The legacy of a soldierboy
How I managed to smile at my customers for the whole day still amazed me. If you just gave yourself a task you could devote yourself to without thinking for a shim, you could get through anything. Life had taught me the hard way - but that wasn´t healthy at all. It just bottled all the sadness, the rage up and someday – someday all that exploded into somebodies undeserving face! I was checking the soy sauces, which were ripening in their clay pots. Salty, slowly turning highly viscous. They were all right!
I had talked with Ping yesterday since the whole media of the city went rampant. There were two headlines. „Bumi Son of Aang succumbs to aether overdose?" and „Squirreltoad kills Chief Bei Fong in broad daylight." I had almost lost my breath reading the headline, but after reading the articles I could rest assured. Lin definitely had not been killed in her office. She had been so out of everything that she would have never entered her workplace. And even if she somehow would´ve kept her shit together, it would have been much too risky to show up battered and bruised one day after the spectacular „Buffalo flats massacre". The was what the bloody journalists had title our operation. Interestingly Bumi´s death had been shrouded in mystery. The papers were writing things about drug-addiction and suicide but there was not a single word in the articles that led to the assumption that somebody from the press knew that he was related to the massacre.
Captain Hung-shu had taken office as Chief in comission until the Council had elected a new Chief of police. I highly doubted that anyone besides this jackass Saikhan would get in Lin´s seat. That was mainly, because I assumed that she had been too stubborn to write some kind of professional legacy. I was thinking about packing things up and leaving republic city – even the whole republic. But where else should I go? I had not much money left – I could not take Sokka away from her dream like that. And leaving alone was something I wouldn´t like to consider just yet. My daughter had shown up as soon as she heard of Lins murder. She definitely had noticed that something was off. My little girl was behaving so gentle I wanted to run away and hide in the smallest hole I could find. She hovered around me like some kind of overprotective mother. I barely noticed the cup of miso-soup Sokka placed next to my limp hands. „Dad – would you please eat some soup?" she was eying me with large silvery eyes. Sokka even patted my back as if I was a five year old. I felt guilty as hell. I was not someone who deserved pity right now. That Bumi died was just a consequence of our actions. Those who kill may be killed – it was as easy as that.
For my brother these words came tue in a rather harsh, but – it happened. Water flows down the yellow river, as the people of Ba Sing Se say. My face was twitching as I tried to remove a frog from my throath, while stirring in the clear soup without a clear thought. I did not even notice the meaty smell of the rather strange miso- soup. Sokka had always had an extravagant taste and under usual condition I would have already gulped the soup down with a shot of soju. Otherwise her cooking was similar to torture. Hippo-cow based miso soups were just the tip of the ice-berg. „You shouldn´t pity me Sokka." I stated harshly. My daughter just frowned. „And -why?" she was looking so innocent my insides churned. No – this is the path you chose Bei Gao Lee. I remembered a promise I made a long time ago. That I would stand tall. „While I was selling noodles in front of the police station I got to know Mako Chouw." I responded with a gruffy voice while some soup spilled over the ceramic bowl. I did not notice that I was stirring quite vigorously right now. „He´s a nice boy and somehow seems to like me – seemed." I corrected myself. „You know, after the – the Incident." fear, disgust and rage were flaring over Sokkas face as she stealthily wrapped her arm around herself. He eyes were wild, like a scared rabbiroos. She just managed an unarticulated noise and nodded.
It seemed I should talk on, even though it got harder with every word I spoke. „The squirrel-toad case was assigned to him, since he´s a war hero and such. But the kid really had too much else going on. I don´t know what exactly, but it seemed he had some things to figure out in his personal life. We didn´t chat bout this. So he was stuck in his case and I gave him some hints. We even went to his old dojo to train." I responded. My childish motivation for training, which seemed kind of ridiculous right now, remained my secret. „And then suddenly he disappeared for a couple of days. Since he´s been living in the bunks he had been my customer at least once a day. So I worried, and asked Ping about him." I responded. „Ping Hung shu?" Sokka asked quizzically. It was astonishing how many things I had not shared with her since we weren´t living together anymore. Was that usual for parents and children? Since my childhood had been one big mess, I should not take it as some kind of standard. „Yes. You´d be genuinely annyed by the old rascal." I responded truthfully, while Sokka snorted and tapped on the floor with her manicured fingernails. „When Chow came back he was totally hyped. He had found the hideout of these – these terrorists. He found out that they´ve been manufacturing weapons with stolen machinery from Sato Industries." I explained to Sokka, whose face dropped. „Well Chow didn´t tell me straight forward. He just told me he wanted me on his taksforce meeting. Gods dammned mess it was! These terrorists were Dai Li Sokka – and Hiroshi Sato had invented these hellish weapons for them. He had built half his empire on this single deal, which was now backfiring quite spectacular. All because these fuckers wanted even more effective weapons from Asami Sato – who of course could not give them such things. Instead of involving the police however, my pals wanted to play herous. And – and these idiots insisted on going to their warehouse and cut em down!" I was closed to yelling, still upset about the sheer idiocy of Chows oh so brilliant plan. I did not notice that Sokka was gasping as I somehow managed to tell her the truth. „What should I do Sokka? Should I´ve let Bumi and Lin go to hell alone? And these Idiots- these Idiots didn´t listen – they insisted. Even though I warned them – I told em not to mess with the dai li. And with the terra triads on top of it." I rambled. „But they didn´t listen and so I went with em and – and we just killed them. And – and my brother died on us." I stated silently while tears were again welling in my eyes.
Sokka was staring at me. She had no idea what to do with her old man, who was crying silently. „That doesn´t make any sense dad." Sokka croaked, her voice hoarse. „Why would people do something like that?" she asked, obviously not able to follow my fragmented narration. „Dad?" she was pleading, which made me bury me face in shame. What kind of horrible, pathetic father was I? „I-I-m sorry Sokka. S-So Sorry." I mumbled with a thick voice. „I-It was so horrible." I was was barely able to stop myself from babbling hysteric nonsense. The images were flashing in front of my eyes and I felt as if I could smell the scorched flesh again, along with Bumies cries. I spaked out and stared into nothingness, with my fists hectically clenching and unclenching. Still my daughter remained sitting there, suddenly she descisively crouched closer and took me in her arms, where I could slink together. „I- I don´t know what to do Sokka. I really don´t." I admitted freely. How should I fulfill Bumis last wish? I simple did not feel as if I had the strenght left for doing that! We stayed in an uncomfortable, haft sitting, half kneeing position for some time, until my old bones started protesting.
While my cheeks still were moist Sokkas eyes were dry. I was proud at the strength she displayed. Damn, I really was getting an old sentimental geezer. „Your brother will be burried tomorrow – it´ll be a public funeral. At least that´s what Tenzin told Mr. Shinobi in an interview." Sokka responded. I had been to cought up in my self-pity and work spiral to notice this important news. „So, we´ll also be able to attend it. I´ll go with you if you want." she offered with a shaky voice. Of course Sokka was relatively unfazed about Bumi´s death. She had never met him, so why should she be touched? Still, he had been my goofy, funny little brother. Even twenty years of absence could not change that – twenty years of absence I now regretted. We should have spent more time together – like brothers should, right? I should have talked to him about serious things – like what he wished for in his life, if he was happy.
But I did not do this, and now – now it was too late. Damn, I was short of crying for the umpteenth time in the past three days. I was wondering how Chow and Asami Sato were holding up, or where they were to start with. Even though I barely knew the young people, there was a bond that you could not ignore. You didn´t fight a battle with people and simply walked away from them. If you don´t believe me, then ask some veterans about it. I managed a wry smile, if young people like them walked the earth right now my generation didn´t do everything wrong – wasn´t I right? „Thank you Sokka – I´d really appreciate that." I responded with a rough voice. „And now eat your soup dad – it´s getting cold already." Sokka stated while suddenly staring at the soup. „Yeah." I responded like an obedient child and started eating it in the same manner. It was indeed a hippo cow base with miso and tofu in it. The stuff was outright disgusting, but I was too battered to make a fuss about it. Also Sokka had put her very heart into making this soup, I was eating for her sake anyways. „So- Chief Bei Fong is also dead?" Sokka asked.
Her voice showed that she was more involved with Lin. It had this subtle, wavering lilt. Sokka always was like this when she wanted to tough something out. I was surprised over the security my voice radiated. „No. I´ve no idea what she´s doing right now but she isn´t dead. Lin would´ve never gone to work as if nothing happened. No – she was way to shaken up for that." I responded. Sokka gulped. „You know that the girls are totally shocked. Korra even cried for half an hour as she read the article. But dad – I – I know you love these people. But – Isn´t it possible you didn´t know Chief Bei Fong as good as you think? Killing someone in the police station! That´s definitely what these squirreltoad bastards would do! We have to face facts right now." Sokkas voice was brimming with steel, while she had balled her hands to small, brown fists. She maybe was right, it felt as if glowing needles were jammed through my ribcage. What if she was right? It was unjust that Lin should die a death, like a dog in the gutter! Wasn´t it true that she had been made a bitter, lonely woman? All this due to an overdeveloped pride and a hated Job! Bumi at least had led a joy and eventful life! And if Lin had been killed like that, then who was next? I was frightened that it would be me – and what about Ping and the youngsters? „Dad?" Sokka was looking at me worried, I had spaced out again. I released a mumbling sound and focused at my daughter. What kind of monster could kill people over something as trivial as a promotion?
The Dai Li still were the shady rulers of Ba Sing Se as well as of the great cities! They had money, power and servants. Why – why did people kill just to get more of what they already had plentiful? And why for Tui´s sake must these bastards always show up in my lawn? I wiped through my face, without a doubt looking very old and desperate. „You said there was an article Sokka. Do you have it?" I asked my daughter. Usually the journalists in this city were worse then pentapusses. Sticky, conscienceless bloodsuckers, which had a network of street urchins, post-men and officials at their fingertips. To my surprise my squirt nodded solemly. „I´ve thought it would interest you – I mean. I know you´re hurt. I-I." she sniffed descisively and shook her head. „Well – it´s strange to see you so...um...weak?" she stated shocked. I almost laughed at that. Had my daughter thought of me as some sort of ironclad hero, who jumped straight out of a fairy tale? My eyes were still watery. „Well- I´m afraid like hell Sokka. I´ve thought these days were over but they aren´t. My family still gets in the way of criminal scum and I can´t do a thing." I admitted in a low voice, while I was somewhere between bawling and trashing my furniture to pieces. Sokka just straightened herself. „You can dad – you can keep yourself out of this and become an old man – with a grizzly bead and silly long eyebrows." she croaked while staring at the wooden floor. We both knew that I couldn´t simply walk away as if nothing had happened, and Sokka of course did not like it. She wanted me to stay safe. But if I had heeded her wishes she also would have been deeply disappointed in me.
I hadn´t raised her to turn a blind eye and run away from danger just because it was the easiest thing to do. She fumbled in her frockcoat, another fashional abnormity of this self proclaimed modern age, and returned with a slightly crumbled sheet of paper. I wiped my eyes clean and started reading the article, the headline was partially missing since it had been torn from the original newspaper.
….ltoad murders Chief of Police on duty!
On the tenth of the snake vile murderers struck in the heart of our cities security force. Lin Bei Fong, our esteemed Chief of police – a hero of the people, was cowardly murdered inside her very own office. Is there still justice in our United Republic? How can it be that villains are able to infiltrate the police´s headquarters and kill somebody in broad daylight? Captain Ping Hung-shu, as the oldest serving officer, has taken over the position of Chief of police until the Council of four nations has decided who shall inherit Chief Bei Fongs position. He responded that it is „not explainable" how the culprit could enter the building and execute the Chief in the most brutal manner. Dear Citizens, how safe are our streets? Who shall protect our children from the suppression of triads and other foreign scumbags? This all are questions the public asks and even Captain Hungshu has no clear statements to this topic. Nevertheless he responded that the police of Republic city is facing many problems at the moment.
Might these problems be corruption and internal powerstruggles? Upon a closer investigation of our reporters it turned out that Chief Bei Fong suffered severe burns before dying at the hands of her murderers – the office itself also was rendered to a scorching pile of rubble. This could be verified by a number of shocked eye-witnesses. Of course the fire nation ambassador Shigeru Yaemon ensured that he will do his utmost to investigate, if the murderer shows connections to the agni kai triads, with whom the late Chief had many encounters during her twenty-nine years of valiant service. Still there was a crimson squirreltoad located on the crime site, as Captain Hungshu said himself. He stated that the police will offer their „utmost effort" to catch the culprit responsible for this monstrous deed.
Chief Bei Fongs funeral will be held in seclusion from the public, due to her last wishes. Still Pang Xuan Do, the current Councilman of the earthern nations has recommended Chief Bei Fong for the Republic-Medal of Service. Furthermore a council session shall deliberate about renaming the current square of four nations into Lin-Bei-Fong square...
I stopped reading there and furiously tore the article to pieces. These nationalistic scumbags! How could they dare to blabber about naming a bloody square after Lin. She hadn´even been buried and these people treated a heroic woman like her as if her life was just a nice story they could tell at teaparties! „Bloody whoresons – these imprudent little motherfuckers!" I started swearing enraged. „Yeah – these dudes know no respect. They´re just making money out of this." Sokka added and fueled me into a full blown cursing fit. I finally stopped breathless, feeling somewhat relieved. Still this article had a clear message. Lin Bei Fong was dead, but she had not died. It was highly unlikable that Lin would be killed by some firebender without tearing down half a building. Furthermore the office had no extra thick door and walls, so nobody could have been able to burn Lin to death without a lot of people noticing it! Lastly the Squirreltoad operatives would have shot Lin, since they were earthbenders, or maybe even non-benders. And finally it made no sense that they burned her after the murder. After all they were Dai Li – people who thrived on the fact that they were feared by everybody! No, most likely someone else had been burned instead of Lin – maybe this was some sheme of corrupt cops... Or the dai Li had already infiltrated the police department! If that was the case though... dammit I was drifting off into conspiracy theories. No – just leave the police in peace Lee, I scolded myself. I would have to leave these things in Pings and Chows hands, since I was no officer anymore.
Sokka was sitting there, playing with a small scroll."What´re you reading Sokka?" I asked her to lighten the mood. She shrugged. „The lovers of Lady Xuan." she responded. I was shocked to hear the title of a quite populare romance novel out of my daughters mouth. Usually she stuck to things like „the congquests of Cau Xi." or „the adventures of Tur-rak of Unalak." Was she in love? I just hoped she hadn´t fallen for some womanizing jerk! I blinked stunned. Sokka seemed to notice something was off. She giggled. „You´re looking as if I was telling you I was dating a married man." she responded grinning. „Are you?" there was plain shock in my voice. Sokka just started giggling, she couldn´t stop and slowly started turning redder and redder, there were even tears flowing out of her eyes as I somehow joined her laughter. It took quite some time until she had steadied herself. I wuzzled her hair. „Well – I´m not used to a girly Sokka." I admitted honestly. I felt a sharp sting as her fist collided with my shoulderblade. Damn it, her punches were getting even sharper and it seemed she was not noticing it. I eyed Sokka more closely and found out that she was getting broad as a skaghouse – at least if we applied female standards.
„These Kung-Fu guys have been working you quite hard." I responded astonished. Sokka rolled her eyes. „Dad – stop saying weird stuff like that." she whined. What was so weird about...oh – yeah... „Not all people are as rotten as you are, Sokka." I quipped back. „Well it´s a rough training. You were pampering me quite hardcore dad." she pulled up her sleeve and revealed a big assortment of yellow and blue bruises. „It´s for hardening bones and tissue. We all smack each other with wet sticks – luckily they use the thin ones on me." Sokka grumbled dissatisfied. I sighed. „Why are you so hell bent on this martial art shit Sokka?" I asked my daughter. For the first time I had noticed just how unusual this interest of hers was. Why did she want martial prowess so bad that she was pushing herself so hard? Sokka eyes were adamant. „I´ll be strong dad. I don´t want to be some damsel in distress - you know that. Also I´ll win the golden fan!" she stated as if her words alone could make that come true. I´d like to believe that she had it in her, but as a father I couldn´t be happy about my baby girl getting beaten with wet sticks - could I? I just tried a smile – who was I to keep her from her destiny... if such a thing existed at all. „If that´s what you wanna do." I shrugged. She smiled.
„Thanks dad – I mean, a lot of fathers would be rather upset if their daughters pulled stuff like that." she responded. „So, a round of corners?" I asked to occupy my mind. I did not want to think of Bumi or Lin right now. I couldn´t depend on making rational decisions at the moment, so it was good to get them out of the head and think rationally tomorrow. Finally my daughter was here and I knew that she would object to me searching the city for Lin. I guess every sane person would, since I would not be seeking her in town squares, but in places like little Republic or the buffalo flats.
I was dressing myself up. Today would be my brothers funeral, so I would wear my best robes. Even if they were crimson. No, I would wear them because they were – Bumi wouldn´t want people to attend his funeral in white. He wanted his urn to rest on the bar of the tigers den... But I was rather sure Tenzin would not allow his brother to be buried in a brothel, even if it was a classy one! I tied my hair back in a Ginko Topknot, in a desperate attempt to look more formal. Sokka would stop by – the squirt was exhibiting quite the cute, motherlike streak. Sadly my search yesterday evening hat not led a step closer to finding Lin, it was as if she had been gulped up by Republic Cities sewers – I just hoped that damn hellhole spit her out again. On the other hand my missfortune might have been related to the fact that I didn´t know the streets of this city anymore. The hobo-hangouts, as well a the corners for drug-traffiking and whoring had shifted and even a few nights would not have been enough to get a hang of them.
Sadly I had not met up with Mako, also I marvelled if Chow would believe me. He could quite well be da core with the mainstream media – or worse, he could have lost his edge over this. I was accusing myself for Bumis death sometimes, even though I was the one who had tried to talk all of us out of this idiotic plan! I could only imagine how Miss Sato and Chow had to feel right now. While I was absentmindedly staring a the cracked mirrow, which I had recently dragged out of an expensive stores garbage bins, somebody knocked on my door. I flinched and thought about grabbing my sword before opening the door – just in case the terras didn´t do their job properly. I restrained myself, since it most likely would be Sokka. I opened the door and was astonished to see Sokka and the whole bunch of her roommates on my doorstep. Kajar, the oldes of the bunch was scanning my flat with an unnerving intensity. „Hey dad." the squirt hugged me close, she had even applied some kind of sweet smelling perfume. „I´m sorry but they just didn"t let me go alone. Especially Kayar is hellbent on going to the funeral, it´s almost scary." Sokka mumbled into my ear. I sighed slightly frustrated, I had not expected something like this!
„Hey... erm I´m not prepared for that many ladies." I responded bluntly, while the girls greeted me in the typical clingy watertribe ways, which meant – they hugged me. „Mr. Lee, may I use your bathroom?" Kajar asked in a typical little girl voice. Dammit – that woman was the last one I would like to have in my bathroom! Seriously – not even Katara had been THAT nosy! I was wondering why the nurse was so interested in me, was it because she found me attractive? Since I wasn´t sporting fancy clothes and a new Sato-model S this could not be about getting settled for life. Or was it maybe because I was Sokkas dad? These gals were awfully interested in Sokka and treated her almost like a spoiled little – brother. Korra and the remaining two watertribe girls were mumbling something behing uprised hands. I just picked up the words sea-prune, stew and scratching. „Yeah – erm off course!" I almost stuttered as she squeezed her voluptuous chest past my shoulder without even awaiting my answer – nice brown melons they were! A smile was playing around Sokkas lips, I would´ve loved to slap her head right now! If this wouldn´t have been so indignating... The other girls also were peaking in my flat. „Sorryyyy it will take longer." Kajar hummed from the bathroom, she seemed content. I just stepped back – yeah, trample all about my freshly cleaned floor you wenches – I cursed inwardly. „You also could come in." I responded while the youths streamed into the flat eagerly. Korra seemed quite disturbed by the cleanliness of my furniture since she swept her finger over the table absentmindedly. „He must have a woman." she muttered under her breath in a slightly triumphant voice. I was short of laughing, what an adorable country-bumpkin.
I was asking myself what this northern woman did in my bathroom. I waited until she finally had attended to her needs and left the small room which I would not visit in the following hours. „So, we´re ready to go?" I asked while trying to sound not annoyed. „Yes, of course Mr. Lee. You really have a nice flat." she responded smiling widely. I nodded – did I look like a savage? What kind of man wasn´t able to keep his own flat clean? No dear listeners, I don´t want to get any details about bachelor flats! „Isn´t cold? In the winter?" Korras Guang zhu still was horrible. I guess that came along when you surrounded yourself with peoples from your tribe. Actually it was a wonder that Sokka had not started to talk inuktikut. On the other hand I knew quite well that my squirt hated learning new languages. Also her academic skills – sadly – were almost as extraordinary as her late mothers. But different from Yumis case, this was solely related to my daughters indifference towards anything containing theories and written words. Since my daughter was able to read a newspaper article without fail and calculate her household budget, I was content that she could come to terms with the world. „Yeah girls, let´s get a move on, we´ll be late otherwise." Sokka piped up, miraculously the other women immediatly left my flat. I was so baffled I had to return inside to ´pick up my keys. „Didn´t my neighbours make any problems?" I asked scratching my head. I couldn´t imagine the gangers to simply ignore the fact that a bunch of good looking, young women arrived in their neighbourhood.
Sokka chuckled. „Of course not – your neighbours are so drunk I just needed to give em a slight push to send them sprawling on the street." she responded with a devious smile. I gulped – yes, Sokka was a reckless one. Aang was nowhere to be seen, which most likely was the reason, why his boys had started consuming their own goods. Suddenly voices started singing in the building on the other side of the street. Two rather beat up seeming boys, they were seventeen at most, had gathered some kind of lead drainpipes and were waiting for us. „Eh – don´t cha think that bitch´s gettin cocky for a second time." one of them blurted, he was sporting a pitch-black eye along with a bloody nose. „EEEY Chan, Tian – come on the hen´s are back. Let´s give em a hard banging woulcha?" he yelled inside the building. Sokka spit on the street. „Fuck off or I´ll not go easy on you fucktards." she growled while Korra and two other girls shrieked like scared Chickenpigs. I took a deep breath and focussed. Shift forward, extend right palm. „Oi, wads noodlellleeee." the boy was just blown from his feed and hit the floor with a heavy thud. His compagnon had already risen his weapon as a „circling scythe" of Sokkas sent him on his knees – she finished hin with as sharp, perfectly measured sidekick.
She had improved drastically since I had seen her fight last time. It filled my heart with a silent pride. „Ehhh Ladies! You wanna come´n grab a...Oh fuck, tiger – slicer." the guy yelled. Three other young men saggered outside, they all were roaring drunk. „Whoa – I – I think I need a beer." the last of the young men responded in a slurred voice and rose a bottle to his throath. One of his comrades smashed the bottle out of his hands, it shattered on the street before us. „Shudda fuck up. Let´s beat up that ol fucker there! Thinking tha limpdick can take our babes!" „Righ give us yer damn money bitches – n then scram!" The guy who lost his beer blubbered just to be punched out of his shoes from his mates. These guys had decided to manly stumble down on the streets and charge us with thundering warcrys. Since the watertribe gals obviously were scared shitless we could not simply run away from these drunken idiots. Sokka smirked. The only other person who seemed to have some wits left was Kayar. She yelled at the gilrs to back up. I went in the basic iron-wall stance characteristic for kung-fu, as did Sokka. The dudes just stormed forward, being all full of openings. I shifted my weight on the left leg and delivered a high kick, much to my surprise it connected perfectly and sent the young man tumbling I closed the distance, delivered a headbut and a short uppercut in his liver. He he was gasping, I stepped back, the time was slowing down and I could hear a wooded bat collide with the street. I caught the second guys weapon in midair, my palm protesting from the impact. A swoop felling trees and he crashed on his shoulder with the full force of his weight. Sokka had efficiently taken down her oponent with a well aimed ellbow-strike. „Hah – see Kayar. That´s how a girl does business!" Sokka piped up. I blinked. The guys were rising again. „Stay down boys – or I´ll kick ya right into the endless fog!" I growled as I walked towards Mr. Slicer.
Chopping iron – my hand hit the boys head with a hard thud and he collapsed without a sound. Sokka also dealt some punches until the drunkards were either groaning in pain or finally unconscious. Luckily it was not so easy to kill people with your bare hands – at least not unintentionally. Kayar stared at Sokka wideeyed and the other girls, seemed to have noticed the size of my shoulders. „H-How did you do that?" she blurted „T-That were four armed men." she stammered while we hurried onwards with fast strides. There was no need to get caught up in further quarrels. I just hoped that Aang was a reasonable man and decided to not destroy my property. I highly doubted that he would, mostly because his boys had misused his liquor before screwing around with the wrong people. „That was just awesome Mr. Lee – you´re a real warrior. I´ve never thought a small man like you could be so strong!" one of Sokkas friends chirped impressed and grabbed my arm. I just frowned – the hell was this kiddo thinking? I wasn´t a bloody pedophile! Sokka just giggled like a maniac while whispering with Korra. „Eh...no need to clutch my arm like that – it´s not falling off, ya know." I stated gruffy. The girl released my arm startled, I walked onwards. Suddenly Sokkas friend started apologizing for her rude behavior. I stiffled a frustrated sigh. Just how meek were these northern women? Didn´t they have some kind of pride? I started to get really annoyed now. „Shut the fuck up woman – god´s dammit." I rumbled. „Have pride for a shim for Koh´s sake." I shook my head while the girls bottom lip was trembling – I wasn´t paying attention to this shenangians anymore.
„Dad – stop behaving like an asshole. Indra just has a thing for old men." Sokka snapped while Indra turned beet-red. I flinched at my daughters chilly tone. Why in all heavens was my daughter more eager about finding a wife for me than I was myself? Weren´t daughters jealous at their stepmoms? I snorted and stomped forward – I really should have gone to the funeral alone! „Ah – um Sir " the Indra girl started again. I decided to simply ignore her from now on. Kayar had closed up to the young girl and was telling her something in a hushed voice. Hopefully she was explaining her that behaving like an obedient floozy was short to the worst thing any self respecting woman could do! I still doubted that – strange nothern customs and all. Sokka now grabbed my sleeve with much more gusto. „Dad – these are my friends. Stop behaving like an impolite eyesore. Just - How the bloody fuck did you end up with mom!" she murmured annoyed. I just frowned even more, now looking outright pissed. „Well- I´ll keep that in mind when some middle aged baldy fondles your ass Sokka." I quipped back.
„Pah – you won´t dad. We both now that." Sokka responded superior. Sadly the kid was right. Meanwhile we were close to the temple of Sosanoo, where the funeral ceremony of Bumi, son of Aang was to be held. Even though the temple itself was a large, open pagode we were far too late to make it inside the temple. I could see a lot of metal-bending officers standing around, also a ton of orange robes were flapping in the slightly moist breeze. Alas many people had gathered, the most of them just being onlookers getting their kicks out of the large event. Tsungi Horns, cymbals, drums and gongs were played ,delivering a strange and otherwordly tune. Monks and nuns were chanting Mantras I couldn´t possibly understand. The smoke of incese sticks was wavering through the air in thick, cloudlike shapes. At least four temple servants were bending the smoke into the crowd with perfectly controlled, harmonized movements. It seemed that Bumi had been reduced to ashes before the official ceremony, since no pyre could be seen. Tenzin and his family were resting on an assortment of chairs close to the temples center. I recognized my brother by the prominent blue tattoo that ran over his head. It was a melancholic feeling that gripped me during this rather dignified ceremony.
Korra and the strange daddy-issues-girl had started bawling already. I felt the need to cheer them up somehow, but I definitely hadn´t that in me at the moment. Something must have given my feelings away, since Sokka grabbed my hand silently. Hers was much warmer than mine, whicht might have been due to me eating quite irregularly over the last few days. I definitely had to quit that bad habit, since I could not afford to collapse on the job, or be sick. Bumi definitely would have brought some kind of booze to this funeral, but I somehow lacked the motivation to do so. I definitely was not as brave as my late brother, especially not if it came to defying rules of society. Sure, I wasn´t what you called your average citizen but I also didn´t feel the need to protest against every rule of the social establishment – like Bumi did. I somehow drifted off in some kind of stupor, since the monotonous melody went on an on. It was sudden that the people started murmuring. „What´s that? It´s chilly..." someone exclaimed. I turned my head and – felt some chills. The numerous little hippos that were living all over the temple district were gathering around the temple, circling it with a loud humming sound. I tried to focus on the air but felt a stinging pain in my forehead the very instant I tried. The slight breeze turned stronger and some people already dropped to their knees in fear or started yelling.
Some even tried to run away. Whatever was going on here, it definitely was not worldly. The watertribe gals were spitting on the floor three times and started chanting the seven scrolls of La. It was a quite common custom in the north to do so, when you wanted to ward off evil spirits. Sokkas grip had turned to Iron. „The hell´s going on dad?" she sounded quite shaken, I also felt my hair raising. There was static in the air, greenish, pale flames flaring on the roofs of the pagode. Demon fires they were called back in Ba Sing Se. The Hippos were still screeching and flapping their myriads of wings. Some of the temple servants darted into the people too, to flee from the spectacle that was taking place at their temple. The wind had started roaring, while most people were already sunken to their knees, frantically praying to the gods. I was rather fascinated – never had I seen such a beautiful sight before. The hippos were blurring into glowing streak of all imaginable colors. I was totally in awe – were the gods of the city that pleased with my brother? Or was this some kind of trick some priests played by making some stragne incantations? Still it was an awe inspiring scenery, which made me feel quite unimportant and small. The spirits seemed to densify, while the light turned to white and i had to close my eyes! There was heat, massive heat and a bright white Light that even was visible through closed eyelids. I yelled and dropped to the ground while pulling my daughter beyond my upper body. The heatwave washed over us and suddenly there was silence – only the distand sound of running satomobiles could be heard.
Even the Monks had stopped chanting right now. As I stared at the cleaned cobblestones of the temple square I wondered what hat happened. „Could you let me go dad?" Sokka asked me with a humming voice and wiggled out of my arms. I looked up and let out a sigh of wonder. I beheld something that was so beautiful it hurt my eyes. The highest roof of the pagoda had been replaced by a platform, which was made from shimmering, white jade. And on top of this roof my brother was sitting in the lotus position, mug and cards in hands. No artisan could have captured the essence of Bumi Son of Aang like this. He sat there with a crooked grin, while looking at his cards with a cunning expression. Tears were flowing across my cheek a my heart s eemed to burst in a painful explosion. I was so very proud at my brother, whose life had been accnowledged by nobody less than Sousanoo himself. So they were out there in the realms – Sousanoo the trickster, Lu Feng the Jade emperor and all the other gods people talked about.
I smiled, an strange certainness spreading through my chest, a certainness that life itself wasn´t meaningless. „Whoa." Sokka was staring at the statue in awe, as were other people who started chattering. A lot of them hurried away, obviously frightened by the event of today. „Where´s the Avatar – we need her." someone asked and tried to send people to fetch Korra. „Wher´s a damn bushin when ya need one?" some other people rambled. I just stood there like a rooted Bamali tree. I couldn´t see enough of the statue, which somehow seemed to carry a spark of good old Boomer. Even though it hurt I had to smile. My little brother would have been so proud that his chest could rival the peak of mount Wuji shije itself. „Just take a good look at that bro." I responded, not noticing that I was speaking aloud. I did not notice what Sokkas friends did, but mostly they also were staring. It was just now that the people from inside the pagoda emerged, through a slightly blurred sight I noticed that they all looked sickly pale. To be confronted with so much spiritual energy definitely was not healthy.
I tried to get a grip on my emothions, but it seemed they could not be stopped. I just walked forward to get an even better look on the statue. Some idiotic impulse almost made me believe that Bumis spirit would still be there, or maybe it was just that I wanted to talk to the family. I don´t know why I walked closer. Sokka decided not to follow me, most likely because she did not know anyone from airtemple island. Air benders were forming some kind of guard around Tenzin, but they looked rather seasick. Some of the young men even started vomitting. Much to my surprise the first one who noticed me, pushing myself through the ring of young men, was the Avatar. Korra looked collected, almost content – she was beautiful. „Hey Lee." she greeted me, obviously remembering my name from the infamous party-night we had to shae due to Bumi´s - convincing. I suppressed the chuckle at the thought – this old rascal Bumi...
„My condolences Korra." I responded with a steady, deep voice. What else should I say? That it was my fault? That I was sorry? All these things were natural and if she wanted to blame me she would do so anyway. I now noticed that Mako Chow was absent, Asami Sato nevertheless was close to Korras feet. The young woman was sobbing profoundly, while Tenzin looked a her with an emotionless expression. I eyed my halfbrother frowning. Just at a close look one could see that his beard was not as perfectly trimmed as usual – also his bald head was less bald than. The kid also was grieving; somehow I felt solidarity towards my younger brother. His wife was trying to console her eldest son, who was clenching the long jian sword that once had belonged to uncle Sokka – and then to Bumi. The boy looked terrible, with a snot smeared face, puffy red eyes and clenched fists. He also had quite the shiner over his left eye. Ikki and her boyfriend also were present, while the girl was sniffling on the young mans broad chest Toza just stared at the wondrous statue. He still wasn´t able to comprehend this whole thing. Well, to be honest, I also would need quite some time to accept that such a massive Statue had been made from – nothing!
For a short moment it seemed that Korra would blurt out a snarky remark, or even smack the shit out of me. Then the blazing azure eyes of the Avatar dulled, her shoulders slumped and she simply walked over. „Doesn´t hurt as much as before, huh?" she stated while pulling me into a onearmed hug. Meanwhile more and more people demanded for the Avatar´s interference, which was somehting she simply ignored. My daughter however did not ignore their rudeness. „EY This is a gods damned funeral you ASSHOLES!" Sokka yelled infuriated. I flinched. - what in all heavens was the squirt charging into? What if people decided to throw stones, knives and heavens know what at her! My heart almost stopped. Much to my wonder she propelled herself upwards with hissing air currents. She flew higher than I ever did. I felt my knees turning wobbly at the lone sight as her body streaked though the air like a missile on new year´s eve. She landed right on the pagodas roof and seated herself on Bumi´s shin, which was quite large. „See – nobody´s killing me." my daughter was waving her hands around and almost lost her balance. Korra just looked up in awe. „What the hell...Who´s that girl." she stated taken aghast. While the Avatar was marvelling I felt like my very life was drainid away. What the hell was my squirt doing in the lap of this magically created statue! Maybe the damn jade block was possesed!
The other people also stared at Sokka, some even started yelling at her. „You crazy woman, come down here at once!" „Do you wanna get us killed?" some of them were furious. „See – nothings happening to her!" „WOOOOAAH." „Lee, you seem quite unwell – you face is really pale. Are you ok?" Korra asked, which finally brought me back from my horrified stupor. „Unwell? UNWELL? My gods damn daughter is havin a fucking riddance with tenthousand, winged, squeaking bombs and YOU ASK ME IF I´M UNWELL!" I yelled rambling. „No, Im PERFECTLY FINE of course. I mean, who doesn´t expierience that every day- huh? Could I have some jasmine tea? A chair – oh and maybe I could also have some cotton candy!" I rambled on, while feeling nothing short of relieved. Sokka of course saw my ranting and hand waving. She still remained on the rooftop and simply ignored the people, who luckily weren´t as agitated as I was. What the hell had my daughter been thinking? I supposed she had been thinking as much as her parents in her years – but that wasn´t an excuse! I was panting heavily as Korra just stared at me with large blue eyes. „Y-your daughter?" she was taken abhack, obviously I didn´t seem like the daddy type to her.
In the meantime Asami Sato had somehow collected herself, even if she looked outright sick. And I guessed that I didn´t know a healty looking Asami Sato to begin with! Her eyes were bloodshot, she had grey rings under them an sported a sickly, whitisch taint - which gave her an almost otherworldy appearance. She was wearing a white kimono, her wavy black mane bound into a tight bun. She just stated at me, rubbed her eyes and stared again. „Lee – why aren´t you wearing white?" her voice was carrying a silent accusation. I blinked. „You – know each other?" Korra wrinkled her brows. „We´ll have a talk lateron, the people want their Avatar." she frowned a serious frown and rose herself into the air with a large pillar made out of compressed earth and cobblestones. „People of republic city." she yelled while resting her hands on her hips. „I´ve no idea what it was that the spirits of our city did today. Even though I may be the bridge betweent the two words, I sadly am not a priest who spent her whole life on researching the spirit realms. What I know though is the following; Bumi Son of Aang was quite the special man, to me and to many others. Those of you who do not know him in person may think he was a shallow, drooling playboy, who succumbed to girls, alcohol and drugs."
she paused. „That´s not true. Yes, he was anything but a conservative citizen and he certainly did not live in monogamy or abstinence." the young woman cleared her throath. I nodded in thought. „But I´ve never seen him turn a blind eye on injustice, or on violence. Bumi never insulted a woman, he never judged people because they were different from him. He had two faces, like Sousanoo the trickster. The very same man, who was playing pranks like a little boy and behaved outright ridiculous in public stood up for the values of our united republic whenever the need occured. When the troops of Kuvira stormed this city he fought for all of us. As the Kurogawa clan rebelled he served in the united forces and was awarded with the golden kite and the kyoshi medal of honor. As the first soldier of the united forces. He survived the cannibal subjungation campain in the woods of Mu-an without loosing his bright smile. As the red lotus tried to murder me – Bumi also was by my side." her voice hitched. „And still he always told idiotic jokes like his whole life had been nothing but sunshine." She pinched her nose. „Finally he never respected me as the Avatar." she smiled. „And that´s the reason why I can not believe that the spirits wanted to express anything besides their respect, and their gratitude for his life." she spoke and pointed at the statue. I followed her finger and didn´t see Sokka anymore. Most likely she had used the opportunity to descend from the statue and get the hell away from her own courage. „That, is the man I know, it´s not some kind of spirit manifestation, It´s just a wonderful statue that no human artist could have made." she paused. „And now my dear friends, let us go and live to the fullest, just like Bumi did." she spoke with a loud voice. Tenzin had closed the space between his family and me. He just stood next to me, seemind unsure what to say. Then he somehow got a grip at himself.
„You know – whenever I said to Bumi he should take a breather from all his worldly shenangians he always responded he wouldn´t have time for that." Tenzin responded more talking to himself than to me. I blinked and cocked my head. My brother, who was at least a head taller than me, had a bitter smile playing around his lips. „I´m thankful that you went with him Lee, I know quite well that nobody could stop Boomer when he had decided something. He wasn´t responsible if it was about himself - actually it´s a miracle he got that old." he responded while clasping my shoulder wiuth a strong hand. Again there was piss in my eyes. I had expected to be shunned, even assaulted or taken into custody. Instead TenTen was saying thank you. I just sniffed as a response, while Korra decended from the large column. She really was excellent if it came to impressive entrances and exits. Asami was still standing next to us like some half-baked bread. „Is that a way to greet an old man Miss Sato?" I quipped and stared up at the young woman, while spreading out my arms. It was kinda embarassing, since she did not embrace me. Actually she wasn´t even looking at me, she looked at Korra and Tenzin. While my brother just sighed in her direction – it seemed he was quite insecure what to do with Asami. It seemed the two of them weren´t that familiar. Korra seemed to have reached a conclusion. „What´s done is done Asami." she seemed quite angered at something.
„And you´re right – I can´t do anything like that – no matter how hard I tried. I´m just half a human after all." she responded and softly punched Asamis shoulder. „I guess I´d have tried to change your plans, but since things are like this. Let´s make sure that Bumi didn´t die a meaningless death Asami." she responded with a bitter smile. And with that Miss Sato sqeezed the shit out of her friend. I could just nodd to that. Even if we had stopped the Dai Li in the united republic – which we couldn´t be certain about yet – they surely were driving forward their plans in the earthern nations. This new type of weaponry definitely had to be kept from the wrong hands, even if Sato Industries had to resort to building better black powder weapons for the united forces! I for once weren´t a big fan of this innovation, but hell – nobody asked for my opinion. Since the funeral ceremony had been interrupted so spectacular the priests had no clue what they should do any further. Simply starting where they left off before the spirits intervention was as improper as not continuing at all. So they decided on doing the latter and simply stood around like lost puppies. „Can I see his urn?" I asked Tenzin who nodded. In the meanwhile the officers had started to slowly disperse the mob that had formed and still was rather eager to have further glimpses at the Councilman and his family.
„Of course – he was your brother as well." he responded disturbed. I was wondering if he knew something about Lins whereabouts, it didn´t seem like Tenzin to simply ignore the fact that she had been declared dead. Even though my brother had broken Linnys heart he did genuinely like her as a friend! But since the walls might have ears, I did not mention this topic and followed him into the open pagoda. The praying mills were still turning by something that at could be described as chilly feeling, unnatural air currents. In the middle of the temple, directly in front of the two steps tall statue of Sousanoo a simple brown clay urn was seated. It had the shape of an oversized mug with a silvery lid. I crooked an eyebrow since the urn looked rather morbid. That was exactly Boomers taste. Tenzin followed my look and sighed. „Bumi would have wanted it that way – he explicitly described how his urn should look like. He left a ton of letters for everyone." Tenzin shook his head. „But still - I´ll not let you rest in – in..." his cheeks turned reddish but he didn´t say the word. I smiled, that totally was like the prude, levelheaded teenager I´ve gotten to know decades ago. „Lee – please." he whined as he noticed my smile. Tenzins wife was still consoling Me Lo, who seemed inconsolable. He really had been close to his uncle, that much was for certain.
His sister also looked rather sad, while snuggling into her boyfriend with a puffy face. I knelt in front of the urn and bowed, once, twice, thrice. It was common to part ways like this in Shangyang and even if I had seen much of the world in my life – these rites were close to my heart.
Authors note: It´s been one hell of a time for me. But I´m back sorry guys but getting you degrees is more important than writing fanfics. I hope I´ll update the story more frequently. Also - a happy Christmas to all of you.