The air crews scrambled back and forth to keep the engines of the Airplane warmed up, with instructions straight from the top to prepare for departure at a moments notice. It was a strange thing, months ago, the concept of an Airplane was foreign to the United Republic, but with the equalist war, and the advent of Hiroshi Sato's marvelous invention, they were becoming almost common place. Competitors and companies from all around the world were now churning out their own versions of Sato's biplanes, at the expense of Future Industries.
It was something that Asami was still getting used to, having to think about what the competition was doing, to constantly strive to improve and grow her father's company, lest it go bankrupt and ruin the family legacy, even more so than her father had done. For the past few months, it seemed like Asami couldn't catch a break. First it was the fact that the weight of Future Industries, with its thousands of employees and customers all depending on her for guidance. Second was the fact that she had to endure what was perhaps the hardest week of her life as she stood on trial to testify against her own father. The old man was defiant to the end, even after learning that Amon was a waterbender, he still preached the worthiness of the equalist cause, vowing vengeance against all benders.
It tore Asami up to see her father like this, and it was further confirmation that the man who had cared for when she was a baby, who had brought her her first sato mobile, who had shown her the value and ethic of hard work and honesty, was gone, replaced by a cruel and bitter old extremist who would even go as far as to hurt his own daughter to further his own goals.
But perhaps the worst part of this whole thing, the icing on the cake, was to see her best friend, Korra, and Mako together. She didn't hold anything against them, knew that from the moment Mako had talked with her before the final attack on Amon, that whatever relationship they had was over. That Korra was the one for him. Mako was too scared to even say it directly to her, but the writing was on the wall on both their faces. It wasn't going to work out. Korra was the one for him, and she was glad that he was happy.
But it still gnawed at her, like some cruel joke. She wanted them to be happy, she genuinely wished that they would be happy together, but she felt a bitter emptiness as well. It didn't help either that the gossip was spreading across Republic City's social circles, about how a young heiress could handle the pressures of running a large multi-national corporation without experience, but also deal with the rejection and heartbreak from her friend the Avatar. It seemed as though the world was watching her with a magnifying glass. Pitying her. waiting for the inevitable day when she would just break down and give up.
But they didn't know her. If there was one thing she knew about herself, it was that she was strong enough to weather any storm, she was determined. No matter the obstacles she would overcome them, as her friend Korra had done. She focused on it, it became the sole driving force of her life the past few months.
Asami had thrown herself completely into her work. Not even giving herself the luxury of thinking or dwelling on what could have been. After meeting with several of her father's advisors, she learned the business from the ground up. Working hard with the labourmen on the assembly lines, while also taking part in several high-level negotiations with potential and existing clients.
In the end, she had a better understanding of what it took to run Future Industries, as well as an accomplished sense of business acumen. But she couldn't help but feel alone and isolated from the world. It was time for a break. Hence the trip to the south.
She had driven herself to the Sato Airfield, enjoying the blissful moments of freedom that never left her whenever she was behind the wheel of a Sato race car. It was exhilarating, and something that she figured would be a part of her no matter what happened. But the constant reminder of her responsibilities to the company were always around her, as were the staff members she kept around to make sure the company ran like a well oiled machine.
Case in point. As Asami walked to the airplane from her car, she found herself dictating orders to no less than three secretaries. Whether it was orders on the latest quotes from suppliers from the Fire Nation, or the newest gadgets to come out of their competitors in Cabbage Corp. But Asami was well versed now in the runnings of her company, dictating orders on the fly as if it was second nature.
"The order for Omashu is very important, I want it completed by the time I return. I will inspect it personally." Asami replied, as she took off her racing gloves.
"Very well ma'am. There's also the issue of our quarterly sales forecast. It is down thirty percent from last month." Hanyu, a plain man dressed in a business suit, and one of the associates of her fathers that agreed to become her vice president and mentor, mentioned as he read notes off a clipboard.
"Any ideas on what's going on?" Asami asked.
"Well ma'am, between the fact that our company is associated with a bunch of armed extremists, and that the former president is convicted of war crimes, no one this side of the United Republic is willing to do business with us. we've already been forced to close the naval design bureau last month."
Asami nodded quietly, already boarding the plane as Hanyu read the not-so-welcome news. Just more work for her to manage when she got back from her brief vacation, but she put on a brave face.
"Don't worry, I've got a plan. I'm going to the South Air Temple to talk to someone who can help bring Future Industries back into the game." She said confidently, although hating the fact that she had to mix business with pleasure on her so called 'vacation'
"For your sake miss, I hope that person is a powerful one."
"Oh you better believe it." Asami smiled, looking forward to meeting up with her friends again.
A small crowd was gathering outside the Republic City police station, in the past it would have been for a routine event, such as a police announcement or an Equalist rally, but today it was different. The square was already cordoned off by a ring of metal bending officers, their grey lines keeping at bay the more curious elements of the crowd.
At the centre of the police force, a middle-aged woman with grey armor and two scars on her cheek surveyed the scene. Even the newest visitors to Republic City knew the face of Lin Bei Fong anywhere.
Lin Bei Fong prided herself on her experience in the Republic City police force. After serving the public for over twenty years, very few days on the job surprised her. This however, could count as one of those rare days.
"What do we know Saikhan?" Although not officially chief, Lin was unofficially appointed the commissioner of police by Tenzin and the council following the Equalist uprising, allowing her to oversee municipalities across the United Republic outside of Republic City. It was her way of saving Chief Saikhan face, since she would never even consider demoting an officer who had served with her faithfully for so many years and paid his dues.
Chief Saikhan didn't comment initially, still processing the scene in front of him.
Over two dozen triad members, in various states of injury, had been dumped off at the Police Square grounds. More disturbing was the fact that they were all dangling from the nearby telephone lines, hanging upside down from steel cables.
"Was it any of our men?" Lin asked sternly, letting Saikhan know that she was not in the mood to wait for his answer.
"No ma'am. All my officers were accounted for last night." The metalbending officer replied, stroking his chin in contemplation. "Besides, they wouldn't just hang them out here."
"The Avatar?" Lin said, slightly annoyed. Although the injuries of several of the triad members were extreme, she wouldn't put it past the impetuous avatar to return to her vigilante ways. If that happened to be the truth, Lin would do more than just give Korra a stern lecture, no matter how grateful she was that she was returned her bending.
"No, Councilman Tenzin has just arrived today." Saikhan replied. "And our reports indicate that he had left the Avatar at the Southern Air Temple. This is someone new."
"Well then, have any of them talked?"
"The ones who were conscious were able to give us some names. Unfortunately they were severely injured and we had to put them under, not sure if they were just hallucinating or just muttering nonsense.."
"That bad?"
"Broken bones, crushed hands. Looked like someone did it with a mallet or in some cases, an anvil." Saikhan grimaced as he remembered the sight of the first criminals brought in, on stretchers. "We'll have to call the hospital to admit them." he said grudgingly, annoyed at that little bit of administrative detail.
Lin nodded, silent in her thoughts as she watched her men cut down the remaining criminals.
"Interesting thing though, all the ones with those injuries were the fire benders. Water benders and earth benders were fine. Looks like whoever did this had it out for them."
That was nothing new to Lin, the fire bending triads were reknowned for their cruelty, and it didn't strike her as unusual that someone was specifically taking it out on them, but something else about this seemed odd to her.
"You said they gave you names?" She asked.
"Yes, just one that kept popping up among the victims. Some guy who calls himself Hagane."
Lin's eyes widened at the sound of that name. Almost a flicker of recognition on her face. Although she did well to hide it from the men, Saikhan worked with Lin long enough to know something was troubling his superior.
"Saikhan," she began calmly. "I want all of your men on full alert. Be on the look out for any suspicious activity, see anything, hear anything out of the ordinary. Metal benders are to be held in reserve at the station. I want you to report it directly to me. Get on the wire with Councilman Tenzin. We need to have a meeting. "
"Commish? But at the moment the council is still short. We're still waiting on the respective nations to send us replacement delegates" Chief Saikhan asked, still trying to process the fact that the mere mention of someone's name had put their famed chief of police, a Bei Fong at that, on edge.
Lin, probably noticing Saikhan's uncertainty to her orders, hardened her authoritative gaze.
"Just do it. Now." She said firmly, brokering no argument. No discussion.
"At once ma'am!"
"Asami!" Korra said excitedly as she saw her friend, running to give the heiress a big hug, having not seen her friend for the past few months. It was odd for Korra, she never thought herself the type to have any 'girlfriends' per say, having this image of them as prissy, shallow and conceited creatures. But Asami was none of these. Despite her pampered upbringing, she had a fiery attitude, and a determination and strength that matched her own. It was something she admired and respected, and even though she was a non bender, they were firmly on equal footing in Korra's eyes.
"Whoa Nice to see you to Korra." Asami smiled as best she could as she struggled to breath in Korra's vice grip.
"Asami!" Bolin was the next to run up and greet her, giving her a high five. "Where have you been? We'd thought the earth had gone and just swallowed you whole! Of course, if that had happened, you can count on good ole Bolin to save you."
Asami chuckled at the earthbender. "Thanks Bolin, although sometimes I wouldn't mind if that happened, get some peace and quiet for a change."
"Ohhh. I've had enough of that here. No disrespect, but the air temple is nothing BUT peace and quiet. It's driving me crazy!"
"Oh pipe down city boy." Korra gave Bolin a playful slap on the back.
Now came the awkward part.
"Um...Hi Asami." Mako said nervously, his finger unconsciously playing at his red scarf.
"Uh.. Hi." Asami replied, equally awkward.
"It's great seeing you again." This time, Mako was earnest, and the genuineness of the phrase helped ease Asami a bit.
She softened into a small smile. "You too Mako."
"You think we should leave them alone?" Bolin whispered to Korra.
"Let's step back a little." Korra agreed, feeling guilty at having brought the two to this, but at the same time, knowing that this was something her two friends would have to settle alone, no matter how much she wanted to help.
Sweat dropped down Mako's brow as he cleared his throat rather clumsily.
"Look, I'm sorry about...well, everything. I was being a jerk to you, and you didn't deserve it. It's just that. I was so confused. I've had feelings for Korra for so long and I was too scared to admit them and be honest with myself. And because of that, I ended up hurting an amazing person, and a good friend. And for that, i'm sorry. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
The firebender finished rather awkwardly, having said what he wanted to say,completely out of his element. At this moment, Mako thought, he'd rather swan dive into an Equalist rally crowd, but this was something he steeled himself to do, no matter how badly or awkwardly he did it.
In the eternity of waiting for Asami's response, it looked as though Mako was about to explode from anxiety.
Asami however, nodded her head, her face full of understanding.
"Thanks Mako." She took a deep breath, as though just a tiny bit of the mental load and anguish she had carried these past months had lifted, if just a little. "I think I needed to hear that."
"Too tell you the truth, I can't imagine how lucky Korra must feel. To also have an amazing person in her life." Asami smiled, delivering the olive branch rather masterfully.
"So... friends?"
"Friends."
Utter relief poured over Mako's face, "I wasn't lying when I said you're an amazing person. You're a great catch, I'm sure there will be someone out there for you."
"Thanks," She smiled, "That's good to know. Now, can we please change the subject? I'd rather not think of this on top of having to run my father's company."
Korra, sensing that the tense moment was over, walked over to the two with Bolin, who had Pabu on his shoulder.
"Uh, one thing." Bolin squeaked in.
"Did I tell you I'm kind of hesitant to the idea of flying thousands of feet above the ground in a steel cage?"
"Don't worry Bolin, I got something just for you" Asami smiled playfully, throwing Bolin something.
"A helmet?! what's that gonna do?"
"You're sorely mistaken if you think my Brother's head is the first thing that needs protection." Mako laughed, enjoying the fun at his brother's expense.
"Well, What are we waiting for?" Asami turned around at the gang, pointing at her own personal airplane as the engines heated up. "Let's get you guys back home."
"Quick question." Korra raise her hand inquisitively. "You got room in there for a Polar bear dog in that plane of yours?"
Asami simply smirked. "We'll figure something out."
The flight back to Republic City was an eye opening experience. Korra rarely found herself in her seat as she kept her eyes glued to the window. Having spent her whole life in the South Pole, and having travelled to Republic City inside the steel belly of a ship, she never knew just how vast and beautiful the world was. It was like whole of the county was spread out before her like a great quilt of every shade of green under the sun. Naga meanwhile, had managed to squeeze into the Plane's cargo hold, and Korra prayed that she would tolerate it until they got back, but Asami assured her that the windows and lighting in the cargo hold would help lessen any feelings of claustrophobia Naga had.
While that was happening, Asami was filling the gang in on what they had missed since they left Republic City. The entire city was a war zone when Korra went to the South Pole to get her bending restored.
"So they're still rebuilding?" Korra asked, concern etched onto her face.
"Yes, it seems like the Equalists are still making scattered attacks, despite my father and Amon being out of the picture." Asami said rather uneasily, hating to bring up the subject of her father.
Mako wisely ignored that part of the conversation. "So the fighting's still going on?"
"Not as much, most of the city has calmed down, and relief efforts are pouring in. Future Industries, for one thing, has contributed a lot of money to the reconstruction projects, along with several humanitarian organizations from the Earth Kingdom."
Asami at this point, passed a brochure over to her friends, trying hard to hide the excitement in her face.
"One of these projects." She announced proudly. "Is the reopening of the Pro-bending Arena. If you're up for it, I'd like to sponsor you guys again. It will mean a lot to me if you guys help participate in these games. It will show that Future Industries is on the side of the people, not my father's crazed lunatics."
The three benders couldn't believe their eyes. Just after they had their championship hopes crushed a few months ago, now was a chance to start anew.
"Wow Asami, that's awesome!" Bolin jumped up, estatic.
"Yeah, this will definitely go a long way to helping heal the city. As well as put a championship under our belt." Mako smirked, fist pumping his brother.
Korra however, was strangely quiet.
"Tenzin spoke to me before he left for Republic City." She sighed, deciding that she may as well break the news to her friends here and now. "He says that I'm ready now to assume the duties that Aang had, to protect Republic City. He wants me to be more active and shadow him in his duties. So I don't know if I have time to even Pro-bend again."
"Aww, say it ain't so Korra!" Bolin smacked his head in disbelief.
"Sorry guys."
Mako put his hand on Korra's shoulder, shaking his head. "There's nothing to be sorry for. You're the Avatar, you've got a responsibility to everyone, not just us. If Tenzin thinks you're ready to protect the city. Then you are." He nodded.
"And I'll do it by your side." The firebender added earnestly.
"Wait, WHAT?!" Both Bolin and Korra's mouth's dropped.
"I talked to Chief Bei Fong before she left the South Pole. She said that the force had need for some fire benders and she let me know that a position was open. I wasn't sure enough to give her my answer then, but I am now."
"And you didn't tell us?" Korra asked.
"I needed time to think, and I didn't think I would need to say yes at the time."
"Oh, I get it now, let's all go and leave Bolin hanging out to dry folks!" The Earthbender raised his arms in mock surrender.
"Don't worry Bolin, you still got the Future Industries family at your back to bring you the championship." Asami smiled as she offered Bolin a hand on his shoulder for support."
"Don't worry bro, you got this. Look, I'll dig through the old connections I have. We can make you a new team in no time."
"Yeah, somehow I don't think I'm gonna enjoy this." Bolin said rather grudingly, but was nonetheless, happy for his Brother and friend.
It took the Police just under an hour to clear the square of the injured triads. The most serious ones were loaded up into Ambulances and sent to the hospitals, while the lightly wounded were treated at the station and processed. Placed in their own jail cells to await a court date.
Standing outside the square, were at least four full strength companies of elite metal bending officers. Although Amon's equalist revolution had severely tied down the police resources, there were still ample men available to see to Lin Bei Fong's orders.
Meanwhile, in order to calm the populace, Chief Saikhan took it upon himself to hold a press conference, and already a sea of cameras flashed at the Chief's podium as he reiterated again and again, that this was an isolated incident, the police were on the case, and there was nothing to be afraid of.
At least. Not yet.
A lone figure, radio in hand, watched the whole scene in a nearby alleyway.
"Sir, looks like we've got the police rattled up. Just as you said. They're bringing more metal benders in. I don't think I've seen so many in one place."
The radio clicked dead, and even with the iron faceplate, even the Sovereigns knew when their leader was pleased.
"The Police are doing almost everything as I had expected. It's almost...disappointing."
Hagane then turned his attention towards the rest of the triads and workers in the factory that he had spared. Mainly Earthbenders, they stopped the work they were doing and focused their attention to the armored figure. Most of them had been loading up boxes into trucks, hastily converted into makeshift armored transports.
"Earthbenders... for too long, we've lived under this farce of a peace that has seen our people humiliated and brought to heel. Now, this is the time we strike back and show them the meaning of true strength !"
He clenched his fist tightly, a few of the Earthbenders cheering.
"Of course, I am not foolish enough to know you'll act out of sheer nobility alone. I know the triads, and talk doesn't put food on the table. So for any man who is brave enough to step forward. I offer you this."
The earth bender triads waited anxiously to see the prize.
"Sixty. You will share sixty percent of the cut. I know this is more than what your former leaders ever offered you."
At his cue, several of his henchmen had tossed chests bursting with Yuans at the crowd, and the earth benders dove at the chests. Their loyalty to the cash obviously more powerful than their piddling allegience towards Lightning Bolt Zolt's idiotic criminal ring.
Soon after, the crowd exploded into applause, and the more belligerent ones were already pumping their fists in the air
"Hagane! Hagane! Hagane!"
Pleased at the effectiveness of this simple gesture. Hagane turned towards his subordinate, a fellow Steel Sovereign.
"We attack tomorrow, at noon."
The armored henchman saluted. "Yes sir."
Just before Hagane was about to dismiss him however, the Steel Sovereign offered one more interesting tid bit.
"Also, we have reports sir, from our spies in the Earth Kingdom. The Avatar is on her way to Republic City. Expected to arrive tomorrow morning."
"Excellent."
Hope you are enjoying the story so far, because I seriously had fun writing that last chapter! Way more to come :)
Next chapter:
Explosions. Korra kicking ass and taking names. Some backstory? new faces and allies/enemies? And one of my favourite recurring characters ;D
LoneGrayWolf - Thanks for the review :) It really does help keep me going. As for Hagane, As long as it's badass ultimate dr doom, not 80s dr doom i'm fine with that comparison ;) haha. Now that i think about it, the presence of Dr Doom is probably fitting for Hagane. But the best is yet to come, i've got lots in store for this guy and i can't wait to write it!
Pabulover123 - Thanks Pabulover, really appreciate the review :) I honestly don't think he's as threatening as Amon YET. There's a lot more i plan to do with his character to challenge Korra in ways Amon didn't. Will be interesting!