I know, I know. This took way too long to come out. Rest assured, the story will continue. I hope you like this chapter.
"Rain. It's always raining nowadays." Bigby groaned, shooting the dark gray clouds above him a glare.
It seemed not only the city was gloomy lately but the weather as well. According to Jin this was the most rainfall they've had in a very long time. To Bigby it was all very reminiscent of the old noir movies with a detective trudging through a dark and bleak city that had an endless downpour. Except in his case he was on the other side of the law. Still, he couldn't really complain all that much about the weather. His new partner probably hated the weather just as much as he did, if not more.
The blond-haired lightning user had a serious scowl across his face. Between the rain and Jin throwing a frying pan at his mug, he was not in the best of moods. Then again, he seemed that way since he first appeared. Not surprising honestly, Bigby would probably be acting the same way if their places were switched. Regardless of the prickly demeanor, Chambers proved to be a mountain of information, even claiming that he's been through similar events compared to the beginning of Bigby's journey. Albeit, he would not share any details of future events other say.
"Even if I did share what I know, our timelines are so different that your world may not even be on the same path as mine or any others."
In the meantime he has agreed to help out with the murders, for a price. Bigby ran his hand down his face just at the prospect of that. He barely had money for himself, and he wasn't about to have Jin cover for him. Again. He'd have to figure it out somehow.
"So where are we going? You still haven't mentioned what we're even doing right now," Chambers finally ended the silence.
"Meeting a contact of sorts. He hears a lot of things, I'm hoping he might have heard a bit about the murders," Bigby replied. In truth he had no idea what he was doing, most intelligence he had was from eavesdropping but that was getting him nowhere. Hell, this would be the first time he actually sought out help from someone else. Present company excluded.
"You trust him?" Chambers shot him a cautious look.
Bigby gave a mirthless laugh. "I don't trust anyone after the revolution except Jin. But I trust him to not turn me in as soon as he sees my face."
"Honestly, I'm surprised you've lasted this long without being caught," Chambers jabbed taking a drag of his cigarillo.
"I know right."
Bigby stopped momentarily to get a read of his surroundings before turning down another street. "Thank God for Jin or else I'd be royally fucked."
"You already are. Just haven't had to answer for it yet," Chambers said with a small bit of humor in his voice.
Bigby rolled his eyes at the comment. Thankfully, their destination was just ahead of them.
"Come on. We're here."
"Narook's Noodles and Spirits? Seriously?" Chambers asked making no attempt to hide his skepticism.
Bigby stopped at the door and groans looking towards his blond companion. Rather than say something smart he just nods towards the door with an annoyed look before ducking inside.
It was like walking into heaven Bigby thought. Out of the rain and the smell of cooking meats and seasoned noodles was intoxicating. Chambers appeared behind him and took a deep breath himself before smirking.
"Haven't been in here in a long time. Never knew there was a bar here though," Chambers gazed at the bar,trying to remember if there was a bar here in his world.
"Which is where we are heading, so lucky us," Bigby smiled guiding Chambers over to a stool.
"I don't start serving drinks until 1."
Bigby smirked as Narook's deep baritone voice rumbled in the kitchen.
"You still got that Kiss of the Dragon, Narook?" Bigby asked with a grin.
Narook looked at the two from the kitchen and Bigby lifted his hood just enough for him to see his face. Narook cautiously looked around before leaving the kitchen and taking a spot at the bar in front of the two.
"You got a lot of balls coming here after what you did." Narook's voice was firm and angry as he addressed Bigby.
"I know but you're the only person I could turn to." Bigby looked around, ensuring no one was listening. "I need your help with something."
Narook laughed incredulously and looked at Bigby like he was crazy. Chambers gave him a questioning look and Bigby raised his slightly motioning him to wait.
"Really? We talked only once while you were upset about the Avatar and then hooked up with some other broad. What makes you think I can help you?" Narook wondered, an amused grin on his face.
"I hear things Narook, alot of things going recently. Things like how you owe the Red Monsoons alot of money." Bigby barely spoke above a whisper.
Narook's grin disappeared and was replaced by a glare. "Where did you hear that? Who told you this?"
"Help me and I'll help you." Bigby gestured between himself and Narook. "Tell me what I need to know and I'll make sure the Red Monsoons don't bother you anymore."
Narook glanced disapprovingly at him before looking to Chambers. "And who's he?"
"An acquaintance. He's here to help, too." Chambers shot Bigby with a wary look. Bigby responded with a pleading one of his own subtly nodding towards Narook. Chambers sighed and looked at the man.
"I'm here to help."
The air was thick and tense as Narook eyed both men suspiciously. It wasn't long before gesturing to lean in while he spoke.
"What is it you want?"
"Information," Chambers cutoff Bigby before he could get a word put.
"We want to know what you've heard on the murders and anything that can point us to who may be responsible." Bigby was actually impressed by the man's bunt and direct approach. Lately Bigby was more used to subtleness and discretion.
Narook rubbed his chin in contemplation. "It's usually the same thing. People are worried when's the next murder coming and if they're next. It's a terrifying time to be a bender. I haven't heard anything about the next attack or who can be part of it."
"What about potential victims? Has anyone seemed especially on edge lately." Chambers pressed, set on obtaining some sort of useful information.
Narook's face lit up as he remembered something. "Yes, actually. I get alot of gang members in here, sad to say. But I have noticed the gangs intermingling and having discussions in hushed tones." Narook quickly glanced up and scanned the restaurant. "There hasn't been much gang violence in the last week or so, and all the hoodlums seem more tense than usual.
"Of course." Bigby suddenly realized what that meant. "The gangs have been getting hit hard by equalist before the revolution and now by these murders. I'm willing to bet that they're putting together a plan to try and deal with the situation."
"And, organized a truce to gain as much manpower as possible." Chambers concluded.
"I've done my part. Just make sure you hold your end of the deal," Narook warned with glare towards the two.
"You have our word." Bigby confirmed and bowed his head in respect. The two got up from their seats and left the restaurant with a clear objective now. Interrogate the gangs to see what they have planned to deal with the murders and disrupt said plan. While not entirely sure what the Triads could be planning, Bigby was sure that there would be an opportunity to turn whatever it was to his advantage. At least, that's what he was hoping.
"So, what's our play? We're gonna hit the Monsoons and get one of their capos to squeal?" Chambers wondered keeping pace.
"That would work. Unfortunately, I have no idea where they're set up at." Bigby nonchalantly answered.
Chambers stopped in his tracks flabbergasted. Grabbing Bigby by his arm he yanked him back with trying very hard not to lose his temper.
"You mean to tell me that you made a promise you couldn't keep and you roped me in with it? Not to mention you have no idea where to find these guys!" Chambers fumed at the green eyed man. "What were you thinking?"
"Relax, I have a plan." Bigby shook out of the deathgrip on his arm. "You're not going to like it though."
Chambers ran a hand down his face in frustration as he Bigby walked towards The Thunder Clap. Headquarters of the Triple Threat Triads disguised as a really sleazy nightclub.
"I really hope you have a hell of a plan to explain why we're here."
"Zolt has been losing territory ever since he and most of his goons lost their bending to the Equalists. The man has to be feeling the heat which will work to our advantage," Bigby stated stopping one street away from the hideout. "We make a deal to take out the Red Monsoon competition and in exchange he gives the information we need. At the same time we squeeze the Monsoons for any info they can give us and shut them down."
"This is a terrible idea." Chambers sighed, in resignation. "But it's your job, so I'll follow your lead."
"Appreciate that."
The pair exchanged one last glance before making their way into the club. Not surprisingly, the club was practically devoid of activity with the exception of the thugs glaring at them. Bigby had to admit though, the club was actually really nice on the inside. Through the front doors was a large open room with booths all along the outer edges. the dance floor was in center of the establishment with the rectangular bar being in the middle of the dancefloor with which could be manned on either side by two bartenders. All the way to the rear on the second floor, Bigby could see a large office with a single giant window overlooking most of the club. None other than the legendary crime boss Lightening Bolt Zolt was staring down at them, amusement and a shark smile directed at the pair.
"All bets are off if this goes south," Chambers warned, casting glances at all the gangsters in the room.
"Zolt," Bigby bellowed towards the old gangster. "I've come to bargain."
Bigby didn't have any doubt that the two of them could fight their way out if need be but that didn't stop the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Bending or no bending, he had to respect the power and influence that Zolt still had. Everything felt tense as he looked up at the crime boss. He felt antsy, like anything could pop off at any second. His partner clearly felt the same way but was hiding it better.
Zolt finally looked away towards another man and nodded. Looking back, there was a particularly well-dressed man who he didn't notice before.
"Mr. Zolt will see you now." The man said, a slick smile on his face. It put Bigby on edge even more. "I am Hiram, Mr. Zolt's assistant."
The two followed Hiram towards the back of the club and up a flight of stairs. Purple lighting brightened the staircase and created a sort of menacing tone as they got closer to the office.
"Careful with that one, Garza." Chambers spoke, his voice hushed. "I don't like the look of him."
Bigby nodded as they reached the top of the stairs. Two guards were waiting on both sides of the double doors and opened them upon their arrival.
"Well I'll be damned." Zolt chuckled, still looking over the dancefloor from his window. "If it isn't the most wanted man in the United Republic himself."
Bigby and Chambers were led to a large lavish desk towards the end of the room. Beyond it was two large bookcases seperated by a medium shelf with a katana set placed on top and a large painting of a ship in a thunderstorm being hit by lightning. The desk was neat and clear from any unneccessary clutter with the exception of a few letters and random doo-dads.
The fact that you have tried to tear apart my club says that you're hear talk." Zolt turned to face the pair and slowly walked towards his desk. "But if i remember correctly, you was standing next to that freakshow of a bastard Amon taking our bending away."
The sound of the doors closing tempted Bigby to look back but kept his gaze fixated on Zolt.
"Still hung up on that, huh." Bigby tried to put on a careless face. "If you keep worrying about the past then you'll be able to focus on the future. A future you may not see."
"Pump the brakes, kid." Zolt hissed, taking seat at the desk. "Triple Threat doesn't take kindly to troublemakers."
"Cut the shit, Zolt." Chambers suddenly cut in. "We already know that someone's been muscling on your territory, the whole city knows."
Zolt fixed his scowl on Chambers and leaned forward as if to get a better look. "Who is your associate, Mr. Garza?"
"He's-"
"All you need to know is I'm someone capable." Chambers glared at Bigby. "Red Monsoons have been applying the heat but we can get rid of them for you."
Chuckling drew everyone's attention to Hiram. "Two kids taking out the Red Monsoons? Absolutely preposterous. How do you plan on doing that exactly?"
"Simple, you give us whatever information you have on them. Hideouts, leaders, activities anything that makes them vulnerable and we make them go away." Chambers responded.
"You two really think you can take on a whole gang on your own? On what basis?" Hiram asked, still not giving the offer any serious thought.
Bigby raised his hand to his chest and conjured some dark energy around it. "You let us worry about how to deal with them."
Hiram was startled by the display for a brief moment but quickly returned to his usual self.
"And what is it you want in return for this good samaritan work?" Zolt inquired curiously.
"Word on the street is you have information on who's behind the murders in the city." Bigby reasoned, trying to sound confident. "When this is done you tell me everything you know about it."
"That's it?"
"That's it."
Bigby and Zolt stared at each other for what felt like ages. He was more than likely trying to figure out why he needed the information but it was unlikely he would figure out why.
"What's your game, Bigby?" Zolt wondered, his voice not hiding his curiosity or distrust.
Bigby winced at the sound of his first name being used. "Let's just leave it at I have a vested in the murders." It wasn't exactly a lie but it also wasn't completely true.
"Why not just go after my boys and the Monsoons? Why come to me with this offer."
"Are you kidding me?" Bigby exclaimed. "You know how much work that is to try to takeout two gangs with just two guys?"
"We'll be doing you a favor, Zolt." Chambers added. "It's only a matter of time before the killer comes after you and your crew."
Zolt sat back in his seat and seemed like he was contemplating the offer. To be honest now that he just went through the whole pitch, Bigby realized how unlikely it was that Zolt would cooperate. Then again, he doubted Zolt had many options left."
"All right, Bigby."
Judging by the surprise on Chambers face, he wasn't expecting this either.
Hiram was just as surprised by the outcome and came up to the desk quickly. "Sir, you can't seriously think they can accomplish this."
Zolt raised his hand and Hiram shut up relatively quickly. "One condition: whatever businesses they have their hands in, you keep intact so my boys can move in and takeover."
That didn't sit too well with him, definitely wouldn't sit well with Chambers. Looks he'll be very busy even after the murders.
"Consider it done."
Zolt smiled and nodded. "Very good, One of my men will contact you later by phone. See yourselves out will you."
"But you don't have my phone number."
The smile that suddenly grew on Zolt's face made him feel very uneasy so he decided it best to leave it alone. Bigby and Chambers wasted no time leaving the club. Still Bigby felt relieved, they had their in to get info on the murders.
"I told you it would work." Bigby said, his voice taking a lighthearted tone.
"I'll admit I'm surprised." Chambers said with a small smirk. "But we still need to followup. It's not gonna be easy, even with our abilities."
"We'll manage. Monsoons are almost entirely waterbenders though so it might be a challenge for you." Bigby expressed concern as the continued down the street.
"I'll be okay, Bigby."
Bigby winced again at his name being said. It was only a matter of time before it got out but he hoped for more time before then. Atleast until he could find out more about Chambers.
"Let's get back to the apartment. I'm starving."
Next time we should start getting into the action. Fun times ahead. And possibly a familiar face. Stay tuned folks.