Air Temple Island - Reylea
Korra POV...
"Easy... easy Kor- OW!"
"Will you just relax and hold still?!"
"Kind of hard to, I got bitten!"
I sigh in aggravation as Luon jerks his arm away from me. Putting the water down I stand up straight to fix him with a glare, crossing my arms over my chest.
"This will be a lot easier for me to heal if you just hold still," I state firmly.
"Do you have to grab my arm though? I'm pretty sure you only need the water to touch me," he replies with a wince.
"Does the phrase, 'hold still' mean anything to you?" I retort, raising an eyebrow at him.
He grimaces at my comment and then sighs, holding out his arm again and taking a deep breath. Bringing the water out of my pouch, I allow it to envelop my hand and then grip his arm gently with my other hand to hold it steady. He winces slightly but forces himself to stay still, and I bring the glowing blue water closer to his arm, covering the wound.
It was nasty looking, a deep gash with swollen skin around the edges thanks to the dog bite. Taking a breath, I let the water's healing capability flow through the wound, steadily closing it up and healing the injured skin. Once I'm done, all that's left in a big white scar in place of where the dog bit him.
"Thanks Korra," he says gratefully with a sigh of relief.
"Was that so hard?" I ask him, putting the water away.
"No..." he grumbles in response.
"Ooohhh, are the two lovers having a spat with each other?" Caran teases from the doorway.
"Hey!" I reply, whipping around and bending the water at him.
He ducks away from the water with a startled yelp, and it splashes harmlessly against the wall in the hallway. He eyes it for a moment and then looks back through the doorway to give us a triumphant smirk.
"Missed me," he taunts.
"Why don't you go get a date with Jinora or something?" I retort.
Caran makes a face at me before turning away and walking down the hallway. I groan in annoyance while Luon rolls his eyes with an amused smile on his face.
"So where'd he get that from? You, or your parents?" he asks.
"He got it from me," I admit glumly. "Mom and Dad aren't exactly the 'annoying' type."
"My mom would've had his hide if he talked to her like that," he says with a small laugh, before sighing sadly. "Before you ask, I'm fine. It's just sad."
I pull back from my question at Luon's comment, twiddling my fingers awkwardly for a moment.
"Are you sure you're ok?" I ask him.
"I'm fine, really," he replies.
"No, I meant your arm."
"Oh."
He looks at his arm for a moment and rolls it a little, nodding to himself.
"Yeah, it's fine," he determines. "Kind of dumb of me to mess with those dogs though, right?"
"Dumb? That was flat out stupid!" I scold him. "You're lucky Naga was there to scare them off!"
"Come on, the guy was being mauled," he comments.
"I know, but you should've at least had one of us help you," I insist.
"Eh, whatever. It happened, I learned my lesson, I'm good," he shrugs.
I roll my eyes at his casual dismissal of the whole thing. "I can't believe you're being so dismissal of that."
"Hey, I'm not the one who leapt onto a moving truck before jumping off the balcony," he retorts.
My expression goes flat as I glare at nothing, remembering how Caran decided to go full out 'crazy-mode' with that stunt he pulled. Scoffing, I place a hand on my hip and look out the door where he walked off, blowing a raspberry.
"Oh he's gonna get it from me," I say firmly.
Republic City Hall - Reylea
In the court room at City Hall, Mera waits impatiently at her seat while the rest of the people gathered settle in. She constantly glances back in the hopes of seeing Senator Shuno walking inside at any moment, but for whatever reason he still hasn't showed up yet. The court meeting is about to start!
As a native of the Northern Water Tribe, Mera immigrated to live in Republic City to progress in her school studies, training to become involved in law and order. She's been pretty successful throughout her life so far, and has managed to get up to the point of being a co-worker of Senator Ivan Shuno when it came to putting triad members behind bars.
She's also become his fiance.
Glancing around impatiently again for him, she shakes her head and looks forwards at the papers on her desk, reviewing them one last time. She could see former Councilman Tenzin was already here, and Chief of Police Lin Beifong was present as well, standing off to the side of the room with a few of her officers. In the defendant's box beside hers sat two men, one of whom was named Zhen. He's a member of the Triple Threat Triad, and has been involved with the group for several decades now, becoming a high ranking member.
Allegedly, at least. This court case will hopefully be able to prove it.
"Sorry I'm late folks!" someone calls out.
Mera glances behind her again and sighs in exasperation when she sees Senator Shuno strutting down the room up to their box with a confident stride in his steps, a grin on his face. He sits down beside her, and she gives him an irritated look.
"Where were you?" she demands.
"Sorry Mera, been a little busy. Running for president takes a lot of time," he explains.
"We scheduled this meeting weeks ago Ivan, surely you should've remembered to be on time," she chides.
"Relax, I remembered! I'm here, right?" he replies with a grin. "Worried you'd have to step up?"
"Oh I know the briefs like the back of my hand. I'm sure I would be just fine," she states firmly.
"I'm sure you would," he replies without a doubt.
"All rise for the honorable judge," Chief Beifong announces.
Everyone gets u from their seats as the judge and jury enter the courtroom and make their way over to their seats. As they do so, Zhen turns to give Shuno a dismissive look.
"I thought you were busy running for President, Senator?" he asks, a hint of a taunt in his words.
"I still make time for this. I've got plenty of time to put you away Zhen, don't you worry," Shuno replies with a confident smile.
After the quick exchange between the defendant and prosecutor, the court carries on for several minutes as both sides go back and forth, arguing their case against the other. During his part, Shuno stands up and paces around for while making his case.
"With Lightning Bolt Zolt in jail after his bending was taken by Amon, someone must've stepped up to take control of the Triple Threats," he states.
The witness, a man called Rossi, nods his head.
"Is this man in the courtroom today?" Shuno asks.
Rossi nods his head with a small grin.
"Could you identify him for us, please?" Shuno asks.
He moves to stand in front of Zhen's desk, smiling triumphantly at him. Zhen however just stares right back with an unamused and unconcerned expression on his face, stroking his gray goatee.
"You win Senator," Rossi says. "It was me."
Shuno's smile drops off of his face as he whips around to stare at Rossi in bewilderment, and the crowd gasps. Mera blink incredulously and then leans forwards to check her papers, frowning.
"I have a sworn statement from you..." Shuno says, accepting a piece of paper that Mera hands him. "...that this man, Hanir Zhen, is the new head of the Triple Threat Triad!"
"Zhen? He's a fall guy. I'm the brains of the organization!" Rossi declares smugly.
Everybody laughs at the witness while Shuno paces around furiously, rubbing his forehead in irritation.
"Permission to treat the witness as hostile?" he asks the judge.
"Granted," the judge replies.
"Hostile? I'll show you hostile!" Rossi shouts.
Getting up from his chair, Rossi slips a piece of metal out from under his sleeve and then uses metalbending to aim the sharp point at Shuno, causing everyone to gasp in alarm. Shuno stares back in surprise for a moment and then lunges forwards, smacking Rossi's arm to interrupt his aim and then punches him squarely in the face.
Rossi stumbles back, and within a moment Lin and another officer are on him, wrapping their metal cables around his wrists and wrestling him out of the seat to secure him. Shuno walks away as it happens, moving forwards to glare at Zhen.
"You boys must've lost your touch using that. If you want to kill a public servant Mr. Zhen, I recommend you use a lightning bender," he snaps.
Zhen just stares back at Shuno, his face expressionless, while Mera sighs in relief at the attempted murder being stopped.
"Get him out of here," Lin orders her officers.
"But your honor I'm not done," Shuno replies, looking up at the judge.
Mera shakes her head with an exasperated laugh while other people in the room clap their hands in approval of the Senator.
After the courtroom failed to expose Zhen as a high ranking member of the Triple threat Triad, Shuno and Mera left to go back to their offices.
"There's nothing to link to Zhen, so we can't charge him with anything. But the fact that they're trying to kill you means we're getting to them," Mera says with a smile.
"Glad you're so pleased Mera," Shuno replies casually. "I'm fine by the way."
"Ivan, you're a Presidential candidate, and the number one politician in regards to busting crime. If you're not getting shot at, you're not doing your job," she says with a grin, turning towards him with a suggestion. "'Course if you said you were rattled we could take the rest of the day off."
"As much as I'd like to, I can't. I've got a meeting with Tenzin and Chief Beifong," he tells her.
"Alright, well I hope it goes well for you Ivan. They seem like nice people," she comments.
"Chief Beifong is a bit stern, but she's got the right idea about things, I'll give her that," he remarks.
Stopping in front of his office, Mera gives him a quick peck on the cheek before walking away to her own place while Shuno watches her go, a small smile on his face. Turning around, he enters his office to find Chief Beifong and Tenzin already there in the waiting room. They look up from their conversation and get to their feet, following him into his officer where Shuno sits down at his desk, and they sit in chairs across from him.
"That was quite the show you put on today Senator," Tenzin remarks.
"Well, I do my best to make my position clear," he replies.
"You're lucky that guy wasn't very good at his job," Lin comments gruffly. "It's a real shame though that Zhen is going to walk free."
"Well, at least the triads are consistent with giving second chances," Shuno jokes lightly in response. "I'd imagine they're the reason you guys are here today talking to me."
"We have reason to believe that the Republic National Bank was run by the triads," Tenzin states.
"The bank that the Joker hit?" Shuno asks with a frown. "Why would that be corrupted if the Joker is going after it?"
"The Joker's main targets have been against the bending triads, not regular citizens," Lin informs him. "I've got my team working on the case, and so far we've found out that the bank's vault was wired to discharge several thousand volts, while the alarm system was directed towards a private number. Not the police."
Shuno frowns at the information and places his hands underneath his chin, leaning forwards on his desk.
"I don't like hearing that. I've been working hard to put every criminal and money launderer behind bars as I can find, but I never considered looking at the banks," he says, seemingly frustrated and disturbed. "Are there any other banks?"
"I'm planning to have Caran scope them out, see if he can detect any foul play," Lin tells him.
"Caran?" Shuno asks. "Why would you go to him for this?"
"With the Force, he's capable of sensing people and certain things without ever seeing them, including the intent and emotions of a person. He's still learning admittedly, but he's skilled enough to scout out the banks in this way," Tenzin explains.
"And you're placing your full trust into superstition? I don't doubt his intentions, but leaving something like this up to chance simply because he may feel something is wrong isn't the best way to handle things," he replies. "In law and order, you need physical concrete evidence."
"I understand Senator, but I've come to trust Caran's judgement," Lin says firmly.
"You want me to back warrants for search and seizure on possible corrupted bank locations, without any details or complete certainty?" Shuno asks cautiously.
"We can give you the names of any banks Caran may find, and details about what he may have felt in them," Tenzin says.
Shuno considers silently for a moment before giving in with a slow nod.
"Alright, that's a start. I'll admit the whole 'Team Avatar' vigilante stuff has made my work easier," he says with a small smile, before becoming serious. "I'll get you your warrants Chief Beifong. But I want absolute certainty in which banks you investigate."
"Oh I certainly plan on it," Lin declares without a hint of doubt.
Future Industries HQ - Republic City
Asami and members from the Future Industries board of directors were gathered in a conference room, where for the past few minutes they've been discussing the possibility of a joint partnership with Lau Security Investments Holdings.
"Despite your company's reputation being tarnished by Hiroshi Sato's involvement with the Equalists, we feel that we could still increase dynamic growth through mecha tank technology," the C.E.O. Lau says.
"Yes, we're hoping for that as well. Mecha tank technology has shown to be a big breakthrough, and we're hoping to commission it on a much larger scale," Asami replies with a nod. "We would need more support to do so however."
"In Ba Sing Se, L.S.I. Holdings stands for dynamic new growth. With your mecha tank technology, and our dynamic increases, a joint venture with Future Industries would be a powerhouse," Lau states, showing his acceptance to helping invest the company.
Asami smiles at the words, moving forwards to shake hands with Lau in gratitude.
"Thank you Mr. Lau. I think I can safely say I speak for the rest of the board in expressing our excitement at the prospect," she says, nodding at her fellow board members.
After bidding Mr. Lau and his associates goodbye, Asami gathered up her materials and vacated the meeting room, the rest of the Future Industries board also leaving to get to their work spaces. Asami is the last person to leave, and on the way out she runs into Mako, taking her by surprise.
"Oh, Mako! What are you doing here?" she asks. "I thought you were on a police shift today."
"No, I'm free at the moment. Just decided to drop by and say hi," he replies.
He starts walking with her as they move through the building towards Asami's office.
"Well that's nice. Wouldn't Bolin typically be with you whenever you're off?" she asks curiously.
"He's busy with the Fire Ferrets right now. He's hoping to get them ready for the fall now that the arena is rebuilt," Mako explains.
"And how's that going?" Asami asks him.
Mako falters for a moment and glances up at the ceiling awkwardly, thinking about how things have really been going...
*
"Alright, Ferrets. Let's go over this drill again!" Bolin exclaims cheerfully.
The two new Fire Ferrets look at him blankly, both slumping heavily and looking awkward, but get into position in the gym. Bolin then brings up two earth disks and then kicks them at the pair: the goal being to successfully counter the attack.
Unfortunately however, both benders are unprepared, and get hit with startled yelps. The firebender topples backwards in a heap and then hits a shelf, causing it to lean over and collapse onto another shelf, which continues down a long line to spill equipment everywhere. Pabu squeals and jumps out of the way when a shelf nearly collapses on top of him.
Bolin watches in despair and slumps his shoulders with a groan.
"Let's... try again," he sighs.
*
Mako looks back at Asami and gives her an awkward smile.
"It's... going fine! Bolin is very optimistic!" he offers.
Asami accepts it with a smile and nods her head, completely oblivious to the real truth of just how badly the Ferrets are doing right now.
"Well that's good. I wish I could still sponsor them, but unfortunately Future Industries just can't spare any money right now," she says in disappointment.
"Sorry to hear about that," Mako says sadly. "Things getting any better?"
"As a matter of fact, I think they've gotten a lot better recently," she admits with a hopeful smile. "I just made a successful deal with a company stationed in Ba Sing Se."
"Sounds nice," Mako comments. "You think it'll help?"
"I don't see how it can't. L.S.I.'s been getting an eight percent revenue of growth annually, so they're making profit," she replies.
"Woah woah, wait, eight percent?" he asks suddenly, surprised. "You sure?"
"Yeah... that's what they've been doing," Asami replies, confused. "Why?"
"Eight percent annual growth is a lot of revenue for a single company to make, at least not the fully legal way," he tells her.
"Legal way- what do you mean?" she asks with a frown. "You're not suggesting it's illegal money! What would make you even think that?"
"Asami, I used to run numbers for the Triple Threats, I know how their money works," Mako insists firmly. "So you can bet something is up with numbers like that."
Asami frowns uneasily and comes to a complete stop in the hallway, thinking hard about it. Mako stops beside her with an uncertain look on his face.
"Mako, you're a good friend, and as much as I trust you, this is honestly really hard to believe," she admits grimly. "Besides, Future Industries can't survive on its own right now. We need this partnership."
"I know," he replies apologetically. "Look, at least let me talk to Chief Beifong about this. Maybe I'm wrong, but the fact is the triads still have some way of getting money out, and we're not entirely sure how."
"And if it does turn out you're right?" she asks him seriously. "What then?"
Mako glances to the side, unsure of how to answer. He understands fully how tough things are for Asami and Future Industries right now thanks to its tainted reputation, but at the same time L.S.I. Holdings could be the key to figuring out how the triads are able to survive so well.
Air Temple Island - Reylea
Caran POV...
"Keep your lightsaber upright. Your mind must be calm and clear."
I do as the voice of Jarik says, lifting my green lightsaber and holding it by my side, taking a breath to try and clear my mind. Honestly, the whole idea of Jarik being in this holocron to teach me basic things, and yet not have it actually be him is weird. How does that even work anyways?! It's him, his voice and figure in the blue light, but at the same time it isn't him.
"This is so weird," I mutter.
"Your mind must be calm and clear."
I roll my eyes but keep quiet, pulling myself back to focus on what I'm doing. Apparently this fake Jarik has his sense of firm instruction as well, go figure.
"Shii-Cho is the most basic form, and is the first form taught to Jedi younglings. It was developed for the purpose of disarming, and uses basic attacks and parries in its fighting style."
Yeah nice history lesson, can I do stuff now?
"First, bring your saber out and swing it through a series of wide, sweeping motions, as I am showing you. Follow along with the movements."
Watching the small blue image of the fake Jarik, I start moving my lightsaber around like it's showing, swing it in a wide horizontal arc and then bringing it overhead to slash down. I pull my lightsaber back up in what looks like a defensive motion, and then stand back in the ready position.
"Now what you'll e doing next is-"
"Hey Caran?" Korra calls out.
"Your mind must be calm and cle-"
"Yeah yeah," I mutter sarcastically.
With a swipe of my hand I close the holocron and let it plop onto the grass harmlessly as Korra comes around the corner, walking over to me. I deactivate my lightsaber and look up at her curiously as she approaches.
"Hey sis, what's up?" I ask her.
"I think you and I need to have a talk mister," she states firmly, propping her hands on her hips.
"What about?" I ask in confusion, before realizing. "Oh wait, don't tell me. Is this about me jumping off the parking lot?"
"You could've hurt yourself!" she states in disapproval.
"Come on, I knew what I was doing! I've been training with the Jarik Shan, remember?" I remind her.
"You mean that fake blue image of him?" she points out with a raised eyebrow. "Besides, he's technically not a legendary figure here so that doesn't mean squat."
"Ugh, fine, fair enough," I admit with a groan.
"Seriously though, don't pull such stupid stunts like that! I don't want you getting hurt!" she tells me.
"Korra, I'll be fine, seriously, you don't have to worry so much about that," I reply.
"Well I do worry, I'm your sister," she retorts. "Luon got mauled by a dog, and then you got hit by a van. That's pretty worrying for me. I don't want to have to explain to mom and dad that you hurt yourself jumping off of a balcony or some other stupid thing."
"We caught the bad guys right?" I ask her.
"Yeah, we did," she sighs, rubbing her forehead. "Just... don't do something stupid next time, alright?"
I shrug in response and she rolls her eyes, although she's unable to keep the small smile off of her face.
"So what kind of stuff were you looking at?" she asks.
"Just some basic lightsaber forms. Apparently some if it includes being able to deflect 'blaster bolts...'"
Republic City - Reylea
The next day, me and Korra rode into town on Naga, making our way towards the police station where Lin would be waiting for us. Earlier she asked me to help her in scoping out several banks to see wha I could sense, since the one that got robbed recently was actually under the control of the bending triads. So I agreed to help, and after spending some time in several banks I could sense signs of definite foul play in at least three of them.
"In any other situation this would technically make us bank robbers," I remark.
"Yeah, only now it's kind of the other way around," she shrugs in response.
Reaching the police station, we dismount from Naga and I pat her snout while Lin and Mako both walk up to us.
"Hey you two," Mako greets.
"Hey Mako," Korra replies. "So, are we about ready to do this thing?"
"I've already got legal issues settled with Senator Shuno, although we also have another issue on our hands," Lin grumbles, crossing her arms. "Apparently the C.E.O. of some company attempting to gain a joint partnership with Future Industries is in on it."
"Seriously?" I ask in surprise.
"How'd that happen?" Korra asks.
"Asami told me about the partnership and that guy's company revenue. His numbers are insanely good and just keep growing. There can't be any other way of getting money like that without illegal means," Mako explains.
"And this basis came from...?" I ask slowly.
"I did numbers with the Triple Threats once," he reminds me.
"Mako told me all about his theory, and sure enough things seem to check out," Lin adds. "There's not enough information to convict Lau, but hopefully the raids on these banks will bring up the evidence we need to do so."
"Fun," I quip.
"Anyone else coming?" Lin asks.
"Asami's still busy with Future Industries, and Bolin's got a busy day today as well," Mako replies.
"Luon's sitting this one out too, just to make sure he's fine from the dog bite," Korra adds.
"She means she threatened him to stay behind because she's super paranoid and protective," I correct with a smirk.
"Hey!" she scowls at me. "You're lucky I don't threaten you squirt!"
"Alright, enough of the chatter," Lin snaps with a glare. "We need to get moving before we lose our window of opportunity."
While Lin and Mako drove with the police force in the direction of the banks, Korra and I followed astride Naga, keeping up with them at a sprint. Several cars splinter off to cover the other banks so that the raid would be happening all at the same time. I kept my arms tight around Korra's waist as we bounded through the streets, covering ground quickly with the wailing police cars and airships up ahead.
Soon enough we reached one of the banks, and officers all piled out of their vehicles and moved to the bank entrance. Me and Korra jumped off of Naga and met up with Mako while Lin led the charge into the bank. I kept a hand on my lightsaber as we moved inside, not expecting to need it but still being careful just in case I do.
"Youngest police officer in history?" I ask Korra with a grin.
"You're not a police officer," she shoots back.
"Yeah, I am," Mako declares with a wry grin.
We both roll out eyes but continue onwards into the bank. As we make our way down towards the vaults where the Triad's money is stored, I can't help btu get the feeling that something is wrong. It's prickling at the back of my mind, making me frown in concern. I don't feel any danger at all, in fact it's quite the opposite.
It's just that it feels like something went wrong somehow...
Making our way into the bank vault, we come to a stop and widen our eyes in surprise at the sight: it's completely empty. Lin is standing in the middle of the empty room and slowly glancing around, her face unreadable. On the inside however I could sense her hidden fury and frustration boiling.
"What the...?" Mako murmurs in confusion.
"You're sure this was a mob bank?" Lin asks quietly.
"Y-yeah, this was a definite one. I could sense it pretty well," I reply uneasily, glancing around at the room.
"So why is there nothing in here?" Korra asks slowly, confused.
Lin takes a few heavy breathes and takes slow steps around the empty vault, glaring at the few empty bags littering the ground. Other officers in the room stand around helplessly, looking disappointed and letting their arms slump to their sides.
"They knew we were coming," Lin says quietly, chuckling without humor. Her voice turns into a low growl. "Either there's a leak in Shuno's office, or in my very own police force."
Furious at the prospect of there being corrupt cops in her unit, she kicks one of the empty bags to showcase her anger.
Criminal Meeting House - Republic City
3rd person POV...
The notable members of the Triple Threat Triad, Viper, Zhen, and Tokuga, all walk through a doorway protected by a few guards. They drop off any weapons and bending sources they may have on them, and then proceed further into the meeting room.
Already seated inside were leaders of other rivaling triads, including Jargala Omo. She's an earthbender and the leader of the Creeping Crystal Triad. Normally all of the triad leaders gathered in the room right now would be fighting for each other's territory, and would never come in to meet with each other. However these last several months of drastically changed things, and are forcing all the triad gangs to cooperate in order to ensure their survival.
As the heads of the Triple Threats get themselves situated in their seats with the other gang leaders, a pair of thugs come forwards carrying a radio, and place it at the head of the table. The head of the Agni Kai's frowns irritably and gestures towards the radio with barely concealed annoyance.
"What is this garbage?" he demands roughly.
"Gentlemen, please. I'm merely here to provide you with my services. Unfortunately I could not make it there in person," the voice of Mr. Lau filters out of the radio. "For any of you who aren't aware, my name is Lau, C.E.O. of L.S.I. Holdings."
The triads in the room all mutter to themselves before quieting down. Jargala sighs and fiddles carelessly with her hair, curling strands of it around her fingers while Tokuga leans back in his chair with a bored expression on his face. Viper frowns at the table while Zhen remains as calm and collected as ever.
"As you're all aware, one of our deposits was stolen," Lau starts. "A relatively small amount, 68 million."
"Who's moronic enough to steal from us?" Tokuga asks.
"Two-bit whack-job, wears a cheap purple suit and make-up. He's not the problem- he's a nobody," Zhen states dismissively. "The real problem is that our money is behind tracked by the cops."
"Thanks to Mr. Zhen's well-placed sources, we know that Beifong's police force have indeed identified our banks with the help of Caran, the Avatar's adopted alien brother," Lau informs the triads. "As such, they are planning to seize your funds today. Since the enthusiastic new presidential candidate has put all of my competitors out of business during his time in office, I'm your only option."
"So what are you proposing, Mr. Lau?" Jargala questions.
"Moving all deposits to one secure location. Not a bank," he says.
"Where then?" Viper demands.
"No one can know but me," Lau says.
Mutters of anger and disapproval filter throughout the room, and Tokuga sits up in his seat, sharing the same incredulous irritation with Viper as he glares at the radio.
"No one but you?" he growls. "You can't be serious."
"If the police were to gain leverage over one of you Tokuga, everyone's money would be at stake," Lau replies calmly.
"Then what stops them from getting to you?" Viper asks.
"I go to Ba Sing Se. Far from the jurisdiction of Chief Beifong and Senator Shuno. And Earth Queen Huo-Ting would not extradite me if she feels there's the promise of money involved," he informs them.
"You would pay the Earth Queen to stay silent, using our money?" Tokuga asks angrily.
"It's a small sacrifice, but well worth it in the long term," he reassures them.
"How soon can you move the money?" Zhen asks calmly.
"I already have. For obvious reasons, I couldn't wait for your permission," Lau states. "Rest assured, your money is safe."
A sudden laugh breaks through the room, menacing and sinister yet filled with a touch of insanity.
Members of the different bending triads all look over towards the entrance of the meeting room, where they spot a man walking towards them without a care in the world, laughing in a mocking tone. Several of the triad members look at the man incredulously, some gesturing in confusion and annoyance, others in disbelief. The man is wearing a purple suit with a green tie. Clown makeup covers his face, and his hair is painted green. The most notable feature about his face were the scars trailing from his mouth.
"And I thought my jokes were bad," the Joker states, tilting his head patronizingly.
"Gimme one reason why I shouldn't have my boy here pull your head off," Viper threatens, gesturing to one of his thugs.
"How 'bout a magic trick?" Joker offers.
Viper stares at him incredulously, and the Joker pulls out a pencil before jamming it down onto the table. He starts waving his hand around it like a magician, while the others all watch in a mixture of bafflement, annoyance, and confusion.
"I'm gonna make this pencil, disappear," Joker says.
As he talks, Viper gestures to one of his goons to remove the Joker, and stares at him with incredulous anger. The thug gets up and attempts to grab the Joker, but before he could the Joker retaliates by grabbing the back of his head and slamming him down onto the table, the pencil going directly into his eyeball. The thug is killed instantly by the pencil piercing his skull, and collapses to the ground. The Joker quickly pulls a chair up and sits down, waving his hands dramatically.
"Ta-da! It's... bah it's gone..." Joker says dramatically, slowly looking over with a grin.
Tokuga crosses his arms with a tiny nod, a little amused, and looks over at Viper, who is steaming with anger.
"Oh and by the way the suit, it wasn't cheap," the Joker taunts, fixing up his suit. "You outta know, you bought it!"
Viper stands up from his chair and clenches his fists, glaring furiously at the Joker. Tokuga quickly stops him before he could do anything, getting his attention.
"Sit," he interrupts, gesturing to the Joker and leaning back. "I want to hear whatever proposition he has."
"You're not in charge here Tokuga," Viper snaps.
"Oh just let him speak, it's not like we have something to lose," Jargala says with a sigh.
The Joker licks his lips and gestures towards the two triad members, looking up at Viper. Viper slowly begins to sit back down at hearing their words, glaring at the Joker, who takes it as his cue to begin talking.
"Let's wind the clocks back a few months. These, cops and lawyers wouldn't dare, cross any of you," he starts off. He looks around the room, raising an eyebrow. "Uh- I mean, wh-what happened? Y-your balls drop off? Hmm? You see a guy, like me..."
"Freak," Viper interrupts with a glare.
A few chuckles of agreement ring around the room, and the Joker continues to ramble on, a spike of irritation flitting through him.
"A... guy like me- Look, listen," he says, looking at Viper critically. "I know why you all choose to have your, group therapy sessions at dawn. I know why, you're afraid to go out in the evenings, or the day."
As the Joker talks, Shen listens in with narrowed eyes. The Joker then leans forwards and levels them all with a serious gaze.
"Team Avatar," he states. "You see, Team Avatar has shown Republic City your true colors unfortunately. Thanks to the Avatar's crazy, wizard-alien brother, they can find anything they need to without much effort."
The bending triads all glance down for a moment, knowing he's right.
"Chief Beifong? She's just the beginning," he continues, before gesturing at the radio. "And as for the radio's... um, so-called plan? The Avatar has no jurisdiction. She'll find him, and make him squeal! I know, the squealers when I hear 'em. And..."
The Joker purses his lips together into a frown and points his finger at the radio. The faint sound of static tells everyone in the room that Lau cut off the calling line to the radio.
"What are you proposing then?" Tokuga asks.
"It's simple, we kill the Avatar and her brother," he states.
Chuckles and scoffs echo around the room as the triad members all laugh at him.
"If it's so simple, why haven't you done it already?" Zhen questions doubtfully.
"If you're good at something, never do it for free!" Joker exclaims.
"How much do you want then?" Jargala asks cautiously.
"Uhh... half," Joker replies, leaning forwards.
More mocking laughs ensue throughout the room.
"You're crazy!" Viper seethes.
"I'm not. No I'm not!" Joker bites out with a growl, before smirking in sarcastic amusement. "If we, don't deal with this now... soon... little, uh, Viper, here? Won't be able to get, uh, a copper piece, for his grandma!"
Viper slams his hands down onto the table and jumps up from his seat, steaming with anger.
"Enough, from the clown!" he roars.
The Joker quickly gets up from his chair and backs away. He opens up his suit to reveal several grenades hidden there, a string attach to his arm ready to pull the pins and let them explode. Everyone else in the room stands up in alarm, and Viper comes to a stop with a wary glare.
"Let's not blow... this out of proportion," he says warningly.
"You think you can steal from us and just walk away?" Viper demands.
"Yeah," he replies casually.
"I'm puttin' the word out! 500 grand for this clown dead! A million alive, so I can teach him some manners first!" Viper declares furiously.
The Joker points an angry finger at Viper, steaming to give a retort before thinking better of it, looking over to Tokuga and Jargala.
"Alright, so listen, why don't you give me a call when you wanna start taking things a little more seriously. Here's my card," Joker says.
He reaches behind him and pulls a card out from his suit pocket, laying it on the table. He then slowly backs away to the exit, raising his finger with the string and humming in silent warning, ready to pull it in case anyone makes a move. All Viper can do is watch in seething anger as the Joker kicks open the door and scurries away outside.
Fun fact, all the criminals I've showcased for the Bending Triads are canon characters to the show :)