too close to eavesdrop, while he himself kept an ear to the voices leaking through the door.


    ¡°Are you sure, Xing?¡± Asami spoke, seconds later.


    ¡°Korra¡¯s actions are beyond what our contract with her and the Fire Ferrets has established. It¡¯s something to amend later, for sure.¡±


    ¡°I meant more for the fact that you were her minder.¡±


    ¡°I was.¡± Mozi could hear the shrug in Xing¡¯s voice. ¡°But not now. I¡¯ll leave it to the White Lotus to figure out if they want to attach an escort detail.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± she breathed out, and Mozi could hear the smile in that brief sound.


    So she¡¯s worried about the whole Avatar situation as well, except that¡­she¡¯s not?


    There was a brief silence before Xing replied. ¡°I am aware of my responsibilities, Asami. I am the director of Future Media, not a White Lotus guardian anymore.¡±


    So that bit of rumor was true then? Mozi didn¡¯t think the White Lotus fostered entrepreneurs¡­


    ¡°I know,¡± came her sheepish reply. ¡°But¡­but with all the nonsense you went through, I¡¯d thought that you might¡­feel¡­obligated¡­¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    That was a lie, Mozi realized. The Sato heiress was clearly a little antsy...


    So this bit of rumor was true as well. There went the hopes of the girls down at the design team at hooking a rich husband.


    Anyway, Asami wasn¡¯t really worried about obligations. This visit didn¡¯t have anything to do with business considerations.


    She was jealous.


    Xing finally coughed to break the awkwardness. ¡°My obligations only extend to my work¡­and the people¡­currently in my life.¡± Well, at least he seems aware of it.


    Mozi stood by the office door, holding onto the tray of tea and waiting patiently for the right time to enter. Hopefully he needn¡¯t intervene too quickly before another scandal for Future Media was created..


    ¡°Well. Well, I¡­¡± Asami aborted her sentence, and then tried again after a soft gulp. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for presuming¡­¡±


    ¡°Think nothing of it,¡± Xing replied. ¡°It¡¯s an understandable concern. I hope that I can fully¡­dispel any doubts about my¡­commitment.¡±


    ¡°I look forward to it.¡±


    Mozi gave them another second before finally knocking on the door.


    ¡°Tea, Miss Asami?¡± he asked as neutrally as he could, and noted how both of them remained seated across from each other, with blushing faces and awkward gazes. Both heiress and director instantly snapped their heads in his direction, and oh how they both squirmed in their seats as Mozi walked up to the table between them to deposit the tea.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asami softly said, while managing a sheepish smile.


    ¡°Yeah, thanks Mozi,¡± Xing echoed before clearing his throat. ¡°Now, moving on to other matters¡­ Um, since you¡¯re here Asami, could I get your thoughts on radio advertising? I was talking to Dao and some others last night¡­¡±


    Seeing that they were being far more professional than Shu Ling had been, Mozi left the office once again without another word, trusting his superiors with their restraint.


    *****


    Enjoying the day off, Ren enjoyed herself walking through the streets of Republic City. The main ones with the shop fronts, not the gloomy back streets. It was liberating to be able to windowshop without pedestrians and shop owners keeping a suspicious eye on her. Thanks to Xing and Asami, Ren now only felt the occasional curious look towards a well-dressed kid enjoying some window shopping, and the people behind the counter actually regarded her with eagerness, as if anticipating a purchase.


    It was a nice change, just like practically everything else since meeting Xing. Getting a job - a real job - with a very pleasant, non-triad, employer like Asami was great. Gramps was now able to take the tram to the same office where Xing worked. Ren now got to pick between multiple sets of clothes¡­and for different occasions, too. And the soft bed and pillows were so dangerously inviting.


    All that was required of Ren in exchange was to do her job, less Asami fuss over her a little, and listen to Xing¡¯s very sensible advice. And maybe endure the patronizing glances of adults who treated her as a novelty, but that¡¯s much better than being seen as prey.


    Yes, life out on the bright, happy face of Republic City was very nice.


    So long as you knew who to avoid, at least. There were invisible lines that most upper classes were oblivious about. The triads weren¡¯t so brazen in their operations, but their influence was still present in how the beggars and street cobblers were stationed. The roadside food vendors along the main streets smiled a lot more freely in exchange for higher prices, but they were no less controlled by the gangs as their contemporaries in the alleyways.


    Ren was pretty much safe where she was, though. The shops here were deep in Triple Threat Triad territory, so she only had to worry about scams and pickpockets, and not stepping on anyone¡¯s toes. There¡¯s no Wenli or any other Agni Kai who might want to milk out more yuans out of her.


    ¡°Ooh, pretty¡­¡± With (almost) no care in the world, the girl stared at a lovely satin dress displayed in a boutique shop. It was a deep red, with bright blue highlights and a green sash. It¡¯d probably cost her most of her month¡¯s salary, and Asami would probably go ahead with her threat to take Ren out to one of the balls the filthy rich people spent their evenings in.


    Still, to wear that would be nice¡­


    ¡°Ren! Hey Ren!¡±


    Kai¡¯s voice, and the pattering of his feet, broke her away from her daydreaming, and Ren turned to see the boy approaching her. Now that he was done with the salon, he looked a little different.


    ¡°You look almost rich,¡± she remarked.


    Kai lightly patted the top of his oiled and slicked back hair with a mix of annoyance and wonder. ¡°Yeah. They really put me through the works. Did my hair, earthbending rolling massage, even cut my nails and shaved it for a few minutes! See?¡±


    Ren regarded with amusement the hand he presented her, now free from dirt and calluses. ¡°Well, at least you look better now.¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡± Kai restrained his excitement, and then gave the display a glance. ¡°You haven¡¯t bought anything?¡±


    ¡°Nah, couldn¡¯t find anything I really want, you know?¡±


    Kai gave a non-commital shrug, and then his head shifted a bit and his gaze widened in surprise. Ren turned around to follow it just as he began to comment. ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t that Ping?¡±


    And true enough, the girl found herself looking at a dead person come alive again. Ping was a tea shop attendant who collected a bit more bruises than the other girls, but was still raking in enough yuans for her to continue working there. She was one of those few who¡¯d been genuinely nice to Ren and Kai, offering the occasional bits of yuans for easy jobs that were basically charity cases. She even bought them a few meals during that one particularly lean time.


    Then a few years back, news was that she tried running away. The Agni Kai launched a manhunt, and last anyone heard was that her body was floating out of Yue Bay. Some of the Agni Kai¡¯s tea shops had to be closed for a few days after the ¡®celebrations¡¯ that followed.


    Yet here the lady was, not as dead as everyone thought she was, and just as pretty as she was (when not bruised up, anyway). And she was out in public, selling baubles of all things.


    Without a word, the two interns ran up to the pretty vendor, and any possibility of a mistaken identity was banished as those striking green eyes filled with recognition as they saw them approach.


    Kai held Ren back with a hand, opting to let Ping finish her transaction with a customer. They waited patiently as the older girl barely broke her composure, nodding cheerily at the elderly woman as she traded a water tribe trinket for some yuans. Only once the woman left did the two interns approach their supposedly dead friend. Ren noted some scars on her porcelain-pale skin, particularly on the forearms and one peeking out of her shoulder.


    ¡°Hey there, little ones,¡± she greeted first, her husky voice utterly hollow and unconvincing. ¡°Where are your parents?¡±


    ¡°Ping?¡± Kai asked, to be sure, and they saw the nervous smile form on her face.


    There was a moment of hesitation, and then Ping seemed to internally sigh. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go find them.¡± She quickly packed up her stuff - just a sack containing her wares and the tray to display them - and turned about. Understanding the act, Ren and Kai followed after her into the mouth of an alleyway, just out of sight enough from the main traffic, and not too deep to gain the attention of the back alley denizens.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you two here,¡± she said in a near whisper.


    ¡°We could say the same for you,¡± Ren replied with a smirk. ¡°Everyone said you got cut up for the fishes, or flung into the sewers¡­¡±


    ¡°Or stuffed in a crab cage,¡± Kai helpfully added.


    Ping chuckled softly, the familiar throaty laugh that provided almost half the comfort Xing¡¯s words and actions did. ¡°Well, it¡¯s not so dramatic¡­¡±


    Except that it was. She¡¯d dove into the main sewers, braving the constant stream of shit and piss and industrial waste for a week to wait out the Agni Kai. Then Ping swam out to the other side of the Bay, and cut a deal with a water tribe merchant. A nice one too, at that, seeing that the merchant hasn¡¯t been snooping around for Ping¡¯s background. That all sounded like something out of the radio dramas.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d have left the city by now,¡± Kai remarked, as they stood comfortably by the alleyway, their eyes shifting easily to scan the surroundings just like old times.


    ¡°Too expensive,¡± Ping curtly answered. ¡°Unless I find a¡­husband, I¡¯m not making enough to live by myself. But getting any attention is dangerous, so¡­¡± The pretty lady (maybe prettier than Asami?) gave a light, resigned shrug. ¡°I¡¯ll live with what I have now. Better safe than rich, at least for the time being. Maybe I¡¯ll find a better opportunity later.¡±


    The epiphany must have struck at the same time, as Ren and Kai shared a look between themselves, and Kai urged Ren on with a subtle nod.


    Ping was good people¡­


    ¡°Uh, Ping, how¡¯d you like a chance for a different job?¡±


    The lady folded her arms and regarded Ren with a dry smirk. ¡°Does it involve ¡®serving tea¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Nah, don¡¯t think so. But I gotta warn you, Xing¡¯s already got a girlfriend, so maybe you¡¯ll want to not, uh, play too nice.¡±


    That got Ping to quirk an eyebrow up. ¡°Oh? I¡¯m listening¡­¡±

 Chapter 27

    Mako sighed as he stared at the doors leading into Future Media. Not for the first time, he was beginning to question his love for pro-bending and the circumstances that led him here, that maybe he¡¯d be doing better back in the Triple Threat Triad. Or working a lowly but honest job.


    He shook such thoughts away, and forced his legs to bring him to the security post. It took only a few minutes before a sharply dressed, stony-faced man appeared, and Mako was led into the building.


    ¡°Director Xing is currently busy,¡± the man who introduced himself as Mozi helpfully explained as he guided Mako up the stairs and into a small but rather cozy waiting room. ¡°Please wait here, he¡¯ll meet you as soon as he¡¯s done. In the meantime, would you care for some tea?¡±


    The wait wasn¡¯t too bad, and neither was the tea. Mako only sat around kicking his legs for maybe ten or so minutes (he had to get himself a watch one of these days¡­), looking out the window occasionally to see the sunlight turn more orange as evening came, before Xing came in.


    Mako spied the flitting image of Asami moving past from behind the director, and immediately had to reign in a stupid remark about Xing¡¯s meeting. He was not here to piss off the man.


    ¡°What brings you here, Mako?¡± Xing asked in way of greetings. Rising to his feet to shake hands, the Fire Ferrets captain stamped down his nerves and got right to it.


    ¡°Look, uh, sir-¡±


    ¡°Just Xing is fine.¡±


    ¡°Right. Xing, you know about Korra and the task force, right?¡± He waited for the director to nod before continuing. ¡°Well, do you think you could¡­get her to not go?¡±


    Xing¡¯s head tilted a little to one side in mild surprise, though it didn¡¯t bring Mako any relief.


    ¡°Look, I know Korra¡¯s the Avatar and all that, but she¡¯s going to get herself into some serious harm out there.¡±


    ¡°Which would affect the team.¡±


    ¡°Well, yeah,¡± Mako bluntly admitted. And more to the point, Bolin was seriously considering tagging along with her as well. ¡°But facing who knows how many spirit blockers is gotta be a bad idea as well, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not going in alone,¡± Xing calmly pointed out before shrugging. ¡°And Avatar or not, it¡¯s her choice.¡±


    Mako tried again, using a different angle. ¡°But it¡¯d be bad for business? I mean, if she gets hurt¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it covered,¡± came the easy reply. Too easy, in fact. Was that a good thing or not?


    ¡°But what-¡±


    ¡°Mako,¡± Xing interrupted with too much calmness. ¡°Is Korra aware of my¡­new position?¡±


    The captain let out a heavy sigh as his shoulders slumped. ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t take it too well then.¡±


    ¡°No she did not.¡± It was what made her storm off to search for Tarrlok instead of going through team practice. The moment Korra heard that Xing got promoted and was now holding power over the sponsorship, her jaw tightened and her eyes went hard as she marched out of the gym.


    A smirk flashed across Xing¡¯s face. ¡°And after that, you expect me to intervene, to stop her?¡±


    Mako blinked. Well, when he put it that way¡­


    ¡°If anything, I¡¯m more surprised that you¡¯re the one who¡¯s shown up. I was expecting Korra to be here, actually.¡±


    Mako let out a humorless chuckle. ¡°To what, shout at you?¡±


    ¡°Probably,¡± Xing admitted with a light shrug.


    Well, too bad for him (and Mako) that Korra seemed to prefer focusing on her new role as Avatar of the task force.


    ¡°Let Korra involve herself in the task force,¡± Xing said, almost placatingly. ¡°Councilman Tarrlok wants publicity, so he¡¯ll aim for an easy target to show off. Korra will be fine. If she sees action, it¡¯ll help clear her head.¡±


    ¡°You know where they¡¯re hitting?¡±


    The director shrugged. ¡°Not a clue. But I think I know how politicians operate. Tarrlok won¡¯t risk being the one who put the Avatar in mortal peril. He already has a task force of benders to do what he wants, Korra¡¯s involvement is mostly to drum up support, really.¡±


    ¡°If you say so.¡± Even with that reassurance, Mako couldn¡¯t help scowling at the thought of the Avatar being used for a¡­a stunt.


    Xing suddenly raised a finger to bring up a final point. ¡°And besides, I do not have any power to do anything as far as the Avatar is concerned.¡±


    Huh? ¡°But the contract-¡±


    ¡°The contract only covers the obligations the Fire Ferrets¡¯ members hold towards Future Industries, and vice versa. So long as the team does not endanger its reputation, and fulfil its contractual responsibilities to Future Industries, then no intervention is required.¡±


    The director then leveled a hard gaze at Mako, making him shrink back. ¡°Future Industries is your sponsor, Mako, not your manager. Hanh is there to manage anything relevant to the sponsorship. The only one in charge of keeping the Fire Ferrets in order is its captain - you.¡±


    A brief pause settled between the two men before Mako managed a meek ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    He did not like the sudden disappointment that bubbled up in Xing¡¯s gaze. ¡°And as team captain, you outrank Korra. If you can stomach it, I suggest you wield your rank to get her in line - whatever that line of yours involves.¡±


    ¡°B-But she¡¯s the Avatar!¡± Mako instinctively blurted, and the disappointment in Xing¡¯s eyes flared up.


    ¡°And yet she¡¯s in a pro-bending team. Your pro-bending team.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    The other man let out a soft sigh as he shook his head slowly. ¡°It¡¯s your team, Mako. She¡¯s your teammate. Talk to Korra, preferably as adults¡­¡± Something was muttered as the words trailed off, but Mako¡¯s ears couldn¡¯t pick it up. ¡°You might not completely dissuade her, but you might get her to withdraw from the task force after a few showings and focus back on the team in time for the tournament.¡±


    ¡°I¡­I understand.¡±


    Xing regarded him for a silent moment, and then nodded. ¡°Good. Now if there¡¯s anything else?¡±


    ¡°Uh, no. No sir.¡±


    Xing rolled his eyes and began to turn to leave. ¡°I suggest you go back and have that talk with Korra. The faster you get it over with¡­¡±


    Now it was Mako¡¯s turn to interrupt, though he did so with far less confidence. ¡°Uh¡­I can¡¯t?¡±


    The director stopped his movement, and then turned back to face Mako with some confusion. ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s already left to see Tarrlok, earlier this afternoon, and hasn¡¯t come back yet.¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Xing stared at him for several long seconds before sighing aloud. ¡°I suppose you¡¯ll have a harder task at convincing her then, if she¡¯s already going on a raid. If you¡¯ll excuse me, I have paperwork to tend to.¡±


    *****


    Chief Lin Beifong of Republic City¡¯s Police Department sighed as she signed off on the last piece of paper for the day, restraining the annoyance that had been bubbling ever since Tarrlok roped the Avatar into his task force last night. It wasn¡¯t the girl¡¯s fault, Lin knew, but it was hard not to begrudge Korra¡¯s presence as being the catalyst to let the water tribe councilman get his way.


    The council could have assigned more resources to the police to allow for a more dedicated response to the Equalist threat. But of course that¡¯d be too unbeneficial for them. Tarrlok wanted and got his spotlight, and now a completely different entity worked ¡®in parallel¡¯ with the metalbending police to root out the Equalists. And typical of narcissistic politicians, he hogged the intelligence, refused any cooperation or coordination with the police department, and wielded his authority to reroute the metalbender patrols so that they wouldn¡¯t come across whatever hotspot Tarrlok had in his sights.


    It was utterly frustrating, but Lin had soldiered on through a similar state of affairs before, back when the Azulan extremists popped up like a rash across the United Republic. Lin had taken umbrage back then at being left out of the decision making as the police was leached of men and resources to fuel the anti-extremist task force. If she hadn¡¯t already broken up with Tenzin, it¡¯d have easily triggered a relationship meltdown between them.


    Now, an older Lin was more resigned about the Equalist task force. Let the politicians squabble for the spotlight, at least this time Tarrlok wasn¡¯t compromising the police department to feed his ego.


    The chief of police let out a long sigh as she rose from her desk, and easily restrained the urge to march and scream at the council. Better to spend the time and energy at maintaining order. Every second snapping uselessly at Tenzin and his peers was a second not spent in capturing mobsters and criminals who were threatening the lives of the innocent.


    That¡¯s what Lin told herself as she left her office, it¡¯s what she kept telling herself as she left the building to get some dinner, it¡¯s what she convinced herself as she heard the excited murmurs from the people she walked past.


    ¡°With the Avatar joining the task force, the Equalists threat is as good as dealt with.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad someone¡¯s doing something about the madmen!¡±


    ¡°We need more decisive people in the council like Tarrlok¡­¡±


    With patience long honed from dealing with her family, job and Tenzin, Lin bit down on the impulse to reply to the inane comments around her, and managed to reach her usual noodle stand without incident. However, Lin immediately noticed an oddity in her usual dining spot.


    Sitting by the far end of the stall was a familiar face, the young former Avatar minder Xing, dressed too sharply for a mere socialite. The way he wore his suit, it was like he was trying to make it as utilitarian as possible. Streamlined, as some might say. Lin knew a few people who liked such a minimalist fashion choice.


    She personally locked a few of them away herself.


    Shaking away the sudden heebie-jeebies, the police chief reminded herself that this Xing was a recently released bodyguard, not a serial assassin. Being the Avatar¡¯s shadow meant that he probably acquired a similar mindset to the hitmen. It made a sick sort of sense, and he seemed competent enough to overcommit to the bit¡­


    Just as interesting were the people he sat with - Two kids and an old man, all dressed like they held desk jobs. The children were engaged in animated discussion with Xing, who seemed to be giving a cheery lecture, while the old man listened with some interest.


    Curious. Lin didn¡¯t think he had family here.


    The quartet noticed her arrival with varying reactions; Xing seemed courteously surprised, the old man simply slurped away at his noodles, while the two kids immediately clammed up and shrank away.


    Interesting, she¡¯d seen such timid eyes before, usually from the pickpocket street gangs.


    ¡°Ah, Chief Lin.¡±


    She returned the greeting with a curt nod as she found her usual seat. ¡°Director Xing. Belated congratulations on your promotion.¡±


    The recently minted director noticed the shift in her gaze and without worry began to introduce the people with him. ¡°Ah, allow me to introduce Lidai, Kai, and Ren. I¡¯m fortunate to receive their vital assistance when I first entered Republic City.¡±


    The old man scoffed into his raised bowl. ¡°Hah. Vital, he says.¡±


    Xing threw a light-hearted sideways glare at Lidai. ¡°It is true.¡±


    ¡°In your mind, Xing. In your mind.¡± The elder put his bowl down and surprised Lin by giving an exasperated look, a stark contrast to the still quiet kids between him and Xing.


    ¡°He pays for my crippled bones to be mended, buys us a new home, and gets us good jobs. And he says he¡¯s fortunate to meet us.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like quite a story,¡± Lin politely replied.


    ¡°We helped each other, I guess,¡± Xing compromised with a gentle smile, and then gestured at Ren and Kai who seemed ready to bolt. Lin got the distinct impression that he knew about it, and was teasing them for it. ¡°Kai and Ren might have been¡­living in a challenging environment in the past, but their resourcefulness has proven indispensable.¡±


    He then gave Lin a smile that better fit Tarrlok, and even Tenzin when he was trying to be ¡®diplomatic¡¯. ¡°You would not hold their past against them, I hope, Chief Lin?¡±


    Eh, she¡¯ll play along.


    ¡°So long as they¡¯ve got nothing serious on them.¡± In truth, the only reason to pick up urchins was to gain updates on the triads. There were too many hardcore criminals to waste space on pickpockets and pawns, plus even Lin didn¡¯t like the notion of locking away a child for, what was to them, a crime of necessity. So to see two such urchins being lifted up from the alleyways into something more decent was a rare good thing for their types.


    ¡°Then they¡¯ll be fine, right?¡±


    Lin watched the two kids look at Xing with a mix of embarrassment and affront, and then ignored their hushed exchange as she ordered her food. The other patrons too went back to eating, after only pretending to do so as they eavesdropped on the whole exchange.


    There was no further conversation between herself and Xing after that, but Lin did pick up the bits of his resumed lecture to his younger audience.


    ¡°-re still young. Asami knows it too, so don¡¯t push yourselves so much¡­¡±


    ¡°...I know it¡¯s uncomfortable, but you¡¯re representing Asami now, so be patient with the condescension. But if it truly feels unbearable, let Asami know, she can probably conjure up a good excuse for you. Or let me know at least, and I can talk to her¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid of not being too hard working. You¡¯re not adults yet to go through all that tedium. Just make sure to balance¡­¡±


    Huh, so he got them jobs as Asami Sato¡¯s servants then? Good for them. The old man too seems to be working with them in some capacity, judging by how often he nods his head and chips in with bits of advice.


    Lin finished her meal at her usual efficient speed, and she had barely begun her return back to the police headquarters when Xing jogged up to her in a noisy clatter of wooden soles.


    ¡°Chief Lin, if I could ask for a moment of your time.¡±


    Lin turned to him, and found herself a little surprised at the utterly serious look on his face, especially when compared to the cheery mood he displayed earlier. ¡°Something I can help you with, Xing?¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me being blunt, would you know how active Avatar Korra''s participation would be in the task force?¡±


    Huh, she didn¡¯t expect that. ¡°Beats me,¡± she honestly answered, and almost laughed at his confusion. ¡°The task force is purely Tarrlok¡¯s thing.¡±


    ¡°You mean it¡¯s not part of the police force?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡±


    Xing frowned, no doubt already picking up on the tone of her answer. ¡°That seems¡­suboptimal.¡±


    ¡°Heh, tell me about it. I¡¯m just as out of the loop as you are, in all likelihood.¡±


    The frown deepened. ¡°Politics,¡± the young director muttered disapprovingly, and Lin found herself nodding in agreement with him.


    ¡°Unfortunately so.¡±


    There was a second of silence, and Lin was about to go back to going back to work, but then Xing¡¯s severe expression eased up a little as he seemed to push his concerns away. ¡°Oh, before you leave, Future Industries will be unveiling new features for its future Satomobile designs. They¡¯re safety features, and I was wondering if Republic City¡¯s police force would like to appraise them?¡±


    Huh, that was a swift change of topic.


    ¡°Safety features, huh?¡±


    ¡°To improve passenger survivability,¡± Xing responded with a nod. ¡°We¡¯ll be holding demonstrations for the media when the time comes, but I can arrange a separate display for the police force if it¡¯s of interest.¡±


    Lin hummed in thought as she mulled the offer. The metalbending police mostly worked out of the blimps patrolling Republic City¡¯s skies, but it still had a fleet of police cars to provide less strenuous and more localized support. Sure, this was a blatant attempt by Xing to secure a lucrative contract, but since the pitch was on safety instead of the usual crap about speed and aesthetics¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s worth considering,¡± she finally answered. ¡°Send me the proper proposal and I¡¯ll look through it.¡±


    Rather than whining about having to go through the correct channels, Xing instead broke into a smile and bowed. ¡°I¡¯ll have the paperwork sent to the police department within the week.¡±


    Lin resumed her walk back to her office with a sliver of admiration. She¡¯d just been approached with an honest offer, with none of the usual wheedling to get her to immediately commit to a proposal. Xing¡¯s definitely too utilitarian to be a typical wealthy director¡­


    And to hammer that point further, he¡¯d given her useful information after his pitch, instead of trying to dangle it as part of his offer.


    The Avatar must have really fucked up if she got Xing to leave her.


    Chief Lin Beifong marched back to the police headquarters, mildly incredulous at either the naive or principled honesty given to her, but also highly irritated at the information Xing had provided. She burst through the doors immediately barking orders.


    ¡°Lieutenant Xu, who¡¯s on overtime tonight? Get them on standby. Sergeant, I want you to find out if Tarrlok¡¯s got the journos ready to shine his ass later tonight.¡±


    Of course it¡¯d be someone else like Xing who¡¯d learn that there might be a possible raid by the task force tonight, instead of that courtesy being given to the police. Lin prepared her department for the inevitable cleanup that followed such raids - securing the scene, providing backup to hound leads, crowd control¡­ Spirits knows Tarrlok would gladly use lack of communication as a means to make her police force seem inept in its response to his operations.

 Chapter 28

    Korra dove in right after the waterbenders of Tarrlok¡¯s task force sent the water surging down into the training hall and quickly froze it to encase several Equalists before they could even react. While the rest of the veiled men and women were still in shock, she stomped her foot to tear up a long slab of the compacted ground. The ribbon of earth slammed into a quartet of Equalists before wrapping around to binding them against the wall. The other benders of the task force sent water and earth flying as well, each strike bringing down a terrorist or two.


    For their part, once they recovered the remaining Equalists turned to flee. Most didn¡¯t manage to reach the door, though Korra had to send blobs of water to catch what looked to be a couple of gas grenades. In the back of her mind, the Avatar noted how carelessly they were thrown; the moves were exaggerated and telegraphed. Almost theatrically acrobatic.


    Xing would¡¯ve been far less predictable with that.


    Crushing that thought with a scowl, Korra froze the projectiles and then hurled the now-icy chunks at the man who threw them, easily knocking him off his feet. The fool didn¡¯t even think to keep an eye over his shoulder to see the hit coming.


    Behind the falling man, Korra noted several figures fleeing through the sole exit. ¡°I¡¯m going after them,¡± she curtly declared as she dashed into the tunnel. Despite the high speed pursuit, Korra¡¯s awareness caught sight of the thin tripwire laid up ahead of her.


    Xing would¡¯ve concealed it a lot better, came a bubble of thought. His stupid ambush prep training was fun at first, but Korra had quickly dropped it after it was clear that the purpose of the whole thing was for Xing to engineer new ways for Korra to make a fool of herself.


    She popped that bubble just as she skipped over the wire. Korra¡¯s instincts told her to look up, and she punched out a bolt of fire up into the leather-clad figure who had just begun his descent. There was an audible groan as her flames struck the wannabe ambusher in the gut to elicit a pained groan, and he tumbled clumsily in the air before dropping in a messy heap. The ball weights of his bolas bounced off the ground with a soft thud. Korra regarded the weapon rolling away for a second before she bended the earth to envelop her foiled attacker.


    The fading sounds of footsteps quickly reminded her of her quarry, and Korra used the earth to push her forwards, adding momentum to each footfall. If only this was all ice, she lamented inwardly, it¡¯d all be so much faster.


    Korra knew her quarry had escaped the moment she reached an intersection. The passageway split into three directions, and a quick glance showed no overt signs of which tunnels the escapees took, though one dimly lit tunnel ended with a ladder going up to the surface. Brighter light spilling down the ladder told her that it wasn¡¯t covered. They probably escaped up there¡­


    Then she remembered that the Equalists all had their faces masked by scarves. Even if she followed them up, it¡¯d be impossible to identify them if they simply dropped the scarves from their faces. Unless they fled down the other tunnels, which was¡­unlikely?


    Korra glanced back, hearing through the fading rush of blood in her head the heavy boots of the task force¡¯s benders catching up to her. Tarrlok himself was at the lead, his determined expression turning into one of surprise as he saw her and slowed to a stop.


    The councilman studied Korra for barely a second, and then noted the intersection with some irritation.


    ¡°Sorry, I lost them,¡± she admitted.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± Tarrlok answered reassuringly, while the benders with him began splitting up in pairs to tackle each tunnel. ¡°That you reached this far so quickly is quite a feat in itself.¡±


    The Avatar accepted the blatant praise with a smile that wasn¡¯t too smug. ¡°Thanks. I guess it¡¯s a good thing we caught most of them?¡±


    ¡°Indeed. Don¡¯t worry, my people will be looking for clues.¡± Tarrlok suddenly broke into a smirk. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a good thing some people escaped; they can tell their little friends that their days are numbered.¡±


    Korra couldn¡¯t help but nod at that sentiment. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    As she followed Tarrlok back to the training hall, Korra found herself smirking at a fact: these Equalists weren¡¯t that tough without their numbers and their secrets.


    Buoyed by the easy success, and with Tarrlok¡¯s notion of sending a message still in her head, Korra found herself facing the reporters with a lot less nervousness when they started pouring into the hall with their notepads and cameras.


    ¡°Question for the Avatar: Amon remains at large, why have you failed to locate him?¡±


    She replied instantly. ¡°You wanna know why? Because Amon is hiding in the shadows like a coward!¡± Korra felt the rush from earlier in the evening rising again as she picked up the microphone. ¡°Amon, I challenge you to a duel! No task force, no chi blockers, just the two of us, tonight at midnight at Avatar Aang Memorial Island. Let¡¯s cut to the chase and settle this thing¡­if you¡¯re man enough to face me.¡±


    *****


    Ren jumped in surprise as she heard a loud slap right after the Avatar made her challenge through the radio. Sharing a glance with Kai, they then crept from the living room to the door of Xing¡¯s room, and found him sitting on his bed, muttering under his breath as he massaged his temples with the fingers of the hand that was still stuck to his forehead.


    ¡°Fucking stupid¡­meatheaded show-nen¡­ Fuck!¡±


    Both interns leapt back as Xing shot up to march out of the room. He paused to regard them, making an effort to push back the fury on his face. ¡°I¡¯ll be heading out,¡± he said with some curtness. ¡°Stay here, check on the radio for any updates. I¡¯ll trust you two to act according to how things develop.¡±


    The girl could only nod dumbly at the orders as she watched Xing leave the apartment.


    Well, now she knew what an angry Xing looked like. Good thing it¡¯s not directed at her.


    *****


    Asami found herself staring out the window to distract from her unease. Despite Xing¡¯s soothing reassurances last night and earlier in the day, there was still the irrational dread that Asami would have to fight for his attention.


    With her father having just left hours ago to entertain investors, she had no one to talk to about the rising irrationality, especially after hearing of Korra¡¯s challenge on the radio. It was stupid, but the utterly bad timing of the Avatar¡¯s challenge had threatened to destabilize any surety Xing had built for Asami.


    Her father was unfortunately right in his offhanded observation that Xing might harbor a deeper bond with the Avatar, whether he knew it or not. It might not be¡­affectionate, but with duty being scarred into him, he could still¡­


    Asami found herself chewing on her bottom lip as the thoughts ran through her head. Should she go to Xing¡¯s apartment and check on him? What would her excuse be? What if he was actually going to see Korra? What if he already has?


    A movement at the edge of her vision distracted Asami out of her spiraling thoughts. She shifted her gaze in time to catch a Satomobile driving up to the mansion¡¯s gate. The driver exited to greet the guards, and she immediately identified him solely based on the way he moved.


    ¡°Xing?¡±


    She ran out to the main entrance to meet him, and her irrational fear gnawed again as she found him in a clearly uneasy state.


    ¡°Asami,¡± he greeted in a strained voice. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to trespass at such a time, but¡­¡±


    ¡°Is it about Korra?¡± she immediately asked, realizing how their roles were mirrored just this morning, and the gnawing turned into a cold void that settled in her stomach as he nodded.


    ¡°Unfortunately so.¡±


    But then she saw what peeked out from behind his gaze, what he was trying not to direct at her. There was sharp annoyance. There was disgust. There was a contempt that rivalled her father¡¯s whenever one brought up the Agni Kai. There was nothing remotely close to childhood ties or affection.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    And Asami found that she didn¡¯t mind having such disdain being all that¡¯s left of Xing¡¯s bond with Korra.


    ¡°Korra has done something truly stupid, I think. Something which might damage more than just the Fire Ferrets¡¯ branding.¡±


    She didn¡¯t know how to reply to that, so she kept silent and let him continue, absently noting down how much more expressive an annoyed Xing was.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to request permission to conduct an intervention.¡±


    Asami blinked in surprise. Permission?


    ¡°What¡­what if I said no?¡± she found herself whispering.


    Xing¡¯s features did not change, but his body shifted a little. ¡°Then I¡¯ll begin working on damage control.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s so bad, why haven¡¯t you just gone off?¡± she heard herself asking. ¡°Why come here?¡±


    There was no hesitation in his answer. ¡°Because I¡¯m aware that this might not be fully within my obligations to Future Media or Future Industry.¡± The tension in his gaze melted away for a moment. ¡°Or to you. I¡¯m aware of our conversation this morning, and how this situation might color my words. But Korra¡¯s actions this time could harm more than just herself.¡±


    Asami processed his words in silence, weighing his request along with the fact that he came here first. To get permission. Granted, there were still a couple of hours more before midnight¡­


    If her father was around, how would he answer?


    *****


    There was a calmness that overtook Korra as she left Tarrlok and Tenzin behind, and used the waves to push the boat onwards to Avatar Aang Memorial Island. A clarity of purpose that she¡¯d discovered. She was the Avatar, and this was what she was here to do. Korra would either smash Amon and his Equalists and bring peace to Republic City, or she would prove to everyone that he was a coward unworthy of their fear.


    She would show everyone that she was ready for this, airbending or not.


    And she didn¡¯t need anyone¡¯s help to be the Avatar.


    The only thing she wished as she got to the island and began her wait, was that time could pass faster so she could get this over with.


    Korra disliked waiting, but wait she did on the pedestal of Aang¡¯s massive statue, hearing the gears of the clock beneath her grinding ever towards midnight. She kept her senses alert, scanning the dark waters for any signs of movement, and occasionally patrolling around the perimeter of the statue.


    No Amon in the waters, no other signs of movement that she could see or hear.


    Midnight came, marked by deafening gongs that seemed to shake the whole island. Korra mentally shook herself to a heightened awareness, and braced herself for the unexpected.


    As twelve gongs passed and left fading reverberations in the air and ground, Korra maintained her vigil, calmly going through the breathing motions to circulate her chi.


    More time passed, and still the Avatar kept her guard up, but still no Amon, no Equalists. Nothing has docked on the island beyond her own boat, and no other signs of arrival.


    Korra gave it some more minutes before she finally began to relax.


    She let her patience fully run its course before she finally had enough. ¡°Guess you¡¯re a no show, Amon,¡± she said to nobody in particular. ¡°Who¡¯s scared now?¡±


    Korra leapt down from the top of the pedestal, deservedly feeling rather good about herself as her feet landed on soft grass still without incident. She¡¯d have something for the nosy reporters to put in their papers, and maybe Tarrlok and the rest of the council won¡¯t be so afraid to make a big push to fully flush the Equalists out now that they knew they were a hollow threat.


    Still hearing nothing but her own padded footsteps as she walked across the neat tiles that surrounded the base of the monument, Korra made her way back to the dock. By now, her confidence was soaring, and a smug grin was creeping up her face. But as Korra crossed the yawning entrance to the museum that was housed within the base of Aang¡¯s statue, her instincts suddenly screamed.


    She twisted in time to see a spinning bolas fly past her ankles. Korra snapped her gaze to the darkness beyond the museum¡¯s carved columns, and leapt aside as more bolas shot out to ensnare her.


    ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t!¡±


    Quickly channeling her chi, Korra hurled bolts of fire into the museum, and the glow of the projectiles momentarily highlighted the silhouettes of dozens of ominously goggled figures. Apprehension slowly crept up Korra¡¯s spine at the melting shadows, but she was still too busy fending off the ambush to be afraid.


    Being too far from the sea, and with the bolas skimming the ground, she was forced to rely on firebending. As she danced away from the incessant hail of ropes and weights, Korra hastily began formulating a plan of attack. Maybe she should leap clear and jus-


    A length of rope slapped against her wrist, its weighted end sending it wrapping around the limb.


    Korra didn¡¯t even have time to curse as the rope was quickly drawn back, yanking her off balance and allowing a couple of bolas to catch around her legs. Desperately, she used her free hand to launch a tongue of flame to burn away the binding on her wrist, but it was too late.


    More ropes and bolas vomited out from the darkness, and Korra was toppled painfully to the ground, her legs fully wrapped by half a dozen bolas at least, her arms entangled, and worse still was the rope that managed to wrap around her neck.


    Writhing helplessly even as she was slowly strangled, the fear-stricken Avatar was dragged along the floor, to be swallowed by the darkness.


    Korra couldn¡¯t see the flurry of blows that landed on her, though she felt the effects of the chi-blocking strikes as numbness spread over her body. Paralyzed and with her wits hanging by a frayed thread, Korra felt cold sweat running down her face as the ropes were tugged off her limp body. She felt rough, leather-clad hands grab at her arms to lift her up, just as an electric lamp went on to provide sinister illumination.


    The light reflected off the expressionless goggles of the Equalists that surrounded her. As her heart pounded in her ears and her mind desperately cried for her body to move, if only to shrink away from the soulless stares, Korra felt a growing lump in her throat. Only her stubbornness kept her from letting that sob escape, from breaking down and pleading for to be let go.


    She was the Avatar, that last shred of courage whispered. She would find a way out of this.


    She had to.


    The Equalists in front of her parted, and Korra froze in fear as the pale-mask of Amon stepped forth.


    ¡°I received your invitation, young Avatar.¡±


    Korra could only stare in wide-eyed fear as he slowly extended a gloved hand towards her. As the open palm slowly engulfed her vision, Korra felt her courage fully collapse, felt utter dread course throughout her unresponding body, felt true despair.


    She shouldn¡¯t have come here.


    She shouldn¡¯t have joined the task force.


    She shouldn¡¯t have come to Republic City.


    She shouldn¡¯t have let Xi-


    There was a soft rush of air from beside her, and the Equalists all froze for a fraction of a second to look to the source of it. Then several of them were sent flying back by a wall of air. Korra fell onto the cold floor as the Equalists holding her up let her go, though her head landed on the right side to catch what was happening.


    Amon skipped out of the way as a blast of wind shot through the mob, sending another trio of Equalists tumbling over. Korra¡¯s eyes twitched to the edge of her vision to find Tenzin, highlighted by the gentler light from outside, bending furiously, conjuring invisible walls of air to deflect thrown bolas and slap aside more of the terrorists. His robes flowed and fluttered angrily by the localized storm that swirled around him.


    But he was just one bender, and there were dozens of them now charging at him. Sparks erupted from the shock sticks that some of them now unsheathed. Tenzin harnessed the air around him to sweep them back with waves of air, but they were getting closer and closer¡­


    And then something- someone darted out from behind the airbender. There was a harsh crack as the closest Equalist to Tenzin suddenly buckled from a sudden strike. Then the shadowy bolt shot at the next closest target, and that Equalist dropped limply to the ground, their arms dangling too loosely. Whoever Tenzin¡¯s airbending missed became prey for his companion, who moved with a ruthless familiarity. Fists and feet shot out with a speed that Korra always struggled against, aimed at the softest spots of the body with the intent to incapacitate by delivering maximal pain.


    Unabashed hope flared in Korra as she saw Tenzin and Xing fight their way to her. The violent winds seemed to mirror the airbender master¡¯s anger and contemptuously swatted the Equalists away, while Xing pounced on his victims with cold precision.


    Korra¡¯s gaze shifted in time to catch Amon melting into the darkness as some of his followers dropped smoke bombs to cover their retreat.


    A gust of wind banished that attempt at obfuscation, and the darting form of Xing fell on more Equalists as they tried to flee.


    In the end however, they were only two men, and Amon managed to escape, judging from Tenzin¡¯s harsh complaints.


    The sounds of fighting died down, and Korra felt gentle hands pick her up before she was leaning against someone as she faced a worried Tenzin.


    ¡°Korra, are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Her body¡¯s limp,¡± came Xing¡¯s voice from beside her. ¡°They likely paralyzed her. It¡¯ll wear out in a while.¡±


    Tenzin nodded at him, though his concern remained as he returned his attention to Korra.


    ¡°Did he¡­did he take your bending away?¡±


    She managed a strangled sob, and realized she couldn¡¯t form the words right now.


    ¡°We should wait until she recovers from her paralysis, Master Tenzin. It¡¯s probably affecting her ability for speech.¡±


    That wasn¡¯t it, Korra wanted to say, was too humiliated to say. She could feel her throat working, she knew she could speak. Korra was simply still too afraid right now. Too terrified.


    Xing and Tenzin carried her out of the darkness of the museum, where Tarrlok and his task force were running towards them. Korra didn¡¯t pay attention to the curt words both councillors exchanged, caring far more about the wash of relief she now felt at seeing recognizable faces instead of the featureless goggles of the Equalists.


    A tingling sensation began to spread across her body and her breathing was slowing to something approaching calmness as she was lowered onto a bench out in the cool night air.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave the rest to you then, councilmen.¡± Xing¡¯s voice, just out of sight.


    ¡°Thank you, Xing, for coming,¡± Tenzin replied with relief.


    ¡°Yes, you have my thanks for your swift aid.¡± Tarrlok too shared the gratitude, though the back of Korra¡¯s mind noted it was somewhat begrudging. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for doubting you.¡±


    ¡°We could¡¯ve stopped¡­this whole thing from getting this far if you didn¡¯t hold them up for so long!¡± Tenzin suddenly cut in, clearly enraged at something.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware of that.¡± The words sounded like they were squeezed through gritted teeth. ¡°You have my deepest apologies, Miss Sato.¡±


    Sato?


    ¡°Republic City will of course compensate you for the damages caused to your craft.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal,¡± the smooth voice of Asami came in. ¡°I¡¯m just glad we got here in time.¡±


    Xing suddenly appeared before Korra, and her eyes shifted up to meet his gaze. For the first time in her lift, she truly felt like hiding away from the disapproval he directed at her. There was a roil of emotions in those amber eyes of his. Anger, disappointment¡­irritation¡­


    After some seconds of silence, he finally sighed. ¡°Take your time to rest up, Korra,¡± he simply said, and then walked off. Somehow, those words sounded damning to her ears.

 Chapter 29

    With the lights of the island and the airships around it fading behind them, Asami and Xing settled into a¡­well, not comfortable, but decent enough silence as she drove the speedboat across the choppy waters of Yue Bay back to the mainland. Thanks to the interdiction of Tarrlok¡¯s waterbenders earlier, there was a hole on the bow deck and a dent in the boat¡¯s engine.


    Thankfully, the damage didn¡¯t completely kill the craft and none of the ice had seeped into the system, though the boat now sputtered a bit noisily across the waves. Asami would have to remember to bill Tarrlok a premium for repairs. It was a good thing that Xing managed to persuade Tenzin to rescue Korra, otherwise they¡¯d still be idling on the waters with strained polite words while the Avatar got kidnapped or killed by the Equalists.


    Asami sighed softly as she remembered watching Xing firebend for the first time. A powerful blast of white fire from his feet tore his shoes and the lower parts of his pants¡¯ legs into smoking scraps, and sent him flying after the airbender master. Judging by the looks of the task force¡¯s benders, it must¡¯ve been a rare display indeed.


    Though with how he was now sitting barefoot beside her, she could imagine why Xing didn¡¯t bend so often. Come to think of it, it probably explained why he was hesitant to pay for decent clothes. Bah, she¡¯ll just put in another spare change of clothes in the invoice to Tarrlok.


    ¡°Thanks for coming with me,¡± Xing said all of the sudden, breaking the silence and snapping Asami out of her musings.


    The pulsing light from the boat¡¯s dashboard painted his features in a warm yellow glow as she turned to smile at him. ¡°You don¡¯t have to sugarcoat it, Xing. I insisted on coming with you.¡±


    ¡°Yet I wouldn¡¯t have made it to help Master Tenzin without this speedboat,¡± he smoothly replied, patting the armrest.


    Yeah, right. He could¡¯ve just rocketed over if he hadn¡¯t gone along with Asami¡¯s demands or cared to assuage her doubts. Of course Xing was too nice to bring up that fact of being burdened by having her alon-


    Oh spirits.


    Asami froze a little, and at the edge of her vision she saw Xing shift in concern. She quickly shook off his concern with a nervous smile before returning her attention back to the dark waves before her, while her mind reeled at a sudden revelation.


    Was this what Xing endured before this? Having to bend over backwards for the Avatar and others while trying to accomplish his duties? Having to trudge on despite the skepticism and doubts of those he worked for?


    Was¡­was Asami becoming like Korra? Was she starting to take him for granted?


    That thought sent her skin crawling, and Asami found herself glancing back at Xing. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for making you bring me along,¡± she said regretfully.


    At Xing¡¯s confusion, the heiress drew in a breath before speaking again, her mind slowly revealing her pettiness even as she formed the words. ¡°I should¡¯ve let you head off without me. I should¡¯ve trusted you. If things had gone bad, I would have been another burden to you¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not a burden, Asami,¡± Xing firmly replied, a deep frown on his face.


    ¡°But I should not have doubted you,¡± she pressed. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have let myself be so¡­so stupidly jealous.¡±


    His head tilted to one side, and he dared to keep arguing for her. ¡°You have a reasonable concern about my¡­commitments. We¡¯ve only recently met, our stations are vastly different-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve proven yourself already,¡± she cut in, her head almost snapping back towards him. ¡°You¡¯ve been kind, smart, patient¡­ ¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve proven myself to Future Industries, maybe,¡± Xing corrected softly. ¡°But I¡¯ve yet to prove myself to you, personally.¡±


    Asami blinked. ¡°Why are you so¡­okay with¡­with this?¡±


    ¡°Being on the lower end of the relationship makes certain things more apparent,¡± he answered with a shrug. ¡°I¡¯m essentially a nobody in this city; It¡¯s easy for me to become a parasite or a swindler, just as it¡¯s easy for me to be¡­discarded once the amusement I offer wears off.¡±


    A sudden petulant thought struck and Asami killed the engines to the boat. ¡°Asami¡­?¡±


    She turned to him with a bit of a petulant pout. ¡°Xing, you seem to have no idea how much you mean to me. I know there¡¯s a risk that you¡¯re only with me for my wealth-¡±


    And the revulsion that immediately flashed across his face even before she finished that sentence told her how little of a risk that was.


    ¡°-but I trust you. And I shouldn¡¯t have let stupid thoughts about Korra affect that trust. You don¡¯t have to dress up my mistakes.¡±


    There was a pause, and then Asami made herself say it. ¡°I¡¯m not Korra or the White Lotus. I don¡¯t want to be like them.¡±


    Xing¡¯s eyes went wide as he seemed to finally grasp what she was getting at. ¡°I never¡­¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± she replied with a sad smile, as she brought a hand up to lightly stroke his cheek.. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t mean I couldn¡¯t have ended up like them. You¡¯re too capable, Xing. Too accommodating. You make it so easy to be relied upon.¡±


    An awkward silence fell before Xing finally nodded. ¡°I¡­don¡¯t know what to say¡­¡±This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Asami broke into a chuckle. ¡°Good. I don¡¯t want to keep hammering home how much I suck.¡±


    She threw him a playful glare as he raised a finger. ¡°Well¡­let¡¯s just say that maybe we both have our biases¡­¡±


    ¡°Fine, that works.¡±


    Another awkward pause fell between them, filled by the sounds of the waves rocking against the boat.


    ¡°Asami?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Xing?¡±


    ¡°Are you going to start the boat again?¡±


    That¡¯s a good question. Now that the heat of the moment had passed, did she really need to strand them in the middle of the bay?


    Asami rose up from her seat and glanced up to the night skies, finding the distant lights of the police airships lazily floating over the city line and the memorial island. Too far away to notice an unpowered boat in the waters.


    She felt his gaze follow her as she walked to the back of the boat while crushing down the spike of nervousness. ¡°Xing¡­ You said you haven¡¯t proven yourself to me, right?¡±


    Before he could nod, Asami quickly slipped out of her jacket, ignoring the biting cold as she stood challengingly before her boyfriend. ¡°Would you like to do so now?¡±


    She imagined hearing Xing blink at her as she started shivering before him.


    ¡°Wha- Asami?¡±


    Asami threw him a speculative glare, putting her hands on her hips. ¡°I said¡­would you like to prove yourself now?¡± She saw how his body shifted, and then sighed. ¡°Forget Future Industries, forget everything else. Be selfish for once. Do. You. Want. Me?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    For a moment, as another heavy veil of silence seemed to manifest, Asami feared that her gambit had failed in an embarrassing manner. As she began regretting making a fool of herself though, Xing got up and slowly walked towards her. His amber eyes seemed to glow under the starlight.


    ¡°I would like to,¡± he finally answered in a near whisper. She could hear the question hanging to those words, and answered it with a resolute stare.


    ¡°Then come and prove yourself.¡±


    *****


    Having been night fishing up until now, it was still taking Lidai some time to acclimatize to going to bed before the sun rose. But rather than struggle too much against it, he instead used the sleepless nights to study for his new job.


    Being in the secure comfort of his own room, which itself was within a private apartment, and having an electric light that could be turned on or off at leisure, really helped with that.


    Lidai carefully pored through the manual Xing, Ren and Kai had prepared for him. He sticked scraps of paper onto the pages to remind himself of important bits like template responses, shorthands, and maintenance of fountain pens.


    He might only be a humble typist, but that didn¡¯t mean he shouldn¡¯t take his job seriously. The whole operation of the pens especially took a lot of annotation, as Lidai had been used to the more traditional calligraphy brushes of the Earth Kingdom. The methods of wielding the instruments, along with how non-dispensable pens were compared to brushes, made for an interesting experience. Lidai¡¯s current goal was to end his first month of employment without using half his salary to replace broken pens or stacks of blotted paper.


    Still, sitting behind a desk beat squatting over rocks, and despite having to wait for the end of the month to receive it, the pay was good. Lidai only had to ignore his insecurity of earning less than the two kids¡­


    Eh, still better than Ba Sing Se politics.


    Lidai shook himself out of those distracting thoughts and returned to the manual, focusing his attention on the topic of employee privileges. Then he heard the apartment¡¯s door creak open, followed by more than one pair of cautious but heavy footsteps entering.


    Strange, Ren and Kai were already asleep, and Xing would¡¯ve padded in more confidently, nevermind the fact that he was only one person¡­


    Carefully, Lidai slowly got off his bed with as little sound as he could. He silently stalked toward his room¡¯s closed door and reached for his retired fishing pole nestled in the corner. As he grabbed at the tool, he slowly opened his door to snatch a peek at the intruders outsi-


    There was a soft thud as the fishing pole fell back to its place and the door opened, with Lidai staring disbelievingly. Before him, the light spilling from his room highlighting them like a spotlight, was not only Xing, but Asami as well. Like in the street plays, both froze mid-sneak as they stared at him in surprise.


    Lidai also picked up the heavy waft of sea salt, and noticed that both Xing and Asami were completely drenched.


    ¡°Uh¡­ Sorry for disturbing your sleep.¡±


    Lidai mutely stared at Xing as the two young adults hastily composed themselves before him, their wet-darkened clothes squelching softly while Xing straightened his posture and Asami pushed the clinging strands of hair away from her face.


    ¡°There was an¡­accident as we returned from Memorial Island, and the speedboat overturned.¡±


    The heiress nodded jerkily to back up Xing¡¯s explanation.


    The awkwardness was heightened as the boy cleared his throat. ¡°Considering the time, we thought it best that Asami rest in my room for the night¡­ I¡¯ll be sleeping in the living room, of course.¡±


    Again Asami nodded along, until Xing mentioned the sleeping arrangements. Then she snapped her head towards him in surprise.


    ¡°What?¡± she hissed, eyes wide.


    ¡°It¡¯d be¡­improper,¡± Xing calmly explained.


    ¡°After wh-¡± Asami stopped herself, and Lidai did not miss the look that the two exchanged before she relented with a nod.


    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­go help her settle in,¡± Xing finished, while gently pushing his accomplice onto his room. ¡°Get her dried up before she gets a cold.¡±


    Lidai simply watched as the two of them disappeared into Xing¡¯s room. Then he blinked once, twice. He glanced at the trail of wet droplets on the floor reflecting his room¡¯s light, proof that what had happened truly did just happen.


    Then he remembered that Xing, for all his competence, was still barely an adult, one that had the attention of a pretty girl like Asami. And Lidai remembered his own indiscretions when he was their age, and he sighed, not knowing if this was a good development for Xing or not.


    ¡°This is all a dream,¡± he muttered to no one in particular, as if it washed himself of any involvement. ¡°It was too dark to see what I thought I saw, I¡¯m too tired to hear what I thought I heard.¡±


    And then he returned to his room, packed away the books on his bed, then turned off the lights and tried to sleep as quickly as possible. Thankfully, in his attempt to accomplish the last task, he didn¡¯t hear any sounds from outside. Not a thud, not a squeak, not a murmur.


    In the following morning, Lidai awoke to the sound of Kai and Ren being lively, and left his room to find them questioning Xing who was sitting against his room¡¯s door.


    Did he truly spend the night out here?


    Shit, he really didn¡¯t dream it all up, did he?


    ¡°-othing from the radio. What happened last night?¡±


    He slowly rose up before giving Kai a light shrug. ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to the official report before commenting, to be safe.¡±


    ¡°Aww.¡±


    Ren threw a mild glare at Xing. ¡°Why were you sleeping out here again?¡±


    Lidai caught the slight color that crept into Xing¡¯s cheeks. ¡°Well, there was an¡­encounter with the task force last night, and-¡±


    The door behind Xing opened with a soft click, and the sleepy-eyed face of Asami peeked out mid-yawn. ¡°Xing, is breakfast rea-¡±


    Silence crashed into the apartment as everyone froze. Lidai could almost hear the blinks everyone gave as they stared at each other. He himself felt the urge to shrink back into his room, but his own eyes remained glued to the scene.


    ¡°-dy.¡±


    ¡°Asami?¡± Ren asked.


    ¡°Xing?¡± Kai followed up.


    Lidai caught the panicked look from Xing, and decided that his best option was to give the young man a silent shrug of his shoulders before retreating back into his room. He sat on his bed and reached for the manual to wait out the excited noise outside.


    Let the young ones have their fun.


    And don¡¯t get dragged into the awkwardness.

 Chapter 30

    ¡°Councilman Tarrlok, sir.¡±


    Xing gave a slight nod as he rose from his desk. ¡°Thanks, Mozi. Lead him in, please.¡±


    Stifling his bubbling curiosity, Mozi went back out of the office to usher the councillor in, and then wheeled in a tray of tea for the two men before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. The secretary then handled the councillor¡¯s retinue, guiding them to the waiting room just to the side, and finally went back to his desk to make sure nobody got too close to eavesdrop.


    Doesn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t, though.


    Mozi barely heard the soft shuffle of papers from behind the door as the muted voices had their exchange.


    ¡°-cities are done with, let us not waste further time, director.¡±


    ¡°Gladly, councilman.¡±


    Mozi immediately noted the tension in Tarrlok¡¯s voice, and the firmer tone in Xing¡¯s.


    ¡°So, what is the important offer you have for me that you had to threaten me last night?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a threat, councilman, just free advice. Considering the¡­missteps your party had already taken, simply relaying the aftermath of the Avatar¡¯s challenge to Amon to the reporters without proper vetting would be a great detriment to everyone involved. And Avatar Korra¡¯s reputation is important to the Future Industries group.¡±


    There was a soft tut - probably from Tarrlok. ¡°You might be a rising star, Director Xing, but I don¡¯t need your assistance in this matter. As bad as things might seem, I had it under control. Amon escaping-¡±


    ¡°Councilman.¡± Mozi blinked in surprise at the sheer contempt in his superior¡¯s voice.


    ¡°I am being open and honest, so as to not insult your intelligence or waste your time. I had hoped you would return the favor by doing the same.¡± A brief but heavy pause followed before Xing spoke again.


    ¡°Yesterday could have been an utter disaster. You had airships whose presence was obvious enough for anyone to avoid their detection. The Equalists managed to smuggle in their own electric lights and generators, not to mention at least two scores of their number onto Memorial Island, is proof of that.¡±


    Mozi winced sympathetically at the flat but no less sharp rebuke.


    ¡°And until the captured Equalists have been interrogated, you do not even know if they¡¯ve been there before you assigned the airships to the island. No attempt was made to sweep and secure the island before Avatar Korra¡¯s arrival, nor were there any covert observers on it to ensure her safety. Or stop Amon and at least a dozen Equalists from escaping.¡±


    The flatness in Xing¡¯s voice was replaced by dry amusement as he finished. ¡°And to top it off, when it came down to it, it was not your vaunted task force that stopped Amon from potentially removing the Avatar¡¯s bending forever, but Councilman Tenzin, who was publicly known to oppose your task force¡¯s creation. Councilman Tenzin, who, I am told by many, is a man of principle who would not lie or misremember events if asked by the press.¡±


    That all happened last night?


    The faint creaking of wood (probably) signalled Xing rising up from his seat.


    ¡°So, councilor, pray enlighten me as to how such facts could be spun in your favor if you had gone on to brief the reporters before dawn, so they could proclaim you and your task force¡¯s failure on this morning¡¯s papers? How many reporters would simply accept your words of the Equalists¡¯ perfidy without questioning how unimportant a role your task force played in the events?¡±


    A heavy pause followed, one that held Mozi¡¯s breath until Tarrlok finally replied seconds later.


    ¡°I suppose you have an idea, director?¡± He sounded small, resentful.


    Another creaking of wood meant Xing sat back down again (Mozi also made a note to get someone to fix the director¡¯s furniture). ¡°I do. A couple of ideas, in fact. The first: Future Media will provide a list of suggested actions to take, for a¡­reasonable price. Whether you and your people follow all, some, or none of it, will be up to you.¡±


    ¡°And how much exactly is this ¡®reasonable price¡¯ of yours?¡±


    ¡°No more than eight thousand yuans. And the task force will no longer include Avatar Korra in any of its future operations, without unreserved consent from herself, Councilman Tenzin, and me, in that order.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous!¡± Mozi winced as Tarrlok¡¯s voice came through the door a bit too loudly. He glanced outside, and noted with relief the curious heads in the waiting room turning about but not moving to check on him.


    ¡°You have no right to claim control over Korra!¡±


    Xing¡¯s voice hardened dangerously. ¡°Neither do you.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense, she¡¯s publicly joined the task force.¡±


    ¡°And look where that could¡¯ve led, if things were allowed to play out last night. As far as I¡¯m aware you didn¡¯t even attempt to rein her in when she issued that stupid challenge in the first place.¡±


    The quiet that followed was tight with tension, and Mozi himself braced his hands on his chair¡¯s armrests, ready to leap up to enter the office in case things snapped.


    ¡°The Equalists are an underground organization that has plagued Republic City for some time now, the scope of its members and resources unknown, its leader an unidentified man hiding behind a mask that has thus far avoided any public appearance. Avatar Korra on the other hand is a public figure, one of huge importance not just to the city, but to the world. Amon¡¯s secretive nature meant that he was never going to face her fairly, and Avatar Korra is too tempting a target for the Equalists¡¯ ideology to not attempt an ambush on.¡±


    Another brief silence, and then it was impossible to miss the implied threat in Xing¡¯s next words. ¡°I will assume that those obvious facts got past you in the excitement of the moment, councilman.¡±


    More silence, and then Tarrlok seemed to force himself to speak through grinding teeth. ¡°Yes¡­I was¡­elated in having Korra on board.¡±This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°Then I suggest you do not repeat that mistake by putting her in the same situation again, councilman. You¡¯ve already got the legitimacy and clout you wanted by recruiting the Avatar. Do not ruin it all by risking her life in pointless gambits. She can make appearances in easy raids every now and then, if you have to keep up appearances.¡±


    The pause that followed this time seemed to be marinated in the humiliation of Councilman Tarrlok. For a moment, Mozi almost marveled at the sadism of his director who had twisted the verbal dagger so cruelly, but then remembered his own family affairs.


    For all the highlighting of Tarrlok¡¯s mistakes, Xing¡¯s blackmailing didn¡¯t seem to carry the usual onerous terms the older families tended to favor. There were no calls for Tarrlok to resign in favor of someone else, no onerous ¡®gifts¡¯ to be made to Xing, no concessions to be given to Future Media¡­ Not even a request for the claims to choice pieces of land in the United Republic, a staple investment of many Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom families.


    Xing might be heavy handed in humiliating Tarrlok, but he was pulling back his slaps with it.


    Then Mozi wondered if Tarrlok knew this as well?


    Said councilman finally spoke up after an overbearing pause. ¡°You said you had a second offer?¡±


    And again the director answered without missing a beat. ¡°Future Media will assign specialists to directly guide public relations of your task force. You will say and do what we tell you to, when we tell you to. Every appearance and every speech will be carefully crafted to ensure positive reception by your peers, and the public. Nobody in the task force will say or do anything that has not been approved by us. You will consult with us before launching any operations, to allow for suitable preparations for success or failure.¡±


    Mozi¡¯s eyes widened as he heard all of that, and the first thought that came to his mind was: We have specialists?


    ¡°Of course, the cost of this service will be a premium.¡±


    Again heavy silence flowed out through the office door, and it took a while longer than before for Tarrlok to reply. Judging by his voice, the councillor was probably gritting his teeth.


    ¡°The task force¡¯s resources are limited. I will have to be prudent in my spending and select the former option.¡±


    Mozi could easily imagine Xing giving a curt nod in return. ¡°Then I will have the list sent to you by the end of the day, alongside the invoice.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. I will ensure that you receive your payment in time.¡±


    A soft creak spoiled the tension as Xing got up from his seat. ¡°I appreciate the assurance, councilman.¡±


    ¡°And¡­thank you for your¡­advice.¡±


    Mozi did his best to feign obliviousness as the office door finally opened and the two men left it. Tarrlok unsurprisingly looked utterly and impotently displeased. Xing on the other hand seemed stone faced, though the secretary did catch the flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.


    ¡°Mozi, kindly see the councilman and his people out.¡±


    ¡°Of course, sir.¡±


    It was only as Xing returned to his office that Mozi heard what he thought was a sigh of relief coming through the closing door. As a dutiful assistant, he made sure not to register the words that followed that sigh.


    ¡°Fuck that was satisfying¡­should¡¯ve done the same to Altaq and Katara¡­¡±


    *****


    ¡°Once more, your assistance has proven invaluable, Hiroshi.¡±


    Hiroshi gave a short nod as he kept a distracted eye on the report before him. ¡°I¡¯m just glad I managed to get you out of that whole mess.¡±


    Despite his near capture, Amon seemed unflappable. ¡°While our read on the Avatar seems to be correct, it appears that we have miscalculated the people supporting her.¡±


    And quite badly too. Through unwitting insiders and innocent social gatherings, even Hiroshi had a good picture of Tarrlok to predict his movements with some accuracy. Based on what they understood of him and his task force¡¯s operations, they could have banked on his political greed and arrogance to capture Korra without issue.


    But it seems that even Amon had misjudged Tenzin¡¯s indecisiveness, or factored in Xing¡¯s old loyalties to affect it.


    Hiroshi frowned at that last thought. Not only had Xing intervened last night, but as he surfaced the submarine - one of the many designs officially listed as a developmental deadend but are currently being produced for the Equalist cause - Hiroshi spied the unmistakable red hull of Asami¡¯s private boat docked by Memorial Island¡¯s port.


    The boy had managed to loan Asami¡¯s boat, the tycoon had initially thought.


    But then he made an innocuous call back home, and was horrified as he listened to his daughter proudly and excitedly retelling how Xing came to her seeking permission and assistance in the Avatar being a reckless fool, and how she had come up with the idea to drive Xing over to the island herself.


    Asami was so animated describing how Tarrlok¡¯s task force almost sank the boat with their waterbenders, and Hiroshi made a note to make sure that councilman and his flunkeys would pay for almost harming his little girl. She also spoke of Xing shooting across the sea with firebending to follow after Tenzin.


    Hiroshi was incensed at the thought of the new director charming Asami into following him, that he¡¯d put her in danger like that. Was he planning to use Asami as a convenient excuse if things went wrong? That he was also responsible for the ambush¡¯s failure further infuriated the industrialist.


    Yet despite Xing¡¯s involvement, Amon wasn¡¯t as offended as Hiroshi.


    ¡°The young director is more competent than we have thought,¡± he cooly said instead, without any grudge or disdain. ¡°And clearly he has the favor of your daughter.¡±


    Hiroshi scowled at that reminder. Maybe it was a bad idea nurturing the boy¡¯s talents¡­


    ¡°We could use this to our advantage.¡±


    And the tycoon snapped out of his angry thoughts to blink at the masked Equalist leader. ¡°Use him? But he¡¯s a bender.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not the first unwitting bender we have used,¡± Amon reminded. ¡°Besides, there¡¯s word from Air Temple Island that Director Xing might not be the best bender¡­¡±


    Hiroshi¡¯s eyes boggled. ¡°But you said yourself he took down at least half a dozen of us!¡±


    Amon nodded too calmly at that. ¡°He did. But not once did he use his firebending. Rumors suggest that Xing¡¯s firebending is¡­defective, somehow.¡±


    ¡°Defective?¡± How does bending get defective?


    ¡°Indeed. The words were taken straight from the Avatar¡¯s mouth, who was keen to remind people of that fact when he was still serving under her.¡±


    Hiroshi kept silent for a moment, trying to understand what Amon was getting at. He gave the masked leader a pointed look, and received a slight nod in reply.


    ¡°We¡¯ve known that - thanks to reliable sources including your daughter - relations between Xing and young Korra were quite poor to start with. Perhaps, as a ¡®defective¡¯ bender, he was treated poorly. Perhaps he holds a grudge against her, and maybe even the White Lotus as a whole, for that. It is worth investigating.¡±


    ¡°But Xing intervened last night,¡± Hiroshi reminded, and once again the mask bobbed down a little.


    ¡°He did. But as your daughter herself had said, he did so looking out for your company¡¯s interest first and foremost.¡±


    ¡°Asami could¡¯ve been fooled,¡± Hiroshi grumbled.


    ¡°True,¡± Amon conceded. ¡°But you yourself have admitted to trusting the boy¡¯s character, however begrudgingly.¡±


    ¡°Only for the ideas that might benefit us.¡±


    Hiroshi could feel the devious smile forming behind Amon¡¯s mask. ¡°And wouldn¡¯t that be better harnessed if Xing joined us instead?¡±


    ¡°Join us?¡± he balked in response. ¡°Just because he¡¯s a defective bender-¡±


    ¡°Means he might not hold his bending dear to him,¡± Amon casually interrupted. ¡°Xing will either be a capable enemy, or a capable ally. At this stage, we would have little to lose exploring the latter. If he disdains his ¡®broken¡¯ state, then perhaps we might ¡®fix¡¯ it for him. Equalize him, and bring him into the fold.¡±


    Hiroshi felt his lips tugging back in a snarl. ¡°Are you suggesting that I use Asami-¡±


    ¡°Not use,¡± Amon hastily corrected. ¡°Your daughter is too precious to you for such a thing. But we could use her name instead? Tempt the boy, see how far he¡¯d go for her. He has achieved much in his short stay in this city, without resorting to his bending. Encourage that, exacerbate his discontent against the Avatar.¡±


    Well, that sounded¡­less offensive. But yes, maybe Hiroshi could figure out a few tests for Xing¡­


    ¡°What if he wants to be a proper firebender instead?¡±


    ¡°Then we remove him,¡± was the simple answer.


    Hiroshi hummed in annoyance as he mulled the idea over for a moment.


    ¡°If things go well, would it not be good to have your daughter paired with such a competent partner?¡±


    He grimaced at that notion, despite acknowledging for a fact that Asami finding a good, reliable husband was the best thing for her. Better than settling for the likes of Dao¡¯s sons, at the very least.


    ¡°Besides, if you still disapprove of Xing by the end of all of this, it¡¯d be easier to dispose of him without his bending.¡±


    Now that was a good point.

 Chapter 31

    Of course Ren lost the stupid draw. She should¡¯ve kept her mouth shut and let Kai do the teasing with Xing and Asami. But nooo, Ren had to let the excitement get to her and poke at the couple.


    And for that, she was now following Xing to the police headquarters to meet with the ¡®Ironclad¡¯ Lin Beifong, while Kai was probably enjoying himself stamping some paperwork or something. Ren didn¡¯t know how, but she was almost certain that Xing had rigged the draw against her.


    What¡¯s done was done though, so now the junior aide (and boy was that a nice title to have compared to merely ¡®intern¡¯) followed after Xing while her mouth grumbled softly all the way. Ren instinctively hunched a little and shrank into herself as they passed through the headquarter¡¯s entrance. Her time in the streets had ingrained a wariness of the police that she was now struggling against. Even in a clean and tidy office suit, the girl felt like any moment one of the metal-wrapped lawmen would grab her and start asking questions about the triads she no longer lived under.


    It wasn¡¯t that the police were cruel, instead it was the fact Ren had seen countless times already the people being released being swiftly pounced on by the Agni Kai. The moment you went with the police, you picked up suspicion, and the triads were not gentle in clearing up that suspicion. Stall vendors, ¡®freelance¡¯ workers like Ren, and even lower ranking gang members had been found floating out to Yue¡¯s Bay just because the metalbending police took them in for a day of questioning.


    ¡°Relax, Ren,¡± Xing said, his voice suddenly beside her and a hand gently pressed against her back to guide her forwards. ¡°You¡¯re just here for work. No one¡¯s going to do whatever you¡¯re thinking of.¡±


    Ren gulped as she turned to him to offer a nervous nod, and then consciously kept her legs moving as they were ushered to the Ironclad¡¯s office.


    ¡°Welcome,¡± the dreaded police chief greeted as she rose up from her desk. Ren noticed the scars on Lin¡¯s face, and remembered that for all the raids she personally led, and for all the assassination attempts early in her career as chief of police, nobody had managed to leave any new marks on her.


    At least that¡¯s what they all said. For all Ren knew, the chief might¡¯ve gone to the healers every now and then, though if that¡¯s the case why would she leave the scars on her face?


    ¡°Chief Beifong,¡± Xing greeted, completely calm unlike Ren.


    ¡°Lin¡¯s fine, Director Xing.¡± Lin gave him a curt nod, and then her steely gaze shifted to Ren who fought hard to not shrink away. ¡°And you are¡­Ren?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s here on behalf of Asami Sato,¡± Xing smoothly cut in, redirecting her attention back to him. ¡°Miss Asami sends her apologies for not attending this meeting personally, but she has to deal with the¡­aftermath of last night¡¯s events.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°On our way to provide assistance, we were interdicted by Councilman Tarrlok¡¯s task force. Due to¡­miscommunication, they attempted to stop us, resulting in the damage to Miss Asami¡¯s personal speedboat.¡±


    Lin¡¯s eyebrow arched up. ¡°She¡¯s busy fixing her boat?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s ascertaining the extent of repairs that would be required,¡± Xing amended with a slight smirk. ¡°After all, Councilman Tarrlok had agreed to fully compensate her for the damage, so she has to be careful not to overcharge him.¡±


    The disapproval melted away from the police chief, quickly replaced by dry amusement. ¡°Hah. And undercharge, I bet. Serves the man right.¡±


    And Ren flinched as the Ironclad¡¯s eyes fixed onto her again. It wasn¡¯t hostile or intense, but it still made the girl feel like a rodent under the gaze of a mantishawk. ¡°Still, didn¡¯t expect the Satos to be hiring such young help.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an attempt to give Ren a chance at a better life,¡± came the unphased (and probably rehearsed) reply. ¡°Miss Asami was most distraught about the conditions she and her friend Kai were living in, and was keen on making a meaningful change. Still, I can assure you that Ren here has been handling her role diligently.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. Good on her, then.¡± Lin¡¯s gaze bore into Ren for a second more before shifting away. ¡°Here, take a seat.¡±


    The young aide quickly climbed onto one of the offered chairs, keeping her back straight as she watched the police chief return to her own seat opposite from her.


    ¡°Now then, Tenzin said you wanted to talk about security?¡±


    Xing made a show of clearing his throat before responding. ¡°Yes, Chief Lin. You¡¯ve read the reports of Avatar Korra challenging Amon the other night?¡±


    ¡°Which one?¡± Lin asked, the edge of her lips tugging into a sour smirk. ¡°The one Tenzin passed to me, or the one going through the airwaves and newspapers?¡±


    Apparently, it only took one morning for Xing to come up with the report of what had happened, then passed it to Asami for confirmation, and the evening papers were spreading the Equalists¡¯ failed attempt at foul play. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Over the course of just one day, people were now going on about how wily the Equalists were, not only in trying to take advantage of Korra¡¯s righteousness to ambush, but also in the fact that they had done so under Tarrlok¡¯s nose. The task force almost realized the treachery too late, though thankfully, Tenzin was around at that time and used his airbending to bravely dash ahead of everyone to reach Korra before the Equalists¡¯ trap fully closed on her.


    Despite Amon ultimately fleeing while his men fought, the task force did capture more than a dozen hardcore Equalists, so it was considered a small but important victory overall. Everyone now knew Amon as a deceitful coward, and well wishes were being sent through the radio for Korra as she recovered in Air Temple Island.


    As Ren wasn¡¯t there herself, she had to judge that the public version of the event was half-accurate based on how Asami reacted with wry amusement.


    And thanks to the heiress pointing it out, Ren realized that nowhere did the public version actually say that Tarrlok¡¯s task force fought the Equalists, or explain why they weren¡¯t even close to Memorial Island in the first place. The wording was vague enough at enough points for people to jump to various conclusions, which was what Xing wanted apparently.


    Through Future Media, the councilman - or more likely just Xing using his name - had put out a statement apologizing to everyone for his task force¡¯s failure, promising to do a thorough investigation to determine how the Equalists slipped through them. The way it was worded, it sounded like someone might¡¯ve snitched to the Equalists.


    ¡°Assuming that Tarrlok actually had a plan in the first place,¡± Asami noted derisively when she heard it over the radio.


    Xing lightly shrugged off the unsaid accusation of twisting the truth. ¡°Both are relevant. I hope that Councilman Tarrlok has apologized to you?¡±


    ¡°You can call it that,¡± Lin replied, still unamused. ¡°Your doing?¡±


    ¡°I merely suggested that the task force should not be so callous and single-minded in carrying out its duties, and reminded the councilman that he is not alone in seeking peace in Republic City.¡±


    Basically: don¡¯t piss off the police or anyone else, especially by calling dibs on their stuff, if Ren understood correctly.


    ¡°Huh, is that so?¡±


    Xing gave a shrug, and the chief of police was smirking as she shook her head. ¡°He actually put out a formal request for coordinating his task force with the police now, you know that? First time anyone in the council has ever done something like that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a good display of solidarity,¡± the director beside Ren simply said. ¡°Admittedly, part of why I¡¯m here is to convince you to publicly accept the request. And in a humble manner.¡± He paused just enough to receive a look from Lin, and then continued.


    ¡°As I said, it¡¯ll be a good show of unity for the public. It shows that the higher ups in the city are being serious and are working together to solve the Equalist issue. And while it¡¯ll be naive to think that the councilman would extend his task force¡¯s full cooperation, at least now your department will have access to the information that he has, even if it might be to a lesser degree. And with the terms of cooperation being made public, he can¡¯t just unilaterally requisition your airships, benders or other resources. Not without the journalists being ready to report any sourness in relations between your two groups.¡±


    So it¡¯s Xing trying to fuck Tarrlok up by forcing him to play nice? Ren almost smirked in front of the scary lady at that thought.


    ¡°Hm¡­ Makes sense.¡± Lin threw him a speculative look. ¡°He¡¯d actually go along with this?¡±


    And Ren correctly anticipated Xing¡¯s grin before he answered. ¡°He has no choice but to do so. For the greater good of Republic City, of course.¡±


    The smirk infected the police chief as well, and she gave a nod as what sounded like a short chuckle escaped her. ¡°The greater good¡­ Heh. It¡¯ll mean more work for us, probably.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯ll also mean you won¡¯t be hindered either. Councilman Tarrlok is a man who takes great care of his reputation. Do not begrudge him credit, even if it¡¯s undeserved, and he will be¡­compliant enough to allow real work to be done.¡±


    ¡°You sound like you¡¯ve been living here for longer than a few months,¡± Lin remarked with a faint smile. After Xing gave a casual shrug and nothing else, her expression hardened a little.


    ¡°So that¡¯s one part of why you¡¯re here. What¡¯s the others?¡±


    As a reply, the director glanced at Ren, and she carefully laid the file she¡¯d been carrying onto the desk. Gulping down her nerves, the girl spoke up for the first time since she entered the building.


    ¡°Future Industries has prepared more comprehensive prototypes for the new Satomobile features, uh, and Miss Asami cordially invites you to review their performance.¡±


    Ren gave a quick look to Xing, who nodded encouragingly, and then continued, trying to meet Lin¡¯s even gaze without flinching away. ¡°Sh-she¡¯s offering this preview only to Republic City¡¯s police and members of the council. Um, Miss Asami hopes that you would be able to attend, if only to hear your honest and experienced thoughts on the new safety features.¡±


    The chief rolled her eyes. ¡°Relax, girl, I¡¯m not going to lock you away.¡± Then she gave both Ren and Xing a puzzled look. ¡°I¡¯d thought an important demo like this would be displayed to a wider audience.¡±


    Thankfully, Xing did the rest of the talking. ¡°The public will get their turn later. To be blunt, we¡¯d like to gain the approval and recommendation of the city¡¯s authorities first. If things go well, it might affect future traffic policies for the United Republic.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really aiming high, huh?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to think Future Industries is producing something that would be vital in preserving a significant amount of lives in the future. Especially as vehicles continue to replace benders and animal-drawn carriages as the default means of long-distance transport.¡±


    Lin kept silent for a thoughtful second before nodding at Ren. ¡°Fine, tell Asami Sato I¡¯ll be there, along with a few of my deputies.¡±


    Ren bowed her head, barely holding back the urge to exhale with relief. ¡°Thank you, Chief Lin.¡±


    ¡°Hm. Is there anything else then?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you can provide any information on the Equalists¡¯ habits and reach for¡­private investigation?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s confidential,¡± Lin immediately replied, her mouth pressed into a thin line. ¡°I can¡¯t just give out information that might compromise our efforts against them.¡±


    XIng didn¡¯t seem at all phased by the blunt rejection. ¡°Understandable. Ah, one last thing,¡± Xing said while raising a hand. ¡°Since I have your attention, Chief Lin, are there any issues on your end if Future Media carried out streetside promotions or private soup kitchen programs?¡±


    ¡°Eh?¡± Whatever Lin had expected, clearly it wasn¡¯t that tangent of a question. ¡°I¡¯ll¡­need to know the details¡­¡± Ren herself didn¡¯t know what exactly was planned here, only that both Xing and Asami had been talking about it.


    Hopefully they didn¡¯t discuss it while they were going all kissy kissy and rocking the boat until it flipped.


    Though, disturbingly, it made would complete sense to Ren if they did.

 Chapter 32

    ¡°Hi Korra.¡±


    Glad to be distracted from her thoughts, Korra turned away from the airbending gates towards the familiar voice of Bolin.


    The younger Fire Ferret brother wore a concerned smile, an expression that Korra by now was getting tired of receiving. Still, Korra put up a smile as she returned the greeting.


    ¡°Oh, hi Bolin. What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°Uh, I just came to see how you¡¯re holding up,¡± he answered innocently, and then beamed what probably was a reassuring grin. ¡°Mako and I are patiently waiting for your return to practice. Wait ¡®til you see the fans who¡¯ve been hanging by our place. You¡¯ve got a lot of people waiting for you, Korra.¡±


    The Avatar fought against rolling her eyes as she sighed. ¡°I bet¡­¡± In the two days after her¡­rescue from Amon, a whole stack of letters were delivered to Air Temple Island, addressed to her. Fanmail. If it were another occasion, Korra would¡¯ve probably read through each and every one of them eagerly, and spend days figuring out which letters to cherish and reread.


    But right now, just going through one short letter was an ordeal in itself. Something twisted in her guts as she how some child she never met was wishing her a speedy recovery and return to Republic City, so that the Fire Ferrets would win the tournament, and so that she would get revenge on Amon for his dirty tactics.


    Korra couldn¡¯t stand the reminder of her humiliating defeat, and the fact that the whole world seemed to know about it.


    Sure, it might have been dressed up to everyone else (Xing probably played a hand in that) but the fact remained that Korra had lost. She, a bender of three elements, faced off against a mob of non-benders and lost.


    Because she basically flung herself into that trap. A trap that she herself had laid out, against herself.


    It was obvious in painful hindsight that Amon would¡¯ve been lying in wait for her. The villain had been working in the shadows of Republic City for so long, how can he not keep playing dirty, especially when the Avatar herself offered him the perfect opportunity?


    Why did she think that he¡¯d actually face her one on one?


    If not for Tenzin¡¯s airbended haste and Xing rocketing after him, Korra would¡¯ve been completely at the mercy of Amon. A captured Avatar, made utterly helpless because of her own idiocy.


    A part of her was glad that Xing hadn¡¯t said much that night. There was no ¡®I told you so¡¯ or the lectures on recklessness. But at the same time, the look he gave her¡­


    Korra quietly wished to herself that only Tenzin had arrived to rescue her. Xing¡¯s resigned disappointment made her feel so small, so¡­so useless. The weight of his gaze, along with the haunting memory of her defeat, clung over her like a wet cloak.


    And so Korra tried not to wince when Tenzin and the other people on Air Temple Island looked at her with heavy concern as they offered their sympathies, even if it reminded her of how badly she¡¯d failed. She kept away from the letters as the encouraging words were instead read as mockery. She barely contained her utter relief when Tenzin told her that she¡¯d no longer be involved with Tarrlok¡¯s task force.


    If she could help it, Korra would gladly spend the rest of her time on Air Temple Island, until the pall of shame hanging over her disappeared. But the outside world didn¡¯t seem to be having any of that, as Bolin¡¯s visit seemed to hint.


    ¡°Hey, are you alright?¡± the boy asked, deeply concerned.


    Shaking off her dour thoughts, Korra forced a smile. ¡°Yeah¡­ Yeah, I was just¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey, no worries!¡± Bolin quickly interjected. ¡°You got jumped by the Equalists, after all. That¡¯s no small thing.¡±


    And Korra¡¯s guts churned at the sincere sympathy shining through in his eyes. Just like the letters, it didn¡¯t matter to him that the Avatar had lost to a bunch of non-benders. Bolin didn¡¯t seem to care about the significance of her defeat, and seeing it in person¡­ It was simultaneously heartening, humbling and humiliating.


    Bolin¡¯s concern was suddenly replaced with a bout of nervousness. ¡°I¡¯m just here to, uh, see how you were doing. No pressure, y¡¯know? If you¡¯re more comfortable being alone-¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Korra immediately answered before she realized it. ¡°I¡­I could do with another friendly face.¡± There was a reassurance in having someone her age who wasn¡¯t Xing around, and someone who wasn¡¯t keeping such a worried eye on her like Tenzin or Pema.


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    A real friend. Hopefully.


    The earthbender¡¯s face brightened instantly with a wide smile as he puffed up. ¡°I can do friendly. If you wanna talk, I¡¯ll listen. Or if you don¡¯t, that¡¯s fine too.¡±


    It was hard not to smile at that. ¡°Thanks, Bolin.¡±


    ¡°Not a problem.¡± Bolin scratched the back of his head as he chuckled, and Korra thought she saw another flash of nervousness under his grin. ¡°So¡­uh, whatcha doing now?¡±


    Korra glanced back to the airbending gates. ¡°Just¡­thinking.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­thinking¡¯s good.¡±


    Was it?


    ¡°I just¡­I can¡¯t help thinking back to¡­that night,¡± she huffed, her thoughts threatening to return back to how the whole fight might¡¯ve played out if she had only mastered airbending, or if she could¡¯ve jus-


    ¡°Yeah, I get it.¡± And surprisingly, Bolin sounded like he did.


    Korra¡¯s attention returned to the pro-bender, and found him wearing a soft, empathic smile.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s not as dangerous as what you went through, but whenever we lost matches in the arena, especially back when we first started¡­ I could go on thinking about the loss for a whole week, and it messed up my appetite and practice.¡±


    A self-deprecating chuckle left his lips. ¡°Those first losses almost made us lose even more because I kept second-guessing myself in the arena. Mako got angry of course, but eventually I got over it.¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    Bolin looked like he was ready to answer, but then a realization flashed behind his eyes and all his humble confidence fled him as he offered a sheepish shrug. ¡°I, uh¡­ I¡¯m not sure? I mean, I stopped letting the losses get to my head and distract me, but¡­um, I guess I just forced myself to just learn from my mistakes and move on. Focus on preparing for the next game. Uh, maybe I got more afraid of Mako scolding me? Eheh¡­¡±


    Korra blinked. That was¡­somewhat useful advice. Still, a grateful smile formed as she nodded at him. ¡°Thanks, Bolin. But I think I¡¯ll try finding a different method instead.¡±


    ¡°Sure. Maybe between the two of us we can figure something out? Uh, not that it just has to be the two of us, of course. We can get Hanh and my brother to join in.¡±


    It was immensely refreshing to receive such gentle support and advice, compared to Xing¡¯s wry retorts or exasperated sighs.


    ¡°Yeah, that sounds like a plan.¡± Then an image of a crowd of people waiting for her in Republic City, waiting to ask about her defeat, flashed through Korra¡¯s head. ¡°Though¡­I don¡¯t think I¡¯m prepared to return to the city yet.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s ok! Maybe I¡¯ll talk to Master Tenzin, and ask if we can hold our pro-bending practice here for a bit? I¡¯m sure Hanh and Xing would be fine with it as well.¡±


    Korra couldn¡¯t help but beam a smile at the suggestion. ¡°That sounds like a great idea.¡± Then hearing Xing¡¯s name dulled the mood.


    Bolin was quick to notice. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± she huffed. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­¡± The image of her former minder pouncing on the Equalists alongside Tenzin popped up in the back of the Avatar¡¯s head, and she let out a drawn out sigh. ¡°He¡¯ll be insufferable.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯ll be?¡±


    ¡°Xing.¡± Korra rolled her eyes even as she pushed down on the shame that began to well up. ¡°He¡¯ll probably come over to make some backhanded remark about me continuing pro-bending or something.¡±


    At the earthbender¡¯s puzzled expression, she shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s his thing. He likes saying ¡®I told you so¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Um¡­but that¡¯d mean he was right in the first place, right¡­? To be able to tell you so?¡±


    Shit.


    Barely suppressing a wince, Korra quickly defended herself. ¡°It¡¯s not like it¡¯s hard being right, when all he tells you is to sit back and do nothing! Don¡¯t do this, don¡¯t do that¡­ If I listened to Xing all the time, I¡¯d be stuck in the South Pole doing nothing but practicing bending forms. I wouldn¡¯t be here now, as part of the Fire Ferrets.¡±


    ¡°You have a point,¡± Bolin conceded, which gave Korra a rush of vindication.


    ¡°Right? I mean, I¡¯m the Avatar, I¡¯m supposed to go out there and help people. Aang was much younger than me when he traveled the world to stop Ozai. He learned and grew from the people he met and places he visited.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s true¡­¡±


    Giving in to the urge to vent, Korra began pacing about as she gestured with her hands. ¡°Just because they made it Xing¡¯s job to watch over me, doesn¡¯t mean he has to be such a stick in the mud about it! Am I supposed to just sit back and do nothing? Why can¡¯t he be like Sokka, who supported Aang in his journey?¡±


    ¡°Sokka? Shouldn¡¯t he be more like Zuko, since they¡¯re both firebenders?¡±


    Korra blinked as she realized too late that she might¡¯ve just run her mouth off a bit too much.


    ¡°Xing¡¯s a firebender, but doesn¡¯t use it very often because it¡¯s¡­wonky,¡± she said. ¡°Even when we get into trouble, he sticks to his fists or words.¡± Which got the extremes of bloody or slimily smooth results.


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Bolin hummed for a second before shrugging and breaking into a reassuring smile. ¡°Well, at least now you don¡¯t have to worry about all of that anymore, since he¡¯s not your minder.¡±


    She begged to differ. ¡°It¡¯s kinda worse now that he¡¯s technically my boss, though.¡±


    ¡°Only for a while!¡± came his quick reply. ¡°We can renegotiate the contract after the tournament, so if you really don¡¯t like it, the Fire Ferrets can leave the sponsorship deal with Future Industries.¡±


    That made Korra frown with concern. ¡°Are you sure? I mean, you and Mako¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± the earthbender said with a grin. ¡°It¡¯s not like we can¡¯t rough it out for a while¡­ Besides, we¡¯ll still have the Avatar on our side, right?¡±


    The optimism was infectious, and Korra found herself mirroring his grin. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right. Thanks, Bolin.¡± Then a belated thought.


    ¡°Would Mako agree, though?¡±


    It was almost funny watching how Bolin stumbled in place. ¡°Uh, well¡­ I¡¯m sure we can talk some sense into him?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re sure,¡± she responded cheerily. Well, Mako or not, at worst Korra could just leave the Fire Ferrets. She wasn¡¯t supposed to be pro-bending long term anyway. She could get Bolin (and maybe Mako) to join her in her Xing-free adventures?


    But she¡¯d still have to figure out airbending first. That was why she came to Air Temple Island and Republic City in the first place.


    And the thought of an exasperated Xing looking disappointingly down at her popped up again.

 Chapter 33

    It admittedly took some conscious effort on Hiroshi¡¯s part to maintain a neutral expression at this particular occassion. Especially with Asami sitting to his right wearing a faint grin directed at Xing who sat across him. There was an air of playfulness from the industrialists¡¯ daughter that set off his paternal instincts, something that was no doubt related to the incident a few nights ago, and more than just the spiteful joy of wringing Tarrlok of every yuan for sinking Asami¡¯s speedboat.


    Hiroshi could only conjure up baseless suspicions based on his own youthful outings with his late wife Yasuko, but the logical side of him had to admit that it would be unfair to both Asami and Xing to act on those baseless suspicions. The boy wasn¡¯t showing any reason to earn distrust (yet), and remained unflappably professional, even downplaying his contributions in seeing through the Avatar¡¯s folly, and shaming Tarrlok and forcing the water-brained councillor into a humiliating agreement.


    If not for the former, Hiroshi would¡¯ve gladly bestowed a hefty bonus on Xing for the latter. Tarrlok was indisputably the most disagreeable of the United Republic¡¯s ruling council, barely masking his disdain for non-benders. Where the other councillors - most notably Tenzin - still offered a minimum concern for non-benders, the councilman from the Northern Water Tribe only ever pushed for preferential treatment of benders.


    Hiroshi and other industrialists, most of whom were non-benders themselves, had invested in informants among the council¡¯s staff, mostly to preempt any major shakeups - like that policy to transition from gas to electric streetlights that killed off a whole industry for firebenders, or the introduction of certifications for earthbending foundation workers. And each time without fail, they¡¯d get word of Tarrlok trying to push for some bender preferential agenda or another.


    It was thanks to his persistent obstruction that killed the investment of research into non-bending healthcare. Coupled with the continued subsidy for waterbending healers to set up their practices in the United Republic, it made preventative medicine especially underdeveloped and uncompetitive. Concessions were eventually given only because Yuanhua Pharmaceuticals had made a breakthrough in formulating a herbal remedy that effectively prevented pregnancy and the infection of most social diseases.


    More recently, Tarrlok was also responsible for pushing the frankly obscene regulations on refrigeration technology. The only reason he received support from his Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation counterparts was because he based his stance on ¡®maintaining suitable employment options¡¯ for benders. Perhaps unsurprisingly for the ice-wielding bastard, he used the slippery slope argument that allowing mechanical refrigeration to proliferate uncontrolled would not only endanger poorer waterbenders by killing off an accessible job, but also set a precedent that¡¯d see newer technology close off other avenues for impoverished benders to survive in the city.


    (Admittedly, it was a minor bonus for Hiroshi and his Equalist compatriots, but still¡­)


    Yet just months before this, that same Tarrlok had argued against the establishment of non-bender specific jobs, going on about how preferential treatment to any group of people might brew resentment among the Republic¡¯s populace.


    Thankfully, Tenzin had called the Northern Water Tribesman out on his idiocy in both occasions, though getting the other councillors to jump on board the ship of common sense was a chore as always.


    It was a pity Tarrlok was so useful as a clear and active enemy to the Equalist movement, otherwise Amon would¡¯ve likely kidnapped and strung up the councilman for propaganda long ago.


    Tarrlok aside, Xing was earning Hiroshi¡¯s begrudging approval by proving his competence. His handling of Korra¡¯s defeat to Amon had not only increased public support for the Avatar, but also converted the campaign of sympathy into generous profits for Future Industries. By utilizing plants and tactical handouts of products, the people of Republic City were now buying head- and armbands, postcards pre-addressed to Air Temple Island, and basically anything Future Industries could stamp Korra¡¯s face on, as a show of support for the brave teenage Avatar who had managed to fight off foul Amon¡¯s ambush.


    It was undoubtedly profitable, but Hiroshi still had to fight from wincing each time he mulled on how he (or more accurately Amon) was allowing this propaganda to go on unimpeded. Amon didn¡¯t seem to mind having his movement¡¯s reputation get trampled on, which Hiroshi guessed could be turned into an advantage¡­somehow¡­later down the line. Maybe the darker reputation might make dealings with the city¡¯s underworld easier?


    Regardless, it was of some relief to the industrialist that Xing wasn¡¯t going to focus on milking Equalist hate dry.


    ¡°So¡­soup kitchens?¡± he asked the media director sitting across from him.


    Xing gave a curt but confident nod. ¡°In essence, yes. Except that we¡¯ll make use of the gathered crowd.¡±


    Hiroshi wasn¡¯t the only one in the room who had his eyebrows raised at that.


    ¡°As I¡¯m sure you know, Mister Hiroshi, simple word of mouth, when utilized properly, can be more effective than newspaper advertising. Not as far reaching as radio broadcasting for sure, but it¡¯s often a far cheaper option.¡±


    ¡°True. But¡­I¡¯ll have to be blunt, what¡¯s the point of gaining the attention of the impoverished? They can¡¯t buy anything off us.¡±


    ¡°They can¡¯t, but they can serve as a resource.¡±


    Hiroshi kept silent, prompting Xing to continue with a nod of his head.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to have the Fire Ferrets visit some of those sites. It¡¯d be easy publicity, especially considering the brothers¡¯ rough past and how we¡¯re portraying them as unlikely underdogs. Nobody will begrudge them for having them spend an hour serving bowls in those stations before apologizing for having to cut their visit short to pursue their training. It¡¯s the sort of thing that the right reporters would make a story out of, and one that the middle and upper classes would lap up.¡±


    The young director formed a wry smile. ¡°It¡¯s the sort of sympathy that would bolster the team¡¯s reputation when they win the tournament, or even if they lose it - we can spin it as the brothers finding their real priorities in life. Either way, Future Industries would mostly gain positive associations for sponsoring them throughout their journey. More pertinently, we can capitalize on the goodwill and sympathy by timing your annual price increases with the positive reception of the charity works; most consumers will be associating it with the soup kitchens¡¯ operating costs.¡±


    ¡°Hm¡­ I suppose I can see that working¡­ Though isn¡¯t that rather¡­¡±


    He gave a slight shrug. ¡°Manipulative? But so¡¯s Tarrlok recruiting Avatar Korra into his task force to burnish his reputation, or how the Earth Queen always brings up the horrors of the old war along with nonsense about sovereignty and solidarity before she plunders another vassal to fill up her coffers.¡±


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    Xing blinked at the two pairs of eyes staring at him before shrugging again, this time more sheepishly.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s something I followed back when I was in the White Lotus. Anyway, the point is that it¡¯s a somewhat dirty but still legitimate tactic. And also, it might be a good distraction for Avatar Korra.¡±


    ¡°A distraction?¡±


    Xing gave a nod before elaborating. ¡°She has suffered a significant defeat, one that she might probably be feeling¡­resentful over. Before it festers to the point where she decides to act on it-¡±


    ¡°Go for another round with Amon?¡± Asami clarified, earning another nod from him.


    ¡°More or less. Before it comes to that, doing tours of the soup kitchens would allow her to mingle with her fans and supporters, and might take her mind off her defeat while she involves herself in something more constructive. At the same time, if we can¡­suggest the right words for her supporters to cheer her spirits with, we could refocus her attention back to pro-bending.¡±


    Finishing with a silent but visible exhale, Xing slowly leaned back into his seat. ¡°Of course, I cannot guarantee that these results would be achieved¡­¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s a smidge better than having the Avatar going about hunting Equalists?¡± Hiroshi wagered, earning another nod.


    ¡°It¡¯d be a loss for us considering the amount we¡¯ve invested in advertising the tournament. And pivoting Future Industries to align itself with the Avatar¡¯s crime fighting might draw unwanted attention to the corporation as a whole.¡±


    Xing sighed as he shared a worried glance with Asami before returning his attention to Hiroshi. ¡°Thankfully, the Equalists have yet to target Future Industries for its support for Avatar Korra, even if indirectly through the pro-bending sponsorship. Likely, hopefully, they¡¯re aware that damaging an influential company founded and run by a non-bender would not help their cause¡¯s image. But that could change if Future Industries supports a more militant Avatar. It could be seen as an act of aggression, in a sense.¡±


    Hiroshi had to consciously keep himself from stammering or letting the nerves show on his face. ¡°Huh¡­Huh, you¡­raise a concerning point there, Xing.¡±


    ¡°My apologies for not considering that fact earlier.¡±


    ¡°No, no. It¡¯s good that you pointed that out. We¡¯ve all been too focused on the profits.¡± Though, using that excuse¡­ Maybe Amon can work this into his plans somehow? Assuming he hasn¡¯t already taken this into consideration. ¡°I suppose it¡¯s a good thing we haven¡¯t used her involvement with Tarrlok¡¯s task force for our advertising.¡±


    ¡°Yup,¡± Asami interjected. ¡°Hence the tour of the kitchen soups; we can focus on giving Korra a friendlier face while emphasizing our own less violent involvement with her. Right, Xing?¡±


    ¡°Quite so.¡±


    Hiroshi hummed as he mulled the idea in his head. Objectively, it¡¯s a small, but not insignificant investment, for a rather long-lasting publicity stunt¡­ But at the same time, if it could keep Korra from sniffing out Equalist cells while they¡¯re still reorganizing¡­


    ¡°Hm¡­ It sounds like a plan worth trying out. Where do you plan on establishing the soup kitchens, by the way?¡±


    Xing seemed to brace himself as he sat straight once more. ¡°Therein lies the main reason I¡¯m bringing this proposal up with you personally, Mister Hiroshi. For sincerity and actual effectiveness, we¡¯ll have to set up in the back alleys of Republic City. However, the biggest issue about setting up the soup kitchens away from the main streets would be competition.¡±


    ¡°Who from?¡± the industrialist asked, right as he realized the answer.


    ¡°The triads. They run their own charity works, mostly to serve as a recruitment or meeting spot without the police airships floating by getting too suspicious.¡±


    Hiroshi sighed. That¡¯s right, the damned triads. ¡°Right. I forgot about them¡­¡±


    Xing spoke up again. ¡°From what I¡¯ve been informed, anything past the main roads and its blocks - even in areas like Downtown - are under triad influence.¡± And the further away from the main roads you got, the more illicit the businesses they control or run directly.


    ¡°Usually, while we could apply for a permit from the city council, it¡¯d be useless unless we can somehow hire round the clock security to keep the soup kitchens from being sabotaged, discounting the dangers its staff would face. I¡¯ve spoken to Chief Lin, and she can only suggest that we set up shop along areas that the police patrols would likely frequent. So if we want to proceed with this idea, realistically, we¡¯ll have to negotiate with the triads.¡±


    Hiroshi scowled, and credit to Xing, he didn¡¯t flinch as it was directed at him. ¡°I suppose you have an idea to get around this, seeing that you¡¯re bringing this up with me personally?¡±


    The media director gave a curt nod, and Hiroshi didn¡¯t miss the reassuring look Asami was giving him from the edge of his vision. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if you might know, Mister Hiroshi, the Triple Threat Triads are currently suffering a crisis of leadership after Amon stole their leader¡¯s bending.¡±


    Right, ¡°Lightning Bolt¡± Zolt was one of the first examples made. It was the same ¡®exhibition¡¯ that got interrupted by Korra too¡­ If Hiroshi remembered correctly, it was because one of the Fire Ferrets (pre-sponsorship), through some fluke, got netted as part of the show as well.


    ¡°Apparently, the captains are vying for leadership of the Triple Threats, so the triad currently fractured from infighting.¡±


    ¡°You want to throw your support behind one of them?¡± Hiroshi asked incredulously.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to use the opportunity to¡­buy the ¡®rights¡¯ to sites owned by factions who might be strapped for cash. As they¡¯re consolidating their resources to focus on their power struggles, some of the Triple Threats¡¯...social projects have been abandoned.¡±


    ¡°Like the soup kitchens?¡±


    Xing nodded. ¡°Some of them. We¡¯ll have to be careful in wording our proposal, to make sure it¡¯s clear that we¡¯re coming in as a neutral party that¡¯s not interested in supporting one side or another. Seeing that soup kitchens aren¡¯t a profitable venture by any stretch of the imagination, we should appear harmless enough.¡±


    And the Triple Threats¡¯ lieutenants would probably see the whole deal as a no-brainer, something they¡¯ve practically nothing to lose.


    ¡°Hm¡­ It¡¯s still a risky move.¡±


    ¡°It is,¡± Xing said, meeting Hiroshi¡¯s serious gaze. ¡°I¡¯m aware that this plan might have holes due to my own lack of context on Republic City¡¯s finer workings. Which is why I¡¯m bringing it up to you before anything is put into work.¡±


    Hiroshi hummed again, and then a plan of his own clicked in his head. ¡°Hm¡­ The overall idea is good, but when dealing with the triads, you can¡¯t expect them to be logical or good businesspeople.¡± He gave a huff as he slowly leaned back into his seat, flashing a frowning Asami a reassuring look. ¡°Put this proposal into ink and paper. I want the details of what sites exactly you¡¯d like to take, and why. See if you can make it all fit under 100,000 yuans, less if possible. I¡­know a guy who might offer better insight into the current state of the Triple Threats.¡±


    He met Asami¡¯s look and huffed again to interrupt the need to chuckle. ¡°What? You think I didn¡¯t have to deal with the triads when I was building up the company?¡± The embarrassment that flashed across his daughter¡¯s face was all the answer she gave.


    Then, looking back to a rather relieved Xing, Hiroshi beamed a reassuring smile. ¡°You did good coming to me first, Xing. I know people your age who¡¯d waste no time going straight into putting their great plan into action, just to prove themselves. Then they fall flat because their great plan overlooked one thing or another, and they¡¯d be forced to start over again at a deficit.¡±


    Faux exasperation filled Asami¡¯s voice as she quipped. ¡°Let me guess, you were one of them?¡±


    And Hiroshi broke into a short laugh as he stood up, prompting the other two to rise as well. ¡°Yup! Fell flat, but I managed to crawl my way back up again. I was lucky to get an investor though.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mister Hiroshi. I¡¯ll have the report sent to you within the week.¡±


    ¡°Good, good.¡± Hiroshi walked over to give his subsidiary director a friendly slap on the shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll start reaching out, and between the two of us, we¡¯ll see if we can make this work, alright?¡±


    Ideally, Amon could leverage this information to not only take advantage of the Triple Threat¡¯s infighting, but also allow Xing¡¯s plan to play out so Future Industries can buy enough goodwill to keep it above suspicion for when things really started to pick up. It¡¯d mean leaving the Avatar alone during her publicity stunts, but it¡¯s a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.


    That being said, Hiroshi would have to come up with a plan of his own to really start testing his media director¡¯s loyalties. Amon was right, unfortunately, it¡¯d be a waste of talent to simply eliminate Xing.


    Though, Hiroshi supposed, martyring the young man wasn¡¯t completely off the table. Frame him as a victim of gang violence, or the Avatar¡¯s incompetence¡­?

 Chapter 34

    Nervousness and a peek of outright fear dripped off the heavy silence in the little square several blocks behind the boutique facade lining Downtown¡¯s main avenue. What was once a haphazard intersection had grown into a public space after the usually cramped buildings in the so-called ¡®back alleys¡¯ fell into such disrepair that earthbenders leveled the area to make more space, or were razed as collateral in inter (or even intra) triad fighting.


    Lin kept a wary eye as she scanned her surroundings. Though they were not completely impoverished, the lower class inhabitants here still showed the signs of invisible oppression weighing on them. The triads¡¯ influence was pervasive throughout Republic City, and by now all Lin could do was hope that the next generation of gangsters would grow fat and complacent off their ill-gotten wealth that they became stupidly arrogant.


    The gangs had taken root in the early days of the city¡¯s founding, according to Lin¡¯s mother they mainly consisted of former soldiers on either side of the Hundred Year War. Led by discharged commanders or opportunistic businessmen, they quickly carved out their territories while Toph was building up the metalbending police force. Despite her power, the great Toph Beifong could not be everywhere at once, and Aang, Katara and Sokka were all busy forming the administration of the United Republic.


    What started as localized protection rackets grew into more complex syndicates that learned to adjust to the Republic¡¯s laws just as they were being put into effect. Lin remembered her mother¡¯s bitterness at being held back from simply crashing through the unconcealed strongholds of the Agni Kai and Triple Threat Triad, because legally they did not deserve any punitive action.


    Not without any concrete evidence, or any witnesses brave enough to testify.


    According to Auntie Katara, this whole issue of legality was what soured relations between Toph and her friends, Sokka especially. It was also what drove her to be ruthlessly thorough when she hunted down any wrongdoers. Toph would give her prey space, letting them think they¡¯ve escaped or accomplished their crimes without a hitch. Then, once they had enough of the proverbial rope, the chief of police would come down on them with all the gentleness of a landslide. Every scrap of evidence would be thrown at them and enough witnesses (all of whom quickly learned to be far more scared of the name Toph Beifong than any scarred crime lord) would come up to ensure there¡¯d be no wriggle room to negotiate.


    Lin remembered sitting in one of those trials and seeing her mother¡¯s vindictive smirk as an Agni Kai lieutenant was sentenced to decades behind bars, the accumulated price of every crime he¡¯d committed over two months delivered with interest. His lawyer didn¡¯t even try to fight for his innocence, and went straight to fighting for a lighter sentence.


    Unfortunately, however satisfying such busts were, they were infrequent and honestly, barely effective as none of the triads¡¯ leadership ever got caught. The incarcerated gangsters almost never talked, and whatever intel they did provide often proved to be useless as their gangs quickly reshuffled, went to ground, and sometimes liquidated their more damning assets like a jaguarskink shedding its tail to escape predators.


    By the time Lin took up her mother¡¯s mantle as chief of police, the dance between police and gangsters had evolved into a quiet stalemate that made things look outright peaceful to outsiders. The crime lords stuck as closely to the underside of the law as they could, while keeping the reins on their underlings loose to occupy the police. And for all their illicit operations, the triads kept their territories in order, as much to secure their power as it was to minimize police presence.


    It was why the people presently around her were almost skittish as they filtered into the square. The eyes on some of them darted about, looking for the triad enforcers that usually roamed the back alleys to maintain triad influence.


    There were no such goons to be seen though. From what Lin gathered, the power struggle within the Triple Threat had created various pockmarks in their territory, areas that were strategically unimportant enough to be abandoned. It was probably also relevant that the triad had suffered a spree of violence just a couple of days ago - which Lin only found out through unofficial channels like healers, carpenters and such.


    No surprise then that Future Media was allegedly able to breeze through their negotiations with the Triple Threat Triad to gain the rights to set up their soup kitchen here. Whichever Triple Threat captain in charge here all but gifted this square to cut his losses and consolidate his forces.


    Allegedly.


    Unfortunately, this site was all that Xing was able to secure for his questionable publicity stunt, as other areas were still heavily contested or downright volatile.


    If anything, it was a good opportunity for Lin to get a better read on the young media director. Her curiosity was definitely piqued when informants had brought news of Future Industries  reaching out to the Triple Threat Triad. It was known that Hiroshi Sato was no fan of the triads, so learning of this communication, and that it was for a Future Media project, immediately drew Lin¡¯s attention.


    For better or worse, Xing had seemed immensely grateful when the police chief said she¡¯d be personally observing the proceedings of his charity work. No attempts at deflection or even a smidge of nervousness, nothing to rile Lin¡¯s suspicions.


    Which, her mother might say, itself could be suspicious.


    Still, try as Lin might, she couldn¡¯t find anything that might suggest an untoward agenda. She saw how the quartet of stalls were set up, and there was nothing unusual about the frames nor were there any of the usual signs of hidden compartments. Nothing seemed off about the large pots of food that arrived either (she volunteered an officer to make sure). Instead of triad goons roaming about like a pack of crowhounds, there were a dozen or so men and women in neat Future Media uniforms that seemed just as nervous as the locals being here as they flipped through lists or laid out the tables and benches or went about speaking with the gathering residents.


    ¡°The truck¡¯s clear, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Absently, Lin nodded at Lieutenant Koshi¡¯s report, not surprised at all that the rather conspicuous closed-top vehicle parked nearby was clean. Xing was there overseeing his staff, after all.


    ¡°What¡¯s in it?¡±


    The sharp-faced lieutenant shrugged. ¡°A bunch of huge electrical boxes. The director let us look inside the panels-¡± Of course he would. ¡°-and all that were inside were wires. Nothing suspicious. Oh, there was a microphone in there as well?¡±


    Lin hummed in thought for a moment, watching the locals becoming more animated as the steaming bowls of food appeared on the stall countertops. The lines to the soup kitchen stalls began moving, and the first lunch was served to the Downtown back alley residents. At the same time, large, cabinet-sized boxes were wheeled out from the truck.


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    Speakers, the police chief realized after a second of squinting.


    Huh.


    Well, if this publicity stunt was interesting enough, at least it wouldn¡¯t be a complete waste of her day.


    *****


    ¡°The line has begun moving,¡± Mozi reported, earning a quick thumbs up from Xing as he maintained his conversation with Future Media¡¯s first ¡®talent¡¯ in the back of the truck. With the speakers brought out the space within was no longer crushingly tight, allowing for the director and the young woman to stand comfortably by a console as they talked.


    ¡°-all unique tics, right?¡± the aide heard, not for the first time, as his director made doubly (triply by now?) sure that Ping¡¯s persona would be truly unique. Hearing of the woman¡¯s history, Mozi couldn¡¯t really blame Xing at all for the precaution, and judging from her excited expression, neither did Ping..


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good. We¡¯ll be starting soon, so take the time to do your warmups.¡±


    Ping nodded before slipping into a stool before the console and closing her eyes in what probably was some sort of calming meditation. In the meantime, Xing¡¯s attention shifted onto Mozi.


    ¡°¡±No signs of trouble?¡±


    ¡°None, sir. The Triple Threat¡¯s keeping their word.¡±


    ¡°Or the police presence is doing its job,¡± the director added wryly.


    There was a shuffling from beside Mozi, and another familiar staff member joined him at the back of the truck. ¡°Word¡¯s spreading,¡± old man Lidai remarked without any formality. ¡°We¡¯re getting more diners trickling in.¡±


    ¡°Within estimates?¡± Xing asked.


    ¡°Eh, hard to tell. Everyone¡¯s wary of new joints, no matter how good the food smells. Gotta see how fast people actually get it into their head that we¡¯re not asking them to sign up or spill anything.¡± Lidai turned to give a nod over at a cluster of metalbending police. ¡°Having them around doesn¡¯t exactly help either.¡±


    Xing nodded at that, far from disappointed. ¡°Well, we have a decent enough crowd.¡±


    There was a sudden electronic crackle that filled the air. Movement at the edge of Mozi¡¯s vision drew his attention, and then he gave the director a quick update. ¡°Speakers are up.¡± Mercifully, the engineers at Future Industries delivered on their promise and neither the boxy equipment nor the truck batteries caught fire this time around.


    An honest smile formed on Xing¡¯s face as he sat by the console next to Ping¡¯s and handed her the microphone. ¡°Right then. Ping, you ready?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good. Mozi, keep watch of the crowd. Gramps, I¡¯ll leave the food to you, call in a top up if you think we¡¯ll need it. At worst, we can donate the extras to another food bank.¡±


    Lidai left with a soft grunt and a surprisingly prideful nod, leaving Mozi to just turn around to observe the crowd by himself. By now, some have paused in their eating to note the speakers set up around the square that have come to life. Chief Lin and her police were similarly eyeing the hardware with curiosity. Mozi then turned his attention to the staff keeping the lines in order or walking among the tables, and they responded with trouble-free nods and smiles.


    Well, it¡¯s good that things were finally going to plan. For a moment, there was doubt that there¡¯d be any available sites to set up the stalls at all. Then the hasty back and forth with the engineers when it was discovered that, no, it wasn¡¯t just a simple thing of hooking up a truck¡¯s batteries to power the electronics, as they had initially assured. That they got here at all without their transports breaking down from the extra weight of their modifications was itself also a miracle.


    The familiar whine of a gramophone winding up first was heard behind Mozi before it spilled out of the speakers, and seconds later, music started to play. It was a simple light tune, the sort that usually accompanied street plays due to how cheap those records were. They wouldn¡¯t be resorting to this if it wasn¡¯t the start of rehearsal season and practically every musician wasn¡¯t already booked, or were clearing their schedules in the hopes of being booked, by the stage plays. Out of the two musicians they did get to secure, the guzheng player cancelled just five days ago because the theater hosting ¡®Lament of the Painted Lady¡¯ suddenly decided to expand its orchestra, and only two nights ago did Xing discover that the shamisen player was incarcerated for at least a week for drunken misconduct, because the topic popped up by chance in his final checks with Chief Lin.


    While Mozi quietly fumed at the near misses this project faced, the tune slowly faded away.


    ¡°Ara~ This is a Future Media exclusive.¡± Ping¡¯s voice was lower and breathier than what it usually was, and thanks to Xing¡¯s coaching for days now, it exuded something that wasn¡¯t quite professional. It definitely got the diners¡¯ attention though, as many eyes were looking up from their bowls towards the speakers, and those in line froze in place. ¡°It is currently noon in Republic City, the weather is¡­quite fine, and hopefully, it¡¯ll remain so. On behalf of Future Media, let me extend my utmost gratitude to the patrons who¡¯ve given us a chance today.¡±


    Now even some of the police were gawping at the sultry voice, and Mozi spied Lin smacking one of her younger officers in the back of his head to un-distract him.


    ¡°The following is an excerpt from ¡®Water in the Fire: A Steaming Romance¡¯¡­ Chapter 4: Princess, meet prince. ¡®The doors opened wide¡­¡¯¡±


    Mozi forcefully dragged his attention to his present surroundings as Ping read from the controversial fiction about an illicit affair between a waterbending princess with a firebending prince. Supposedly, the author went into hiding the moment the book was published, not wanting to risk the wrath of Lord Zuko or Katara for using their likeness for the main characters, and creating a sort of conspiracy theory that the book was an actual account of an affair between them.


    Mozi himself hadn¡¯t read the book, but Li Ming did, and she thought that the whole thing was overhyped ¡®shlick bait¡¯, whatever that meant.


    Overhyped or not, the continued reading was drawing a crowd to the square. Heads were peeking out nearby windows, and more and more people were trickling in. Off to the side, Lidai was sending someone out to call in another catering truck.


    It only took a few minutes before Ping finished reading the chapter, but by then the damage was done. Many bowls had gone cold as people fixed their attention to the speakers, the staff had to nudge the line to move as those who collected their food were more fixated on being an audience than sating their hunger.


    ¡°Thank you for listening. Now, if you¡¯d like to know the rest of this enthralling story, Kadoka Publishing is still printing this love story, and you can find it in bookstores and libraries.¡±


    Kadoka Publishing being a minor subsidiary of Future Industries, of course, mainly because it¡¯s in charge of printing manuals.


    ¡°Now then, have you heard of I hope you find your meals acceptable.¡± And Mozi didn¡¯t now whether to laugh or palm his face as a few heads bobbed in response. ¡°Kindly provide any feedback you have to our friendly Future Media staff. While we appreciate any honest remarks, I do so hope that you might not be too harsh on my dear colleagues.¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t,¡± someone muttered, earning another round of nods from the captivated crowd.


    There was another reading, this time of an advertisement for Cabbage Corps¡¯ driving gloves and goggles. Considering the state of the audience, Ping could¡¯ve read an obituary and they¡¯d still be eagerly listening.


    ¡°...and that concludes today¡¯s broadcast.¡± A collective ¡®aww¡¯ of disappointment rose from the crowd, some of the police included. ¡°I do so hope you¡¯ve enjoyed the short time we¡¯ve spent together.¡±


    Someone yelled, ¡°I do!¡± which was a sentiment quickly echoed by a significant number of the gathering.


    ¡°But who knows, maybe we¡¯ll get to meet again, in the future? But for now, stay safe, and buh-bye!¡±


    And with that the speakers cut out, and a heavy mood of strange melancholy seemed to fill the air as people got back to eating their free food. The rest of the day went on without any issues, though poor Ping had to remain in the truck, out of sight, through the whole thing.


    Two days later, Mozi ushered in a highly amused Asami Sato for a meeting with Xing. Right after that, there was a rather terse request from Chief Lin for Xing¡¯s presence in the police headquarters, in regards to the spike of burglaries suffered by Cabbage Corps¡¯ stores and various bookstores across the city.


    Mozi guessed that with those kinds of results, Director Xing would be getting his radio station after all.

 Chapter 35

    ¡°You know, if you weren¡¯t being serious about this task, I could¡¯ve easily imagined we¡¯re on a date.¡±


    ¡°If it were, I¡¯d take you someplace more¡­appropriate,¡± Xing casually replied, his attention barely shifting to Asami.


    The heiress chuckled. ¡°Please. A young man who worked his way from nothing, taking the rich girl he¡¯s snagged out of her upper-class bubble to find real, vibrant fun and life amongst the real, down-to-earth people? It¡¯s one of the more popular premises these days. For someone who just had selected Water in the Fire for reading the other day, I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re unaware of it.¡±


    Barely shifting his head towards her, Xing¡¯s expression still barely changed. ¡°It¡¯d be¡­impractical trying to play out those tropes in real life. Besides, that would assume that you¡¯re an ignorant, insulated, and helpless young lady whose only talent is fawning over the object of her affections.¡±


    ¡°Well, I definitely enjoyed the helplessness and fawning last night,¡± Asami quipped with a smirk, and Ren and Kai shared a grimace as they rolled their eyes.


    Asami had been frequently spending nights with Xing ever since the ¡®boating incident¡¯, and while they were far from noisy, it was always unnerving when Ren joined them at the table for breakfast the following day. Asami would always have this¡­glow on her tired but immensely satisfied face, even as she fidgeted in her seat and unsubtly massaged her thighs every now and then. Xing would try but fail to conceal his own smug smirk as well, which flared whenever he reached out to rest his hand on Asami¡¯s.


    Worse was the constant glances they gave each other as they ate and talked over the breakfast. Ren had seen gullible fools shambling away from tea parlors radiating a similar air, but it was weird to see it come from a woman like Asami.


    Also disconcerting was seeing the heiress breaking out all of the sudden into soft giggles as she brushed her lips with a finger, or reached for the back of her head to tug at her hair, in the privacy of her office.


    Love, Ren decided, was a dangerously embarrassing thing.


    Still, it gave her opportunities like this, being able to leave the comfy but monotonous confines of the office with Asami to join Xing in scouting for new ¡®talents¡¯ for his radio station. From the bits of conversation the girl picked up between Xing and his own aide, a rather stern looking man called Mozi, they gave up trying to approach theater or established troupe performers due to the high costs they¡¯d require to keep them with Future Media instead of running off for a chance to participate in the winter season plays.


    And that was just the performers who weren¡¯t in the guilds.


    As far-reaching as broadcasting was, there was still no competing for the prestige of taking to the stage during prime theater season.


    Hence the little outing today, and probably for the next few days, visiting squares and main intersections to observe street performers. Unsurprisingly, Xing was targeting those who were just trying to make a living instead of looking to make it big, to minimize the chance of losing them to the theaters. So far, Ren had watched him approach a few musicians with questions after watching their performances for a couple of minutes.


    ¡°How long have you been playing?¡±


    ¡°Are your pieces improvised?¡±


    ¡°Could you try?¡±


    ¡°Do you think you could work with others in a band or orchestra?¡±


    ¡°Do you think you could abide by an exclusivity agreement?¡±


    After the assault of questions, those that answered to his liking received an invitation to Future Media for a more formal briefing. Regardless of whether they were invited or not though, Mozi would offer the street performers a hefty donation for their time.


    And while that all happened, Ren would be with Asami and Kai, standing or sitting back at a distance to watch the scene unfold (depending on location), and snacking on whatever streetfood that caught Asami¡¯s fancy. It was a nice break from having to read through stacks of paperwork, or deal with condescending adults.


    Thus far, Xing had managed to invite eleven musicians, including a couple of singers, though who knows how many would stick around after their visit to the main office.


    And it was a shame Xing was only recruiting musical acts; the sword juggler they were watching now was putting on a rather awesome show in the small clearing in the market square. The juggler kept cleavers and knives and sabers twirling prettily in the air with his eyes closed or head turned, and even used his feet a few times!


    Sitting around a table with only paper wrappings left on their plates, Ren had little choice but to tune her attention back to the couples¡¯ conversation as the performer¡¯s act came to a close, though thankfully their icky talk seemed to have ended as well.


    ¡°...research into competitive advertising fees.¡± Xing commented. ¡°Are we going to maintain the pretense of exclusivity, or go straight for simply outpricing the city¡¯s broadcasting?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll check in with Isashi tomorrow about that,¡± Asami replied, and Ren pinned that reminder in her mind, just as Kai no doubt did beside her.


    ¡°So, are we moving on?¡±


    Xing shook his head, and then nodded at a trio of men maybe around his age, looking like they just came out from a dojo. However, the way they moved carried none of the care or discipline of martial training. ¡°Looks like there¡¯s another act.¡±


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    ¡°There¡¯s always another act,¡± Kai remarked dryly.


    ¡°True, but-¡±


    Ren interjected with her observation. ¡°Is it because they¡¯re theater people?¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡±


    Asami glanced at Ren, and then to the trio. ¡°Oh? How can you tell?¡±


    The girl gave her employer a light shrug, and then turned to Xing as she threw in her guess. ¡°Their uniforms are too clean and shiny. And real dojos don¡¯t use such tacky gold and silver.¡± His smile was all Ren needed to know she was right on the money.


    Surprisingly, Mozi also joined in with his own observation. ¡°And judging from how that one¡¯s limping, they¡¯re probably not going to do any acrobatics.¡± Ren squinted at the figure he pointed out, and sure enough, she noticed the subtle discomfort in his gait.


    ¡°Huh, missed that¡­¡± Kai remarked on her behalf.


    One of the trio - the thinner one - placed a clay bowl on the ground before joining his partners in the invisible space that defined the square¡¯s stage. They stood side by side at attention, their eyes attentively fixed into blank space as wide, hollow grins spread on their faces. It was mildly disturbing to look at them for too long, especially since they weren¡¯t blinking.


    Asami broke into an amused huff. ¡°Stage extras.¡±


    ¡°Assuming they even managed to land those roles,¡± Mozi added.


    Before Ren could learn more, she was startled by her eardrums being pierced as the trio gave one sharp clap of their hands.


    The one to Ren¡¯s left, the thin one, took a stiff step forward, thumping his chest loudly and earning another huff from Asami. ¡°I am Park Hyul!¡±


    ¡°I am Park Chooi!¡± the one in the middle - the shortest one, and the one with the limp - declared with similar loudness as he stepped forward, and from behind Ren she heard Xing snort.


    Ren winced when there was a sharp crack of stone as the last of the trio - the rounder one - stepped out to announce himself. Maybe all the foot stomping was why his colleague was limping?


    ¡°And I am Yong Park! And we are-¡±


    The other two joined in with another thump on their chests. ¡°-the Park Brothers!¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t look related,¡± Kai noted with some amusement as scattered applause broke out among the spectators that had bothered to stop and watch.


    ¡°It¡¯s a schtick,¡± Asami helpfully explained. ¡°Catchy names make you and your friends more memorable in auditions. For all you know, ¡®Park¡¯ is not even in their real names.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s for the crowds, too,¡± Mozi added with a nod. ¡°There was once an act called Tai, Lee and Mai, that drew a lot of people whenever they announced themselves,¡± he remarked without any amusement.


    Back in the clearing, the thinner and shorter ¡®brothers¡¯ were miming flutes to the tune of ¡®Winter Willows¡¯ while the round one began reciting a poem a bit too loudly.


    ¡°Were they any good?¡± the heiress asked casually, as if already knowing the answer, and Xing¡¯s aide shook his head.


    ¡°Neither me nor Li Ming stuck around to watch them, but apparently not. Supposedly they broke up soon after because Lee couldn¡¯t hold the hoops still and got Tai burnt one too many times, and Mai was a bad knife juggler.¡±


    ¡°Why are they doing that?¡± Xing suddenly asked, disrupting the conversation and bringing everyone¡¯s attention back to the performers. The Park Brothers were now shuffling back and forth with short cords binding them wrist to wrist, like prisoners doing a comical parade march, as they took turns to recite verses from play.


    ¡°-to slay the enemy most debased! For homes and darlings steel our hearts!¡±


    Ugh, one of those very wordy plays, with people talking far too long about wanting to fight someone instead of actually fighting them. These acts rarely received good reception in the back alleys, and even here people were beginning to melt back into the market, even if the Park Brothers¡¯ recital was a lot less obnoxious than their introduction.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s from ¡®Road Out of Omashu¡¯,¡± Asami answered. ¡°It¡¯s about three childhood friends joining Omashu¡¯s army in the war against the Fire Nation. The binding is to show their close bond. It gets cut later on, when two of them fight over a woman, and the third leaves them to their bickering. They¡¯ll rebind themselves later on when they¡¯re forced to fight together in the army, and then¡­well, I won¡¯t spoil it for you.¡±


    Showing little interest in the summary, Xing instead gave a short nod. Ren didn¡¯t like the tug on the edges of his lips. ¡°So for most of the play, they¡¯re going around like that?¡±


    ¡°Pretty much. It¡¯s novel for the first act, but it¡¯s not the best way to express brotherhood, and it limits the choreography. Makes the whole show rather boring in the end.¡± Ren didn¡¯t need to turn her head to sense the frown seeping into Asami¡¯s voice. ¡°It¡¯s also strange that they chose this act to start with, seeing how mildly received it is in the public circles.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s one of the few plays that stars three men,¡± Mozi chimed in. ¡°And it¡¯s a lot of reciting.¡±


    Asami nodded thoughtfully. ¡°To show off their lungs to any prospective talent seekers. Good point, Mozi.¡±


    ¡°Do you think they can hold a tune?¡± Xing asked, and by now the creeping smirk on his face made even his girlfriend draw back in surprise.


    ¡°I guess there¡¯s only one way to find out? Do I want to know why you¡¯re interested in them?¡±


    Xing¡¯s only reply was to grin before he stood up and beckoned Mozi to follow him to the Park Brothers who were now finishing up with their performance.


    There was a lot of negotiating when the director of Future Media approached them. The three not-brothers took on shades of interest, curiosity, and excitement, though there were flashes of disapproval as well that Xing eventually smoothed over. At one point, Ren was sure that the ¡®brothers¡¯ had broken into a song of sorts, judging by how their shoulders and Xing¡¯s head bobbed, and how Mozi stiffened with either embarrassment or restraint.


    ¡°Do you two have any clue what he has planned?¡±


    The two aides exchanged glances before they gave their wealthy and generous employer a shrug of their shoulders.


    ¡°Not a clue,¡± Kai simply said, earning a sigh from Asami as Mozi could be seen offering the Park brothers sheets of paper, and Xing turned back with a troublingly bright smile on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if you know how it feels,¡± the heiress warily said, ¡°but for some reason, I feel like I¡¯m missing something very important but also very stupid as well.¡±


    Ren gave the lady a look, and then looked back at her boyfriend. ¡°Like¡­like the build up to a stupid joke?¡±


    ¡°A very stupid joke,¡± Kai amended, and all three of them made a noise of agreement.


    A couple of days later, as Ren received an update from Future Media about the talent hunting to pass to Asami, she and Kai made a quick scan of the list (Asami was still in her meeting with the marketing head anyway). Ren found most of the names Xing had brought on from the outing, but she did not find the Park Brothers.


    ¡°Could they have changed their name?¡± Kai asked as he pointed at one of the unfamiliar entries on the list.


    The girl read the name, and nodded in agreement. Three male members, vocal talents, broadcasting and/or singing abilities¡­ ¡°Makes sense. Why the new name?¡±


    ¡°Dunno, but I think it¡¯s the stupid joke thing Asami was talking about the other day.¡±


    Ren had to agree. ¡°Think she¡¯ll get it?¡±


    ¡°If we¡¯re lucky. Wanna bet Gramps doesn¡¯t either?¡±


    ¡°No bet,¡± she quickly said, and then looked at the name again. ¡°Well, I guess ¡®Park Brothers¡¯ sounds sorta lame?¡±


    Kai shrugged in his seat beside her. ¡°Maybe. But ¡®Linking Parks¡¯ doesn¡¯t exactly sound too catchy either, does it?¡±

 Chapter 36

    As far as new launches went, Future Media¡¯s new radio station went from pitch to fully operational in record time. It was a bold or reckless move, depending on one¡¯s take on the entrepreneurial spirit.


    For his part, Hiroshi hid his begrudging respect for Xing¡¯s achievement under a broad grin. After all, at the end of the day it was turning out to be a profitable venture, and he could see the need to hurry. The big pro-bender tournament was just a week away, and while it wasn¡¯t enough time to capitalize on Future Industries¡¯ ties with the Fire Ferrets in the leadup to the the competition, the new radio station should be able to draw in a big following with its exclusive access to the Avatar during and after the games.


    Speaking of Avatar, Hiroshi easily wore a smile to greet her and her teammates who arrived for its official launch of the radio station. It was an easy thing to offer reassurances and rousing words that kept up their good impression of him, especially in a smaller setting like this where there was practically nobody else to compete with Hiroshi and do the same.


    It was a humble event, with none of the usual fanfare or guests. Only Hiroshi, Asami, and the more influential heads of Future Industry were present, along with the Fire Ferrets and Future Media¡¯s gaggle of so-called talents. It was a closed-door event, not meant to draw attention.


    Not directly, anyway.


    The swarm of reporters that Korra broke through to reach the doors of Future Media¡¯s headquarters were all here due to the whispers spread by Asami¡¯s young aides. Curiosity and the notion of secrecy was just as effective a beacon of attention as conventional advertising was, and took far less effort when done correctly.


    As far as Hiroshi was aware, as the Fire Ferrets were not briefed on the purpose of their attendance, the reporters would be left guessing outside until the time was right. It would be a tough act to monitor their eagerness though; leave them out for too long and they might just decide to abandon this curiosity and lambast the whole thing as a waste of time on the papers, but revealing everything too soon could be construed as Future Media being too eager to draw in attention.


    And as Hiroshi learned from his own climb to the top, an overeagerness to impress often was a sign of desperation or inattentive haste.


    So Isashi¡¯s skills were loaned to Future Media for this occasion, Future Industries¡¯ veteran leader of the marketing department being well versed in such matters. And in the same vein, Hyung was transferred from the research division to help produce in-house any new gadgets the media company might need.


    Not mentioned was the fact that the move allowed Hiroshi to finally promote a more Equalist-minded chief engineer, to ease the buildup of Amon¡¯s forces.


    To Xing¡¯s credit, he gratefully accepted the offer without hesitation instead of trying to prove his own abilities. The gesture also earned an appreciative hug from Asami, which was very nice until the tycoon realized that it was a sign of just how close his daughter was with the young director.


    That she hovered beside Xing even now as they stood back to let everyone else fawn over the Avatar was troubli-


    Hiroshi had the sense to retrain himself from suddenly shooting up on his tiptoes to peer past the moving crowd as he noticed something. Something very, very dangerous.


    Was his daughter holding hands with Xing?


    Memories of Hiroshi¡¯s own youthful encounters with Yasuko back before they were married came back to him, and he quietly beckoned for one of his guards. The burly mercenary pushed through the other executives like a plow through silt to reach him, and Hiroshi fought to keep his voice even.


    ¡°I want eyes on my daughter throughout this event,¡± the tycoon instructed in a cautious whisper. ¡°If Xing absconds with her at any point, or tries anything untoward against her, intercept him, and then report to me.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir.¡±


    The man slid back away from the group, and wisely none of the men and women around Hiroshi tried to sate their curiosity. Even Dao was just giving him an odd look. Then again, it wasn¡¯t too odd for the industrialist to assign impromptu orders against suspected trouble, though it¡¯d be simpler if Hiroshi was dealing with discontented laborers or the rehearsed Equalist activist.


    He¡¯ll have to carefully look into the matter. If Xing laid an uncouth hand on Asami, Hiroshi would instantly send the scoundrel for a dive in Yue¡¯s Bay, Amon¡¯s plans be damned. Formal courtship was the most the tycoon could stomach- would allow his precious daughter to experience for now.


    *****


    Concerned at her father¡¯s sudden stiff expression, Asami made a note to check in on him after this whole show was done with. In the meantime, she formed a placid smile as Korra and the two brothers finally made their way over from the star-struck staff and execs.


    Was it petty to enjoy the discomfort flashing on the Avatar¡¯s face as her blue eyes fell on Xing?


    Probably.


    But she deserved it, for all the neglect Xing got desensitized to. Seriously, it was taking too much work to get him to cuddle up with Asami because he had trained himself to remain on guard over her while she slept. While it was a cute gesture, Asami wanted her cuddles and private moments with Xing without him reverting back to bodyguard mode, damnit. She wanted to enjoy her boyfriend¡¯s sweaty, panting warmth beside her. She wanted to see the contented smile on his face after he left her oh so sore.


    Not have him turn into a coldly formal shadow immediately melting away after the act to lurk protectively over her, as if someone might come barging into his room at any moment.


    At least he¡¯s gotten over the whole ¡®undeserving of her attention¡¯ stupidity; It took a few scoldings to finally stop Xing from quickly cleaning up, and acting as if them being caught would be a huge blow to her standing, like he was some sort of horrid freak.


    Honestly, Asami had seen far too many drooling imbeciles dressed up in suits and pretending to be brilliant entrepreneurs who deserved the ostracization Xing imagined he might receive.


    Putting her thoughts aside before it showed on her face, Asami gave the Fire Ferrets a genial nod and made a show of letting go of Xing¡¯s hand before she shook Korra¡¯s hand. The puzzlement on her face was¡­while not priceless, was satisfying enough.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you¡¯ve recovered, Avatar Korra.¡±


    Korra gave a confused blink before replying shakily. ¡°Oh. Uh, thanks.¡±


    ¡°I know it might be inappropriate, but I do hope that you¡¯ll put aside time in Tarrlok¡¯s task force to commit to the tournament. I¡¯m sure everyone is excited to see the Avatar and the Fire Ferrets in the tournament.¡±


    Strangely, the confusion fled Korra, only to be replaced by a brittle smile. ¡°Uh, yeah. Heh. That''s why I¡¯m here, right?¡±


    Well, there went the fun of lording a boyfriend over the Avatar.


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    ¡°Is everything alright?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s all fine,¡± Korra replied with a grin that was a tad bit too big. Asami also didn¡¯t miss the uncertain look that flashed at Xing. Then some of her old reckless confidence returned to bolster that grin, giving it some sincerity. ¡°I¡¯ll¡­deal with the tournament first, and make sure the Fire Ferrets win the tournament easy peasy.¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Bolin exclaimed with far more confidence and a fist pump from behind Korra. ¡°First the tournament, and then the Equalists! We¡¯re taking this step by step, whoo!¡±


    Beside him, Mako was clearly stopping himself from rubbing his face into his hand.


    The Avatar winced a bit as she looked over her shoulder. ¡°Uh, thanks for the confidence, Bolin.¡±


    Immediately getting the hint, the younger of the Fire Ferret brothers shrank back and switched to an apologetic expression. ¡°Oops, sorry. I thought you could¡¯ve used the boost.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good.¡±


    Oh? Asami had to blink hard to stop her eyebrows from shooting up.


    Was that a touch of softness in Korra that she heard?


    She shot Mako a look, and after receiving a clueless shrug from him, shifted it to Hanh who was behind the team, and the mild grimace that fluttered on the manager¡¯s face promised a rather interesting debriefing.


    ¡°Thank you for accepting this request,¡± Xing butted in, defusing the awkwardness and effectively ¡®agroing¡¯, as he puts it, the Avatar¡¯s attention.


    Asami saw the annoyance flare up, but also quickly quashed as Korra looked at her former minder. ¡°Yeah, well¡­ I got tired of being cooped up in Air Temple Island, doing nothing but training in one thing or another.¡±


    Xing nodded at that, graciously glossing over her attempt at playing it cool, as well as not bringing up the fact that she could¡¯ve easily done half her practice in the pro-bending arena or the brothers¡¯ apartment gym if she really wanted a change in scenery. Or the fact that she¡¯d previously rejected the offer to show up in the soup kitchen for a quick meet-and-greet.


    ¡°Your fans would no doubt be pleasantly surprised by your attendance.¡±


    A more genuine smile appeared then on her face. ¡°Well, after all the fan mail I¡¯ve been getting, I figured it¡¯s only fair I give something in return, right?¡±


    Asami gave another glance to Hanh, and the manager shook his head. Not a coached response from him, then.


    Korra then gestured to the sparse lobby around her, and a more childlike wonder filled the Avatar¡¯s eyes. ¡°And I gotta admit, I¡¯m very curious about what goes on in a radio station.¡±


    ¡°The wing with the radio station is just over there,¡± Xing replied, pointing with his thumb. ¡°We¡¯ll be going there shortly, once the formalities are done with.¡±


    And just like that, Korra¡¯s cheer was replaced with aged exasperation. ¡°Formalities?¡±


    Xing nodded, and her lips tugged down into a faint scowl. ¡°Just confirming the guest list, to make sure everyone¡¯s present.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t everyone here from Future Industries?¡±


    ¡°Ideally.¡±


    Korra rolled her eyes. ¡°Ugh, you and your ¡®formalities¡¯.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s necessary, considering the people we have to deal with,¡± the media director replied with a shrug before Asami could retort.


    Still, the heiress made sure to provide elaboration. ¡°Besides industry spies sneaking in as someone¡¯s assistant or intern-¡± Spirits, it was a humiliating embarrassment that that ploy actually worked on one of the production lines¡­ ¡°-we also have triads¡­¡±


    She let the pause stretch for a second, and then off-handedly sank the dagger in.


    ¡°Or Equalists who might want to kick up a fuss.¡±


    Korra¡¯s face instantly morphed once again, and Asami took petty satisfaction at watching the nervousness flutter across her face as she stiffened and her gaze flickered back and forth.


    Feeling her boyfriend¡¯s hand appearing around her forearm to give a gentle squeeze, Asami offered a lazy smile as she reined in her spite. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll agree that in such a chaotic environment, it¡¯s better to be safe than sorry.¡±


    Bolin suddenly stepped up for the Avatar. ¡°Uh, yeah. Most definitely.¡± He offered an apologetic look even as placed himself in front of Korra in an obviously protective gesture.


    Huh. And here Asami thought it¡¯d be Mako who¡¯d tag in.


    ¡°So, um, do we have to mingle a bit longer?¡±


    ¡°For a while longer,¡± Xing lightly answered, and then gestured to the small cluster of nervous, out-of-their-element people who were being gently shepherded by Kai and Ren. Asami felt a flash of pride at just how the two kids once showed that same discomfort after being taken off the streets, and look at them now with their air of professionalism that¡¯d shame adults more than twice their age and ¡®better¡¯ upbringing.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯d like to meet our voice talents? I¡¯m sure they¡¯d appreciate it.¡±


    Finally Mako entered the conversation, sighing out his agreement. ¡°Yeah, yeah, will do. C¡¯mon, guys.¡±


    Asami watched the Fire Ferrets leave, and then turned to face her boyfriend¡¯s mildly disapproving gaze. ¡°She was being¡­herself again.¡±


    ¡°I told you, it¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°For you, maybe,¡± she almost hissed. ¡°I¡¯m not going to let some girl judge my boyfriend for practicing common sense.¡±


    ¡°Careful now.¡± Despite his words, Xing¡¯s eyes were alight with humor. ¡°Can¡¯t have people hearing you say that word.¡±


    Asami rolled her eyes as at the edge of her vision, her aides were nudging the voice talents past their awe of the Avatar to actually socialize with her and her teammates. ¡°Girlfriend? Pfft, my father will find out eventually.¡±


    ¡°Better not with Dao present, though?¡±


    And Asami glanced over to her father and his group of friends, and she imagined the laughing and crude jokes and elbow nudging and thigh slapping¡­


    ¡°Ugh, you¡¯re right.¡±


    She didn¡¯t want her father to murder one of his friends.


    *****


    Outside Future Media¡¯s headquarters - really, their sole site at the moment - the mob of muttering reporters craned their heads or conferred with one another as the object of their attention continued to be inactive. The rumors at least had proven true, the Avatar had returned to Republic City after recovering from Amon¡¯s ambush. But the question now was: Why?


    It was impossible to miss the new expansion of Future Media¡¯s office building, along with the tall radio tower that sprouted from its rooftop. Coupled with the mesmerizing reading at the soup kitchen the other day, and the sightings of the company¡¯s director - along with the heiress of Future Industries according to some witnesses - approaching various street performers to offer them a new job, it wasn¡¯t much of a surprise that there would be a new radio station in town.


    Audacious, but not surprising. But then again, this was the same company that was overseeing the innovative sponsorship with the Fire Ferrets. Something must¡¯ve lit a fire under Hiroshi Sato for him to push the boundaries more than just technological boundaries.


    A lot of rumors swirled around this young subsidiary director, from his past ties to the Avatar, to the possible relations with Asami Sato, and even his involvement with the ruling council. While it was a curiosity to be dug up, currently there was a more tantalizing target that distracted most people, namely the goings-on of the Avatar and her pro-bending team.


    What was she doing at Future Media¡¯s headquarters?


    Was it related to the new radio station?


    Was the Avatar here because of ¡®Water in the Fire¡¯ being broadcasted at the soup kitchen?


    Were the Fire Ferrets disbanding so that the Avatar could continue her fight with Amon?


    Or was it because one of the brothers knocked her up?


    Guesses travelled across a wave of murmurs, surging whenever someone thought they sighted movement beyond the office windows, but mainly ebbing slowly as there was nothing substantial to feed the excitement.


    Just as defeatism began to seep in and the avid reporters began to avidness, the main doors to Future Media burst open, and six huge, boxy things were wheeled out on trolleys by straining Future Media staff. They were spread out across the front of the building, and only when they were flipped onto the ground were the objects recognizable as speakers. More staff poured out trailing cables from their hands, plugging shiny jacks into the backs of the speakers with silent efficiency. Thumbs up were given shortly after, and someone ran back into the building.


    The crowd, staring with anticipation, jolted with a start as the speakers sprang to life with a loud crackle that echoed off its neighboring buildings. And then through the diminishing static, a feminine voice greeted the reporters¡¯ attention, as well as anyone else listening.


    ¡°Ara~ This is Future Entertainment Radio, and I am Hitori Kuro, speaking to you live from Republic City.¡±


    Many eyes boggled at the voice, many throats gulped in almost audible unison, many spines shuddered with foreign delight at hearing the breathy, suggestive voice for the first time. Even those whose preferences skewed differently couldn¡¯t deny the beguiling quality of the speaker.


    ¡°We have a whole, big wad of content for your listening pleasure. I do so hope that you¡¯ll all enjoy it just as much as I do¡­¡±


    Hitori Kuro paused, and it felt like the whole world went silent in anticipation for her to continue.


    ¡°Now then, it is still noon, so before we carry on the day with a few tunes that might¡­tickle your fancy, I have the great honor of presenting Avatar Korra, who is also a member of the Fire Ferrets alongside two brave and hardworking brothers. Avatar Korra?¡±


    The Avatar¡¯s presence snapped many out of their trance, but some were still mildly disappointed to hear a far more nervous, far less evocative voice take over. Avatar Korra¡¯s speech was transcribed (begrudgingly, by a few reporters), and made the frontpage the next day as was proper, bolstering the morale of her fanbase.


    Future Entertainment Radio¡¯s first day also made it to the papers, in the following page. The report tantalized the viewers with diverse new artists to listen to, along with the occasional news broadcast. Advertisements were noted, but nobody seemed to begrudge the female announcer from reading them in between songs and programs.

 Chapter 37

    In a world that was still heavily shackled by tradition, Republic City was the symbol of progress, shrugging off the stigma of industrialization which was tainted by Ozai¡¯s militant Fire Nation in the past to reveal new wonders that uplifted and aided the people.


    When used for peace, steel and cogs brought about motor vehicles, cheaper goods, and most importantly electricity, which heralded wonders like the wireless radio and gasless lights.


    And the United Republic was the source of all this innovation and invention. Like an electric light, it was an unflinching beacon of modernity shining through the dry and tangled roots of the old ways.


    Where the Water Tribes still relied on waterbenders and the whims of the wind to propel their boats, the fishermen of the United Republic could rely on engined crafts to take them out to sea. Ba Sing Se¡¯s monorail was once a wonder of logistics, but the trams and cars of Republic City moved at least thrice as many people and goods without being at the mercy of limited stations or the availability of earthbender pushers. And with the advent of electric welding, it no longer required teams of firebenders just to carry out simple metalworking.


    Yet while the United Republic pushed its way to the future with industrialization, it did not do so unhindered.


    The old ways still had its hold on the republic, most notably enforced through its administration. For all its advancement, the United Republic was not a free nation, nor was it truly united despite its name. The five members of the ruling council each represented one of the world¡¯s powers, each looking after the interests of ¡®their people¡¯.


    ¡®Their people¡¯.


    The councillors¡¯ true responsibility was to see to the wellbeing of their own countrymen who came to settle in the republic, not to govern and care for the citizens of the state as a whole. The councilman of the Earth Kingdom, for example, focused on how policies and events would affect his fellow compatriots from the continent, intervening if the Fire Nation¡¯s councilwoman pushed for broadening trade relations with her home country which might reduce the volume of commerce with Ba Sing Se.


    And it didn¡¯t take long for the representatives to claim benders of their elements as their own people, regardless of whether a firebender truly came from the Fire Nation, or if an earthbender was born in the Water Tribes. It was a simple and convenient enough conclusion to come to, and after all, it¡¯d take someone from the Earth Kingdom to truly understand what challenges an earthbender might face, and how best to cater to their needs.


    Still, the competing interests of the councillors created a balance that allowed the United Republic to prosper, and only Tenzin of the near-extinct Air Nomads could truly be seen as working solely for the interests of the state.


    Yet they were all united in their aversion to progress. Or perhaps they were willfully blind, for the sake of their own interests.


    After all, for all the convenience brought on by new inventions, it rendered its replacements unfavorable or even outright obsolete, like motorised earthmovers trivializing the work of dozens of men with shovels and picks¡­or even a team of earthbenders. Or electrical water pumps that were more tireless, reliable and economical than waterbenders.


    While it would be a long time before elemental bending would no longer be truly needed, technology has made, and was making, the reliance on them far less onerous to the common folk. And as modernity slowly crept into the United Republic, the councillors still held onto their notion of a bender¡¯s superior value over the non-benders.


    Hence the immense resistance in actually implementing a lot of new technology that would improve everyone¡¯s lives. Because they still felt that a waterbender should hold a special place in society, advancements into refrigeration and irrigation pumps were curtailed. Because an earthbender should remain important, any construction work was beholden to a strict quota of earthbenders that were the only ones allowed to deal with earthworks, instead of speeding things up with the new earthmovers. And there were still tedious regulations on electricity and lightbulbs, forcing many to still rely on oil lamps and fireplaces just so the firebenders could have something to do.


    It was this oppression from up high that made Goro a hardcore Equalist. His non-bending family had endured poverty simply because neither he or his brothers could secure decent jobs as laborers or farmers due to the quotas for benders. The major criminal organizations too preferred hiring benders, so even the life of crime was restrictive. And nobody in the family had the knack to open and run any kind of shop.


    No wonder that many in the movement looked up to industrialists like Hiroshi Sato, and the corporations they¡¯ve founded. Those were the few sanctuaries where a non-bender could climb the ranks without once having to worry about whether they could bend or not. The corporate heads were all non-benders themselves, and valued efficiency and effectiveness over burdensome tradition. Assembly lines were all equipped with electric welders, water systems were operated with pumps, and corporate warehouses were built with motorised vehicles, all for the sake of pursuing the fastest and best results.


    It was also no wonder that many Equalists found work in those innovative corporations, often being recommended by fellow Equalists who¡¯ve managed by luck or by grit to secure a cushy job there.


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    Unfortunately, Goro was not one of those people. He had to admit that his talents were limited, and there were plenty of goons to pick from. He almost got a job at Future Industries that one time, but lost out because the other guy could weld better than him. And Goro did not begrudge that loss, because the other guy was simply more talented; he didn¡¯t lose out because of some ostrich horse bullshit bender quota.


    He was given a fair chance, and he failed to get it.


    But imagine how many more chances he¡¯d get if the benders weren¡¯t hogging everything; Goro could be working at a pump station, or laboring at a construction site, or even tilling the soil as a farmer.


    It sucked being pushed to the edges of modern life, especially when it was due to the selfish pricks looking to preserve what they thought was the order of the world.


    But his fortunes changed when a compatriot of the movement had approached him during one of the underground meetings. He¡¯d been given another chance at a stable job, an opportunity to work at the Future Media to boot. It was a name that was being talked about a lot, especially with its new radio station and the spate of street performers singing its praises for being signed in to work for the company.


    The Future Industries group was one of the shining models of Equalist beliefs, a place that prioritized results over the appeasement of benders. So long as you could get the job done, you¡¯d have your place in Future Industries and its related companies. Yes, they still needed benders to power the generators or wield water for fire control, but that was because they were the best options, not because of some dusty belief that the benders should be there. Goro had no doubt that if a better means was found, those benders would be replaced without any whining or huffing about.


    Hiroshi Sato might not be an outspoken Equalist, but Goro was sure that the great magnate had some sympathies for the movement. And it was well known throughout the alleys that Hiroshi Sato had entrusted Future Media to a bright mind (with no bending involved) named Xing, a young man almost half Goro¡¯s age.


    Lots of rumors swirled around that mysterious name; he was either the Avatar¡¯s former friend or bodyguard, and either they had a falling out or she¡¯d encouraged him to find his true calling in Republic City. He also supposedly adopted an impoverished family and brought them along his rapid climb to the top. And then there were the not-so-secret whispers that Xing and Asami Sato were close, and that she relied on him as a trusted confidante.


    And all of that without a lick of bending being involved on Xing¡¯s part.


    Hiroshi Sato must be relieved to find someone so brilliant for his daughter.


    And Goro felt the pressure from needing to really prepare for his job interview. Sharp minds like Hiroshi and Xing would no doubt not settle for simple, lazy recruits in their company. He¡¯d had to give his all to work inside one of the symbols of the Equalist ideals.


    And then Goro also remembered that Hitori Kuro worked in Future Media, and the pressure really increased to get a job there. Nobody knew what she looked like, only how she sounded. Imagine if Goro could be one of the lucky few to meet her¡­or even shake hands with her!


    For all the stress and excitement, Goro got the job as a ¡®tech menial¡¯ almost too easily. Despite his self-consciousness at being so poorly dressed, the staff at Future Media¡¯s office barely paid him any mind, being too busy walking past with hurried purpose. It took little time before Goro was sat across from the director of Future Media, and Xing engaged him with polite bluntness. No smarmy remarks about Goro¡¯s inability to bend, no ¡®alas, the bender quotas¡¯ ostrich horseshit, just questions about Goro¡¯s abilities and the expectations that would be placed upon him.


    Goro answered truthfully and resolutely, and right after that, instead of the spiel that he¡¯d be contacted (even though Goro didn¡¯t have a proper address to contact in the first place), the director offered him an employment contract and bade Goro to read through it thoroughly. Then Goro was ushered out as another prospective employee (a fellow Equalist sister, Goro pleasantly noted) replaced him at the interviewee¡¯s seat.


    It took some help from the vendors before Goro could fully understand what exactly was in the slip of paper he was given, and it was a huge surprise when he could finally appreciate the enormity of what was offered to him. The salary was generous, but then again it came with responsibilities - Goro would have to take the appropriate precautions and be careful with the expensive equipment he handled. The hours were more than tolerable, and his contract even included the chance to earn a bonus or even royalties if Goro somehow could come up with an idea that Future Media could use to make money with.


    Oh, there were a few long-winded lines about keeping the company secrets a secret, but for the amount Goro was getting paid, he¡¯d happily help the young director bury any bodies and forget about ever doing so if he was asked to.


    Goro¡¯s first day at work was basically a plunge into a frantic rush of activity. He ran from one wing of the building to another, moving crates for the coming pro-bending tournament (a lucrative evil that has to be accepted for the time being; Goro wondered what a big Equalized sport might look like¡­) and lugging furniture and socket-studded consoles into the broadcasting studio. It was hard but highly satisfying work, made all more tolerable as he encountered fellow Equalists here and there working in various posts. Nobody openly declared their allegiance of course, what with the raids still going on, but nobody needed to.


    With how smoothly it was being run, Future Media might as well become another poster child for Equality.


    Goro couldn¡¯t wait to catch up with his comrades in the next meeting in a couple days¡¯ time. Some of them have been in the company for a while now, so maybe they could offer some tips and insight into Future Media¡¯s work culture.


    Maybe someone might offer tales of Hitori Kuro.


    He¡¯d have to reconfirm the address tomorrow evening¡­ Hopefully it wouldn¡¯t be in another basement. And with how Tarrlok¡¯s task force is being so aggressive after the Avatar failed to trap Amon, Goro wouldn¡¯t be surprised if the masked leader wouldn¡¯t be present at the gathering. There were hushed whispers that Amon was leaving a trail of false clues, to mislead the task force into raiding warehouses and abandoned industrial buildings at odd hours, allowing smaller Equalist cells to congregate safely in shoplots or back alley tea halls at more convenient times.


    Or Amon had gone to ground to come up with new plans, while also spooking the task force into a constant state of alert for him to surface that they couldn¡¯t be bothered conducting small raids.


    Considering the complete lack of news about Tarrlok little task force, either could be true. Goro personally would like to imagine the bender-rimming councilman being too ashamed by the complete lack of success to let the reporters anywhere near his orgy-mates.

 Chapter 38

    ¡°Of course he¡¯s here,¡± Asami grumbled, pacing the office as Ren watched in worried silence. ¡°Couldn¡¯t have picked a better time...¡± The woman finally stopped her grumbling and heaved a sigh before turning to her aide. ¡°Tell him to wait.¡±


    ¡°How long?¡± Ren asked.


    ¡°Not as much as I¡¯d like,¡± came the annoyed reply.


    Ren hurried out of the office, giving Kai a ¡®hold the fort¡¯ look as he remained behind the desk, and then dashing for the elevator. Barely a minute later, she was walking quickly into the lobby, taking no time at all to find the unfortunate receptionist who had sounded the alarm. The woman was putting on a brilliant show of maintaining a cordial smile before a quintet of glossy, puffed up men.


    One of them had shinier and puffier clothes than the others, and the air of arrogant entitlement about him marked him as the unmistakable leader of the group.


    Ren finally could put a face to Butoq, scion of the Itiro dynasty from the Northern Water Tribe.


    Also one of the more persistent names on Asami¡¯s shitlist.


    In their short time working for her, the aides have already burnt enough messages and cards from Butoq to create an ash pile large enough to bury both of them. Ren had tossed prettily written poems, invitations to functions, and even the odd portrait of himself (or of Asami, which was creepier) into the flames, wondering if the guy would ever take the hint.


    Seeing the primped, glossy-skinned idiot now, Ren understood the flavor of the man¡¯s stubbornness. This was more than just a rich boy from a rich family, this was a delusional rich boy who never had his distorted view challenged. From Asami and even Mister Hiroshi¡¯s rants, the Itiro¡¯s were a family that had recently established themselves in Republic City after a lucky break in the whale oil and fur trading. They were unsubtle like a newly promoted triad captain, throwing money at everything as their first and only solution.


    Along with their ties to Councilman Tarrlok, they forced their way up into the upper crust of Republic City¡¯s society, regardless of what people thought of their crassness or gaudiness.


    Butoq seemed to be a perfect representative of his family. He wore an assembly of silk, fur and leather that no doubt only shared an expensive price tag as their theme. To further assault the eyes, he wore gold necklaces and bracelets and rings, with even more gold fangs and baubles hanging off them instead of the usual ivory or petrified wood talismans. Butoq¡¯s exposed skin, from his face down to his arms, had the greasy sheen of ferret whale oil, one of the newer fads that the Northern Water Tribe merchants are trying to push. His hair shared a similar waxy sheen, with more gold rings wrapped around braids that bounced off his shoulders as he gesticulated at the receptionist.


    In the back of her mind, Ren wondered how long such a man would last if he ever stepped foot in the back alleys of the city. Unless everyone could get over their desperation to ransom him instead, anyway. The girl could imagine some of the more destitute gangs flaying his body just to wring every drop of expensive oil for reselling.


    With that amusing thought buoying her resolve, Ren walked with intent towards the noisy intruder. Butoq and his cronies ignored Ren¡¯s presence, even after she politely cleared her throat. They ignored the unsubtle look of relief from the receptionist that was directed to her reinforcement, and neither did Butoq stop in his yammering to allow the poor lady to shift his attention.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Ren firmly yelled, and finally five pairs of blue eyes turned towards her.


    ¡°What is it girlie?¡± Butoq instantly said, the immature whine of his voice grating to the aide¡¯s ears. ¡°Can¡¯t you see we¡¯re busy?¡±


    She should¡¯ve dragged Kai along for this...


    Doing her best to hold back the twitch in her eyes and the tightening of his fists, Ren sketched a formal bow. ¡°I am Miss Asami¡¯s aide. Miss Asami is busy, and has directed me to guide you to the waiting room.¡±


    There was a second of blissful silence as Butoq gave his followers a confused look, and then he leveled a harsh glare at Ren. ¡°Get lost, kid. I don¡¯t know which idiot hired you, but I¡¯m not stupid enough to believe that Asami Sato would employ riffraff.¡±


    Ren glanced at the receptionist, who then nodded and backed her up. ¡°Ren here has indeed been hired by Miss Asami, sir.¡±


    ¡°Truly?¡±


    Butoq¡¯s incredulous gaze fell on the poor woman for a second, then shifted onto Ren for several more. The girl shrugged it off as best she could and gestured to the elevators.


    ¡°This way, please, Mister Butoq.¡±


    ¡°Huh.¡± The oiled man¡¯s stupid gaze broke into a grin as he looked back to his friends. ¡°Heh. It looks like for all her brilliance, dear Asami is still beholden to her emotional whims. Very well, lead on, little one.¡±


    Ignoring the grins that the five dolts exchanged, Ren guided the quintet to the elevators in silence. Thankfully the ride up was silent, though it was a challenge to remain still under the condescending attention.


    They went up to the comfier waiting rooms, and Ren stoically ignored the sympathetic looks of the Future Industries staff that she encountered.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired, little girl?¡± Butoq suddenly asked from behind her. ¡°This is a big building for your little legs, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Pausing to turn to him only because it was the polite thing to do, Ren somehow forced out a smile. ¡°I¡¯m used to it, thank you for your concern. The waiting room is this way.¡±


    After depositing him into a room with surprising ease, Ren finally allowed herself to shudder before going for the nearest telephone.


    ¡°Kai. How¡¯s Asami doing?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s doing breathing exercises right now.¡±


    ¡°Wanna swap?¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯re asking? No.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll buy¡­I¡¯ll give you a tenth of my next pay.¡±


    ¡°That bad, huh?¡±


    ¡°A fifth.¡±


    ¡°Good luck, Ren.¡±


    ¡°Coward.¡±


    Sighing in defeat, the abandoned aide returned to the guest room and weathered the patronizing looks of the five guests. ¡°Miss Asami will get to you in a moment. She¡¯s currently busy right now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure she is,¡± Butoq replied with a smile that Ren wanted to punch away. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll sit here all nice and quiet, alright? You can run off to play with your friends, I promise to call you when I need you.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you can play tea lady and make us some tea?¡± one of the cronies remarked with a smirk, causing the rest of the group to chuckle.


    Not trusting herself to remain courteous, Ren instead left the room and called one of the other staff to wheel in the tea and snacks for the unwanted guests. She still had the presence of mind to seek out a man for the job; those five don¡¯t look like they could be trusted with a woman. She heard the ugly cackles as she waited outside the room, as well as the unkind remarks Butoq directed at Asami.


    ¡°So smart with all her inventions, yet her feminine side still causes her to do stupid things like hiring a child. Truly she needs a proper man¡¯s guidance¡­ Hopefully I can finally make her see some sense¡­¡±


    Rather than wasting time trying to poison their tea, Ren quietly remembered the words said about her employer.


    ¡°Ah, Ren, there you are.¡±


    The girl shifted to greet Asami who was wearing a mixed expression of concern and apology. Behind her was a small squad of the building¡¯s security guards.


    ¡°They¡¯re talking about you.¡±


    The heiress rolled her eyes as she leaned over to give her aide a pat on the shoulders. ¡°Is it about bending again? Butoq¡¯s always been pushing around his Northern Water Tribe stupidity.¡±


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    ¡°Bending?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s not?¡±


    And Ren told her what she had heard so far, and she was treated to seeing the usually gentle lady darkening with anger.


    ¡°Go back up and arrange lunch with Kai, will you, Ren?¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡± The steely tone brooked no further protest, and Ren wisely nodded in acquiescence. She headed for the elevators, pausing only to follow the uneasy glances of the floor¡¯s staff towards Asami stomping towards the guest room, security in tow. She opened the door, and Butoq¡¯s voice leaked out.


    ¡°My dear Asami! Lovely as always! How¡¯ve you been? With the tournament comi-¡±


    The door slammed shut as Asami disappeared into the guest room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she¡¯ll be fine,¡± one of the staff nearby suddenly remarked, giving Ren a somewhat reassuring look. ¡°But we¡¯ll call you if anything happens.¡±


    ¡°Probably to call the morgue,¡± someone else quipped. ¡°Damned fools like the Itiro family give the Water Tribes a bad name¡­¡±


    Ren hurried up to Kai to figure out what sort of meal would soothe their employer after such a trying encounter. But first, she searched for the nearest phone, while her memory was still fresh.


    Xing would appreciate the accuracy of what was said.


    *****


    Despite the easy job given to him, Lidai still had to stretch his fatigue out as the day came to a close. His old eyes could only take squinting at the printed drafts for so long, and he was still getting used to sitting on a real chair instead of rocky ground.


    ¡°How¡¯s your day, Gramps?¡±


    The fisherman turned proofreader smirked at his young benefactor as he gave his usual reply as they left the building. ¡°Far less hectic than yours, I¡¯m willing to bet.¡±


    ¡°A shame you can¡¯t walk any faster,¡± Xing laconically ribbed. ¡°I could always use more runners.¡±


    ¡°Hah, you sure you want the kids to pay for another round of broken legs?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re able to afford the healing with your current salary.¡±


    ¡°Heh, I might as well go back to fishing.¡±


    A frown flashed across Xing¡¯s face, reminding Lidai that the lad had a soft spot despite the professional air he gave off.


    ¡°It¡¯s a joke,¡± the old man quickly added, not wanting to go down that topic again. Xing was bad enough, but if he got the two ruffians to gang up on Lidai¡­


    ¡°A bad joke,¡± Xing replied, and Lidai huffed.


    ¡°Not as bad as some of the things you¡¯re asking the talents to record.¡±


    The media director tilted his head at his proofreader, his pace never slowing. ¡°Which ones?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen the titles on the records you¡¯re working on. ¡®In the End¡¯, ¡®Numb¡¯, ¡®Throw Me Away¡¯? When you put them together, it sounds like someone going through a depressive time.¡±


    Xing grinned at that. ¡°That¡¯s the point.¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t all that gloom and doom gonna chase away the customers?¡±


    The director shrugged. ¡°Depends on who the customers are.¡±


    ¡°If you say so¡­¡±


    They were just turning off from the main streets when Xing suddenly stopped, and before Lidai could ask why, the younger man¡¯s arm shot out to gently push Lidai behind him.


    ¡°Can I help you?¡±


    Looking over Xing¡¯s shoulders, Lidai saw at least a dozen garishly dressed Water Tribesmen obstructing the narrower alleyway. They all wore rather intimidating scowls (almost on par with triad racketeers, or maybe a lieutenant with a tantrum¡­) and for some reason, they literally shone under the light of the setting sun.


    Already inured to city life, most other pedestrians around them swerved to take detours without blinking an eye, while a few had to be shoved away to take the hint.


    ¡°You¡¯re Xing, right?¡± the gold-specked leader of the group asked, stabbing a finger in Xing''s direction.


    ¡°If I¡¯m not?¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯re a fucking liar.¡±


    ¡°Then why ask in the first place?¡± Xing asked with a hint of exasperation.


    ¡°Enough!¡± the man growled, and as one the wall of goons took several steps forward. ¡°You might think that your promotion might be a big deal-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not, really.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t interrupt me!¡± The man¡¯s eye was visible twitching. ¡°I¡¯ll give you just this one warning, Xing, of an insignificant family.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m an orphan, but please deliver your threat.¡±


    Lidai hoped that his incredulity bore into Xing¡¯s back. Why is he riling up the already frothing opposition?


    The man was practically growling now. ¡°You will resign your ill-gotten directorship, and stay away from Asami Sato. Lowlives like you are too far beneath girls of her pedigree.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d agree with you, but who are we to decide who she likes, or why she likes them?¡±


    The wall of men moved another couple of steps closer.


    ¡°Xing¡­¡± Lidai cautioned, but as a response, Xing began to walk towards the enraged man and his goons, casting Lidai a clear look to stay where he was.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you did to seduce Asami Sato, but you will dispel whatever ensorcellment you have on her, and let her remain in proper society.¡±


    Xing paused for a moment, and tilted his head to one side. ¡°Aren¡¯t you a bit too bejewelled to be Southern Water Tribe?¡±


    Now the man looked like he was about to explode. ¡°How dare you lump me in with those snow-plowing hicks! I am Butoq, son of the esteemed Itiro family! Apologize now, for your slander!¡±


    Xing shrugged as the wall closed into a loose crescent before him. ¡°Misassumption is not slander. I just thought with all your talk about love hexes, that you were from the south.¡±


    There was a moment¡¯s pause when the frothing man seemed to stammer in confusion, and then a half-shriek burst out of him.


    ¡°Enough of your gibberish! Asami Sato doesn¡¯t deserve scum like you! You will leave her, and Republic City!¡±


    ¡°Or else?¡±


    The men swept their arms in unison, and water flowed out from behind their backs and hardened into glimmering spears of ice.


    ¡°Or else I won¡¯t promise you¡¯ll survive this,¡± the man crowed triumphantly. ¡°Or I might let you live, after I¡¯ve frozen and broken off your limp dick, haha!¡±


    ¡°Huh, Pakku¡¯s sixth ice form, novice stance¡­¡± Lidai heard Xing mutter, but before Butoq finally had enough of his nonchalance, he raised a hand. ¡°But you do know who I am, right?¡±


    ¡°Hmph. Who cares what a lowlife director like y-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, a director,¡± Xing cut in, and then gestured behind him, where passersby were still doing an admirable job of ignoring the whole scene. ¡°And you¡¯re threatening me in public? Does your family control the metalbending police, that you¡¯d get away with something so brazenly stupid? And you¡¯re going to threaten a media director? Do you really want your family¡¯s name to appear on every newspaper and radio news?¡±


    Xing then laconically glanced over his shoulder to Lidai and the crowd of people trying to walk away from the scene. ¡°You all heard that, right? Butoq Itiro was threatening to murder the director of Future Media. Has anyone called for the police yet?¡±


    Butoq¡¯s eyes almost popped out of their sockets, but the ice spears melted into water along with the men¡¯s resolve as they cast concerned gazes at him.


    ¡°You¡­you¡­¡±


    The director returned his attention to the Itiro scion, and Lidai was pretty sure Xing was smirking. ¡°Please, if you want to martyr me in public and drag your family¡¯s name in the mud, please proceed with the killing and maiming.¡±


    ¡°Perfidious coward!¡± Butoq spat impotently. ¡°You¡¯d stoop to hiding behind your title?¡±


    ¡°Irony aside,¡± Xing said, ¡°You¡¯ve got me outnumbered, and have wielded your waterbending illegally to intimidate me, and I¡¯m the coward? No wonder it¡¯s so hard stamping out the Equalists, with idiots like you giving everyone a reason to join.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to-¡±


    ¡°Yes? Please, tell the public how else you¡¯d like to hurt an innocent civilian just because you¡¯re jealous, so maybe their testimonies reach Chief Lin Beifong.¡±


    Butoq responded with an enraged shriek, and then Xing shifted aside to narrowly avoid the spear of ice that buried itself into the street. Or not quite. Lidai felt a thrum of fear as he saw the cut across Xing¡¯s sleeve, and the bleeding gash peeking out of the torn fabric.


    That fear morphed into something colder as he saw the young man raise his wounded arm to show off the wound, and heard the smile in Xing¡¯s next words.


    ¡°And there¡¯s the clear attempt on my life. Everything I do now is purely in self-defense.¡±


    And suddenly Xing was replaced with a soft explosion and a small cloud of dust and smoke, and Butoq¡¯s shriek turned into a pained gasp as Xing just¡­appeared</a> before him, shunting the Water Tribesman up into the air with his fist deep in his guts.


    With a snap of movement, Xing¡¯s hand retracted, but before gravity could claim Butoq, the former¡¯s legs slashed</a> first in a sweeping arc, and then a violent upward kick. A trail of blood and spittle traced Butoq¡¯s flight arc, and he crashed onto the ground with a crunch.


    Pausing as if to admire what he¡¯d done, Xing slowly glanced at the startled comrades of Butoq. ¡°Do I have to claim self defense against anyone else?¡±


    More than a dozen heads were shaking in earnest fear, and the media director gave a single nod of satisfaction. ¡°I will not press charges so long as Butoq stays away from me¡­and Miss Asami. I am also going to assume that the next attempts to harm me or those close to me will be at least partly caused by Butoq and the Itiro family, and will respond accordingly. Am I clear?¡±


    Shaking heads quickly bobbed into frantic nods of understanding, and Xing glanced over to Lidai again. ¡°We might still make it for dinner.¡±


    The wall of men quickly parted, allowing for a wide-eyed Lidai and a more unperturbed Xing to continue on their walk home. Lidai glanced over his shoulder to see Butoq¡¯s limp body being carried away.


    ¡°Can we make a quick detour?¡± Xing asked.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Lidai was surprised he wasn¡¯t stammering.


    ¡°I need to make a report at the police station.¡±


    The old proofreader blinked once, twice at his younger director. ¡°I¡­I thought you weren¡¯t pressing charges?¡±


    Xing gave a slow nod. ¡°Making a report doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ll want to press charges. I¡¯m told Chief Lin appreciates sticking to procedure¡­ Can¡¯t have her displeased with me when we still need the police¡¯s cooperation for the coming tournament.¡±


    A thought then struck Lidai. ¡°And it¡¯s also just in case the Itiros go to the police after receiving their broken idiot?¡±


    Xing smirked at that. ¡°Maybe. Plus having a verified black and white report of what happened would give me something to work with¡­if I need to.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± An awkward pause settled between the two men as they took a turn to head for the city¡¯s police headquarters.


    Lidai finally cleared his throat, and tentatively scratched his nagging curiosity. ¡°So¡­do I want to know about the¡­you know¡­¡±


    Xing shrugged, though a nostalgic tint seeped into his voice. ¡°When you¡¯re sparring with the Avatar, you¡¯re forced to learn how to adapt to deal with multiple elements at once. And remind her to control her bending¡¯s severity. She liked using ice instead of snow, or compacted earth instead of loose soil¡­¡±


    The former Avatar¡¯s minder stopped himself from breaking into full reminiscing, and they continued their walk in silence.


    Then another thought occurred to Lidai.


    ¡°Since this is going into a report¡­you¡¯ll be telling Asami?¡±


    Xing stumbled in his steps for a moment, and then looked to Lidai with genuine worry. ¡°Will she be angry, do you think?¡±


    Lidai mulled that question over before offering a shrug. ¡°If Ren¡¯s call was any indication, Asami would either be angry that you risked yourself like that, or she¡¯d be angry you didn¡¯t turn the poor sap into a poorer heap of broken bones. It¡¯s hard to tell with women.¡±


    ¡°Speaking from experience?¡±


    The old man grunted. ¡°I will not confirm nor deny anything.¡± She¡¯d know if he was talking shit about her, even if she thought he was dead. And then Lidai would really wish he was dead.