Chapter 7

Dinner with Mako, Asami, Bolin, and the rest of the family went very well surprisingly. I'd expected it it be an awkward affair, but they were all very… chill. They asked enough questions to satisfy their curiosity, but they didn't press any uncomfortable subjects, for which I was grateful. Korra told them how I'd basically found out that I was an earthbender and became a master all in one day. I have never been more embarrassed in my life. Everyone was staring at me in awe. Bolin reached out his hand and touched my arm, when I asked why he said he just wanted to make sure I was real. After that dinner went by quickly and when it was over I helped Pema with the dishes.

"Pema?"

"Yes. dear?"

"I just wanted to say, what I mean is... " She laughed at my stumblings. "Thank you for tonight." I looked down flushed with embarrassment. A hand grabbed my chin and forced me to look at her.

"You are worth it Brooklyn, and I will always be here to talk." Pema told me, sincerity shone brightly in her eyes. I smiled brightly at her. It was amazing how fast I was thinking of Pema and Tenzin as my parents and it shocked me. I didn't think I would ever associate anyone as a parental figure after him. We resumed our work in a comfortable silence and quickly finished. I bid her goodnight and went to my room. My room? Since when did I think of this as my room? You're just a guest Brooklyn, just a guest. I changed into my sleep wear and crawled into bed. I groaned the bed just felt so darn good. I pulled up the covers to my chin and was out like a light.

A silent scream tore its way out of my throat as I sat upright in bed. My heart was pounding and I could hear the blood rushing in my ears. Just a dream, just a dream. I pulled my knees up to my chest and rocked myself slowly back and forth. Images from my nightmare flited across my mind. He'd found me. That bastard has somehow found me on a different planet and killed everyone here before dragging me back. Just a dream! Not real, he can't find you. Still, the cold dead bodies of Tenzin and his family appeared behind my eyelids every time they closed. I knew I wasn't going to get anymore sleep tonight so I clambered out of bed to the small wash basin in my room. I splashed cold water on my face, trying to clear my mind. A run. That's what I needed, a good long run. I quickly changed out of my sleep wear and into my suit. It reminded me of him, but it was comforting. I grabbed my cloak and fastened it around my neck before jumping out of the window and into the night.

It was not much later than one o'clock in the morning. The moon was just a sliver in the sky providing me with little light. I looked to Republic City glowing like an entirely independent light source. That's where I would go. I ran to the docks and commandeered one of the smaller rowing boats. It took me about 15 minutes to row myself across, but it was worth it. I climbed out of the boat and tied it to one of the small posts. I turned to face the city. It was beautiful. The skyline reminded me so much of New York City that a sudden longing for my own home burst forth. I shook my head and set out at a run. I had no particular destination in mind, I was just running. It felt amazing to stretch my legs and push my body this way. Building flew past as I ran faster and faster down the streets. There was no one out and it was eerily calm. I ran all the way to a park of some sort. It had a statue of Korra in the middle. She is the Avatar after all. I slowed my pace and walked around the park enjoying the freedom of the night. This is where I belong. I thought bitterly. In the night lurking about like the killer you are. I heard a scream a little ways away. I ran toward the nearest building and clambered on top. I rushed to the sound of the scream. There in a dark alleyway stood two men and one struggling woman. One of the men held her with a… knife of flames? At her throat. The other man was digging through her purse.

"You haven't paid the Terra Triads your protection money." The man that held the woman growled. "You're gonna pay with a lot more that money now!" The smaller man beside him snickered.

"Boss didn't say we couldn't have a little fun first, now did he?" The smaller man said. I'd seen enough. I unleashed one of my daggers and dropped down on the man holding the woman, plunging my knife into his spinal column killing him instantly. The smaller man jumped back in alarm and the woman screamed.

"Go." Was all I said before I threw myself at the smaller man. He flung a water whip in my direction, but it was all too easy to avoid. I ducked under him and I felt the familiar bloodlust rise up in my veins. This, this is what I am. A killer. I embraced the bloodlust and fought with the man. Well it was more like playing with him. He was fighting desperately for his life, but he was weak and slow, he hadn't even landed a blow. I played with him for several minutes before getting bored. He just wasn't that entertaining anymore. I grabbed him by the neck and slid my other hand around his waist bringing his back to rest against my knee.

"Please! Don't kill me! I'll do anything." Pathetic, he can't even face death with courage. I flexed my arms and snapped his spine, his eyes rolling back into his head. I looked at them. Pathetic waste of life. I kicked him with the toe of my boot before climbing back on top of the building. I didn't care what happened to them, I was careful and there was no way that their deaths could ever be linked to me. I turned and ran, jumping across buildings trying to burn off the bloodlust. I wanted more. I ran faster jumping from building to building like they were mere inches apart not feet. I only stopped when my lungs were going to burst from the lack of oxygen. I had gone all the way to what I presumed was downtown Republic City. A huge building stood at the center. It must have been their government building. I looked farther down the street and saw a building made completely of metal. Curiosity peaked, I ran over to the building. I climbed off of the building I was on and walked a little closer to the metal box. On the front there was a metal statue of a woman. She was beautiful, strong and emanating power. She held a octagon above her head with a circle in the middle. Interesting, Lin looks very similar to her. I wonder if they are related? The sign on the front read "Republic City Police Headquarters" So this is where Lin works. I looked up at the sky and saw that dawn would soon be here. I turned and bolted for the docks. I ran faster than I had the whole night. Crap! They can't know I was out. I managed to get to the dock in a little under ten minutes. I quickly jumped in the rowboat and set a furious pace back to the island. I reached the island just as the first rays of light came over the horizon and made a beeline for the bath house. If anyone wondered where I was I would just say I was at the bath house. No one was in here. Good. I stripped down and got in the water, washing away all the sweat and dust I'd collected over the past five and a half hours. I got out and wrapped one of the larger towels around my body like a toga. Roman indeed. I thought, smirking slightly. I grabbed my suit and walked back up to the house quickly going to my room to change. I heard the first signs of life coming from kitchen, some of the air acolytes were already preparing the first meal. No one saw me as I slipped into my room. I dropped the towel and started to rummage around for some fresh clothing. Korra had graciously given me several pairs of clothing. I found a clean pair of boy shorts and put those on still rummaging around for a clean breast binder. Boys would just never understand how inhibiting breasts could be in a fight. I had my back turned from the door when it opened. Shocked I turned my head only to see the basin in Pema's hand smash into a million pieces. She had gone deathly pale and was staring at my exposed body. Scars ran up and down my entire body, my back, legs, arms. Nothing had been spared. I quickly ripped the blanket off the bed and wrapped it around my very naked body. I hadn't wanted anyone to see those, but the damage was done. Pema looked up at me completely shocked.

"I, I." She tried to form words but nothing came out. Once again I tied the soft blanket around my body like a toga and grabbed Pema's shaking hands and led her to the bed after I'd closed the door. I held her face in between my hands and forced her to look at me. Her pupils were dilated and her breathing erratic.

"Pema, breath with me okay? In and out." I breathed in slowly through my nose and exhaled slowly through my mouth. I took several minutes to calm her. "Pema? Are you alright?" I asked.

"You, your," She gestured to my whole body. "How?" I smiled sweetly at her.

"That's nothing you need to worry about Pema." I stroked her cheeks with my thumbs catching the tears that had spilled from her eyes. "Really Pema it's not important." She finally found her voice.

"Tenzin said you were abused as a child, but this, this is not what I expected. I can't even imagine what you went through to get those." More tears rolled down her face and just like the others I wiped them away.

"It's fine Pema. It happened, I healed, the past is in the past." I kissed her forehead. "Your concern really means the world to me." I pulled back and looked into her eyes. She whipped her face with her hands and pulled me into a hug.

"I, I don't really know what to say, but if you ever need to talk or just rant I'll be here for you." She mumbled against my ear.

"Thank you Pema." I held her tightly against me. "Now may I ask what you were doing in my room in the first place?" Pema flushed scarlet.

"I was bring up a water basin to replace the one you already have. I'm so sorry I didn't knock." She rushed out. I had to laugh, a flustered Pema was positively adorable.

"It's okay just next time please knock? As comfortable as I'm getting around all of you I really don't like to be caught by the lady of the house with nothing on." Pema blushed once again, finally realizing that she had seen me almost naked. She nodded her agreement. "If you wouldn't mind stepping out so I can get dressed I'll help clean up." I indicated the broken basin. Pema got off the bed and left the room going to get a broom. I quickly dressed in my dark green tunic and helped Pema clean up as soon as she got back. We descended to the dining room to find everyone waiting for us. Tenzin said the prayer and we all began eating. It was delicious as always.

"What time do you want to leave Brooklyn?" Korra asked.

"As soon as possible if that's alright. I don't want to interrupt Lin's schedule too much so I think the earlier we get there the better." I realized that after my little outing I really didn't need Korra to show me the way, but there was no way I could get rid of her now. Korra nodded.

"Sounds good, after we finish eating we'll go catch the first ferry across."

"That works." As soon as Korra and I finished our meal we bid everyone goodbye and made our way to the docks. We made small talk the whole way there, talking about nothing really. She asked what I thought of her friends and I told her the truth. They were lovely people and she was lucky to have friends like them. Satisfied with my answer she turned out at watched the water against the hull of the boat. We arrived much quicker that I had on the row boat. Korra gave me the grand tour of the city on our way to the Police Station. The Police Station looked even better in the light of day. The sunlight reflecting off the metal surface.

"Who's that lady?" I asked gesturing to the statue on the front of the building.

"That's Toph Beifong the first metalbender and Lin's mom." Ha! I knew it.

"Really? That's really cool." I stared at the statue for a minute before following Korra into the building. She walked up to the receptionist.

"Is Lin available? I'd like to speak with her for a few minutes." Korra told the lady at the desk. She pressed some buttons and spoke through a radio before looking up to the two of us.

"Yeah, she said she can spare a few minutes for you."

"Perfect, thanks." Korra grabbed my arm and led me through the metal building. Walking past some rooms I stopped dead in my tracks. Talking to Lin was the very same woman I had saved last night. It looked like she was describing me to a sketch artist but wasn't having much luck. I smirked not surprised. Not even the CIA back on earth could figure out what I looked like and boy had they tried. Korra grabbed my arm once again and led me to what I presumed was Lin's office. Korra took a seat on the couch off to the side, but I chose to stand. Several minutes later the door opened revealing a worried Lin.

"What's so important-" When Lin turned around and saw me she stopped talking and glared daggers at me. "What the hell are you doing here?" She growled at me. Korra looked a little apprehensive. I knew this wouldn't exactly be like picking daisies, but the venom in her voice surprised me.

"I came to apologize… again." Lin's face softened a bit, not much, but enough to give me some hope. She nodded for me to get on with it. "Since meeting you, I have behaved deplorably and without the respect that you deserve. I have belittled you and provoked you. My actions have reflected negatively not only on me, but on Tenzen who has so kindly taken me in. I would like to offer my most sincerest apologies and tell you that I will make sure it never happens again." I looked at her in the eyes. Watching for any sign of emotion, of course she showed none.

"Apology accepted." She offered her hand out to me and I took it shaking it.

"Thank you Lin." I saw out of the corner of my eye that Korra was positively beaming.

"How's the fight against the gangs going?" Korra asked suddenly very serious.

"Honestly? Not very well. I think we have a mole in the department leaking information to them. They always seem one step ahead. Then there's last night, a woman comes in this morning and says she was mugged and almost killed last night by a couple of Terra Triads and some vigilante comes out of nowhere and saves the day. She tried to give a description, but it was too dark for her to catch any details." Lin said.

"Any luck getting anyone on the inside?" Korra asked.

"No, the mole leaks the person's identity every time and they don't stand a chance."

"Have you tried a decoy?" I asked. They both looked at me.

"A decoy?" Lin asked.

"Yeah, inform the rest of the force of a fake spy while only telling those who must know of the real one. It will set the gangs after the wrong person, which you can use to spring a trap or something, and most likely the bad intell will get said mole into a lot of trouble. If you have any idea of who the mole could be this would be a perfect time to see if you're right." I told them like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Korra just stared at me blankly while Lin smacked her forehead.

"Why didn't I think of that?" Lin mumbled to herself.

"You've been under a lot of stress, it only natural that you would forget a few things. Whereas Korra and I have a fresh perspective." Lin just gave me a stern glare.

"It's a good idea, but anyone in the force will suspect when one of our number mysteriously disappears to be the real spy. Other than that it's perfect."

"Well… I'll do it." Korra and Lin both look at me in shock.

"You?" Lin asked.

"Yeah, nobody from Republic City knows of me but Tenzin, and no one on your force knows me so I'm the perfect nobody. Besides I know how gangs work and I can handle myself in a fight."

"Lin, she's an earthbender and a really good one at that." Korra said.

"She's been here what a week and all of the sudden you're a master earthbender?" Lin asked incredulously.

"I already learned the movements of earthbending back on my planet so I just added it in when it felt nice, and I'm really good at hand to hand combat."

"Yes, I remember." Lin said dryly. I grinned at her more than a little embarrassed. "All right I'll let you do it."

"Thank you Lin! You won't regret this."

"See that I don't. If you would come with me we'll start your debriefing."

"Korra if you don't want to stay I remember how to get back to the island." I grinned at her. "I know how you hate just sitting." She sighed in relief before taking off at a very brisk walk. Lin and I laughed at her antics.

Lin lead me into what I presumed was her debriefing room. Like the rest of the building it was made almost completely of metal. Metal walls, chairs, floor, cleaning, and a table. Normally I would have found this strange and uncomfortable, but for some reason I actually like it. Lin took a seat at the head of the table before gesturing for me to sit at her right. At first I was shocked that she would have me sit at her right hand. Where I grew up that it was a place of highest honor, but this was a different world and completely different customs. I took a the seat next to Lin and we spent the next several hours going over everything and anything having to do with the gangs as well as planning how I would get in and what I would do once on the inside.

"You want to take a break?" Lin asked.

"Hum what? Oh, I'm fine." I lied. She raised a perfect eyebrow at me.

"Then why are you squirming in your seat like a three year old." Blushing I was about to make my retort that I did not squirm, but I realized that she was correct.

"Actually a five minute break doesn't sound all that bad." I stood up out of my seat and paced around the room, stretching my cramped muscles. That run I had this morning really did a number on my hips. Not even really aware of what I was doing I stuck my butt out trying to release some of the built up tension in my hips. Groaning softly I did it on the other side, before turning back to Lin who looked a little flushed. "You okay?" Her eyes snapped up to mine slightly dilated.

"I'm fine." Chief Lin had joined the room people. I stuck up an eyebrow in a silent question, but she just shook her head at me. She resumed talking about the Terra Triads and how dangerous they were and how important it was that we take them out.

"So let me get this straight. These Terra Triads have taken over the Triple Threats and have taken control of the City's underbelly?" Lin nodded. "Sounds like a loverly bunch of people."

"I will need you to sign this waiver, in case that you are hurt." Even here paperwork haunted me. I walked over and signed my name and looked up to Lin.

"I will help you bring these people down." I said seriously before looked up at the clock and saw that I was going to be late for dinner. "I've got to go. I'll be back in the morning to finish planning and whatever else you need." Lin stood up to shake my hand.

"Thank you Brooklyn. How about we meet tomorrow for breakfast?" I smiled and took her hand, but as soon as our hands met I pulled my hand back as if I touched fire. "Static electricity." Lin mused looking at me funnily. I quickly nodded my agreement and turned out of the room and eventually the precinct. I ran the whole way back to the docks, barely managing to catch the last ferry over. I used the time it took to get back to the island to collect my thoughts. I was going to help Lin take out a bunch of bullies by becoming a bully myself. At least I won't have to change much. I thought, thinking about this morning. I'd killed those two men with ease and the thing was I didn't feel guilty. They were harassing that poor woman so I saved her. Is that an excuse? Am I really justifying killing those people because of what they were doing? God, I'm just as pathetic as they are. Feeling slightly sick I stepped off the boat and ran up to the dining hall. "Sorry I'm late. My meeting with Lin took a bit longer that I thought." Tenzin looked up surprised.

"What were you doing with Lin?"

"I'll tell you about it after dinner." I told him as I took my seat next to Korra. Dinner was, as usual, delicious and I finished in no time. As I was getting up to take my dishes into the kitchen Tenzen grabbed my arm and led me into his library.

"What were you meeting Lin about?" He asked.

"I'm going undercover for her." His eyebrow raised. "You know how she's been fighting to get an agent in the Terra Triads." He nodded. "I'm going to be that agent." He opened his mouth to protest but I beat him to it. "I know you're going to say it's dangerous and that I shouldn't do it, but I want to help. These Triads are killing and hurting innocent people and if I can help stop them I will."

"But you could be killed!"

"Not likely. I am very adept at protecting myself, Tenzin. I just." I sighed and ran my hands through my hair. " I just feel like if I can help save lives I might start atoning for the one's I took. That maybe I can save what's left of my soul. Does that make sense?" I looked up at him expectantly. He stoked his mustache for several minutes thinking.

"If you think that this is best for you then I wish you well." He finally said. I grinned and picked him up off the ground in a bear hug.

"Thank you Tenzin! Thank you!" I set him down still smiling. He smiled back. "I have to meet Lin at the station tomorrow morning early so I won't be here for breakfast. I hope Pema won't mind."

"She won't, don't worry. Go up and get some sleep, sounds like you have a busy day." I gave him one last hug before going off to bed. I changed quickly and jumped into bed, but sleep evaded me. My thoughts were filled with those two men that I killed and I was soon felt sick. Stop being so stupid! You saved that woman's life, it doesn't matter how. But I knew it did matter and that their faces would haunt me just like all the faces of all my other victims. I was finally able to fall asleep, but like I feared all I dreamt about was those two men. I guess I do feel guilty. I mused when I woke up early the next morning. I shook my head trying to rid myself of those thoughts and faces. It was a bit cooler this morning so I dressed in a long sleeved tunic and tight fitting pants with a pair of boots to complete the look. I used a sash to pull my short hair out of my face and I was ready for the day. I jogged out to the ferry and was soon in the city. I suddenly realized that I had forgotten to ask Lin where we were meeting. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I grabbed it whirling the person around and pulled their body close to mine. I had my foot behind their leg ready to push them to the ground when I looked into a pair of beautiful green eyes that were inches from. Lin. Lin! "Oh my gosh I'm so sorry Lin!" I released her at once and took several steps back looking at the ground.

"You weren't kidding about those reflexes, where you kid?" Blushing I shook my head, still too embarrassed to look up at her. She cupped my chin and forced me to look at her. She was blushing slightly as well. What did she have to blush about? "I'm glad you have reflexes like that, it will be very handy in the coming days. Come on let's go get some breakfast." She led me down several streets before turning to a side cart and ordering breakfast. 'What do you want?"

"Whatever you're having."

Making small talk while we waited Lin inquired about my health and things like that. Once our breakfast was ready we walked up to the station. Sitting down at the same table we ate our breakfast. "After we're done here I need you to come down the workout room to test your skills."

"Why?"

"I need to know that I'm not sending you on a suicide mission." I nodded.

"Makes sense." We finalized some of the smaller details of the plane before she took me down into a very spacious room that had five of her metalbending officers standing in the middle of the room.

"If you can hold out against them for five minutes you'll go, if not, I'll train you until you can." Only five? Piece of cake. I rolled my shoulders and walked over to them. They immediately circled around me. Pfft, pansies. I lunged at the man nearest to me, taking him by surprise I grabbed him by the neck and swung him around knocking him into to woman at his right with enough force that they both dropped to the ground unconscious. I turned to the other three just in time to see metal cables coming after me. I jumped and pulled up a pillar of earth blocking the cables. I pulled up other pillars around me encasing me in earth. I could faintly feel the vibrations of their steps coming towards me. That could be useful. I could sense a man coming from behind me and quickly removed the pillar and tackled him to the ground. One solid punch to the face and he was out. I flipped my body over his and turned to face the remaining two. They looked a little apprehensive but attacked anyway, shooting cables out at me. Trying for a different tactic, I grabbed the cables and pulled with all my strength. They were not expecting this and lunged forward trying to regain their balance. I seized the opportunity and did a double kick to the jaw, one right after another. I looked around and saw all five of her officers lying on the ground unconscious before turning to Lin. She looked shocked.

"What?" I asked.

"That took you thirty seconds!" She exclaimed before schooling her features. "No one has ever done that that fast."

"Did I pass your test?"

"More than passed I'd say." I smiled at her very pleased with myself. "Well I guess whenever you're ready we can start the mission."

"Tomorrow would be fine with me." She nodded.

"Sounds good. I will see you tomorrow. Go home and rest up, you'll need it."

"Thanks Lin, see you tomorrow." I bid her goodbye and walked back to the docks feeling very accomplished with myself. Tomorrow would bring change, but I had no idea what was coming at me.

TBC...

A.N. I will confess now that I think Lin is a goddess. She is my favorite character from LOK and I might just pair my OC with her. What do you think? Please Review!