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Chapter 8: These Boots Weren't Made for Walking
"Asami, hi." The waterbender shook Asami's hand. "I actually just came to talk to Korra."
Releasing her hand, Asami indicated for Addie to sit down on the bench after taking her own seat. "Why don't you join me while you wait. Mako invited me but it's not as much fun when you're watching alone. I'd love the company."
"Of course." Not wanting to appear rude, Addie slid onto the bench.
"You said you work here, right? That must be so cool. You're always around the action."
Did Addie tell her Asami she mopped floors for a living? "I guess I am."
"Is that how you met Mako and Bolin?" Round two had started. Addie could see out of the corner of her eye the Fire Ferrets bobbing and weaving in the ring, but she was too busy trying to answer Asami's question to really pay attention.
"You could say that."
Asami leaned back, a thoughtful look on her face. "I had a great conversation with Mako about what life as a pro-bender is like. I couldn't believe the things he told me."
"I haven't really talked to him that much," Addie confessed. She heard the ref blow his whistle. Things were getting heated in the ring, but Asami had more questions to send her way.
"You should really talk to him. His story is fascinating. Where did you say you came from? I don't know if I asked yet."
Addie was about to answer when a chorus of cries from the crowd stole her attention. Both her and Asami turned their attention to the ring, where Mako was exchanging heated words with the ref and the team captain of the opposing team. Bolin and Korra stood further back. Bolin looked worried, where Korra looked defensive. "What happened?" Addie was on her feet, at the edge of the suite and as close to the ring as she could get without falling into water.
Asami was by her side but remained as clueless as her. They didn't have to wait long before the announcer's voice boomed over the intercom. "Ladies and gents, in a fascinating twist, it appears the Fire Ferret's waterbender is indeed the Avatar." Addie felt a wave a panic wash over her. Korra must have gotten frustrated at used another form of bending, exposing herself.
Asami crossed her arms, her posture straight. "I wondered if this would happen."
"You knew she was the Avatar?" Addie asked.
"Mako told me. I guess you knew too? You don't look so surprised."
"I knew."
"Well I hope it doesn't disqualify them," Asami fretted. "It means to much for them. For Mako."
For once, Addie wholeheartedly sided with Asami. The was another tense beat that seemed to still the entire arena as they held their breath in anticipation. The announcer was back on to deliver the verdict quickly. "It seems the judges have ruled it okay for the Avatar to compete so long as she only uses waterbending." Cheers erupted from the crowd. The only ones displeased about it were the opposing team, though their appeal was short-lived before the match picked again.
This time conversation stalled between the two girls. Each were focused on the match, which had a heightened sense of intensity since Korra's identity had been revealed. The opposing team were throwing their everything at the Fire Ferrets, but the three didn't waver this time. Mako was quick with his fire jabs, Bolin following up with precise earth disks aimed to take out feet. Korra was last to follow, delivering the killing blow with a strong jet of water to knock their opponents off the back edge of the ring.
Addie was on her feet, cheering as the Fire Ferrets claimed victory. Asami was right beside her, her hands pumping the air as she called out Mako's name in excitement. After a minute of soaking up their glorious win, the three were on the transport dock, heading towards Addie and Asami.
"Addie, you're here." Bolin was off the dock first. He locked his arms around the girl, squeezing her a little too tight. "I didn't know you had the night off. I would have invited you."
Addie chuckled as she pulled back from the earthbender. "I just got off. I was lucky enough to catch the last round."
"Then you saw us beat the crap out of them." Bolin was all serious now as he karate chopped the air. "Mako was all 'punchy, mc-punch face', and I was like 'pew, pew, screw you, sir', and then Korra was just Korra, being a badass and knocking them right over. It was great!"
"It was better than great. It was perfect." Korra was grinning from ear to ear, high off the win and Bolin's compliment.
"It was sure something," Mako agreed as he came up to Asami and wrapped an arm around her. "I'm glad you came."
Asami nuzzled in closer to him. "I'm glad I was invited." She threw a fake punch, playfully getting him in the jaw. Mako spun out as if she had delivered a knockout blow.
"Geeze, one date and you'd think they're getting married," Bolin said from beside Addie. "Makes me sick."
Addie agreed with that sediment. She had never been much of a romantic. Probably her parent's robotic marriage to thank for that one. "To each their own," she supposed aloud before turning to Korra. "I really need to talk to you," she said a bit more quietly while Bolin was distracted by his brother's PDA.
"Must be important," Korra guessed. "Since we have training tomorrow."
Addie could only nod. The flyer was heavy in her pocket. If only Korra and her could have a moment alone to discuss it. The moment was gone, as Asami pointed to Addie, or more importantly her shoes.
"Addie, I meant to ask you earlier. What's with the bandages. Are you hurt?"
Four pairs of eyes turned down to Addie's feet. "Oh, that's nothing. I just have some blisters from my shoes." She wished to three would move on to something else. The team had just qualified for the championship, why were her feet of any importance?"
"If your feet are sore, I can heel them," Korra told Addie. Before she could protest, Korra had Addie on the bench, watching while the waterbender slowly unravelled the bandages. There was a collective moan from the three as Addie pulled the last of the bandages off, revealing bloody heels. Apparently over the course of her day, Addie had done even more damage to her heels. She tried not to hiss as Korra took one leg and propped it on her knee.
"I think you need better shoes," she said as she focused some water on the wound. The sensation felt cool and soothed the sting immediately.
"I'll manage."
Bolin was right next to Korra, concern all over his face. "I'm so upset right now. My poor Addie, walking around with these terrible, ugly sores on her feet. Tragic."
"it's not the end of the world," Addie tried to soothe him. Wasn't she the one supposed to be in pain? Why was she comforting Bolin? The absurdity of it almost made her laugh.
"You can't spend all day in shoes that hurt you like that," Mako said from behind Bolin and Korra. His arms were crossed, looking every part a concerned parent.
Korra had moved onto the other foot while Addie answered him. "I can't wear boots to the restaurant. They wouldn't allow it."
"What restaurant?" Mako asked.
"For my other job."
"What other job?" Bolin asked, perking his head up like a goffer.
Was her entire life hung out to dry tonight? Addie wanted to sink into the floor. "I got another job to pay you back for the season's pass."
Mako pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes closed. "We made a payment plan, so you wouldn't have to stretch yourself thin."
Addie shrugged, not really knowing what to say. "Money is tight. It doesn't hurt to have a second source of income."
"I get that," Mako affirmed, "but you're not supposed to work yourself to skin and bone either, literally."
Maybe coming to speak to Korra had been a bad idea. While Addie had aimed for a private conversation, she was not the center of attention. "I was making it work."
Korra raised an eyebrow at her. "This is not making it work."
"So, I'll buy new shoes," Addie huffed.
"Or I can do you one better," Asami interjected. "I don't know why you owe the brother's a season's pass, but I'll pay for it. And a new pair of shoes." Asami dug deep into her pocket and pulled a wad of cash out. "How much does she owe you?"
The whole scene was almost comical. Addie had never seen someone pull so much money from seemingly nowhere, offering it up to help a stranger. It didn't even feel like real life. Mako seemed just as dumbfounded, his head whipping back and forth between Addie and Asami. "That's very kind of you, but I can't let you do that," Addie stammered. "It's too much."
If Asami heard her, she ignored the girl. "How much? Does this cover it?" she asked Mako. The firebender, still speechless, nodded his head as Asami counted the cash and placed it in his hand. "Good." Smiling, Asami turned to Addie, still anchored to her spot by Korra. "If you're a friend of Mako, then you're a friend of mine, and my friends don't suffer."
"But—" Addie stuttered.
"No buts. You don't owe me anything. Future Industries is flourishing, and if I can pass on the wealth, then I will."
Addie had to hold back tears. The generosity was so overwhelming, and Asami had thought so little of it. She had offered her help so quickly and without expectation of anything in return. This wasn't how things were done in the Northern Earth Kingdom. Everything was give and take. There were no handouts and generosity extended no further than personal gain. Addie had expected the same here. The streets seemed tough and if you weren't tough back, they would take you for everything you had. But here was a kindness Addie had not expected. Maybe Republic City had a softer side than she first assumed.
"Thank you," Addie said quietly.
"Don't mention it. Asami's eyes crinkled as she smiled. "I do what I can." Addie didn't feel like 'thank you' was quite enough, but Asami wouldn't have any more of it. Pointing to Mako, she gave him a stern look. "You make sure she gets a decent pair of shoes with what's left from the season's pass."
"Yes ma'am." Mako still looked shocked to be holding all that money.
"Good. And don't call me ma'am," Asami noted. "It makes me feel old."
Nodding, Mako stashed the cash in his pocket and looked at Addie. "Your debt is paid." The words were like a weight being lifted off her chest. One less responsibility to worry about.
"And your feet are healed," Korra said as she released Addie's heel and stood. She wiped at her brow with comical effect. "You cut out my work for me."
Addie turned her left heel out to see the raw blisters had been restored to bright pink skin. Fascinating. That was a trick she'd like to learn. "You guys treat me very well."
Bolin slid in beside Addie and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "We take care of those who need it. And you needed it. You were a hot mess before us."
Addie's head tilted back as she laughed, grabbing Bolin's arm and pushing it away playfully. "A real knight in shining armour. What would I do without you?"
Bolin was just about to answer when the door to the suite blasted open. Everyone's head turned to see who had caused the commotion. A very tall and very bald man stood in the door way. He was also very angry.
Korra was on her feet instantly, blocking the others as if she were a human shield. Who was this man? Was he a threat? Addie stood from behind Korra, about to take a fighting stance despite still not wearing shoes.
"Korra," the man gaped. "Pro-bending? Have you lost your mind?"
"Tenzin, I can explain—"
The bald man cut her off with a wave of his hand. "You have blatantly disregarded my orders. You were to stay on Air Temple Island."
"And do what? Meditate some more on how bad at airbending I am?"
The man—no, Tenzin, sucked in a sharp breath. "I have tried my best to get through to you with both patience and understanding, yet clearly the only you understand is force. I am ordering you, return to Air Temple Island right now and be done with this madness."
If Korra were a dog, her hackles would have been raised. Addie was sure she heard the girl snarl. "This madness is the way of the future."
"This madness," Tenzin seethed, "doesn't even incorporate airbending."
"Maybe, just maybe, I don't even need airbending!"
Tenzin's eyes nearly fell out of his head at the suggestion. "What a ridiculous thing to say. The Avatar needs to master all four elements, not prance around a rink throwing fits like you've demonstrated tonight."
"What I've demonstrated tonight are modern styles of fighting," Korra shot back, not missing a beat. "That's what I should be focusing on."
"There is more to being the Avatar than fighting, Korra," Tenzin said as he reached a level of exasperation that proved the conversation would meet no civil end.
"Then I guess I'll just disappoint you." Without missing a beat, Korra grabbed the door and swung it shut on her mentor's face. The last Addie saw of Tenzin was the shock and disappointment as the door slammed shut. The tension is the room was palpable as Korra fumed. She began pacing back and forth in frustration.
"So that's Tenzin," Bolin said after a tense beat. "He's a lot more bald than I was expecting."
It was the right thing to say to break the tension. Both Asami and Addie relaxed, each letting out a laugh. Korra remained pacing, nearly drilling a trench into the floor. It was Mako who finally interjected her war path. Grabbing her by the shoulders, he gave her a questioning look.
"Are you okay?"
Korra huffed, blowing a piece of loose hair out of her eyes. "I'm fine."
"Well 'fine' is about to wear a hole in the floor. So why don't we try for something else?"
Korra look back at the door, as if expecting Tenzin to burst in once again. "Did I say the right thing?"
"I can't be the one to tell you that," Mako answered honestly. "But you should probably go home and talk things over with him."
The Avatar took a deep breath in, letting her nerves simmer a bit. "You're probably right. He's just so frustrating."
"Then don't go in feeling frustrated. Take a minute, calm yourself down and go in with a clear head. He seems like a good man. He'll probably listen if you speak openly and without all the anger." Mako tapped his brow with a knowing look. "Anger doesn't always get you what you want."
"When did you become such an old wise man? I prefer the cold and detached Mako more," Korra joked. She seemed to be reaching for comedy, which Addie assumed meant her temper had settled.
"That's the thing, I've always been wise." Mako winked as he ignored the scoff from Bolin. Turning Korra on her heels, the firebender urged her forward to the door. "Now go clear your head and figure your shit out with Tenzin. We have practice tomorrow and don't need you to be distracted."
"Ah, that's the ulterior motive I was looking for," Korra said as she opened the door. "Thank you, Mako," she said and closed it behind her.
Mako stood like a proud father with his arms crossed and a smug look on his face. Bolin was quick to rub it away by slapping his brother lightly on the cheek. "You think you're so smooth. We would have all said the same thing to her."
"I think you did good," Asami said as she intertwined her arm with Mako's. "You're pretty wise, you know?"
"I try," Mako said, bending his head down to her level.
"Ugh, ew. Get a room," Bolin yelled as he tossed a towel at the two. "Addie, I don't want to see this. Walk me out, would you?"
Addie didn't hesitate. Grabbing her shoes, she waved goodbye to the couple and followed Bolin out the door. That's when the realization hit her. "Shit."
"What?" Bolin asked. The two were alone in the hallway.
"I really needed to talk to Korra." It was the sole purpose Addie had come here, and everything had happened but that one thing.
"You can talk to me." Bolin looked almost offended Addie hadn't considered him.
For a moment, she hummed and hawed, weighing the pros and cons of telling Bolin. The tipping point was that Bolin already knew she was a waterbender. It might have been better if he knew what had happen to avoid saying something he shouldn't in the future. Pulling out the flyer, Addie handed it to him. Instant recognition flashed across his face. Bolin knew exactly what this flyer was. He just didn't know why she had one. He said as much.
"It was given to me a few nights ago. I was cornered in an alley by the Equalists." Addie tapped the paper. "They don't know I'm a bender. They want to recruit me because they think I have an in with the Avatar."
"You do have an in with the Avatar," Bolin pointed out.
Addie puffed a frustrated breath. "I know that. But they want me because they think I'm a non-bender. What if they find out what I can do? What would they do to me?"
Bolin looked between the flyer and Addie, trying to come to some kind of conclusion. "Don't let them find out. It seems pretty simple."
That didn't satisfy Addie. Taking the flyer from Bolin, the girl flipped the page and pointed to the address on the back. "They're having a meeting coming up and they want me there. I don't know if I have a choice. I think someone's been tailing me."
"I thought they were about Equality. Wouldn't forcing you into their cause go against what they believe in?" Bolin questioned.
"That's what I thought too. But the leader mentioned how I was in a unique position. I don't think they're going to let me walk away without getting something out of it, intentional on my part or not." Addie could feel the sensation from earlier, the feeling that someone was watching her. It made the hair on her neck stand up. "I think they're planning to use me to get to Korra. This was just an invitation before resorting to force."
Bolin snapped the page from Addie, once again reading the address. "We need to tell Korra. She'll want you to go to the meeting."
Addie felt her palms go sweaty. "You think so?"
"Korra's not one to stand by and let shit happen. She'll probably charge head first into the meeting herself." Bolin seemed quite sure of that, and Addie believed it. Korra was like a bull in a china shop, all rage and no grace. It may not have been the tactic Addie would have used, but the situation was bigger than her.
"Tomorrow when I train with Korra, will you come? I want you to be there when we discuss what to do," she asked Bolin. She hadn't realised how much trust she put into Bolin until now. Was it his kindness she was a sucker for? The boy had such a sweet smile. Anyone could be drawn in by his charm.
Bolin handed the flyer back to her. "Of course. Same place?"
"Same place," Addie spoke. How had this happened? How had Addie gotten herself involved in such a thing? She had only been in the city for a few weeks. This was not a part of the plan. Getting involved with terrorist's groups was definitely not part of the plan.
The earthbender seemed to sense her trepidation. "Don't worry, Addie. We'll figure it out. What could go wrong?"
Addie tucked the flyer in her pocket. She gave Bolin a quick look before making her exit, ready to head home and prepare for tomorrow. "That's a cliché I don't want answered."
xxXXxx
Another one done! Let me know if it gave you any feels :)
