2. A Leaf in the Wind
"Rise and shine!" Guan said brightly from the ceiling-high windows, flooding the room in sunlight.
"No…" groaned Asami, hiding under a pillow. "Too early."
"It's noon, mam," said Guan. "We shouldn't push the rich party girl cover too far."
"Just this once," Asami said from under the pillow. "Teenagers need more sleep."
"I think you're done growing," said Guan. "Will you report the stolen bike?"
"Too embarrassing," said Asami, rising and dragging herself to the bathroom. "I'd get my superhero card revoked. Also, it would raise questions."
"Word is out that Republic City's most eligible bachelorette is back," said Guan. "Invitations have started coming in."
"I regretfully decline," said Asami, dropping her silver nightgown. "On account of a previous engagement with a weasley bike-jacker."
"You'll have to accept some of them once in a while," said Guan. "Or it will also raise questions."
"Promise I'll be a good little rich girl," said Asami, frowning at impossibly tangled black curls.
"Ms. Sato, I'm not saying this just for the sake of appearances," said Guan. "There's more to life than being the Blue Spirit. You need friends."
"I'll work on it," said Asami, getting in the shower.
#
Heng locked up the shop and hurried down the deserted street. Couldn't be too careful these days with crime being what it was. Her knee was hurting again. She really should get that looked at sometime.
She paused at the corner. Her ears weren't what they used to be, either. But just because you were paranoid didn't mean they weren't trying to get you. She walked another block and whirled around, knocking her stalker into a dark alley.
"Alright, clown…" she registered the grinning blue mask. "But you're dead!"
"Reports greatly exaggerated," said Asami, breaking her grip.
"Easily remedied," said Heng, punching fire.
Asami dove behind a trash pile that caught fire. Sharp pain pierced her calf, she rolled to smother her pants.
"You're not her," said Heng. "You're one of them copycat kids with a deathwish."
Fighting the throbbing pain, Asami ran against the wall, dodged a fireball, and jabbed Heng's arm, which went limp.
"It can't be," said Heng, drawing fire with her other hand.
Asami spun behind her and jabbed the remaining arm.
Heng collapsed against the wall. "Where did you learn that?" she spat.
"Finishing school," said Asami.
"Fine, don't tell me," said Heng. "The real Blue Spirit didn't used to pick on innocent women."
Asami raised Heng's wrist, exposing the fire symbol tattoo. "You're not innocent."
"I'm retired," said Heng. "I've gone legit. Check the shop, the apartment, the bottom of Yue Bay for all I care. How did you find me?"
"Phone directory," said Asami. "Which supports the retirement story. I have questions about some old friends of yours."
"Most are in prison or dead," said Heng. "Reason I got out when I could. Haven't stayed in touch with the others."
"What about the Sato job?" said Asami.
"Hiroshi Sato?" said Heng. "That was a long time ago. What's it to you?"
"I'm a cold case nut," said Asami.
"My memory's a little foggy," said Heng. "Maybe you can help clear it up."
"It's funny about pressure points," Asami said casually. "Some put your nerves to sleep, some light them on fire, some really jog your memory…"
"Worth a shot, no need to get creepy," said Heng. "We told the cops the truth. It wasn't us. It was a set-up."
"By who?" said Asami.
"By whom, finishing school girl," said Heng. "Take your pick. Turns out gangsters make enemies."
"The murderer had a yi tattooed on his wrist," said Asami. "Anyone from the old days nicknamed Second or something?"
"Don't remember the cops mentioning that," said Heng. "Doesn't ring any bells."
"Thanks for your time," grumbled Asami, limping off.
#
"Thank you again for having come on such short notice, Dr. Sheng," said Guan.
"You should have called me sooner," said the older woman, guiding glowing water over Asami's burned calf. "You shouldn't have waited for morning."
"I didn't want to disturb you," Asami said drowsily. "I'm sure just some salve…"
"...would have taken weeks, left scarring, and probably gotten an infection," Dr. Sheng chastised her. She moved the water back to the basin. "That should do it for now. Change the bandages, drink plenty of water, get rest."
"Yes, mam," Asami said obediently.
Guan accompanied the doctor to the door.
"I noticed the cuts and bruises," said Dr. Sheng.
"She does cross-fit," said Guan.
"And that wasn't a regular burn," said Dr. Sheng. "It was firebending."
"Really?" said Guan. "I hadn't…"
"I had great respect for her parents," said Dr. Sheng. "Youth like to seek thrills, usually with little regard for consequences. Take care of her, Madam Jia."
"I intend to, doctor," said Guan.
Guan returned to the master bedroom. "Dr. Sheng is worried about you."
"Which is why we shouldn't have called," said Asami.
"Which is why you need to be more careful," said Guan. "You won't helping anyone by lying dead in a ditch somewhere."
"That's… true," Asami admitted. "I need to train harder. I need better equipment."
"Flame-retardant clothing," said Guan.
"Like they use in pro-bending," said Asami.
"Black, for camouflage," said Guan.
"And looks," said Asami.
"Speaking of which," said Guan, "you asked me to keep an eye on the Avatar."
"What's she done now?" said Asami.
"She hasn't deposed the Council yet," said Guan. "According to the tabloids, she's a pro-bending fan. She was spotted supporting a minor team, the Fire Ferrets. They're playing again tonight."
"I see," said Asami. "Do we still have that Future Industries box?"
"Already reserved, mam," said Guan.
"Am I that predictable?" said Asami.
"I'm just glad you're leaving the house without the mask," said Guan.
#
The Arena dazzled on the waterside, spotlights crisscrossing the night, loudspeakers blaring…
"You alright, mam?" asked Guan, looking in the rearview mirror.
"Yeah," said Asami, snapping out of it. "It's just… a bit overwhelming."
"You'll do fine," said Guan, stopping at the VIP entrance. "Don't punch anyone in the face."
"I'll try not to," smiled Asami, getting out.
The box really had a great view of the court. The crowd was chanting, but some were booing. Wasn't it supposed to have started by now?
"It seems the Ferrets are a waterbender short," said a young man in a smart green suit, sitting beside her.
"This is a private box," said Asami.
"When I saw a young lady sitting here all alone, I just had to intervene," said the man. "Also, you owe me a crayon."
Asami looked up at him. "Xin?"
"I was afraid you wouldn't recognize me," said Xin, smiling. "Do I look that different?"
"You've outgrown the cabbage boy," said Asami.
"And you've grown even more beautiful," said Xin. "I was thrilled when I heard you were back. Are you going to Tarrlok's Avatar thing? Hope you can make it."
"I'll have to check my schedule…" said Asami.
"Excellent, it's a date," said Xin.
"Looks like the Fire Ferrets have ferreted out a last-minute replacement waterbender," boomed the commentator. "Let's see if she's another diamond in the rough like the brothers from the school of hard knocks!"
"I better head back," said Xin, waving at a box-full of the young, beautiful and rich. "Care to join us?"
Asami remembered her promise not to punch people in the face. "I'm okay, thanks."
"As you wish," said Xin, standing. "Hope to see you soon!"
Asami turned back to the game. She'd enjoyed coming with her mother, partly for the Arena food. She'd never watched a match since. If things could have been different, would she enjoy it as much as… She scanned the crowd with ridiculously small opera binoculars. The Ferret's prep area was empty. Why hadn't the Avatar come?
"And we're back in action after that hiccup," said the announcer, "but I'm not so sure this replacement player knows what she's doing."
Asami watched as the waterbender jump-kicked a shot at the opposing earthbender and stepped over the line. She seemed to have classical training, but not much in the way of pro-bending.
The Platypus Bears sailed through the first round and kept pummeling the newbie. They launched a fire-water combo and… The binoculars clattered to the floor as the crowd gasped.
"Did that waterbender just earthbend?" cried the announcer.
Asami picked them up and focused on the waterbender, who was looking decidedly guilty.
"She's the Avatar, folks!" the announcer confirmed.
"Un-spiriting-believable," muttered Asami.
The referees allowed her to keep playing, but that didn't keep the Platypus Bears from knocking her into the water and taking round two. They had pushed the Avatar to zone three and were about to repeat the process when she suddenly started moving like no bender Asami had ever seen. She flowed at the edge of the court, opposing shots hitting nothing but air. Her teammates took the opening and counter-attacked, pushing back the Platypus Bears to zone two, zone three…
"Knockout!" boomed the announcer.
"Woohoo!" Asami cried to her surprise.
The crowd went wild.
#
"Good morning, mam," said Guan, walking onto the balcony holding a huge bouquet of violetunias. "When I saw the empty bed, I was worried you hadn't come back from patrol."
"Morning, Guan," huffed Asami, finishing a sit-up. "Thought I'd get an early start."
"That was quite the match last night," said Guan.
"Yeah," said Asami, wiping off sweat. "The way she moved at the end… I keep thinking about it."
"Airbending can be quite beautiful," said Guan.
"I thought she couldn't airbend," said Asami.
"Not yet," said Guan. "But she's got the moves. Councilman Tenzin doesn't bend much in public, but Avatar Aang had this air-juggling trick, very impressive."
"Well, if she wants to waste her phenomenal cosmic power cheating at sports, that's fine with me," said Asami.
"Perhaps not for long," said Guan. "I heard on the radio the Ferret's haven't paid their ante for the tournament yet. They may not have the money."
"Doesn't the Lotus have money?" said Asami.
"I suppose only for pre-approved cosmic power-related expenses," said Guan.
Asami looked at the flowers. "Can we talk about the elephant-koi in the room?"
"From master Xin," said Guan, opening the card. "He hopes you will agree to be his date for Councilman Tarrlok's gala. You used to be so close when you were little."
"I bumped into him at the Arena last night," said Asami. "Our interests seem to have drifted apart since we were sticking crayons up our noses."
"He has good teeth," said Guan.
"He does," said Asami. "Call me a romantic, but I'd like to find someone with other qualities besides good teeth."
"Young people are too picky," said Guan. "When you're my age, you'll settle for the teeth."
"Very inspirational, I'll keep that in mind," said Asami.
"Shall I reply?" asked Guan.
"Fine," sighed Asami. "But tell him I already have a date."
"Lovely," said Guan. "Who is it? Did you meet in a dark alley or in a robbery?"
"I don't know yet," said Asami.
"Ms. Sato," said Guan, "someone with your looks doesn't need to hire an escort to…"
"I'm not hiring an escort!" said Asami. "I'm still working on it, okay?"
"Very good, mam," said Guan.
#
The steam whistle cut through the power plant. Mako raised his helmet and stretched aching limbs, his hair still on end. Utility bending was definitely more exhausting than probending training. And infinitely more boring. But if this gave them a chance at the tournament, it was worth it. He stepped off the wooden mat, brushed the grounding rod with a faint crackle, and shuffled past the next shift on his way to the lockers.
The streetcar bell rang as he walked out the gate. He started to run but was nearly run over by an antique satomobile.
"Hey, watch it!" cried Mako, heart pounding.
"Apologies," the driver called from the idling car. "Aren't you Mako from the Fire Ferrets?"
"Yeah, why?" said Mako.
"Mr. Toza said you would be here," said the driver. "My employer has a business proposition."
"Listen, lady," said Mako. "I don't know which triad your boss works for, and I don't care. I'm done with that life."
The driver's eyebrows shot up to her cap. "I assure you, Ms. Sato does not have that kind of proposition in mind."
"Ms. Sato?" said Mako. "As in Hiroshi Sato?"
"If you would kindly, sir," said the driver, gesturing to the rear door.
"Fine," said Mako, yanking open the door. "Listen, Ms. Sato…"
"Please, call me Asami," said the sparkling green eyes. "Sorry for all the cloak and dagger. Do you have a minute?"
"Uh, sure…" said Mako, taking a seat. "What can I do for you?"
"Actually," said Asami, "it's something I can do for you. I want to sponsor your team in the tournament."
"Wow," Mako said slowly. "That's... very generous of you. But I can't accept. I have it covered."
"By working double shifts at the plant?" said Asami. "Even if you power half the city on your own, when will you have time to train?"
"What's in it for you?" asked Mako. "Just a concerned fan?"
"Something like that," said Asami. "In exchange, I need a date for a gala tonight."
"What?" said Mako.
"Would it really be that horrible?" said Asami.
"Yes, wait, I didn't mean... " said Mako. "So if I go with you to this thing, you sponsor the Ferrets?"
"Yes," said Asami.
"I don't have any clothes nice enough for a gala," said Mako.
"I'll take care of that," said Asami. "I'll pick you up at eight. Do we have a deal?"
"Uh, yeah, I guess so," said Mako. "Wait, just so we're clear, I'm not that kind of guy…"
"And what kind would that be?" asked Asami, smiling.
"I mean, just because you're giving me money doesn't mean…" said Mako.
"Your virtue is safe with me," said Asami.
"Great, great," said Mako, leaving the car. "See you tonight, then."
Guan slid open the window to the back seat. "He's cute."
"Hopefully cute enough to keep Xin off my back," said Asami.
"You could have your pick of the country club boys," said Guan. "Why sponsor the Ferrets?"
"I want to keep an eye on the Avatar," said Asami.
"And that's all there is to it?" said Guan.
"I don't have time for distractions," said Asami.
"If you say so, mam," said Guan.
#
The city's finest mingled in the brightly lit ballroom, silver trays parting through the crowd.
"Stop fidgeting," said Asami, grabbing two flutes off a passing waiter. "Here."
"What is it?" asked Mako, frowning at the light blue contents.
"Sparkling grapple wine," said Asami. "You don't have to drink. Keeps your hands busy."
"I'm not really a gala type," said Mako, taking a sip.
"Neither am I," said Asami, downing half the flute.
"If you hate it, why come?" asked Mako. "I thought rich people only did what they wanted."
"I thought so too," said Asami. "But all these people want to do is pry. Coming to these things keeps them off my back."
"I had you pegged wrong," said Mako. "I thought you were kind of…"
"A spoiled rich brat?" said Asami.
"I was going to say prissy," said Mako.
"Well, I thought you were just some probending hunk of arm candy," said Asami. "Clearly I was right."
Mako laughed.
"We seem to be enjoying ourselves," said Xin, sauntering over in a bright green suit and kissing Asami's hand. He thrust his hand at Mako. "I'm Xin."
"Mako," he replied cautiously.
"You seem familiar," said Xin.
"You may have caught one of our probending matches," said Mako.
"The Ferrets, of course!" said Xin, clapping him on the back. "That last match was a close one. Lucky the Avatar bailed you out."
"I guess," said Mako.
"I see you like them athletic," said Xin, turning to Asami. "Care to dance with someone with a little more… substance?"
"I already am," said Asami, linking arms with Mako.
Xin's eyes narrowed. "As you wish. See you on the dance floor."
"Mako?" said Korra, walking over as Xin left. "I didn't take you for the gala type."
"Me neither," said Mako.
Korra looked pointedly at Asami.
"Oh, right," said Mako. "This is Asami."
"It's lovely to meet you," said Asami. "Mako's told me so much about you."
"Really?" Korra said curtly. "Because he hasn't mentioned you at all. How did you two meet?"
"I nearly ran him over," said Asami.
"What?" said Korra. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," said Mako, smiling. "More than fine. Asami offered to sponsor our team, we're back in the tournament!"
"Terrific," Korra said half-heartedly. "Bolin must be thrilled, he was really worried about getting the money."
"Actually, he wasn't home when I left," said Mako. "You seen him?"
"I haven't seen him since practice," said Korra. "Think something's wrong?"
"I don't know," said Mako, frowning. "He has a knack for getting into stupid situations."
"If you like," said Korra, "I could…"
"Just because the city's throwing you this big to-do, don't think you're something special," Chief Beifong interrupted. "We know someone broke into the police archives and is knocking around retired gangsters."
Asami choked on the wine.
"I've told you before," said Beifong, leaving. "I don't like vigilantes in my city."
"Wait, I didn't..." said Korra, going after her.
"Stupid situations?" said Asami.
"I don't know," said Mako, "like trying to get a loan from the Triple Threats. Or something."
"That's oddly specific," said Asami.
Mako looked uncomfortable. "We… we used to do some work for them back in the day."
"More than just a pretty face," said Asami. "You were some kind of criminal?"
"No!" said Mako. "I just ran numbers for them and stuff. We were orphans out on the street."
"I'm sorry, I had no idea," said Asami.
"We used to live in Agni Kai territory, but the police raided their compound," said Mako. "The Triple Threats moved in the next day. Zolt made sure all the street urchins proved their loyalty."
"Wait, when was this?" said Asami.
"It must've been… oh," said Mako. "The Sato job. I'm sorry…"
"It's okay," said Asami. "I'd like to check this place out sometime."
"Why would you want…" said Mako.
"Closure," Asami said grimly.
#
Guan stopped the car outside the Arena.
"Thank you, sir," said Asami, handing Mako an envelope. "The championship ante, as agreed."
"Right… as agreed," said Mako, frowning at it.
Asami's smile shrank. "I assure you the amount…"
"Oh, I'm sure it's there," said Mako, pocketing the envelope.
"Then what's the…"
"I want to see you again," Mako blurted out.
"Listen, you're cute," said Asami. "But I made it clear from the start this was just business."
"I know," said Mako, "and I was dreading it. But I actually had fun back there. And I'm willing to bet you did too. I want to try this again for real. Without the business part."
Asami stared at him. She opened her mouth, stopped. "Not interested," she said instead.
"Okay," said Mako, raising his hands in surrender as he left the car. "Thanks for the ride."
Guan looked at her through the rearview mirror.
"What?" Asami said defensively. "I have bigger things to worry about."
"Bigger than your own happiness?" said Guan.
"Yes!" Asami said angrily. "Besides, there's more to happiness than boys."
"Agreed," said Guan. "But you seem to like him, why not go out with him? Or don't, go make some friends, or do something that brings you joy."
"Completing my mission will bring me joy," said Asami.
"If you say so," said Guan. "Back to the house?"
"There's one more stop," said Asami.