still on my string
[DAY SIXTEEN]
"Why doesn't Amon just take my bending away?"
Kai looked at her, surprised. Jinora was sitting in the corner, combing her fingers through her tangled hair. He couldn't make out her face. "What makes you ask that?"
"I've been here for over two weeks, and it doesn't really seem like I'm being held in an active hostage system, or for ransom. So why does he want me around? Why is he letting me keep my bending? It doesn't make sense," she explained miserably. She raised her head, throwing her face into view, tucking her hair back.
"I don't know," Kai admitted. "They told me that Amon thought you could be useful with your bending intact. They didn't give me a real reason."
Jinora flexed her fingers, and Kai saw the air shift and move as she slowly moved them back and forth. The air started to solidify as she forced it to speed up. Her movements were so subtle, so controlled, it didn't even occur to Kai to say that bending wasn't allowed.
"Why aren't you a master?" Kai asked finally. Jinora stopped bending, her palm straightening out of surprise.
She sighed, turning to look at him. "I am, technically."
"Technically?" he repeated.
"My father and I have agreed to hold off the ceremony and tattooing until the Revolution is over and things have calmed down. He doesn't want to have me immediately ousted as a bender wherever I go," she explained, a sad smile on her face.
Kai nodded, fidgeting with the frayed strings of his Equalist glove. It was safe and smart, but still sad that she was being denied a vital rite of passage for her people. "That's too bad. If anyone's a master, you are." It spilled out of his mouth before he could think about how stupid it was that he was complimenting a bender on something he knew almost nothing about, but it was too late to take it back.
Jinora flushed, turning away so her face was once again obscured by her hair, a small smile on her face, and Kai didn't want to take it back.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
Kai smiled at her. "You're welcome."
[DAY EIGHTEEN]
Kai caught sight of her troubled expression. "You alright Jinora?" It felt strange, on the one hand, to be asking if she was alright, since she was trapped behind bars and he shouldn't give a damn about her and she was a prisoner. But the truth was, he hadn't thought of her as a prisoner for at least a week.
"I'm fine," she said, wringing her hands; Kai gave her a pointed look. Sighing, she glanced up at him. "I was just wondering, about your parents... Did you ever find out who - who the bender was?"
Kai's eyes burned. No one had ever asked that before. No one had really ever asked about his parents. His answer to his family had always been two words: dead parents, and people left it at that. Some Equalists were in the same situation; it made some uncomfortable, but above all else, it was always swept under the rug. Until now. He bit down his lip so hard he tasted blood and squeezed his eyes shut, feeling tears pool at the corners.
"I'm sorry," Jinora said quickly. "I shouldn't have asked-"
"No," Kai said, taking a deep, shaky breath. "No, it's fine. Uh, her name was Zilla. She was part of a mob, and was killed shortly afterwards in a car accident. Or at least that's what the police reports said. Why were you wondering?"
"I just thought, well... it might help you make peace with it, if you didn't already know," she said meekly, not meeting his eyes. "I'm sorry for bringing it up... But you know," she cleared her throat, slowly regaining her confidence with each word, "if you ever want to - to talk to me about it, you can." She smiled sadly. "I know how to cope pretty well."
"Who did you lose?" Kai said quietly.
"My grandmother, two years ago. She was old, and it know it's not the same, but it was still hard you know? She was the greatest healer in the world but she caught a disease even she couldn't fix. Part of me is glad, though, now that I've accepted it and moved on. She missed my grandfather dearly. I never knew him, he died seven years before I was born, give or take. And then well, technically speaking, I've lost my people too."
She looked up at him, her eyes glistening with tears. "Thank you for listening, Kai."
Kai half-smiled, wiping his own eyes. "You too."
[DAY TWENTY]
"So, you really went to the Spirit World?"
"It's beautiful, but dangerous. As long as you know your way around Spirits you'll be fine. But what I really want to see is the real world." A faraway look came into Jinora's eyes, giving her a glazed expression.
"You want to travel?" Kai leaned forwards, inclining his head.
"All over the world," Jinora elaborated, waving her hands wildly. Kai had never realized just how much she had talked with her hands when they had been in chains. "I want to see all the places my grandparents traveled to, and then some. I'd love to visit Omashu, and go to university or at least study briefly at Ba Sing Se."
"Ba Sing Se isn't all it's chalked up to be," Kai told her. "The Lower Ring is so crowded and smells really bad. The Middle Ring's much better, and if you're able to hop the trains when the conductor isn't looking, getting to the Upper Ring is pretty easy."
"You've been?" Jinora asked.
"I grew up there with my parents," he explained, "in the Lower Ring. It's a good thing, after their deaths, that I got out when I did. The Earth Queen, Hou-Ting is a nut-job."
"My father doesn't like her either. He says she's a tyrant. Her father King Kuei was a much better ruler. He cared about his people for one thing," Jinora said, and the anger in her voice surprised him. He had always thought of her as being soft, petite, calm and collected. She was a good head shorter than him, a lithe frame; she wasn't exactly an opposing figure. But, Kai supposed, there was as much fury in her as in anybody.
"I know Korra - the Avatar," she supplied, "was hoping to do something about her but with things being so intense in Republic City, Korra hasn't gotten the chance."
Korra. The Avatar. All gusto and garbed in Water Tribe colours with a fiery spirit and a skilled bender. Master of the four elements, even if air was coming a little slow. Kai had never seen her picture except in pictures and once at a press conference with a mixture of reporters and Republic City citizens alike. She was adamant about bringing down the Revolution. But, it seemed like they had something in common after all, which Kai had never thought would be possible.
"Huh."
"You know, there are rumours from Ba Sing Se that the Earth Queen is capturing airbenders," Jinora said, her face falling, and Kai felt a pang of sadness. Time and time again, the airbenders were killed, or captured or persecuted. Why was everyone so intent on hurting them? On hurting Jinora? "Some days I wonder what it would be like if the genocide had never happened. The Temples would be full of life, and sky bison. Instead of Air Acolytes there'd be Air Nomads."
Jinora wiped her eyes.
Kai didn't know what to say. I'm sorry didn't seem like enough. Only five airbenders in the entire world, the ultimate minority. Even if benders were oppressed, airbenders were more so, even if they did grow up in the lap of luxury due to their status.
"I guess I wouldn't have met you though."
They froze at the same time, Kai turning to her with an awestruck expression while hers was meek, their cheeks burning. Slowly, Kai started to smile, trying not to feel too pleased with himself.
"I don't know," he said quietly, "I think we would have found a way." Maybe they were friends, after all, and maybe he was more than alright with that. Jinora arguably knew more about him than anyone, and what he hadn't said he was sure he had guessed at.
Jinora cleared her throat. "I think so too."
Kai opened his mouth to say something – exactly what, he wasn't sure – but then there were a loud, heavy set of footsteps.
"Hey Kai!" Chow said cheerfully, closely followed by Iluq.
Kai turned to face them, plastering a grin on his face. But even as he spoke to them, he could feel Jinora's eyes on his back, and it made his heart pound.
[DAY TWENTY-TWO]
Kai perked up, eyes wide and eager. "And then did Meelo do?"
"Well he thought it was me coming around the corner, right?" Jinora told him, beaming, barely able to hold back laughter. "So he tossed the bucket of water up, and my dad got soaked!" She laughed loudly, Kai joining in. He couldn't remember the last time he had really laughed. He laughed even harder when Jinora snorted; she flushed, her hand covering her mouth in embarrassment, but when he didn't stop chuckling she started to laugh again too.
"I'm sorry," she squeaked out.
Kai waved his hand, dismissing her apology. "Don't be." He chuckled softly, his cheeks hurting.
Jinora wiped her eyes, still grinning. "It's been a while since I've laughed that hard," she said, her smile fading. She looked at Kai fondly, her warm brown eyes softening. His throat went dry.
"Thank you Kai," she said gently, leaning forwards slightly. Their eyes locked.
Jinora was actually very pretty, he didn't know how he hadn't noticed before. Her hair curled at the very tips onto her face, her eyes changing to varying shades of brown, but no matter what colour they were all warm and shined like stars. And her lips were pink and full; he wondered if they were as soft as they looked...
"Kai? Are you alright?"
Kai jumped, startled and realizing he had been staring. Kai didn't know why. Sure, Jinora was attractive, but that didn't mean he was attracted to her, or anything. She was friend. And a bender.
"Just zoned out," he lied, blushing. His face felt hot. Jinora eyed him curiously, perhaps not believing him fully, but seemed satisfied enough and let it drop.
"Alright then," she said at last.
Kai's heart hammered against his rib-cage. Why was this happening? What was happening? He shook his head, hoping to clear his mind. Maybe he was...? No, no he couldn't be. She was a bender. He couldn't be falling for her. She was his sworn enemy. He was an Equalist. She was a bender. This could not be happening.
She gave him a smile and his stomach did a back-flip. Maybe it was happening, whether he wanted it to or not.
[DAY TWENTY-FIVE]
Kai finished eating dinner far faster than usual that day, even if he didn't really have too much of an appetite. He was still trying to figure out exactly what he was feeling, and why, and it was very confusing. Maybe, if he spent more time with Jinora, he would be able to find an answer. Besides, he did like hanging out with her. She seemed to understand, or at least she tried to, and that was more than anyone else had ever done.
He could someone speaking, their words floating down the corridor. That was strange. Yonra wouldn't be talking to Jinora, would he? Kai strained his ears, and the words came into focus, as he walked quietly down the hall.
"It's too bad I'm not your primary guard like Kai," Yonra purred. "Otherwise I could do whatever I wanted to you all - day - long."
"Hey!" Kai's heart was jammed into his throat, eyes wide with panic as he burst into the room. Jinora was curled up in the corner, as far from Yonra as possible, who was standing outside of the bars - thank Raava - and Kai wanted nothing more than to tackle him to the floor and punch him. Breathing heavily through his nose, Kai contented himself with shouting, "What the hell are you doing?!"
"Nothing," Yonra narrowed his eyes. "How is your concern?"
"We're supposed to keep her locked up, not to hurt her!" Kai seethed. He wanted to slam Yonra against the bars, but controlled his anger. Getting Yonra out of here and making sure Jinora was okay was more important. He clenched his fists.
"Why do you care?" Yonra said coldly.
Kai glowered at him, biting his tongue. Yonra couldn't know that he and Jinora's relationship was anything more than prisoner and warden. "Leave." He pointed towards the door. Yonra rolled his eyes and walked off. Waiting for his footsteps to fade was agony. Finally, when Kai was sure Yonra was gone, he rushed over to the cell.
Jinora was still huddled in the corner. He pushing the key into the lock and flung the doors open, dropping to his knees when he reached her. "Jinora," he breathed. There were tears in her eyes; she was trembling. Anxiously, Kai pushed back at her hair, cupping her face with his hands. Gingerly, he brushed away a tear that was trickling down her face with his thumb. "Did he..." he swallowed hard. "Did he hurt you? Touch you?"
Raava above, if that monster had touched her in any way shape or form he swore to Vaatu he was going to rip him apart with his bare hands.
Then, Jinora shook her head, and it was easier to breathe. His anger melted into concern, resonating in the back of his throat. He'd deal with Yonra later. Right now, Jinora needed him. He needed her. "Are you okay?"
Jinora nodded, putting a hand over his own, leaning into his touch. "I'm okay," she mumbled, her voice shaking. She seemed to lose whatever was keeping her together and crumpled; Kai wrapped his arms tightly around her and she buried her face in his neck. Her tears splashed onto his collarbone. Kai knew that Yonra had been the breaking point, but this was more than that: this was the worry for her family, even as Kai tried to keep her updated with the newspapers every day; this was worry for herself, for her bending and her future.
"It's okay," he murmured into her hair. After weeks of brief skin on skin, her small warm hands in his own the only contact, back when she had worn chains, this was overwhelming, but Kai was determined to hold her until she didn't need him to. "It's okay," he repeated gently, stroking her hair; he could feel her slowly composing herself, calming down in his arms as her shaking faded away.
She pulled away, still in his arms. "Thank you," she managed out, not meeting his eyes. He cupped her face again, even more tenderly this time.
He gave her a serious look. "How long as Yonra been doing that?"
"A few days," she wiped her eyes. "But he's never touched me." Yet, Kai thought darkly. He would make damn sure Yonra never had a chance.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he whispered, his voice breaking. Did she not trust him enough? Was she too scared? His heart throbbed, pulsing painfully against his constricted throat. There was a tightness in his chest. "Or airbend him away?"
"I knew you couldn't really do anything," she sniffled. "It would draw attention, to... this." She gestured hopelessly with her hands, before letting them rest against his chest. Her fingers were curled over his heart. "And I didn't airbend, because..." she trailed off, finally looking up at him.
Because he would get in trouble for taking her handcuffs off. Kai swallowed hard. Kai grabbed her hands, enveloping them in his own. "Don't worry about me," he told her, giving her hands a squeeze. "If he ever comes near you again I want you to slam that bastard into the wall repeatedly, consequences be damned."
Still sniffling, Jinora nodded. "Okay," she agreed finally. She squeezed his hands back. "Thank you," she said again.
"Anytime," he promised. Jinora leaned over and pressed her soft lips against his cheek for a few seconds before pulling away. Kai flushed a deep red, his face burning. He cleared his throat; Jinora was still resting in his arms. She rested her head upon his chest; Kai put his head above hers. "Are you going to be okay now?"
"I think so," she said quietly. "We should probably..." she squirmed in his arms. "Move?"
Kai realized just how bad it would be if someone caught them like this, his jaw going slack. "Or, erm," the blush never left his face, "that's probably smart." Reluctantly, he let go and Jinora moved away, still on his knees. He got back onto his feet, offering a hand to help Jinora up as well. The tips of her fingers slide in between his own, a rush of heat flooding the places where her skin touched his. Was getting electrocuted by an Equalist glove something like this?
When she let go, he was suddenly aware of how empty his arms felt. Kai closed the cell door, and it was a struggle to lock it and see her behind bars again. She was his friend, and he was definitely falling for her.
Jinora gripped the bars tightly, coming to meet him so their faces were only separated by the bars. "It'll be okay Kai," she reassured him, a ghost of a smile on her lips.
Kai nodded stiffly, jerking his head only slightly. He didn't like locking her up again, even if he knew deep down there was nothing he could really do about it. But the one thing he could do was make sure she never had to be near Yonra again, so that was what he was going to do.
[DAY TWENTY-SIX]
Yonra was smirking that infuriating smirk of his, and it took all of Kai's willpower not to slam him into the wall as hard as he could. No one was around; it was just the two of them in the hallway leading to the cell. A tray of food - Jinora's breakfast - was in Yonra's hands.
"Put the tray down," Kai said, in a low, cold voice. "We need to have a little talk."
"Is this about the airbender?" Yonra sighed. "Because if so-"
"Listen," Kai hissed. "If you ever go near her again I swear I'll-"
"You're not supposed to even look in the airbender's direction, what's your problem?" Yonra spat.
"It doesn't matter," Kai insisted, his heart pounding in his ears. What if he was overstepping? What if Yonra reported him, and then he couldn't watch over Jinora anymore? "The point is..." he sighed, his anger deflating from fear. "Just, leave her alone."
Yonra stepped forward, arching an eyebrow. "And what if I don't?"
Kai bit his bottom lip, tasting droplets of blood. "Then I'll deal with you, personally," he growled.
Kai snatched the tray from Yonra's grasp and stalked off back towards the cell, fuming but satisfied when he heard Yonra walk away in the opposite direction.
The way Jinora beamed at him when he walked in with her food made all the risks worth it.
[DAY TWENTY-NINE]
Chow and Iluq brought Jinora's meals. Kai ate his meals by her cell. Yonra never showed his face again. Somehow, Kai had gotten through his thick skull. For now, Jinora was safe, and it was enough.
[DAY THIRTY]
"Kai!"
The Equalist - although he had to wonder if he could really call himself that - turned at the sound of his name to see Chow and Iluq walking towards him. "We got some great news!" Chow said excitedly, his fat, round face shining with anticipation.
Kai grinned, clapping Chow on the shoulder. "Really?"
"We're going to go on a scouting mission to..." Iluq lowered his voice, giving Jinora a quick glance. Kai leaned forward to catch what he said. "Air Temple Island," Iluq whispered, smiling widely. "Amon wants us to find out if the reports of new airbenders are true."
Kai's smile faded. "Sounds dangerous." Why would Amon choose Chow and Iluq for the job, if it was very important? He ad nothing against them, but they weren't the most skilled Equalists... That was Jinora's home, why were they sending scouts? He wanted to look back at Jinora, to try to gauge her reaction, but he couldn't do that with Iluq and Chow's attention focused on him.
"It will be, which is why," Iluq said cheerfully. "Amon's considering you to be the leader, since you have the most experiences with airbenders and all. It's about time you got some credit for your work, and a much higher status I might add." He winked.
Kai plastered a grin on his face, his thoughts racing. "Who are the other candidates?" he asked. Why were they scouting her home? What could they possibly have to gain, unless... they wanted to get to her family.
"Just one," Chow corrected him. "Yonra. But don't worry, you'll totally get it and then he'll take over looking after the airbender."
Kai's insides went cold, horror crawling up his throat. He was sure his threats wouldn't hold if he wasn't around to follow through on them. He couldn't leave Yonra alone with Jinora, no more than he could report it to the Lieutenant without putting Jinora's safety at risk if they thought he was incapable of guarding her... But on the other hand it was a great opportunity; he'd gain status, wealth.
"That's great!" Kai lied, injecting happiness into his voice. Chow and Iluq didn't notice the way his smile didn't reach his eyes.
"We just came to give you a heads up," Iluq said regretfully. "But we have to go help prepare for the mission. See you soon, Captain."
Kai waited until they were out of sight before he turned to look at Jinora, and seeing the horrified look on her face and the dejection in her eyes, he knew he had never really had a choice. He knew what he needed to do.
[DAY THIRTY-ONE]
"I can't believe you're not leading the mission, Kai," Iluq said sadly, bright and early that morning when Kai was just finishing up breakfast. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jinora perk up with interest, a confused look spreading across her face.
"Told the Lieutenant I didn't think I was ready for it," Kai said smoothly. The second-in-command had been surprised, but had accepted his answer. "Besides, I got my hands full with the airbender. Yonra will do much a better job."
"Will I?"
Kai turned to see Yonra striding towards him, a frown on the other man's face. "Yeah," Kai said coldly, meeting Yonra's narrowed eyes. Yonra suspected him, at the very least. Kai couldn't find it in him to care. Kai's mouth was a hard, firm line. "You will." He refused to look away first.
Finally, Yonra lowered his eyes. "Thanks, then," he muttered.
Kai smirked with satisfaction as Yonra walked away. He could see Chow and Iluq throwing him perplexed looks over their shoulders as they too left the room, leaving him and Jinora alone.
There was a silence as Kai walked closer to the cell, Jinora standing on the other side of the bars, comprehension dawning on her face. "You gave up the position," she said simply, studying him intently; her eyes searched his. Kai held her steadfast gaze, and nodded. "Why?"
"I think you know why," he said quietly, fighting the rush of heat to his cheeks.
Jinora flushed. For her. "Thank you," she reached through the bars and grasped his hand, squeezing it. Tears welled up in her eyes. "Thank you."
Kai half-smiled at her, giving her hand a squeeze in return. "Always, Jinora," he said.
He wasn't sure where this new found confidence was coming from, but somehow he knew he'd always do his best to keep her safe; she was his best friend. Even if she was a bender.
Jinora's blush deepened. "Always," she agreed, and he felt a rush of affection for her.
He squeezed her hand again, and she went to pull away when he tightened his grip. He didn't want to let go; and then he realized what he had done. "Oh," he jerked his hand away, blushing furiously. "Sorry."
"Don't be," she murmured, looking up at him shyly through her lashes. Kai's stomach did a somersault. He grinned at her, not caring how stupid he looked. She smiled widely back at him. Then, slowly, her smile faded.
"What's wrong?" Kai asked, his brow furrowing, eyes wide with concern.
Jinora clasped her hands together anxiously. "They're scouting out my home," she said, frowning.
"They are." Kai didn't know when he had stopped including himself in they. Despite only being a few doors away from it, the Equalist cause felt strangely detached from him now. Republic City still had issues with benders have advantages over nonbenders, how could he truly work to take benders down when it would mean fighting against people like Jinora? Even if she was on the other side, he wasn't sure what side he was on now. "Any ideas on why they'd be scoping out your home?"
"Besides my family and Avatar Korra residing there, there isn't anything of much value," she explained, shaking her head. She combed a hand through her hair, a few loose strands falling in front of her eyes. Kai wanted nothing more than to brush the strands behind her ear, but the bars separated them. She was, technically, still a prisoner here. "I don't think they'll get very far, though. The security is very advanced and the island is monitored 24/7."
"Then what's troubling you?" Kai pressed.
"It makes me wonder what Amon's plans are for me. I've been here a month, and I doubt he hasn't decided what he wants to do with me. It seems like he's... waiting for something," she said thoughtfully. "For what, exactly, I don't know, but I don't think I have much longer to wait to find out."
A lump formed in Kai's throat. He wondered how much time they had left. He clenched his fists in frustration, squeezing his eyes shut; he needed answers. What if Amon took her bending away? What if he killed her? What if-?
Jinora gasped. "Kai!"
His eyes flew open in alarm. "What?"
"L-look at what you're doing! Your hands!" she pointed with one hand, her other covering her mouth, partially masking the expression of pure shock on her face.
Kai looked down at his palms, fearing the worst, and saw...
No.
There was no way. It didn't make sense. It shouldn't have been possible.
But Harmonic Convergence...
Tiny gusts of wind were gripped in his tightly clenched fists. There was no denying it.
Kai was airbending.
Thank you all so much for your reviews, favourites and follows.
Also, to the Guest who was asking why Jinora was so nice to Kai, there's actually a pretty simple answer: she has nothing to lose. Jinora's a smart girl, and for the time being, she has no idea on when she was getting out of this situation. Besides, even when Kai had been outed as a thief and a liar, Jinora still offered him kindess. Girl has a heart of gold, and a fiery spirit (not unlike Kai himself). So I hope that answered your question; if not, I'd love to talk more about it. :)
As always, I love to hear your thoughts. :)
