Chapter twentysix: The meaning of family
„And how does he look, stormy. Does his face really look like a demons?" Yumi asked. I rolled my eyes. As if a human could look like an evil spirit - that was nonsense. „Yumi – I have not even seen Firelord Zuko, what is so difficult to understand about that?" I asked my girlfriend. She was about to head off to work. Of course Yumi had found a job. She worked in a fine boutique, as a doorgirl – I should have seen that one coming weeks ago. At least it was an expensive shop. The owner did not want a doorman because such a guy would be too intimidating for the upper class customers. Nevertheless there had been accidents, mostly with groping Lords, who still though they could touch every young girl they came across. Which sadly was true in many parts of the world.
Yumi liked the job, she had gotten fine robes for free, after all. She chuckled. „I know – but somebody had to poke you a bit, right?" she added twinkling while a satisfied smirk was plastered on her lips. I shook my head in amusement, a warm feeling surged through my stomach. „Maybe my Lady." I answered. „So you´re ready for some neat prissys today?" I chuckled. Yumi just raised the finger. „Seriously, you´re just jealous that I get to see hot chicks the whole day, without paying a shim." she quipped back. I waved my hand. „Owww that was a low blow girl, so low it did not even reach my feet." I answered. I stepped forward and gave her a kiss, it was a short one, much to Yumis displeasure.
She frowned the cute frown. It was adorable. I chuckled and tried to shake my head. „Pwease?" she whined, wrapping herself around me, it was not in my heart to resist. So it took some time until I shoved her out of the door. „You´ll be late Yumi, this kind of employees do not tolerate something like that." I lectured her, while tying my sash. „No – no – I haven´t worked for the Lady Wei, Lee." she grumbled and closed the door. I heard her jumpings steps thundering down the staircase. „Geez – no doubt I will die in bed some day." I muttered , and scrubbed myself again. Since Kanto washing had become inevitable, I did it at least thrice a day. Yumi called me an idiot for it, but it was the only thing, that could keep me from feeling filthy.
For now I still had a few hours left until the shift begun. I never had been one to stay indoors for too long and even if I had sworn that I would be educating myself it seemed I had broken at least one oath in my life. I had not touched a book since I quitted school. So I also might visit Sokka again, the man maybe would force me to read something, besides he was boring himself to death. He was back on his feet, but for some unfathomable reason he stuck to his wheelchair like a moth to the light. Also I had not visited airtemple island for some weeks, and hoped to catch a glimpse on the firelord. I strapped on my armour, took sword and bat and then started walking outiside. I greeted Mrs. Wong – one of our elderly neighbours. She was a nice woman, even if she was a bit to nosy for my taste. But happily she did not engage in talks with me.
The Woman nodded back and wished me the spirits blessing. She was a quite religious one who walked to some shrine almost every day - though mostly for the gossip I imagined. I enjoyed the walk through the city, whose streets I knew by now. At least the most of them, the maze of republics roofs still was a miracle to me, and I guessed it would stay that way for some time. I just hoped that the policeforce got new recruits quickly, because we all were working close to the breaking point. The shifts even had been prolongued up to twelve hours, and sometimes we had to do two in a row. But the people were thankful at the moment, most of them almost sickening friendly. In fact it was almost a month since I last had payed for a meal in the street kitchens. Of course the gratitude for keeping the raging monsoons at bay would not last eternally. I just took one of the policeforces rowing boats and made my way across Yue Bay, parting the waters alongside a long dead racoondog which was thriving through the filthy waters. And the people ate the fish that came out of these waters – I just thanked the spirits Yumi hated every dish that came close to slimy sea creatures!
When I arrived this time I almost made it to the small temple until the guards found me. I was wondering how anybody could enjoy living on airtemple island with these guards always swarming the place. „What are you doing here? Haven´t your superiors informed you that the firelord is here?" one of the guards huffed. He was one of the guys who pissed their pants and ran as the circles took the island. It seemed that for some unfathomable reason he did hate my guts. „I remembered that lady Katara said her door was open." I stated calmly, this guy really was annoying me. „Watch you mouth, boy." he threathened. The word boy was spoken with so much malevolence I easily translated it into bastard. This kind of loudmouths were something that could tick me off, I definitely had to work on that topic. One of his comrades just looked disurbed. „Pal – the guy is just here to make a report to the Chief. You know.. like tha last two cops that came here..." he trailed off as he saw the fury sparkling in the other mans eyes.
„You Officer Bei Gao, should stop visiting the avatar and his family." he spoke. „Ahh – and these fine people can´t tell me that for themselves?" I snapped, a part of me was hurt, because it would be perfectly normal. I was a danger to their status after all. I did not like if my hearts strings were played like that, but I was not fully believing this guy. „Well flowerboy – you will step aside and let me go to meet the Lady Katara. If I´m not welcome anymore she can damn well tell me in person. And now fuck off before I decide to beat the crap out of you for your shitty selfrighteousness." I hissed and locked eyes with him. He blinked. „You measly little bastard are not worthy to be the avatars son. You – you are a shame to the air nomads. Nothing but a danger. If it were for me I would kill you in this instant. Beware of the white lotus kiddo." he threathened me. Somehow that made my blood turn to ice. The white lotus still was oblivious in his rules and ways – wich made the rumors of its power even greater than they were I guessed. „Thats Enough Tui, for fucks sake." his colleague, a guy wearing a broad mustache griped. „If the avatar heard you – what´s your problem man?" I somehow was content about the fact that not all of the lotus guards seemed to be complete assholes.
„Well – Maybe I won´t go to daddy and cry like you would." I answered dryly and walked forward, jamming my schoulderblade in his side. The guy turned and with a loud banging sound the shaft of a spear met my back, it simply broke. I of course kissed the dirt fighting for breath. There was shouting and struggling as the guard was disarmed by the other members of the watch. He was howling in rage, while I slowly scrambled back on my feet. Of course this would not stay unnoticed, and indeed the door was pushed open and Katara hurried outside, followed by a slim man in wide robes. „What in the name of Koh is going on here?" the lady Katara yelled furious as she beheld the guard, tied to the floor. „Well – that´s your problem guys." I spoke calmly, while the lady Katara caught up to the guards and started lecturing them, while the man stayed back. The side of his face was an angry, darkishred, one of his eyes white and dead.
I gulped – that was firelord Zuko if I was not mistaken. I simply turned around and watched Katara, who stood there radiating the authority of a queen. „Jail this guy up and when he has come to his senses again, he shall apologize for his words." she hissed. „And if just a tiny scratch appears on Lees head - the Avatar and I will make your nice little order very unpopular - got that." The men bowed low, humble mumbling apologies. I really had to hide a superior smirk at that. „Mylord." I greeted nodding – I would not kiss any lords feet. Not if I hadn´t to. Firelord Zuko looked down on me, his yellow eye sharp as a hawks. He pulled up the healthy corner of his mouth, I sill looked at the flesh that had covered his cheek with an almost weblike maze. It was hard not to stare, even though it was not that uggly. „Greetings young man." he bowed accurately. „So – you are Aangs eldest." he looked at me, a smirk playing around his Lips. „Uh – nope. Kya is older than me. But – what does that matter heh?" I aswered slightly baffled.
The firelord looked curious. „What the fuck are you staring at me sir – have I grown a third arm or what?" I asked him, the guy did not look royal at all. He laughed a raspy laugh. „And I did not believe Sokka as he stated you behave more like a kid of his girl than one of Aangs." he shook his head. „Whatever this councilman says. We are talking about a guy who owns seven steamcars!" I stated the obvious. Sokka just was rather strange. „Yes , that makes two more than I have, sadly." Zuko sighed. My eyes bulged. What in all three heavens? „You´re kidding right?" I asked him. He just rose his eyebrow. „No – they are beautiful." he stated. „Well, sir – by the way – nice speech you held yesterday." I answered slightly cought of guard. He played with a strand of his hair. „Well – in retrospective it would have been better to hold a bad one." he grinned almost sheepishly. „So you two beauties, do you want some tea?" Katara chirped. I turned my head an was astonished. Besides the now prominent grey streaks in her hair the lady Katara seemed to be glowing from happiness, she just took the firelords Arm and led him inside. I
followed, wondering about the change inflicted on Katara. It seemed I had been right in the long run. Avatar Aang was not dying anymore. „So how are they?" I asked her. „Aang still is very weak, but the worst is over, he can speak again and maybe he can sit up soon." she talked, a bright grin plastered on her face. „And the rest is ok, little Su will soon be able to walk again. Toph is grumpy and demands a stone wheelchair, and my goofy brother is healthy as a boarcupine." she told me. That of course were good news. „But why didn´t you bring that girl of yours?" she asked me. That was something I did not like to answer, but there was no excuse for Yumis behaviour, wasn´t it? „She´s working at the moment." I stated. Kataras eyes flew wide. „B-But she´s a woman. You know, not – eh like Toph." she stammered. I just watched her chuckling. „You think my self esteem is so tiny I need a wifey at home Katara? That´s rather cute – but nah thanks." I smiled. She dropped her jaw.
„Come again? But how is your household done, I of course have maids, but you did not want an monthly fee, am I right?" she babbled. „Or has Sokka..." I frowned, I felt my hurt pride simmering up my belly. „Katara. You should not mingle so much in grown up peoples lives." Zuko stated in an almost mocking tone.I just swallowed down the same response, even if mine had contained much more fitting words. Katara flinched. „No – I need nobodys money Katara. And I know how to wash some fucking dishes." I stated rather snarky. „and by the way, that´s just Yumis business and mine. I never told her to go to work if that satisfies you." I blurted. „Yumi, that´s a strange Name for an earthnation girl." The firelord mused. „Her family comes from the south – if I recall it correctly she´s from Lau´an." I responded. His eye flew wide. „You – your girlfriend is firenation?" I just shrugged, what was this about? Yumi did not burn my friends to death, so what should be the problem with that? Over 100 years had passed since Sozins shithouse idea. „Yeah – and what exactly is wrong about this? Damn, were not living under your granddads rule Sir." I answered. „Language." Katara snapped automatically. „N-Nothing of course. It´s just – strange to imagine, I guess. Mostly the decendants of the nomads keep to themselves even in these days." the firelord explained apologetically. Katara nodded in consent.
„That is true, so you have time for some tea?" she asked me. Of course I had, the night was still for away., We had an interesting talk about recent politics, while the lady Katara spoke of Yumis work again and again. It seemed that she was shaken to her core, obviously working was something just women did who could affort to outsorce their households to maids. Firelord Zuko was rather interested in me, I did not figure out why but he smiled all the time. Finally he was far more cheerful than one might have expected from such a harsh looking, haggard man. It was somewhere in the thrid cup Sokka rolled in. He still sat in his wheelchair, Toph followed with a sour face, she was pushed by an air Alcolyte. „Greetings. How´s it rolling guys." I stated dryly, which led to a giggling Katara and a rather pissed Toph. „Shut the fuck up Officer by Gao, your Chief is no fucking ball!" she bellowed. „Everythin besides the balls Kiddo!" Sokka yipped and almost rolled into me. „That´s rather nice, though I have no interest in your balls Sokka." I answered feeling slightly queasy. „Aww come an boy." his voice was husky, instictively I shoved him away, and so his wheelchairs rolled back. Toph just grinned superior. „You shound´t have said that one Sokka." she threathened smirking devious, while Sokka flinched. I still felt embarrassed. „Man – stop making this kinda jokes." I rambled.
Being gay was just unnatural – one did not talk about such things. „Sokka – you´re a peverted asshole, and my best..." the firelord started humoured. Kataras fist hit the table. „Stop this cursing. Doesn´t anybody here have some kind of social understanding, or at least decent manners!" she bitched. „Fuck no Sugerqueen. You should be used to some decent speaking by knowin me." Toph beamed. Katara snorted furiously, her arms crossed. I just chuckled, while Sokka did enjoy the glaring contest between the two ladies. „No – I will never be used to your rude, unfriendly and filthy way of speaking Toph." she griped on. „It´s just embarrassing for anybody who is not a teenaged boy to speak in such ways." she almost yelled. „Hey Sokka – we´re some teens. So care to roll and fetch some booze?" Toph quipped smirking. „As you wish Ma am." he almost jumped at the occasion. Katara jumped up and pulled on his collar, nearly tearing him out of his seat. „Sokka – If you have hidden something of your disgusting spirits in MY house I personally will give you a good pounding. Have I to tell you how silly and unmature it is to drown oneself in this burning poison." she snickered angirly.
„That´s way better than love amongst dragons. Even when you are drunk." I beamed. The firelord grinned. „It surely is an art form." he nodded while he watched the griping siblings. Sokka was defending the alcohols honor with much vigour. „Come on not even uncle Batu was his grumpy rheumatic self if there was a bottle o good prune liquor in the house." he answered. „This stuff smells like rotten fish Sokka, it´s disgusting." Katara spoke. „Hey – of course it does it IS rotten fish." her brother shot back. Katara looked like vomitting. „Hey – don´t tell me you did not know this. Hey grangran did make the stuff for years!" he yipped. „Her´s always was the best." he spoke dreamily. Firelord Zuko nodded. „Prune Liquor really is something special, not bad when you are used to it." he twinkled with his good eye. „Yeah – I stick with plain old sake gents." I smirked. „And it´s definitely too early for a drink." I continued. „Nonsense, it never is too early for a drink kiddo. Sparkles, Snoozles, oder some boat for us to run on the docks." Toph wheezed punping a fist in the air. Zuko just pinched his nose. „Toph – I would not even do such a thing when you were not sitting in a wheelchair." he answered. He surely had a point with this.
„If you try Chief, I am tuggin you in like a toddler, and I guess you wont like this." I stateld calmly. There was no way in hell I would let this woman escape from the island like this. She was by far too week for drinking and rolling through some inns. „Try me kid." she snarked back. I simply stood up, walked around the table and pulled the wheelchair away. „Hey – stop it." she rambled, after some strides i did stop. „Well Chief – guess it – I like playing with feisty people." I chuckled and released my grip. I got the finger at that one. „Well Lee- I´ve to speak with you in private. It´s something about the job." her voice was grave and I felt my guts turning. I almost faded. Surely she had found out what had happened to Catpain Mochee because of my foolishness. And that would surely end me for good. „I guess it had to come up Chief. But – I am deeply sorry. If – ah just forget it." I spoke bitterly an pushed her out of the room. „Something up Toph?" Sokka called from inside. „Nope Snoozles, just need to have some police talk." she answered. I felt horrible, almost suffocoating.
„It – it really bothers me Chief. I – I´m sorry. But – well it´s my fault, all of it I´m not going to deny it." I stammered intensely eying my boots in regret. „Shut the fuck up Kid. You made your job. I have to ask something from you. I understand if you decline. I really do Lee, if you consider what has already happened it would be wise." she answered, her voice brimming with emotion. What was going on here? „What are you talking about Chief. I – I know it´s my fault Mochee is dead – had I been faster. Had I stepped up there first, the Dart would´ve gone over my head." I spilled furious. I was an idiot for doing so I realized once it was already too late. Her eyes bulged. „You were there Lee? What the hell did you do to mumble in Mochees business with the most dangerous man of republic city?" she asked me. „Eh – just – um investigated. Hell – nobody gave me a reason why this fucker could do as he pleased." I spoke, my voice almost breaking.
„How – how could I expect a crazy bastard like this. I mean he killed a fucking bushin, a man who moved platin bolts with his mind Chief." I sniffed. „Yeah – that was the dark one for you. Always thought I was jealous of his gift – hah – nothing made me prouder than seeing that at least one of my pupils made it ahead of me." the Chief sniffed twice, decisive. I could just imagine what the loss of Captain Mochee meant for her, he had been some kind of friend I supposed. „My condolescence Chief. Believe me, if there was some way to bring the guy back I totally would." I answered. „Well its sad that Mochee is dead but – do you know what you have done, stirring the knuckle up? Y-you need to find him Lee, and – and guarantee him that nothing will happen because of this." she answered her voice sharp like a razor. I bowed my head. „I assure you, nothing will happen Chief." I answered silent. I marvelled at my own calmness. Chief Bei Fong raised herself on her arms, her face becoming pale from exhaustion. „You – you idiot have no idea what will happen if you do nothing! Damn it Lee – if this bastard tells Lin." she gurlgled. She almost ripped the sleeve from my hands.
„I would do this myself if I could. You – you can have everything Lee. Everything you want." she spoke desperate, her eyes glittering. I gritted my teeth. „I don´t want anything Chief. I – I swear by all spirits, nothing will happen to you or your family because Mochee assaulted the knuckle." I answered, why could I not keep my mouth shut. Mostly because I could not stand the pain that stood written over that womans face, I simply could not. „You -you do not even know. It´s all my damn fault, that damned sake! Spirits damn me..." she hissed pounding against her head with balled fists. I just gripped them. „No – its not your fucking fault that some shithead raped you in some fucking Alley Chief." I growled, my hands wrapping around her wrists until my knuckles became white. She looked panicked, was not even able to speak properly.
„It was my fault I tripped Kanto loose and I dealt with this problem Chief. Nobody – nobody messes with Lee Bei Gaos people." I answered, shaking with a mixture of feelings I could not describe properly. „You did what?" she said her voice barely a whisper. I gulped as a searing pain erupted in my throath. It was gone in an instant. „I- I killed a man named Kanto – and the last man who knew who Lins father was." I stated my voice almost breaking, tears welling in my eyes as I wanted to curl myself up in the tiniest hole I could find. Suddenly I was pulled into a shaking embrace, the Chief was hickupping while I myself started crying like a little kid.
It all was there again, the nights full of bad dreams and guilt, also somehow it was cleansing to cry. It took some time until I got a hold onto myself again. I wiped my eyes. The Chiefs voice still was trembling. „Why – why did you do this Lee? How could you - do this?" she asked me. „I-I am in your debt for all time Lee. You – you saved my daughter and that´s worth more than anything." she stated honestly, still clasping my hand. I answered before I could think clearly. „Cause she´s family Chief." I did not realize what I had said, and that it sent the Chief bawling again.
Note:
So here we are. First I think everyone who says he would chose his country over his family either is a complete madman, has no family or simply is lying to himself. So of Course the Chief will not arrest Lee for murder, on the yeah I could of course not simply stifle all fluff. But hey Toph kind of is Lee mother figure at the moment, even if he has no clue of that. And lastly – I am not homophobic but Lee (and most people in his time) most definitely would be, right?! Greetings InTHeHood
PS: Sorry I take so long with the chapters, but the exams are nearing, so my studies have highest priority, too bad for you. I now have edited the whole thing, sorry for the plenty of mistakes, I just was to exhausted to correct them properly. Nevertheless thanks for nudging me in the right direction hunter111.