The day Chen had come home and said that he had applied for an apprenticeship at Zaofu, Lin had blown away the wall that separated their living room and the backyard. Chen hadn't known about the rift between Lin and her sister. He didn't even know she had a sister to begin with. Zhu had discreetly told him to shut up when he opened his mouth to ask.
"I thought my decision would make her happy," Chen gloomily looked at Lin, who was grumbling to herself while fixing the wall.
Zhu and he were both curled up on the sofa, far away from their raging mother. At his downtrodden expression, Zhu patted his head.
"We just need to wait for her to calm down," She told Chen, "I'm sure she'll be happy. You've always been the star child." Zhu teased as he swatted her arm. However, the grin fell off from her face, "I don't know what caused them to fall apart but...I've never heard mother mention Aunty Suyin even once. Very rarely has she spoken about our grandmother too, except for a couple of stories here and there. Aunty Suyin stopped sending letters a few years ago after she realized that mother would not reply to any of them. Or at least that's what I think."
Chen nodded in understanding, "I see. So...there's nothing we can do to fix it?"
"I don't think so." Zhu frowned, "I've tried before but mother always tells me to shut up. So I stopped."
"Oh." He looked a little uncertain, "Do you think I'm doing the right thing? I mean...if she doesn't like it then I can do something else. Mom's done so much for me...it's only right that I- OW!"
Zhu had pulled her middle finger back using her thumb and flicked it harshly against the side of Chen's head. He glared at her, rubbing the injured spot. Zhu patted him, over his hand.
"I understand your doubts," She consoled him, "But if you do something to please mother, she'll be even more pissed. She wants us to do what makes us happy. Don't depend on what others might think of your decision. Are you sure about what you want to do?"
He hesitated a little before nodding.
"Are you sure sure?"
He nodded with more confidence, "Yes. It's something I've always wanted to do."
Zhu drew back with a self-satisfied smile, "There you have it then."
It was as Zhu said. Half an hour later, when Lin had calmed down, she approached Chen. Apologizing to him for throwing a fit, she placed her hand on his shoulder, "I'm glad that you chose something you are passionate about. I'm proud of you, Chen."
The boy was reduced to a blubbering mess at her words. Lin took a step back in surprise. She watched Chen sniffle and sob and wipe his snot using the sleeve of his sweater. A soft smile appeared on Lin's face as she moved to embrace him.
"'I love you, mom.'" Zhu raised the pitch of her voice, imitating Chen. She fake-cried to add effects and then immediately straightened her back with a neutral expression, "'I love you too, son.' Aah, so heartw - NO, MOTHER, I'M SORRY!"
To make his portfolio look impressive, Chen needed to be involved in projects or co curriculars. So when months later he found an opportunity through Guo, Chen was over the moon. He spent nights in the City Library, pouring over the tunnel maps. Zhu accompanied him sometimes, though mostly in spirit as she dozed off the moment she so much as glanced at a book.
Back when he had shown interest in architecture, Chen had nervously asked Lin if she could teach him seismic sensing. The woman had been brutal while teaching him but it had paid off. The skill had helped immensely while detecting secret tunnels or construction faults.
Chen had worked tirelessly for a week, along with Guo and his organization. The people already living underground had been delighted with the changes. Although they weren't so happy with the jobs at the sewage plant, they preferred working to going through trash cans for food. They had been somewhat welcoming towards the newcomers as well.
Guo had been very clear about the fact that with the way things were going, Republic City might face a civil war. Kengdao town looked like a cross between a village and a bunker. Day by day, more homeless people turned up, looking for a place to stay.
After days of hard work, Zhu decided that Chen needed a break. She and Suvi dragged him out of Kengdao, the six year old announcing that Chen needed a drink.
"I'm not drinking in front of you!" Chen was appalled, "There's no way I'm drinking with you sitting in front of me."
Suvi tugged his hand, walking faster, "Then pretend I'm not here."
Chen had been adamant about not being around alcohol while babysitting Suvi. He had said that instead, he'd love to walk around downtown for a while before going back to work.
"Boo, you bore." Suvi stuck out her tongue at him. She gestured at Zhu to kneel and climbed onto her back when she did.
Zhu got up with a 'oof', tightening her hold on Suvi's legs, "You're so heavy, brat."
It was late in the evening. The downtown station was crowded and Zhu found herself involuntarily looking for Bolin, since he hung around here a lot. Suvi busied herself by tugging onto Zhu's braids. Chen was telling them about an old woman in Kengdao who had taken it upon herself to care for orphans.
"You realize that I've met her plenty of times, Chen?" Zhu readjusted Suvi on her back. She stood and stared at Lord Zuko's statue in the middle of the road, in front of the station, "I can never get over the fact that grandad had a ponytail. I mean...look how -"
"Zhu!" Someone called out her name and she turned around. Mako sprinted towards her, closely followed by Korra and her polarbear dog.
"Hey, Mako." Zhu frowned at the worry on his face, "Korra. What's wrong?"
"Have you guys seen Bolin?" Mako asked, his gaze flickering at Chen and Suvi for a second, "I can't find him anywhere. I thought he'd be with Korra at Air Temple Island but he wasn't there either."
She shook her head, "I haven't seen Bo in days. Chen?"
"No...I haven't either." Chen looked more curiously at Korra, "You must be Avatar Korra."
"Yeah," Korra gave a small smile, her brows still creased in distress.
"This is Suvi, my tutor's daughter. My mother's her spirit-mother." Zhu turned a little and gestured at the kid who waved shyly, "Korra, this is Chen, my brother." She hurriedly introduced.
The Avatar had a bewildered look on her face, "Wait, what? Tutor? Brother?" She thought Chen was a girl given his…
"When was the last time you saw him?" Zhu handed Suvi to Chen and focussed on Mako, "Did he say anything about having plans with anyone?"
"We saw him in the morning," Korra offered, "During practise. But that was like really early in the morning. Mako left after Butakha said that they needed money to enter the tournament."
Zhu looked at Mako, "What places did you look for him at? Apart from Air Temple Island?"
"He's not at the attic, or at the gym." Mako listed, "Toza doesn't know where he is, either. I checked the nearby park. Narook's as well. Pabu is gone too."
Pressed her fist in thought to her chin, Zhu mumbled, "That means he must have come here since he usually doesn't go to new places without either of us. I just hope he didn't get involved with the Triads. They've been out scouting these areas a lot."
Suvi wriggled out of Chen's grasp and pointed at a couple of street urchins playing in a corner, "Maybe we can ask them? That's Skoochy, isn't it?"
Mako called out to the kid, who came running towards the group, "You seen my brother, Skoochy?"
"Perhaps." The kid adjusted his worn out hat over his head and grinned smugly, "Memory's lil foggy."
Zhu rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, "Maybe Nana would love to know that you've been snooping around Roma's tent and nicking her supplies. Or how you burnt Fu's pillow using cigarettes. I wonder if Nana knows where you bought those from."
Skoochy let out a panicked laugh, wiping his nose, "You just love to ruin the fun, don't you, Princess."
"We're in a bit of a rush," Mako interrupted, scowling. How did Zhu know all of this?
"Fine, I saw him at noon with his stupid monkey rat." Skoochy glowered, "Shady Shin showed up and flashed some serious cash." Zhu cursed loudly, making Chen slap her forearm, "Bo took off with him in his hot rod." The kid leaned in seriously, "The Triple Threats? The Red Monsoons? The Agni Kais? All the triads are muscling up for something real big. That's all I'm tellin' ya."
Mako met his terrified eyes with Zhu's.
"Mom and Guo were right…" Chen fretted and turned to Skoochy, "Get the other kids and yourself to Kengdao. Hurry. Go straight to Nana, you understand? Spread the word and get as many children off the streets."
"Go it." Without another word, Skoochy ran back to his friends. He made them all huddle around him, whispered something, and then they all dispersed in different directions.
"What was he talking about?" Korra asked Mako, "What's Kengdao?"
"I'll tell you about Kengdao later," Zhu answered instead, "But for now...There have been reports of a turf war."
Mako nodded, "And Bolin's about to get caught right in the middle of it." He turned to Zhu, "Do you think he'll be at the headquarters?"
"It's possible." Zhu said, "Chen, drop Suvi off and head home. Tell mother what happened. She most likely won't intervene. Do you have your arm bands?"
Chen nodded, tapping the metal around his forearms, under the sleeves of his sweater, "Don't worry about us. You guys be safe."
Suvi pouted in worry as Zhu placed her hand on the girl's head, "Be careful."
Korra got onto her polarbear dog, "Come on, then. The sooner we find Bolin, the better." She jerked her head over her shoulder, gesturing at the saddle, "Get on, Zhu."
The polarbear dog took off the moment Zhu sat behind Mako. Surprised by the speed, Zhu grasped Mako's shoulders to balance herself. The animal skidded to a stop at a tram crossing, making Zhu's smash her face against the boy's back. When the bear dog started running again, her arms flailed as the force pushed her back.
"You alright back there, ace detective?" Korra asked, looking back smugly.
Zhu grit her teeth in embarrassment and hissed, "Shut up."
Letting out a bark of laughter, the Avatar asked, "So where are we headed?"
"The Triple Threat Triads' headquarters." Mako answered, looking straight ahead, "Hopefully Bolin's still there and nothing's gone down yet."
Korra looked back again, "The Triple Threat Triad? I beat up some of those yahoos when I got into town. Why would Bolin get tangled up wit —"
The polar bear dog suddenly jerked forward, increasing its speed, and Zhu used every single cuss word she knew. She flung her arms around Mako and tried not to fall off as the dog chased something she couldn't see. The cold wind made her eyes sting.
"Zhu, look!" Mako grabbed her forearm, which was digging into his waist, "It's Pabu!"
The damned beast had stopped in front of a streetlight, and sure enough, Pabu was peering from atop.
Korra tugged at the reins gently, "No, Naga. Pabu's a friend, not a snack." So that's the creature's name.
Pabu slid down the streetlight and stared at Naga before bumping noses with it. The he climbed over and made a beeline for Mako's shoulders. Pabu chittered and rubbed his head against Zhu's fingers when she patted him.
Without wasting another moment, they hurried forward towards the headquarters.
It was strangely quiet. No guards were posted in the front. The three got off Naga, and as Mako approached the door stealthily, Zhu knelt and touched the ground, letting out a small circle of fire around her palm. Korra narrowed her eyes in confusion at her and turned to Mako.
"Something's not ri -" Mako had been interrupted by Zhu flying forward and pushing him to the side, "Hey! Don't -"
"They're in the back!" Zhu exploded the door out of the way, "There are sixteen people. Five on bikes, rest in a truck. Bo's there." The room was a mess - broken tables and chairs, scorch marks, remnants of earthbending.
"How do you know?" Mako demanded as he and Korra followed her into the building. He felt his heart stop as he looked at the destruction. He whirled around at the sound of engine to find Zhu already running out the back door.
Zhu had sent a bolt of lightning just as the door of the truck closed over a wide-eyed, gagged Bolin. The truck swerved a little to the right before increasing speed. Mako yelled for his brother, attacking one of the motorcyclists.
In a frenzy, Zhu raised and pulled back her fist but froze. Why did the Equalist who threw a smoke bomb at them feel familiar? The heat signature...
Coughing away the gas, Korra called for Naga and climbed on top of her. Zhu and Mako followed her. Naga ran faster, following the escaping vehicles. Korra tried to raise a pillar of earth to obstruct the motorbike's path but it turned into a ramp. The Equalist balanced the bike as it flew in the air and landed it, narrowly missing the streaks of fire Zhu threw at him.
"Lean as far away as you can from me," Zhu ordered the two as she moved her arms in a circular motion.
Just as they approached a wider area, Zhu shot a powerful bolt of lightning at one of the motorcycles. The bolt hit the tires and the vehicle exploded, throwing its rider to the ground. The van was getting further away and to buy more time, one of the chi-blockers sent a bola spinning towards Naga's legs.
Naga tripped due to her tied limbs. As Mako toppled over near Korra, Zhu used fire to propel herself towards the three Equalists who had stopped to buy time.
Zhu maintained a good distance while fighting them, knowing that she'd be at a disadvantage if they chi-blocked her. Two of the masked men diverted towards Mako and Korra. Without wasting a moment, Zhu attacked.
My dagger might be useless in this fight...
She raised her leg, swinging it upwards, and then turned, kicking the other leg to the front. Waves of fire shot towards the masked assailant. He jumped expertly through the fire and tried to reduce the distance between them. The scorch marks on his uniform made Zhu realize that it was his motorbike she had hit with her lightning. Zhu drew her hands towards herself and moved her palms clockwise. The fire took the shape of a chakram and Zhu flung it at her opponent. The attack caught him square in the chest, throwing him back.
Launching forward for the killing blow, Zhu brought her leg down in an arc, sending a gigantic blue wave of fire. It caught her opponent in the shoulder as he tried to back-flip away. The masked man let out a hiss in pain, grabbing his shoulder. Zhu clicked her tongue in annoyance at his survival.
Behind her, the Avatar let out a pained cry as the Equalist she was up against aggressively blocked her chi-points. Korra was thrown towards Mako, who had momentarily lost his bending as well.
Placing herself between her friends and the chi-blockers, Zhu widened her stance. They approached her, spinning the bolas in their hands threateningly. Raising her arms such that the tip of her fingers were facing the sky, Zhu crouched, bringing her limbs down in a circular path. The moment her knuckles collided with each other in front of her chest, a dome of blue fire surrounded them. Zhu pulled her elbows to her sides and thrust out her palms. The fire around the three spun and charged forward at the assailants. It damaged their suits, throwing them a few feet away.
From the side, Naga roared and ran forward. She bared her teeth at the Equalists, looking frightening. The two chi-blockers exchanged looks and as one of them threw a gas canister at Zhu and her friends, the other picked up their fallen comrade. By the time the three teens emerged out of the smoke, the chi-blockers were long gone.
Placing her palm flat on the ground, Zhu closed her eyes in concentration and sent out a circle of fire. The heat signatures were fleeing towards the industrial area. However, once they were out of the two mile radius, Zhu couldn't sense them anymore.
That person...why did he feel so familiar?
Defeated, she turned to Korra who panicked while punching the air.
"I can't bend." Korra was horrified, "I can't bend."
Wordlessly, Zhu approached her, spun her so that the Avatar's back was facing her. Without any warning, the firebender drew her arm back and, despite Mako's shocked yells, jabbed Korra in the centre of her spine.
"Ow! Mother- OW!" Korra whirled around in anger, "What the heck was that f-"
"Now try bending." Zhu simply said.
Breathing heavily and still aching from the jab, Korra drew moisture from the air. She sighed heavily in relief. "I…" She turned to Zhu and hesitated, "Thanks."
"Your turn." Zhu nonchalantly turned to Mako, who took a step back and brought up his arms.
"No thanks. I'll gladly wait till my bending's back." He watched her shrug in response and then asked, "How do you know how to reverse the chi-blocking?"
"My sister is a martial arts master. She taught us all in case we ever found ourselves in such a situation." Zhu was infuriated by the fact that she was unable to capture any of the chi-blockers, "So, what now? Those bastards were Amon's henchmen. I could track them till they entered the Western Wharf side but my range ends there."
"Amon?" Korra asked, "That anti-bending guy with a mask?"
"Yeah," Mako nodded, throwing Zhu a curious look, "he's the leader of the Equalists."
"What do they want with the Triple Threats?"
"The Triads or the bending mafiosos pose a huge threat to the Equalists." Zhu said in a droll as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, "Taking them out gives Amon the upper hand since the city's only defence is the Metalbending Police Force. Besides, the metalbenders there are mostly trash at close combat, something these punks are extremely skilled in. Either Amon will have the prisoners killed or their bending taken away. Judging by the speeches he so loves to give, it's most likely the latter. Someone of his standing would love to humiliate an individual by showing how powerless they would be with their bending gone."
As Mako's face grew grimmer with each word that Zhu spoke, Korra hissed in disbelief, "You can't just take somebody's bending away!"
"Aang took away Ozai's bending."
"Yeah, well, Aang was the Avatar. Nobody else other than the Avatar should have that power." Korra's tone made Zhu's blood boil with rage.
She scoffed, not bothering to look at the girl, "How modest of you to say that." Zhu was furious at Korra. The girl was the Avatar. She was supposed to be stronger, more powerful than anyone. It was humiliating how Korra, the bloody Avatar, lost to a couple of chi-blockers.
The Avatar snapped, "I didn't mean it like that!"
"I can't believe my grandmother died because of someone like you!"
Korra stilled in her place and her fists uncurled, "I...what?" Wide, shaky blue eyes stared at Zhu who refused to answer. "Zhu, what do you me-"
"I'm going ahead to look for Bolin." Zhu curtly responded, turning away.
As she started to walk, Mako yelled at her to stop, "Wait, Zhu! Come ba -" He took a step towards her, expecting her to look back. However, Zhu took two long strides and used fire to propel herself into the air.
As Zhu disappeared over the buildings, Mako and a thoroughly confused Korra were left staring at the blue flames.
Happy new year, everyone! May this year be happy and healthy one for you all.