The bell rang to dismiss the students of Republic City Central School. Vera walked past the different students gathered in the courtyard and made her way from home. Suddenly, her friends ran up to join her.
"Hey Vera are you going to The Four Elements later? We heard Avatar Korra is finally back and we want to try and get an autograph!"
"No, I really want to, but I have way too much homework. Tell me how it goes."
Despite what the papers might say, Korra was a respected and loved Avatar to millions. Especially to younger and older women who admired her strength, her attitude and her unconventional beauty. They felt she was a relatable Avatar. Vera and her friends were among these fans. Vera was of northern water tribe descent but had been born and raised in Republic City. She had just turned 14 years old and had dreams of serving in the United Forces as the first female general.
Her friends took off and Vera caught the train to central library, she had lots of studying to do. A few hours later she made her way for home. She stopped at Ming Ye's bakery and looked at the assorted creations. She pressed a long brown finger onto the glass just above the treat she wanted. All of a sudden the customers of Ming Ye's bakery turned their attention to the street. A green delivery truck stormed in and out of traffic and not too far behind a black and red Sato mobile gave chase. It appeared someone was standing in the car. The customers watched in shock and fascination before an old man finally spoke up. "Kids these days." At his word the inhabitants refocused their attention.
Vera had arrived at home late. There had been a delay at the train station. Something about a chase. Vera sulked in her room, curious as to whether her friends had met the Avatar. She stared at the poster of Korra hanging above her bed and reread the newspaper clipping of an interview she had done. It had given her the inspiration she needed and Vera stepped onto the terrace of her family's apartment. She practiced a few bending forms. Vera had witnessed the giant blue Avatar save Republic City, she grew angry and defensive at anyone's negative comments slamming her and she followed any news that was published about her. They hated Korra because she wasn't godly, and that was exactly why Vera loved her.
That night on the radio there had been an announcement; "After 3 long years Avatar Korra has finally returned and has saved beloved Prince Wu from an attempted abduction!"
"Can I switch it back to the music now?" Her brother whined.
"Shhh!" she hissed.
"If that had been me I would've let them take that spoiled brat, hes too much trouble. Besides, after finally deciding to show up you'd think she'd show up with better news or at least help rebuild the cultural center. All those Avatars are good for is having people clean up their mess." Her father said behind a newspaper.
"Good for her." Her mother chimed in. "I'm glad she's back and I'm glad she changed that dreadful hair and lost some of that muscle. It wasn't very becoming" she continued.
Vera all shot them looks of contempt and stormed back to her room. Now she was really jealous she hadn't accompanied her friends, but it must count for something having been so close to the action she thought.
"It was the best day of my life she signed my notebook, see!?"
"She's so pretty, I love her new hair. I think I'm going to cut it that way too!"
"She's alright I guess. The real hot one is that Sato dame. She's smoking!"
"They could both kick your butt in a fight Charlie."
"She's a genius too, I wanna be just like her"
"Asami Sato is hot. How come you don't fix your hair like she does Xu Mae?"
"The real hot one is that tall guy… what's his name?"
"He has weird eyebrows."
"Didn't he date both of them?"
"Lucky guy."
"Yeah really."
"My dad said he's gonna buy me the new Sato mobile when it comes out next month."
"Do you think Korra's back for good?"
The day had been almost unbearable with all the talk that was going on. Vera's spirit had plummeted with every word spoken. She hoped going to the Café with Imia would make her feel better until her boyfriend decided to accompany them. He seemed to have a knack for always saying the wrong things and Vera opted to give them both the silent treatment, already in a bad mood. She did however shoot him an angry look every time he insulted Imia or someone else.
"I don't like your hair like that, it looks cheap."
"I'm sorry, I'll fix it"
…
"You chew like a gopher toad."
…
"Hey Vera why don't you be a nice little nerd and do my history homework for me."
"You're a real jerk, you know that Jiao?" Vera finally said, breaking her silence. Her anger ready to boil over.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
"Hey Imia, you better tell your friend to watch her mouth."
"Why should I? You don't watch yours. I don't know if you know this Jiao but not everything that comes out of your mouth is gold and another thing, Imia won't say it so I will. You're a loser of a boyfriend!"
Jiao sat up in anger and sent his chair flying behind him. The rest of the café customers were watching.
"Don't tell me how to behave Vera. I WILL bend a rock straight into your face and not think twice. I don't care if you're a girl."
Vera gave him her back. "Come on, let's go Imia."
"Don't touch her!" Before she knew what was happening a slab of rock was hurdling in the air towards Vera. It hit her and sent her flying into another customers table. Vera rose and dusted herself off. Making her way for Imia again.
Imia turned to leave as well. "You must really be stupid" Jiao said and sent another slab flying, this time directed at Imia, but before it made contact it found itself covered in ice, Vera had used water from a nearby fire hydrant.
All of a sudden a stern voice sliced the air.
"What seems to be the problem here?"
"This boy just tried to assault my friend and I" Vera said. Her eyes burning into Jiao, a single strand of curly brown hair stuck to her forehead.
"Are you hurt?" A dark and hard hand gently grabbed her shoulder.
Vera turned to see who the hand belonged to and found the Avatar attached. Korra repeated the question again.
Vera finally found her words. "Yes we're play. He won't be doing that again."
Korra chuckled and turned to Imia; Imia had been staring too but suddenly turned to Jiao.
"Stay away from me; I never want to see you again! Next time the police will be involved."
"There won't be a next time." Korra interrupted. "It's pretty obvious to me what happened here, and I'm sure we have witnesses. Leave before I decide to call the chief of Police."
Jiao sprinted away and the rest of the customers slowly resumed their conversations, still keeping a watchful eye on the group.
"Well, it looks like you ladies didn't need my help at all." Korra said in an almost proud tone.
"I…I just did what I thought you would do, Avatar Korra. No one should allow themselves to be treated unfairly."
Imia gave an embarrassed look somewhere in the background.
Korra's face warmed instantly, a glow radiated from her dark skin. Then she bent to reach Vera's level.
"I'm so glad to hear you say that and even happier to know you have the courage to stand up for what you believe in. What's your name?"
"Vera."
"I'm so happy to have met you Vera. Thank you for helping me, I wish I could be everywhere at once bur knowing there are people like you gives me hope."
Korra stood up and opened her glider.
"I wouldn't have the courage if it wasn't for you!" Vera yelled. It had come out more excited than she had liked.
Korra smiled and winked. "I'll see you around Vera."