1. Welcome to Republic City
The middle-aged woman watched from the rooftop as the green airship maneuvered over Cabbage Corp Tower, hugging her shawl closely. Boarding hundreds of feet in the air might seem flashy and futuristic to younger people, but clearly no one had considered the draft. The airship uncoiled mooring lines, was pulled into position by the ground crew, and lowered the gangplank. Businesspeople filed out in shades of brown and gray. There was a single rebellious flash of red, but still no sign of…
"Guan?" said the young woman in the red trenchcoat and long black curls.
"Ms. Sato?" said Guan. "I almost didn't recognize you. You look so much like your… you look well."
"It's good to see you too," said Asami. "You've hardly changed."
"Flattery will get you far, young lady," said Guan. "Do you have your things?"
"I think so," said Asami, nodding to the porter girl behind her. "Though they had to split the sweaters you sent me in two shipments."
"No such thing as too much cold wear," said Guan. "Let's get out of the wind."
They took the elevator to the parking levels and walked to an antique satomobile.
"The old '58 model," said Asami. "Beautiful."
"Did you have driving lessons at the Academy?" asked Guan.
"A little," said Asami, tipping the porter.
"Excellent," said Guan, getting behind the wheel. "A little more practice and you should have no trouble getting your license."
Guan pulled out of the Tower and into the Republic City morning crawl. She sighed. "Missing the island yet?"
Asami rolled down the window and took in the skyscrapers, the honking, the mass of people rushing about and cursing each other in different accents. "I wouldn't trade this for the world."
Guan inched their way out of the city and into the nicer suburbs on the hills. Mansions grew increasingly grander and farther apart until they reached the main gate of the Stato estate.
"Funny," said Asami. "It's smaller than I remembered."
Guan drove up the driveway to the front door, where a footman was waiting to help unload.
"Would you like to rest before lunch, mam?" asked Guan.
"I got enough rest on the airship," said Asami. "Could you show me the workshop?"
"Certainly," said Guan, leading the way to the back. "We kept the original shed, as instructed."
"Father would have liked it this way," said Asami, running her fingers over the cheap wooden wall. The humble birthplace of the satomobile. What other marvels could he have worked, if he had had more time?
"You'll find the new addition is quite spacious," said Guan, flicking a switch. A trapdoor at the center of the floor receded, revealing a lit stairwell.
Guan and Asami walked down. The lower level was a significantly larger, well-equipped workshop.
"We put that death-on-two-wheels and the other equipment you ordered in the corner," said Guan. "May I ask why the Kingdom contractor? Surely a Republic contractor..."
"Would not have been as discreet," said Asami.
"Ah," said Guan. "Have you thought about what you would like to do before you start at Republic University?"
"Yes," said Asami, rummaging in her backpack. She placed the grinning blue mask on the table.
"That's a… remarkable replica," said Guan, studying the mask. "I see the Academy's curriculum is broader than I gave it credit for."
"I took a few extracurriculars," said Asami.
"It's hard to express what the Blue Spirit meant to my generation," said Guan.
"I loved her superhero comics," said Asami.
"The reality wasn't as rosy," said Guan. "Some saw her as no better than the criminals she hunted. But to me she was a symbol of hope. What happened to Councilman Sokka's son wasn't her fault. Not even the Avatar could have saved him. Why are you showing me this?"
"The city is run by gangsters and corrupt officials," said Asami. "The justice system is incompetent, intimidated, or bought off. The city needs the Blue Spirit again."
"Does it?" said Guan. "Or do you? A few copycats tried to fill the void she left. Some really were no better than criminals. Some were killed."
"That's why I need your help," said Asami.
Guan looked into her eyes. "Tell me this isn't about vengeance. Nothing you do will bring back…"
"This is about justice," growled Asami. "So no little girl has to witness her parents being murdered."
"Then you'll have me at your side," said Guan. "I love you, Asami, but cross the line and I walk away. I won't help you get yourself killed."
"Deal," said Asami.
#
Asami walked up the steps of police headquarters.
The policeman at the front desk didn't look up. "Yes?"
"I'd like to speak with Detective Beifong," said Asami.
The officer smirked. "She expecting you?"
"No," said Asami. "Please tell her it's Asami Sato."
The officer shrugged. "You can tell her yourself."
"A five-car pile-up," barked a policewoman with short gray hair, waving a report. "What's this about a polar bear dog?"
"Chief," said the desk officer, standing at attention. "It was seen at the park with a young woman, but they managed to escape. They were fishing."
"That's one well-trained polar bear dog," said Beifong.
"Actually, mam…"
"Yeah, yeah," said Beifong, noticing Asami. "Don't tell me she's misplaced a polar bear dog."
"Ms. Sato wanted to see you," said the officer.
"Sato…" said Beifong, studying her. "As in Asami Sato?"
"Yes, mam," said Asami.
The fire went out of Beifong. "It's chaos around here. Come into my office."
The chaos in the main hall was only slightly muffled by the office windows.
"Hard to believe it's been twelve years," said Beifong, sitting at the desk.
"Congratulations on your promotion," said Asami. "Were there any developments in the case?"
"Sorry, kid," said Beifong.
"I'd like to take a look at the case file," said Asami.
"You know I can't do that," said Beifong. "You need to make a request through the proper channels, get judge approval."
"Why?" said Asami. "It's not like the police are using it."
There was a commotion in the main hall.
"Listen, I can't begin to imagine what you went through," said Beifong. "But I get heartbreaking cases every day. I'm just trying to do the best I can with the resources I have."
"Chief," said the front desk officer, barging in. "Air patrol six caught the perp trashing a music store. They're bringing her in."
"This is a mistake!" cried the Water Tribe teenage girl being escorted by three metalbending police. "I'm the Avatar!"
Beifong sighed. "I have to take this. Sorry I couldn't do more."
"Yeah," said Asami. "Me too."
"Did they let you see the file?" Guan asked when Asami returned to the car.
"No," said Asami.
"I was afraid this would be a waste of time," said Guan.
Asami looked back at the building. "Not entirely."
#
"Uh… yes, I am definitely here to stay," Korra said on the radio, "but honestly I don't exactly have a plan yet. See, I'm still in training, but, look, all I know is Avatar Aang meant for this city to be the center of peace and balance in the world, and I believe we can make his dream a reality. I look forward to serving you! I'm so happy to be here. Thank you, Republic City!"
"So the Avatar's back," said Guan.
"I noticed," Asami said from under the motorcycle. "Could you pass me that wrench?"
"You seem underwhelmed," said Guan, handing her the tool.
"No one elected her go around punching people in the face," said Asami.
"Sounds like someone else I know," said Guan.
"We're nothing alike," said Asami. "I've worked very hard for this. She got handed everything on a platter. She still has people who love her."
"So do you," said Guan.
"Guan, that's not what I…"
"It's okay," said Guan. "You're afraid Republic City isn't big enough for two superheroes."
"She's the spiriting Avatar," said Asami. "My superpowers amount to money and an obsession. It's not much of a competition."
"It doesn't have to be," said Guan. "The Blue Spirit and Avatar Aang operated at different levels. Aang didn't run after bank robbers, he was usually off somewhere brokering peace. Or, you know, controlling the odd volcano eruption."
"Too bad the diplomatic skills don't go with the bending," said Asami. "This girl looked more likely to be on the volcano's side."
"She's still young," said Guan.
"She's my age," said Asami. "I'm not that reckless."
"You mean she's not put-on-a-mask-and-fight-crime reckless?" said Guan.
"I mean no one should have that kind of power unchecked," said Asami.
"And you're going to keep her in check?" said Guan.
"If I have to, yes," said Asami.
"Didn't work out for Firelord Ozai," said Guan.
"I'm not some egomaniac out to take over the world," said Asami. "I just want to be sure she isn't one either."
"Guess we'll find out," said Guan. "How's the Blue Bike coming along?"
"We're not calling it the Blue Bike," said Asami.
"The Blue Spirit didn't need one," said Guan.
"Guess her neighborhood had better public transport," said Asami.
"I'd feel much better if you got a nice, safe Spirit Scooter," said Guan.
"Spirit Scooter doesn't quite strike fear in the heart of the enemy," said Asami.
"Maybe a Bluemobile," said Guan. "Cars are much safer."
"I can't afford to be stuck in traffic," said Asami. "I just need a quick, discreet way to get into town."
"No armor?" said Guan.
"Takes a metalbender to make it weightless," said Asami. "I need to be nimble."
"And your beautiful hair?" said Guan. "Don't tell me you're cutting it."
"Braided under the hood," said Asami, standing in her black shozoko outfit. She held Guan's arms. "I'm nervous too. But it's time."
"I know," said Guan. "Be careful."
"I will," said Asami, putting on her helmet and kick-starting the bike.
#
Asami roared down the unlit hill road, pushing the engine's limits. Riding the dirt roads around the Academy had been muddy fun, but couldn't compare with the speed of asphalt, city lights flashing below, the cold night air rushing…
"Idiot!" cried the truck driver, honking as she swerved to avoid the bike.
Asami skidded to a halt in the brush, the bike falling over her.
"Sorry!" she called after the disappearing truck. Her heart was racing. What a stupid way to end her superhero career. Lucky no one had seen it. Lucky Guan hadn't seen it. Gathering her remaining dignity, she pushed the bike upright and hopped back on.
Asami rode at a more reasonable pace through the streets. Guan had gone over the street map with her, but it was different when you were doing the driving, especially at night. You'd think a city built from scratch less than 70 years ago would've been better planned.
A few wrong turns and less-than-legal shortcuts later, she arrived at police headquarters. She parked the bike a block away and proceeded on foot. The streets were empty but the lights were on, hopefully with a minimal and bored night shift. Double-checking the street for any surprise trucks, she ran up the side of the building, grabbed a ledge, and pulled herself up to Beifong's window. The latch was still open from her afternoon visit. Easing the window silently open, she dropped to a crouch and listened. No footsteps. She crawled out of the office and down the hall to the file room.
The room was packed with metal shelves overflowing with folders and boxes. Asami flicked on a flashlight and checked the log book. The year: 158. She found the case number and, a few wrong turns later, the depressingly thin case file. Robbery… double homicide… orphan...
She dropped the flashlight and slid down to her knees. The mask felt wet against her cheeks. The night her world burned. A robbery, a double homicide, an orphan. Sometimes it was that simple.
Get a grip. She picked up the flashlight and reopened the file. A stylized fire symbol had been burned on the wall, the mark all Agni Kai tattooed on their wrists. The police were tipped off, raided one of their compounds. All goons had alibis. The judge ruled there was insufficient evidence.
Asami looked at the old photo of the burned wall. Most of this had been in the papers, but… she'd seen the intruder's wrist tattoo. It wasn't the symbol on the wall. It was a stylized yi character, "乙", meaning second. She wrote down the list of thugs that had been cleared, replaced the file, and returned to the office. She was opening the window when footsteps fell in the hallway.
"Paperwork," Beifong growled from the door. "Don't interrupt unless it's important."
Did that woman never sleep? Asami pressed herself harder against the desk.
Beifong hesitated at the door way. "Who's been messing with my window?"
Asami's eyes shot up, heart racing. She'd left the window half-open when she panicked.
"Someone's getting an extra shift," said Beifong, walking towards the window.
Asami shifted her weight to the balls of her feet. Could she take down a metalbending officer? Could she take down Beifong?
"Chief!" someone called from the hallway.
"This better be important," said Beifong.
"Ye-yes, mam," stuttered the cadet.
Beifong frowned at the window, but followed the young man.
Asami started breathing again. As their footsteps receded, she exited the window and left it carefully half-open. Checking the street was clear, she jumped, rolled, and walked back to where… huh. She must've parked the next block over.
#
Strident ringing cut through the sleeping mansion.
"Infernal contraption," muttered Guan, shuffling in her gown and slippers from the servants' quarters.
She picked up the receiver mid-ring. "This is not an acceptable time to…"
"It's me," whispered Asami.
"Ms. Sato!" said Guan. "What's wrong? Are you hurt? Where are you?"
"I'm fine," said Asami. "I'm calling from a payphone. I seem to have… misplaced the bike."
"How can someone mis… you were robbed," said Guan.
"Yeah, someone should really do something about this crime rate," said Asami.
"I can't say I'm not a little relieved," said Guan.
"Guan, you didn´t…." said Asami.
"No, I did not orchestrate grand theft death-on-wheels," said Guan. "How did it happen? You know the city isn't safe at night."
"It was parked a block away from police headquarters!" said Asami.
"What were you doing around police headquarters?" said Guan.
"Reading some old files," said Asami.
"You said this wasn't about vengeance," said Guan.
"It's not," said Asami.
"And yet on your first night fighting crime you've accomplished breaking and entering, violating restricted documents, and getting robbed."
"Still working out the kinks in this superhero thing," said Asami.
"So you're taking the bus?" said Guan.
"Funny," said Asami.
"I'll get the car," said Guan.