Air Temple Island - Republic City
Caran POV...
"They knew?!" Tenzin says incredulously.
"Yes they did. I've got some corrupt officers working in my police force," Lin scowls furiously.
"Man, we've got some really bad luck with this kind of stuff," Bolin comments casually, leaning against the wall.
Lin whips her head around to glare at him, the rest of us more exasperated, and he widens his eyes in alarm. He quickly changes to seem like he's fiddling with some flowers in a vase on a nearby table-stand, whistling an innocent tune. Mako shakes his head with a sigh.
"How do you know that?" Tenzin continues.
"There's no way for them to know about my plan with Caran otherwise, not to mention how the Triads still seem to be working right underneath our noses," she states angrily.
"They've been in business for a long time," Mako says bitterly.
"Well isn't that just stupid," Korra grumbles, crossing her arms with a frown. "You think we could sniff them out?"
"Me," I correct her, and she rolls her eyes. "But, I've been all around the police for a while I haven't felt any..."
I falter with a frown, which the others take notice of.
"What is it?"
"...Vyra or the Messenger might be hiding them from me," I admit uneasily.
"It makes sense that they would do that," Lin says with a nod of agreement, still looking furious. "But the fact that there is a dirty cop, or more, have done this behind my back is infuriating. Whoever it is, is gonna be sorry when I get my hands on them!"
"What about Lau? You said he's likely to be involved with this right?" Asami suggests.
"Oh yeah! Why don't we go talk to him?" Korra suggests eagerly.
"Lau is gone," Tenzin says, dropping our hopefulness. "He departed back to Ba Sing Se just earlier today."
"Out of our jurisdiction," Lin growls.
"Seriously? He really wanted to partner a deal with Future Industries," Asami comments.
"He wasn't willing to risk us rooting him out as being involved by staying," Lin deduces bitterly.
"So we can't go after him? Man, that sucks," Bolin says glumly.
"...well, maybe not the police," Korra starts to say.
I frown at her curiously before understanding her idea, brightening up at it.
"Oh, yeah! I think that could work!" I say in agreement.
"What're we talking about now?" Luon asks.
"No," Lin states sternly, realizing what we meant.
"Absolutely not!" Tenzin adds.
"I'm confused," Bolin says.
"Oh come on, I think it's perfect! You can't go arrest Lau in the Earth Kingdom because you don't have authority there, or whatever. But I'm the Avatar; my job is to the entire world. So we can just go get him ourselves!" Korra explains.
"Wow, I never thought about that," Bolin remarks. "I like it!"
"It makes total sense. We can totally pull it off!" I add in support.
"Is it really that simple?" Luon asks.
"Seriously?" Korra deadpans, narrowing her eyes at him.
"What?" he asks defensively.
"Luon's right Korra, it isn't as simple as you're making it out to be. Being the Avatar doesn't mean you're allowed to do whatever you please wherever you go," Tenzin states, frowning. "You still have to abide by the law. And I doubt the Earth Queen would allow you to 'kidnap' someone without her approval; which is very unlikely."
"The main reason you're allowed to do vigilante stuff in Republic City is because you have my approval, and that of the United Republic. You can just go around like you own the place!" Lin says sternly. "Team Avatar is an unofficial organization for the United Republic. The six of you lawfully can't do what you're suggesting, especially you Mako. You're one of my officers."
"Ugh! All these laws and rules are so stupid," Korra groans irritably.
"So does this mean we have to talk to the Earth Queen?" Mako asks.
"Negotiation is our only option, but I doubt the Earth Queen will ever agree to our wishes," Tenzin sighs grimly.
"Well I have to go there to meet Lau. I still have to negotiate our business deal, since he left before it was resolved," Asami adds with a disappointed sigh.
I then get an idea, and lighten up hopefully.
"Hey wait a second, I've got an idea on how we can get him!" I speak up.
"What?" Korra asks curiously.
"So we can't go as Team Avatar; Whatever. So why not just go secretly to his place and bring him back here? Asami already needs to make a deal with him, so we just get him after!" I suggest.
"Secret stuff?" Bolin asks. "You think we could do that?"
"I don't know," Luon shrugs.
"So you're suggesting we kidnap him?" Tenzin asks, raising an eyebrow.
"That's illegal, Caran. Especially considering the scenario you're suggesting," Lin frowns.
"They don't have to know it was us," Korra insists. "Seriously, this is a great idea!"
"I still don't know..." Tenzin trails off.
"There's a warrant for Lau's arrest here already, right?" Mako asks.
"Yeah, so what?" Lin asks.
"If he's found to be guilty, which we know he is, then the Earth Queen shouldn't be able to pardon him, right?" he deduces.
"Oh, yeah! So we get him without anybody knowing it's us, get him to talk, and then the Earth Queen can't demand his return when he's proven a criminal!" Bolin concludes happily. "Mako you're a genius!"
Lin and Tenzin look at each other thoughtfully, mulling over the idea.
"That... could work," he comments.
"Alright, we'll try it," she decides.
"Yes!" we exclaim, all jumping for joy.
"But there will be limitations!" she adds, silencing us. "Mako, you're one of my officers so you can't participate. Asami, you're going to meet him, so it would be way too suspicious. The rest of you, under any circumstance you cannot let it be known who you are. That means no lightsaber or usage of the Force, Caran; and Korra, you can only use one element throughout the whole operation. Naga and Pabu can't come either."
"Oh... sorry Pabu," Bolin says, scratching the ferret's chin.
"Don't use air, Korra, that'll also reveal your identity," Tenzin adds. "If you are discovered, then there will be nothing that me or Lin can do to legally secure your release from prison."
"Ok... so it's more difficult," Luon remarks.
"I still think we can do it. Get in, get Lau, get out. Don't be identified," Korra summarizes.
"Cool," I remark, before frowning. "So what will I do?"
"Don't worry kiddo, I'll show the ropes around not having any abilities," Luon says with a grin.
Triple Threat Triad HQ - Republic City
3rd person POV...
A few balls roll across the green surface of the pool table as Viper makes his move. He smiles to himself, but then frowns when the door to the room opens to allow one of his fellow triad members into the room.
"Yo Viper, there's somebody here for you," Two Toed Ping says. "They say they've killed the Joker."
Viper raises an eyebrow. "Did they bring the body?"
"Yeah, right outside," Mushi, an earthbender, says.
Viper stands up with a suspicious frown on his face as a few people enter the room, two of his bodyguards carrying a body wrapped in trash bags. One of the newcomers, a pale skinned man with yellow eyes, looks around carelessly. Viper pays him no attention and approaches the body once his guards set it on the pool table. Viper rips off the bag covering the body's head to see that it is indeed the Joker, laying lifelessly.
Scoffing to himself, Viper looks up and takes a few steps towards the pale skinned man with a neutral expression on his face, although slightly disappointed.
"So, you killed him. That means you get 500-" he starts to say.
Viper never gets to continue before the Joker lunges up from the table, stabbing two switchblades into the bodyguards on either side of him to propel himself forwards. Viper whips around at the sudden gasps from his guards as they died, only to find the Joker grabbing the back of his head and sticking a knife in his mouth.
"How 'bout alive, hm?" Joker asks mockingly.
The pale skinned man also acted, his whole body changing into that of a green reptilian humanoid. During the transformation he whips out his lightsaber and then viciously grabs Two Toed Ping, shoving him onto his knees and holding the lightsaber to his throat. Two of his goons grab Mushi and the remaining bodyguard, holding blasters to their heads and holding them captive on the floor.
Another figure then stalks into the room, filling all of the Triple Threats with fear at the sight of her; Vyra Ren. She casually surveys the room and eyes each thug long enough to frighten them, before leaning against the shadow covered doorframe.
"I believe there's business to discuss," she comments with a hiss.
The Messenger glances at her for a moment before looking at the Joker, who still has the knife in Viper's mouth.
"W-what do you want from me?" Viper asks nervously, glancing at the knife with fear.
"Well that's a funny question, you see," Joker starts with a snicker. "I just want to tell you a story."
He then leans closer to whisper into Viper's ear.
"You wanna know how I got these scars?" he asks, sounding meek and childish.
Joker pulls back to give Viper a quick nod of his head, sick delight held in his gaze while Viper stares back, unsettled and confused at the question.
"My father was, a drinker... and a fiend. And one night he goes off crazier than usual. Mommy gets the kitchen knife to defend herself; he doesn't like that. Not. One. Bit," Joker says with a slight growl. "So, me watching, he takes the knife to her, laughing while he does it. He turns to me and says... 'why so serious?'"
Viper glances between the Joker and the knife he keeps slowly moving in his mouth, stricken with fear.
"He comes at me with the knife... 'why so serious?' He sticks the blade in my mouth... 'let's put a smile on that face!'" Joker growls with a wild grin, tugging the knife against Viper's cheek. "And..."
Joker pauses in his story and then glances at Two Toed Ping and Mushi, an uncaring expression of calm on his face. The two Triple Threat's look back with absolute fear.
"Why so serious?" he asks casually.
Ping flinches with fear as Joker slashes the knife through Viper's face, a small amount of blood spraying out from the cut. Messenger holds him firmly in warning while Viper's body collapses silently to the floor, and Joker starts pulling off the trash bags.
"Now, our organization is still a bit small, but we've got a lot of potential for... aggressive expansion! So, which of you fine gentlemen would like to join our team?" Joker says gleefully, picking up a pool cue. "Oh, there's only one slot open right now so we're going to have... try outs."
He snaps the pool cue in half and then drops it onto the floor in between the Triple Threats.
"If you use any bending then my little friend here will just kill you all," Joker says, patting the Messenger on the shoulder while walking by, who just scowls in annoyance. "Make it fast."
Vyra quietly exits the room while the Joker follows after her, a slight skip in his step. Messenger and the other two then release their captives, shoving them onto the ground in front of the pool cue.
Ping, Mushi, and the other Triple Threat thug all glance at each other and the broken cue, which is now sharp enough to stab with.
Air Temple Island - Republic City
Caran POV...
"Ok, go again."
I rush forwards at Luon and quickly sweep my leg at him, but he jumps over it. I get back to my feet and move away as he kicks his foot out, and he lunges forwards. He delivers a few fast jabs, which I deflect or duck away from, and then try shoving him away.
I push Luon back, but he also grabs my arm and yanks me with him, pinning me onto the ground. I groan in defeat and roll my eyes, and he helps me back up.
"Ugh, that sucked," I grumble.
"Well I can certainly tell that style of fighting isn't your strong suit, but there's nothing wrong with that," he replies. "Still, I think you're good enough against any regular guy."
"It's gonna be so hard no using the Force though, and I'm still kind of... ehm... small," I admit reluctantly.
"HAH!"
I look back and make a face at Korra as she walks by, scowling at her. She smirks in response before disappearing, and I groan in annoyance. I so did not want her to hear that.
"Well, didn't Jarik talk to you about using the Force to enhance yourself?" Luon asks.
"Yeah, but I'm not very good at it," I shrug.
"Nothing wring with trying though, and it's not like it could hurt," he tells me.
"Alright, well, thanks for the advice," I reply gratefully.
"No problem," he says with a smile.
"Hey, handsome sauce! Come and help me with choosing our sneaky outfit!" Korra calls out, reappearing around the corner.
I snort, withholding a laugh at the nickname while Luon looks over incredulously.
"Seriously? Handsome sauce?!" he shouts back in annoyance.
"Yeah, get your butt over here, or you're sleeping on the couch!" she continues. "You better watch out too squirt! You're still small!"
"Hey!" I call back in protest.
"We don't even share the same sleeping area anyways," Luon replies irritably, walking over.
I watch them head off, making a face before turning around to gather my things. However to my horror I find Ikki and Meelo messing with my lightsaber, having somehow appeared out of nowhere.
"I am now a Jedi Master! Yaahh!" Meelo exclaims.
He starts waving the saber around, grunting furiously as he tries turning the blade on.
"Hey, let me try! I know how to use it!" Ikki argues, rushing forwards.
"No way!" he replies.
"WOOOAHHAHAOH WOAH! Stop it! Give me that!" I exclaim in a panic, rushing over.
"Hey, I found it first forcey-boy!" Meelo retorts.
"Meelo!" Jinora shouts, appearing from around the corner and sprinting over. "Don't mess with that! It's dangerous!"
"I know, that's why it's mine!" he replies, smacking the handle. "Woah!"
I was about to take the lightsaber away from him when my senses scream in warning. I let out a startled shout as the green blade suddenly ignites, and just barely roll out of the way.
"Cool!" he squeals.
"Meelo!" Jinora exclaims angrily. "You almost hit Caran!"
"Ok, just give it here!" I exclaim irritably.
Raising my arm, I use the Force to rip my lightsaber out of Meelo's grasp and into my hand, quickly turning it off.
"Aww!" he whines.
"MEELO!" a voice yells.
We look over to see Pema quickly rushing over to us, a expression of alarm and fury on her face. Meelo widens his eyes and folds his arms behind his back, a nervous expression on his face.
"What were you doing with Caran's lightsaber?" she demands, glaring at him with her hands on her hips.
"I wasn't hurting anyone, I just wanted to hold it!" he defends himself.
"It's not a toy Meelo! We're having a serious talk about this!" she fumes angrily. Pema grabs his hand and starts pulling him with her to their house. "You're in big trouble young man!"
"Mommy!" he whines.
We watch him get dragged off by Pema, letting out sighs of relief once they're out of sight.
"Thank goodness for that," Jinora remarks.
"At least he didn't hit anything with it," I add in agreement.
"Can I hold your lightsaber?" Ikki asks hopefully.
"No!" I instantly reply, shooting her down.
"Aww!" she whines, before instantly brightening up again. I look at her uneasily as she bounces on her feet, readying myself for her barrage of questions. "So what was Luon doing with you? Are you guys going to get that bad guy from the Earth Kingdom? How's your Jedi training going? Did you know Jinora has a crush on you!?"
"IKKI!" Jinora shouts angrily.
Jinora and I both have red faces at the last question, the former glaring angrily at her sister.
"What? You do!" Ikki insists. "You guys should go on a date!"
"I don- ugh! Just go read that new love novel we got!" she snaps.
Ikki gasps excitedly and then rushes off at a very quick sprint, squealing eagerly. She disappears after getting onto an air scooter and zooming away, blowing wind through a few bushes and trees. We both stand there awkwardly, still red in the face and quiet, until Jinora breaks the ice.
"She's just being... uh..." she starts.
"...silly, right? J-just silly," I suggest.
"Yeah, she's being ridiculous."
"Just crazy talk, yeah."
"Yeah, crazy. I mean we're not d-dating, umm..."
"Nope, not dating! You're right."
"Uh huh... u-unless you wanna... uh, hang out?"
"Maybe, yeah. Just hanging out. Like friends."
"Like friends," she agrees with a quick nod.
After the fumbling of words over each other we stand silently once more, twiddling our thumbs and looking anywhere except at each other. At the very least the redness in our faces seems to be going away.
"So... uh... you're going to get that Lau person?" Jinora asks.
"Oh, yeah. He's most likely helping manage all the triads' money, so we need him to shut them down," I explain.
"Sounds important for sure," she agrees. "You're getting him from the Earth Kingdom?"
"Hmm hmm," I confirm.
"I've heard that the Earth Queen isn't very nice. Kind of a slob," she recalls thoughtfully.
"Uh huh, so we're doing it secretly," I tell her.
"Cool! Is that why you were sparring with Luon? Because you can't use your lightsaber or the Force?" she asks.
"Yeah. Kind of sucks but, I guess it happens," I shrug in response.
"I wish Jarik left a book about the Jedi or something. I really want to read about them," she says wishfully. "I think you should practice more martial arts!"
"What do you mean? I practice," I reply, confused.
"You practice using your lightsaber, or with the Force," she corrects. "You don't really have a fighting style aside from that. I think you need one!"
"Well... what do you suggest?" I ask her.
"I would say airbending martial arts," Jinora suggests, before shrugging. "Or maybe some of that self-defense stuff that Luon and Asami learned."
"I guess… where would I start with that though?" I ask her.
"Maybe I can show you some stuff!" she offers excitedly. "Air bending movements are easy and very useful!"
"I don't know about easy but… yeah, I see your point," I admit curiously.
"Cool! This means that I get to be your teacher now," she notices happily.
"Let's not take it too far," I protest. "You'll be more like a… like an advisor!"
"I'm not advising you though, I'm teaching you new things," she states with a frown, narrowing her eyes.
I sigh in exasperation, conceding her point.
"Ok, you win. You're the teacher," I reply.
"Great! Lets go over to the library! I want to show you some of these things first!" she says eagerly.
With that being said, Jinora grabs my arm and starts dragging me away, causing me to yelp in surprise. Managing to get her to stop dragging me, I follow along as she leads me in the direction of the library, wondering what ideas she has in mind.
Senator Shuno's Office, City Hall - Republic City
3rd person POV...
"Lau's halfway to Ba Sing Se," Senator Shuno says in frustration. "If you'd asked, I could have taken his passport. I wish I was involved a bit more with this."
The presidential candidate was currently pacing around in his office while Tenzin and Lin stood on the other side of his desk, both carrying stern expressions on their faces. Lin's expression was more of an irritated scowl.
"All that was left in the vaults were a few empty bags. They knew we were coming!" Lin states angrily. "There's either a leak within the police, or in your own office Senator."
"My office?" Shuno asks doubtfully. "I find that very hard to believe."
"Believe me, I get it; it's hard for me to believe that there's someone hiding under my nose as well," she replies bitterly. "But clearly there is someone. Be it your office, or my police force."
Shuno sighs in frustration, running a hand through his hair to relay some of his stress.
"This is just getting ridiculous. Clearly these criminals are a lot deeper in the system than we ever thought," he scowls.
"I'm only theorizing, but this could possibly be the result of Tarrlok," Tenzin suggests. "He went through great lengths to maintain his power over the city, so it's not too far of a stretch to believe that Tarrlok would've used the triads as a resource."
"It makes sense. He was certainly high up enough in the government," Shuno scoffs in agreement. "We need Lau back to bust the triads, but the Earth Queen won't extradite a national under any circumstances; especially one who has money to give."
"If we get him to you, can you get him to talk?" Lin asks.
"I'll get him to sing," he states confidently.
"We're going after the triad's life savings. Things will get ugly," she warns him.
"I knew the risks when I took this job, Chief. Same as you," he reassures her, before becoming curious. "How will you get him back anyways? Legally you have no authority."
Lin and Tenzin both glance at each other, and Shuno frowns in realization.
"Team Avatar is going to grab him?" he asks knowingly.
"Essentially... yes. But officially they won't," Tenzin replies hesitantly, a little sheepish.
"What do you mean? Because you know there will be a problem if you just send the Avatar over to take Lau without any reason," he reminds them in disapproval.
"We know, and we already discussed it with them," Lin says with a nod, crossing her arms. "It's a bit out there, even for me."
"Only three of them will go to apprehend Lau, and they'll be kept undercover. As far as the public is concerned it'll simply be an act done by nameless kidnappers," Tenzin explains, and Shuno listens apprehensively. "We keep his presence in our custody a secret, and once you get the information out of Lau, the Earth Queen won't be able to demand his release against irrefutable proof."
Shuno stays silent for a while, considering the plan.
"It's a risky move," he finally says. "I just hope it works out in our favor."
"It better," Lin replies firmly.
Future Industries Airship - Earth Kingdom
Caran POV…
So Asami has her own airship… I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, she now owns one of the richest companies in the United Republic. At least it was before, so now this little trip isn't as easy for her as it normally would've been. Luckily for us, Lau himself actually helped a little bit with payments.
To continue his 'business plan' no doubt.
All of Team Avatar is here, along with Lin and Tenzin to supervise. Officially we're all still back in Republic City, aside from Asami and Mako, in order to keep the operation we're planning quiet.
"Alright all of you, listen up," Lin says, getting our attention. "If we're going to pull this off we need to keep our presence hidden, so you'll follow my plan for this."
"Alright," Korra says.
"Asami, you'll be traveling to L.S.I. Holdings to conduct your business with Lau. Mako will be going with you to act as a guard," she tells them.
"Got it," Asami says.
"Understood, Chief," Mako nods.
"The rest of you, you'll be infiltrating his building later at night with your outfits to conceal your identity," she says, turning to us. "Caran, you'll be leaving your lightsaber behind and not using the Force for this. Korra, you will limit yourself only to waterbending."
"Why not firebending? It's not as limited inside of a building," she asks with a frown.
"And also creates light," Lin counters. "The goal is to be unidentifiable. Using fire puts that at risk."
Korra sighs in disappointment but nods her head in reluctant acceptance.
"Bolin, you'll be on the ground to cut off the electrical lighting," Lin says. "Since you can't metalbend, you're regular style will cause too much mayhem."
"Really? Well that's disappointing," he says glumly, slumping his shoulders.
"He has a point bro," Mako replies with a shrug.
"Yeah I know but... I can be sneaky!" Bolin declares.
Everyone makes a face, and we all slowly shakes our heads in disagreement.
"Hmm..."
"Not really."
"No."
"Kind of loud."
"Then I shall learn to be sneaky!" Bolin declares, raising a finger. "I shall be so sneaky that even an Equalist henchman will never see me coming! No, the Messenger shall not see me coming! And then I will strike!"
He slashes his arm in front of him in a dramatic fashion to emphasize his point, grinning at us. Lin just rolls her eyes in annoyance, while Tenzin sighs.
"Luon, you'll be going with Korra and Caran," she continues.
"Sounds good," he nods.
"How're we planning on getting in?" I ask curiously.
"You'll be jumping buildings," she replies.
"Come again?" Luon asks, raising an eyebrow.
Korra and I both glance curiously at each other, wondering what she could mean by that. Sure, the two of us can do it, but Luon can't.
"And then your escape route will be a cable, and the airship," Lin adds.
"Ok, now I'm confused," I reply, and Korra nods in agreement.
Joker's Gang HQ - Republic City
3rd person POV...
Vyra looks out of a window that overlooks a dark courtyard, silently mulling over her thoughts. Her attention is drawn back to the forefront when the door opens, allowing the Joker and the Messenger to enter the room.
"That was quite a blast," Joker comments with a snicker. "Sure got the Triple Threats all riled up now."
"Whatever you say Joker," Messenger sighs, irritated.
"I mean if you ask me, I'd say that their leaders are a bunch of whiny pansies. They don't understand the thrill of the job, you know?" Joker continues, brushing his hair. "All they care about is money. Money money money- and then I swoop in and BAM!"
Joker slides across the ground on his feet and makes an exaggerated kicking motion, spinning around with a whoop. Messenger remains still with his arms crossed, continuously growing more annoyed.
"They certainly need something better to focus on," Joker continues to say before shrugging, flipping a knife in his hand. "Well, at least that Viper guy is dead. Boy, wasn't he annoying..."
"Could you please spare us a moment, Joker?" Vyra interrupts.
"Hmm?"
Joker looks up at Vyra, who is still staring out the window without any movement, and then shrugs. The Messenger tenses up with a wary look, glancing at Vyra suspiciously.
"Ok, sure. If you really need the privacy," he comments carelessly, making his way out of the room. "Oh! Just uh... make sure to keep it down, alright? Some of the boys downstairs aren't too interested in hearing lots of 'thumping' all the time."
Messenger snarls at him furiously, taking a step in his direction with a murderous glare on his face at the insinuation. The Joker just hollers with laughter in response, a sick grin on his face as he ducks out of the room and slams the door shut. Messenger growls to himself and turns around to face Vyra.
"I can't stand that 'freak show' of a human," he snarls angrily.
"He is but a pawn, Scar'lok. Despite his insanity he has great use for us," Vyra retorts calmly, finally turning around. "You could at least try to ignore his behavior. You're the one who brought him to our attention."
Messenger scoffs, shaking his head in disgust and glancing to the side.
"As it so happens, there is something we need to discuss," Vyra says, approaching him with a glare on her face. "You still have yet to answer for your failures. My master remains displeased."
"Our master-" he retorts, trying to hide his fear.
Vyra lunges out with her arm and grabs his throat with her hand; not with the intention of choking him, but sinking her sharp nails lightly into his flesh. He grimaces as she pulls him closer, fear filling his eyes as he stares into hers, which are full of cold rage.
"Do not presume to be my equal, Scar'lok. As the Master of the Knights of Ren, I am Snoke's one and only apprentice! You are nothing more than an acolyte!" she hisses.
She releases him with a violent shove, drawing a small amount of blood from his neck as he grunts, his skin stinging from where her nails pierced him.
"Once our alliance with the Joker is finished, and his use to us ended, we will be returning to the Supremacy. There you can explain your failure to Snoke himself," Vyra states, glaring at him. "Whether or not you are still worth much to him will determine if you may continue your role here on Reylea."
Messenger holds a hand to his throat, rubbing the areas where she scratched him, looking at her warily with fear. Doing his best to hide it he scoffs and looks away, but inside he is dreading the prospect of explaining things to Snoke himself. Whenever someone disappoints him the consequences are always deadly.
"Fine," he mutters.
"Do not take this lightly, Scar'lok," Vyra warns him. "He does not tolerate such pettiness."
L.S.I. Holdings HQ - Ba Sing Se
Asami POV…
After arriving at Lau's office building, he greeted me with a fairly pleasant attitude and led me up towards a dining area that overlooks the city. It certainly has a great setup, providing a beautiful view of Ba Sing Se that stretches over miles. The wind blows calmly by us, making the decorative plants on the patio flutter lightly in the wind.
Lau and I were both eating lunch, a casual and comforting way to continue conversing with each other. Despite all of Lau's politeness, the fanciness of his building, and the amazing offer that partnering with his company would give me, I still had to say no. The more I've looked into it after Mako's revelation, the more it becomes easier to notice that Lau isn't fully 'legal' in his growth. And now that Republic City has issued an accusation for Lau, partnering with him would do more harm for Future Industries than good.
"I must apologize for leaving Republic City in the middle of our negotiations. This misunderstanding with Chief Beifong's police force… I couldn't let such a thing threaten my company," Lau says apologetically.
"There's no apology necessary Mr. Lau," I reassure him with a small smile.
"I'm glad that you understand my plight, Ms. Sato, as a fellow businessperson," Lau replies with a pleased smile. "Now that you're here, we can continue the negotiations of our deal."
I falter in my chewing as I listen to him, slowly setting the fork down and swallowing my food.
"Well it was very nice of you to bring me out here in such style Mr. Lau. But I've actually come to tell you that we're going to have to put our deal on hold," I inform him regretfully.
Lau's movements stop upon hearing the words, and he sets his utensils down as well. Based on the way he's staring at me, I can tell he's absolute furious despite trying to hide it. That alone makes me feel like I just made a very good choice.
"As much as our two companies would be able to benefit from one another, Future Industries is in a very difficult situation right now," I explain, gaining confidence. "Not just financially, but also with our reputation. Because of the actions of my father we're already treading on light ground, and with whatever it is you're accused of being… we just can't afford it."
Lay continues staring silently, and I offer him a small smile of apology, not actually feeling sorry.
"I'm sure a business man of your stature will understand my company's plight," I add calmly.
Lay silently gets up after several long seconds of silence, and I stand up from my seat as well.
"…I think, Ms. Sato, that a simple telephone call might have sufficed," he states coldly.
"Well, I haven't visited much outside of the United Republic," I comment politely. "And I didn't want you to think that we'd been deliberately wasting your time."
"Just accidentally wasting it," he replies cooly.
"That's good Mr. Lau! Accidentally. Very good," I laugh softly. "It's nice to know that I was right about you having a sense of humor."
"Indeed," Lau says with a tight smile. "Very well then Ms. Sato. I wish you good luck on the continued… future, of your company."
We both shake hands with each other in a formal manner, but I can feel the tension in his hand from his frustration.
"Thank you Mr. Lau," I reply with a smile. "I hope your misunderstandings are resolved soon."
After our formal goodbyes I make my way out of the building, leaving a quietly furious Lau to fester in his frustration. Passing through security I meet up with Mako and bid the guards a respectful bow, exiting the building.
"So how'd it go?" Mako asks me.
"I think I believe you completely now," I reply, glancing his way. "He wasn't happy at all when I canceled the deal."
"He didn't do anything to you, right?" he asks in concern.
"No, he was really quiet about it," I reassure him, grinning. "But I could tell."
"Well that's good. Glad you're alright," he replies with a smile. "I guess now it's time for us to leave so that Korra's team can move in."