Even between the doors, noise seeps through invisible cracks touching my ears. I'm not one for crowds normally. Too much room for things to go wrong and I think I've had my fair share of wrong.
But tonight's one of those nights where I just want to disappear. Funny way of putting it and not quite right either, but then again, I've never been one with words. When you're packed in like sardines, it gets hard to tell which one is which, I suppose.
So, I pull out my grey cap and make quick to blend. I squeeze past mobs of bodies and mosey a seat at the bar. Nobody seems to really notice or care at this rate and I'm grateful for it. Everyone's minding their own and I'm content with doing the same.
A looker of a bartender makes eyes with me and they linger for a moment too long. I take the ego boost. I'm not wearing anything too fancy of course, but I clean up just nice. A decent pair of charcoal grey pants with suspenders with white shirt underneath and a cobalt blue tie to wrap it up nicely goes a long way. I give her a wink and gesture to one of the nicer whiskeys on the shelf.
It's been one a hell of a week and it's one of those times where I'll pay a little extra for something to take the edge off faster. She slides the drink down with a sultry smile and I nod my appreciation while I drop a couple bills on the wooden bar top.
I weave in and out of the throng of people and find a spot just on the outside of the center mass. I set my sights on the crowd as the music dances in my ears. It's a nice tune.
Better than the never-ending sounds of Republic City. Satomobile engines roaring through the streets, gun shots, police sirens, and countless other sounds that I don't really care for. Sure does make me miss the quiet and solitude of the Southern Water Tribe, but the younger version of me couldn't wait to get here and leave all of that. Funny how it's the small things you miss.
Republic City. I remember seeing it on movers or hearing it on the radio. Its bright lights and pretty buildings. A city that never slept with its endless possibilities. But there's things that movers and radios don't mention like its crude waters from who knows what, the sheer number of homeless, or the syndicates.
It was only a few years ago that I was one of those wonder struck souls fresh off the boat with the mentality that I was going to change the world. It's all I've ever been prepped for. Something I knew better than my own name. There were the good guys and the bad ones, black and white just like the movers. I took my first steps onto the dock without any real plan. Destiny had one for me. Or so I thought.
I look at the amber liquid resting in a fancier glass than I think necessary. It's a simple drink, nothing fancy about it at all. But hey, I'm a simple girl, so the finer things never really did much for me anyhow. It's gonna go down the same way, so I take a hefty swig without preamble. It burns just the right way and I relax a little into the velvet cushions beneath me.
Times have definitely changed and you gotta flow with it just like the water. And I can flow, being Water Tribe and all. Except the water here is thick and black. Reminds me of the motor oil that runs in one of those Satomobiles. If misplaced, it runs thick and slow. But I suppose that's not too far off from my own mind at the time.
Maybe I'm flowing at the right speed now and that's a knee slapper in itself. Cause all I know now is that I don't make a single point of difference. Just adding to the sludge in this fucked up city.
"If I learned one thing on the beat, it's that the faces change but the streets stay the same."
I smile into my glass. That old, blind broad might've had something there. There I was starry-eyed, thinking ol' Toph Beifong jumped off the deep end. Hell, I was gonna make a difference. I'm the Avatar after all. We do some big saving the world shit.
Some might argue I've done my part, but I don't feel it. A war hero they say, but I sure as hell don't feel like one. Not with the things I've done. Nothing big like ol' Aang before me. He created a world of peace through his lifetime. But since he croaked, the world took a turn for the worse.
I bust my chops to get rid of one problem and there are ten more to replace it.
Can't help but see her point, so I cheer to her raggedy old ass. Maybe they're right when they say the older, the wiser.
"Korra"
I fight the urge to growl, someone's always gotta ruin my alone time. But then again, I guess I'm not really alone here. Not in the physical sense anyhow, but some lone poet could write you these sorry sonnets about the loneliness of being in a crowd. I chance a look up and face the trespasser of my solitude.
I rest eyes on my old pal. He's not the definition of your strong sturdy type, unless you're talking about his personality, but he ain't frail either. More built like a tight rope, tense and threads in all the right places. I suppose his persona matches well enough. Now his brother on the other hand, fits the former description. Burly and strong like a bear, but is more energetic than a polar bear pup. Makes for some good laughs since their personalities suit each other's frames better. Guess the spirits were fancying themselves comedians that day.
I tilt my head to the seat next to me and he catches the clue. He takes his seat quick and notices the near empty drink in my hand. His eyebrows shoot up. The spirits were definitely fancying themselves comedians. With a name like Mako and his eyebrows shaped like the fin of the tell tale shark, there's no room for doubt.
I shrug my shoulders. "It was a long day."
Though the tips of his brow still arched a little high, he resumes his normal resting, impassive face. Seems the answer suited him well, so he nods and makes his way to the bar.I down the rest of my whiskey, but don't want to waste any liquor, so I melt the giant cube of ice to clear the rest.
I look back to when we first met. I got lucky that day. I managed to finagle my way off the dock without so much as a problem. Then again, I imagine nobody is really gonna mess with someone riding on a polar bear dog the size of Satomobile. She was parting the crowd like some sort of prophet you'd hear that split the ocean in two.
It was only when we got to the streets when the trouble began arising. You see, we Water Tribe folk are a rather small group and our roads only go one of two ways depending on where you're headed. There aren't all these complex rules for the road like you see here in the city such as people stopping at lights like there's some invisible barricade.
Maybe I would've been better equipped with this knowledge had I not snuck off without anyone's knowing, but I was ready to take charge and make my mark. In Republic City, you're already somebody or you're a nobody. And with a personality like mine, you better believe which one I was going to be.
Turns out I could've used some information beforehand, but I couldn't give the White Lotus an upper hand you see. If I'm asking too much about a place, people start to get suspicious. I already felt like a prisoner, so no need to give anyone a reason to give me extra supervision. Or security they like to say.
Anyhow, Naga and I didn't catch that drift when we hit the streets. Just barraged through like some savages. Now, people where I'm from aren't these backwater barbarians, but people in the city sure love to think so. And we were giving them cause to think such things too.
We darted in and out of Satomobiles coming from all directions, horns blaring and people half lunging out of their windows to slew profanity. It's safe to say we caused a pretty bad mix up on the road. But in my eyes, I don't think it was any worse than it was the second before. City streets are nothing but chaos and I don't think we added much to it.
I don't think my ears will ever be the same after the screeching of rubber scraping against the ground. But gotta say, rather my ears be gone than make a home in a coffin. Though, I think it'd be a safe bet on Naga versus these metal contraptions.
Wasn't too long where I ended up in an area I shouldn't have. Which is pretty much anywhere in the lesser parts of town past dusk. But we were itching for some grub to eat before dropping unannounced at Air Temple Island. So, we pressed up to the last open shop on the street.
I found it a little strange these shops were closed so early, but what did I know? I wasn't a city dweller. I rustled up some change and handed it over to the meek looking shop owner.
A jumpy and anxiety ridden fellow in my opinion, but I figured it was Naga's doing. She's a good-tempered beast, but one false move and it could cost you. Reckon anyone should fear her just a little.
It didn't take long to figure out the real cause of his unease. I had just taken a few steps out of the shop when three bozos decided to come screeching in on their Satomobile. It was flashier than the ones I had seen in the area, tacky even, but I didn't give much mind.
I gave them a one-over after biting down on a rice ball. One was all slicked up, sideburns for days, with showy clothes matching the Satomobile while the other two were the definition of lackeys. A little boy brushed past me, eyes wide as saucers.
"You need to get out of here," he whispered in a panic, "It ain't safe." And in a flash he was gone. Scurried off to who knows where. Took me a moment, realizing there wasn't a soul in sight. That's another thing the movers don't get quite right either. Ain't nothing quite creepy as seeing an busy area turn into a ghost town within seconds.
"Mr. Chung, please tell me you got my money or else I can't guarantee I can protect your fine establishment."
That was my queue. I sized up the brutes in their showy suits while the owner was sputtering out his apologies and begging for forgiveness. Sorry never fixed anything anyhow and definitely wouldn't appease these types.
It didn't take a genius to know what would happen next. Can't say I wasn't excited about it. It was my first real chance to show people what the Avatar was all about. It took me a couple of steps, but I placed myself squarely in front of the trio.
I cringe recalling the words that came out of my mouth, but hell, I thought I was some sort of big shot.
"If you know what's good for you, you'll do well to get on out of here."
They side-eyed each other with incredulity. Not surprising. What's one lone girl gonna do against three? Seemed like they did their math. Smiles stretched into audible laughter within seconds.
I bristled. They hit at my pride and that's something you just don't do. I'm not your regular dainty dame and have the muscle to prove it.
"Ain't you a pretty one?" It was easy to guess Sideburns was the ringleader in this pack. He was wearing a baby blue suit with a matching hat. By the looks of it had Water Tribe background too.
"She looks fresh off the boat too, boss."
"Yeah yeah, fresh off the boat."
He hummed in agreement with the balding toughie and copycat as he assessed me further.
"You know, they gotta point," he said to me while his sharp blue eyes lingered in spots they shouldn't, "Since you're obviously new to the city, let me explain a couple things. You're in Triple Threat Triad territory and if you don't get to leavin'…well let's just say I'd hate to see something happen to that pretty face of yours." He finished with a saccharine smile.
An underlying threat there, but these boys didn't quite figure their calculations right. I cracked my knuckles making sure to flex in the process.
"I'm not going anywhere. Why don't you make it easy on all of us and leave if you know what's best for you."
I gotta say, there's something satisfying about seeing a smile wash off a face it doesn't belong. Almost like I'm doing a small service to the world.
"And just who do you think you are?"
I smirked just enough to bait them on and delivered my hook, line, and sinker.
"Why don't you come and find out?"
Although my mom told me to never start fights, she didn't say anything about finishing them. It took a slow second for Sideburns to shoot a jet stream of water toward me. His whole movement was telegraphed and it was easy work to redirect it twice as hard and fast toward his face.
A simple flick of the wrist and it solidified around his mug. He stumbled out and I placed a nice heel from a wheel kick into the side of the frozen block, sending him crashing into the grill of his fancy Satomobile.
Baldy and Copycat exchanged a surprised look. Chancing his odds, Baldy came lumbering in within the next moment. He readied himself, slamming his foot down, announcing he was about to send earth my way.
Thing is, these amateurs were a step too slow and that's being kind about it. I raised the earth below him, launching him two stories high. He came crashing down taking out a couple store signs and fruit stand with him.
Copycat came raging in just like Baldy, but his movements were messy and sloppy. Blazing fire from his knuckles came sailing toward my face and I caught them with my own hands, bending the fire to a resounding nothing.
I've always loved giving people surprises they don't expect, so I gave him my award-winning smile before wrapping my hands around his forearms. I swung him around like a ragdoll, sending him through the shop's window.
"Figure out who I am now, chumps?" I said smugly as I dusted myself off.
Tires squealed near me and Sideburns manned the wheel. Baldy and Copycat jumped in quickly. They got a fat lead on me, but I knew they were going nowhere fast as I sent earth tearing through the road and up under the belly of the Satomobile, making the vehicle crash through another store ahead.
Sirens wailed, bouncing off the many walls of the buildings in the block. I relaxed cause my part of the job was over. It was quite the sight watching metal benders free fall from the giant police airship above. Their metal cables shot out, latching onto walls to guide them safely to the ground.
"I caught the bad guys for you, officers."
I polished that line up nice and pretty for the boys in metal. Cables flew past me, wrapping the triad thugs nice and snug. Made me wish I had a pretty bow to place on them for delivery.
"Arrest her too." My smile dropped faster than the cables launching toward me. Had to thank my instincts in that moment too for letting me dodge them in time.
"Wait what? Why am I under arrest too? They're the bad guys! They're the ones tearing up the shop—"
I shut my mouth real quick, knowing that I just damaged the majority of the block. I knew the next sequence and I hadn't come to Republic City to be placed in the slammer.
I'm not sure what it is about dogs, but they just always seem to know what you're thinking. And at that time, I couldn't be more grateful for Naga's instincts. I hopped on her back and gave the police a good old-fashioned game of cat and mouse.
After giving the metal boys a good run for their money, we were bagged and snagged. Thankfully, luck was on my side that day. Well, that and influence of course. Like I said, in Republic City, you're either somebody or nobody. And the Avatar ain't a nobody by any stretch of the imagination.
In steps Mako, a cop on the beat responsible for patching my paperwork through. He gave me a long glance, and I could tell the gears were turning. A flash of recognition crossed his handsome, sharp features. I'm appreciative of all attractive people after all.
"You're the Avatar." It wasn't a question. Just one of those simple truths you don't give much thought to.
"You got that right…officer." I finished lamely.
"Name's Mako." He provided, face impassive. I wouldn't be surprised if a wall could emote more than this kid.
"Do me a favor, will ya? There's a man that goes by Tenzin on Air Temple Island. He should know I'm here." His reaction wouldn't be pretty, but I definitely didn't have the rubes to get myself out of this pickle.
He nodded. "Just sit tight. Chief's on her way." I turned my head like one of those polar bear pups when they're confused.
"Chief?" Ripping up a block didn't warrant a Chief of Police to interrogate me.
"It's pretty obvious isn't it?" He had a point; it was stupid question to be asking.
It was safe to say the Chief wasn't much impressed by my title and that didn't quite sit right with me. Wounding my pride was an easy way to get me heated. And Chief Lin Beifong was a master pyrotechnic.
Whatever guilt I had for tearing up the block vanished quickly and my temper was getting the better of me. As I said, luck was on my side that day. Mako got ahold of Tenzin before the pros outweighed the cons of assaulting the chief of police on my first day in the city.
Tenzin came billowing in with a vein bulging on his bald, tattooed head. It was one of the more unpleasant faces I've seen him wear. Though I thought the grumpy look suited his terse demeanor.
He stomped past me without so much a look and addressed Chief Beifong. "Lin, you're looking radiant as usual."
"Cut the garbage, Tenzin." Had to stifle a laugh for that one. Guess ol' Tenzin wasn't as smooth as his bald head. "What's the Avatar doing in my city? I thought you were moving to the South Pole to train her."
He shot a dirty look my way. "My relocation has been delayed. However, the Avatar will be returning to the South Pole immediately, where she will stay put."
"Hell no I'm no—" I began.
"I'm sorry for the recklessness of our Avatar," It was a sting and I hate admitting it pricked me. "If you would be so kind as to drop the charges and I will take full responsibility for today's regrettable events and cover all the damages."
Well, he kept me from the slammer at least, but I wasn't happy with his implications.
"Fine. Just get her out of my city."
We walked out, making our way to the front of the station. I was relieved to say the least. I just escaped one prison and didn't want to make a new home in another. Confinement never did much for me anyhow.
Mako met us in the front of the station with Naga. I patted his shoulder. "Thanks for doing me a solid, I owe you one."
"See you around, Avatar Korra."
I gave him a nod. Turns out he was right.
Mako returns with glasses that mirror my own. I smile fondly as he takes a step to set the glasses on the table.
"What's got you in a tizzy?"
"I was just remembering the first time we met. Fun times, huh?"
"You tore up the entire block! Though, not the worst you've done since you've been here in your five years." It's a fair statement. I do have a knack for being a little more than messy. But then again, this whole city is a mess. It's a sobering thought.
I state my thoughts. "This whole city is a mess," I gesture to the fresh whiskey on the table and take a swig, "that's why I'm here." I finish with a rasp. That whiskey sure did burn just right.
"You got that right." He takes a swig of his own and sets the glass back down. Once you've known a guy long enough, it's easy to read his non-verbals.
"What's eating you?"
He pinches the bridge of his nose and I know it's not because of the noise.
"You hear anything about the Equalists?"
A/N: Here's something to chew on while I work past my block on my other fic, Revelations. I wanted to try my hand in a different writing style, so let me know what you think.
Also, I'm looking for a beta. Hit me up if you're interested.