Rep. 1 Radio Broadcast

"It must be a great privilege to be selected to lead this investigation Captain Sven." The reporter said speaking with great delight.

"Yes, yes. Although my time as a Captain and having the privilege to work personally with the Council has been brief, I must say I think my skill of intelligence, strength, and pride in my bending nature, have excelled greatly without consequence." Sven replied.

The reporter spoke with great delight. It was almost painful for him to hold in such excitement. Captain Sven was a celebrity to a lot of people and of course an enemy to the criminals, the waste that wandered the city streets and had nothing better to do then to commit petty crimes.

"Speaking of pride Captain, how is your investigation of the Pridesmen's death coming and what does it have to do with a young Equalist fugitive named Khai? Asked the reporter.

The Captain stopped for a moment to think about the question. When he did speak, his words were stretched as if trying to fit the words together. As a high ranking officer he wasn't permitted to release to much information out in the open so he had to be careful.

"Well. The Investigation itself is coming along, uh, quite nicely. We have, uh, gathered enough evidence to send the criminal responsible away for quite some time. But my superiors forbid me to reveal to much as it is a classified case." Sven ended by snapping off his last words but eventually carried on. "As for Khai, it just doesn't seem to end with this guy. First off, let me just say that he is under protection by Chief Bei Fong and she has ordered no one to lay a finger on him. Same order comes from the new Councilmen, Drake of the "Predatorian Empire", to me it's just a load of bull. Thanks to this investigation however, the law states I have the right to interrogate any who are deemed apart of the crime." Sven said.

"Yes, we have been going through a lot of changes here in Republic City. Unknown soldiers, a whole new type of government? It seems like a whole lot to deal with, when going through such a dangerous revolution with the Equalist's." The reporter replied.

"I agree with you one hundred percent. This new form of government and their users called "The Predatorians" are nothing more then incompetent bullies, pushing their way through a falling city just to achieve power. I won't have this! Having one of their high officials in our office, is unacceptable! And I know that the bending forces of Republic City and those of the United Forces will not tolerate such Anarchy!" Sven answered.

"But don't you think any bender of Republic City could have the mind to support these undesirables, that seem to have fallen right out of the sky?" The reporter asked.

"Let me tell you this. If any bender dares to support the Equalist cause, which would be stupid in their case, or the Predatorians are traitors to Republic City and to themselves!"

Khai

I couldn't take it anymore. I wanted to smash that radio onto the ground but realizing that I hadn't been in my own apartment had stopped me. Breaking Kya's things to solve my problems was going to help.

I sat on the side of Kya's bed, quietly cursing Captain Sven's name so I wouldn't wake her. If anything the Predatorian Empire would restore peace to this city in a fair way. However convincing the public that a big celebrity such as Captain Sven was wrong was a dead option.

I slammed my palms into my faces, slowly sliding them down in a fit of anger and confusion. Which hadn't lasted long.

I thought about Yu's death. I had now been accused of murdering him. If the fact that the councils benders were on my case, then The Pride are probably going to have a huge fuss over me. My odds of survival was lowered but I knew I would live. However taking extra precautions when walking throughout the city was necessary. Which means, if I'm lucky, not to be kidnapped by another gang of Triads.

What a waste of time that was, I thought.

The radio had also announced that Yu had been involved in the assassination of Vice President Hulin of the White Lotus Party. So finding one of the two killers of Hulin was a great success. The Equalists took much delight in this because one of their main problems were The Pride. The clan committed themselves to killing innocent non-benders and pinning the incident on the Equalists to try and reduce some supporters.

The radio died down again, adding in some mild chatter from the reporter addressing the public. When it did buzz back to life, Captain Sven 's was the first to speak and in response, I shut off the radio.

My head was in a daze. I hadn't been fully awaken but I still extra energy in my legs that wanted to get up and move. However I felt like a beaten speed bag. Although Kya's water bending had healed the bruises, I could still feel them, hiding below my skin.

A knock at the door had put me out of my lethargic state. When I had opened the door, I had fully realized that I still had no shirt on from last night and the person at the door had made it even worse.

"Watcha doin' there sexy?" Johnathon said sarcastically.

"Fuck, man. Really! Here of all places?" I relied.

If it wasn't having him being their, he had brought guests. As much as I hated to say it, I could feel my face getting hot.

"Nothin' wrong about bein' comfy around certain people." The second man said.

At first I thought I was still suffering from sleep deprivation and seeing two Johnathon's. After a couple of minutes of coming to my senses I begun to get a sick feeling in my stomach.

"Spirits... why are their two of you?" I said hoping to receive a positive answer like it was his boss and not who I thought it was.

An expression of full honesty sat on Johnathon's face as he answered. "Their aren't your just seeing double." After a couple seconds I actually believed him, still thinking I wasn't fully awake. A grin appeared on his face and then I knew I fell for it. "I'm kidding he's my twin brother!" He announced.

Shit! I knew it! I thought. My heart sank and my stomach felt worse. Porter was right thought. They looked exactly alike. Besides wearing different clothes and the way they spoke, as John's brother had some sort of an accent, they looked amazingly similar.

"Forgive my hospitality but why are you here?" I asked.

"Well I was telling you, you could come to practice today but seeing as your getting laid, I'll go away."

My face burned. There was no way I wasn't blushing now.

"Whoa, whoa John. "Laid?" I, um. Well, it's not like that, uh, you see I-" Johnathon read me like a book. Somehow he was always able to do that. "Look, it's not was you think, we didn't do. You know what forget it." I said, finishing awfully.

The identical twin turned to Johnathon. "And he thought you were gay." he said, stifling a laugh. Johnathon nodded in agreement.

I shot John a irritated glance, which he seemed to ignore.

"Okay, whatever Khai. Look, if you need us, you know where to find us." said Johnathon walking down the stairwell.

Kya's Apartment

After an awkward meeting, I shut the door.

"Khai, is everything alright?" Kya asked. Her voice was muffled and groggy but then again she probably had woken up.

"Damn. Please tell me you didn't hear all that?" I asked.

"I woke up like half way through the conversation. Who was that? Johnathon?" She asked, rubbing her eyes.

I let out a sigh and sat back on the side of the bed, nodding in agreement.

"And Guest." I added.

"Who?"

"His twin brother."

Kya giggled a little, knowing my irritation with just one Johnathon was now doubled. I couldn't help but also crack a smile. It was just my luck, the irony of it all. Kya crawled over to me from behind, wrapping her arms around my chest.

"So what did he want?" She asked.

"Just informin' me but his location. In case I need him or he needs me. He'll probably be back at the apartments." I relied.

I felt her arms around squeeze tighter around me. I placed my arms on hers and interlocked fingers. I felt her chin rest on my shoulder and her long beautiful black hair brush against my cheek. I could feel her start to rock me side by side and couldn't help but go along.

"So do you want to do anything today?" I asked.

"Hm? Oh my gosh, no!" She panicked. She scrambled off the bed, running to her dressing room.

Confused as hell, I walked over to the door. "Uh, what?" I asked, not trying to sound desperate. A few seconds later and a little laughter had echoed through the room and her head peeked out from the door.

"No, I didn't mean that way. My timing sucks, I'm sorry. I meant "No" to the fact that I have to work today and I totally forgotten." She replied.

I could hear her scramble for her work clothes, or anything else she needed. I uttered a slight laugh at the misconception.

"Oh alright, um. Do you mind if I walk you to work?" I asked.

Kya came out dressed in a short brown apron over her jeans, and her long silky hair tied back. She put her arms on my shoulders and gently kissed me on the cheek. My heart pounded against my chest.

"I'd love that." She said.

The Apartments

As the day progressed my mind was all on Kya. Not once on the way back did I have to worry about Equalists, The Pride, or even being a fugitive for that matter. It was nice to feel normal for a change. The streets for lonely but even a bit of silence wouldn't hurt anyone. Sometimes silence was the key. I felt like that every time I was with Kya. No loneliness, nothing but comfort. My brief confrontation with my brother at the Equalist so-called abandoned compound, had been strange. Like it wasn't even himself talking. It was his mood and his personality I had been talking to but something didn't feel normal about him. My father was a lost cause. Sad to say it's true but when someone admits theirs son's faults and failure and still have the ignorance to insult him over the radio, they're not worth it. I hadn't even heard from my mother. I'm sure my abandonment of the Equalists was hard on here but I had to. I couldn't live with murderers.

Murderers.. my whole family. Did they really kill of Jun's family? I couldn't hep but think of it. If I could trade my life for the people my dad and brother have killed, I would. However a life for, who knows how many lives were killed, isn't really a fair trade. Still, the option was always open for me.

I had spent most of the morning having a cup of coffee with Kya. She had extra time to kill so when had a cup, talked, laughed, and enjoyed our time together. When I had left I had gone back to the storage facility that had disguised our apartments. There I trained for a long time. Using my knowledge of my katana to practice basic forms. Moving quickly but striking with great power, this sword isn't one to test on a block of wood to see how deep you cut into it but rather how you move with it and using it as an extension of your body.

I had also practice hand to hand combat, the stuff that Johnathon had showed me. Such interesting style of combat that I had never heard of, nor my father had taught me. Seeing as I hadn't practiced with him in a while I could guess that he would eventually have me team with him or any of his team members. It was the least I could give him in return for the apartments. I'm not sure if he was paying or not but training seemed to be the rent.

The day went on and soon enough it was nearly dark. Killing myself with training felt like an fulfilling day. When I had got to my apartment, my front door had been kicked in. Literally bashed open as if blown open by blasting jelly. Which would be a stupid idea because blasting jelly had been illegal for all civilian personnel. That and the spare key was right under the mat.

I rolled over on my side, stopping there as I had nearly rolled onto 7 inches of carbon steel. The light combat knife was 11 inches in full length. The synthetic handle was made up of a neatly carved and stained wooden base but anyone with a knowledge of any sort of short length weaponry would know that it had been created out of a Kraton polymer. One thing I had noticed about the blade, was that it had the words "Drawn with anger, sheathed with honor" on the side.

It was a neat blade, one that I had never used professionally. I sat it down to pay more attention to the note, which had been from Porter.

Khai,

When your done getting laid I have some news for you. Unlike all the "fun" times you've had with nearly dying to an Equalist of any kind, we have been invited as guests to a party, celebrating the new task force that Tarlock is creating, to root out any Equalists. Now this isn't just a party, trust me, my eyes are going to be on that bastard the whole time. To me it's just another plot to get Korra to join the force. Anyway I'll have already left by the time you read this but I'm going up to Air Temple Island to meet Tenzin and to have dinner with them. I'll be back later - don't hold me to that. Anyway I've left you quite a sum of yuans in your drawer to go and buy something classy to where. I expect change, don't hold back on me, man, I know where you live! Anyways buy something nice and I've also gotten you that KA-BAR combat knife, you've probably noticed by now. Can't go to a private part with a big ass katana on your back, you got to be stealthy. Yes I know it's a party but that doesn't mean you can let your guard down. Oh one more thing before, it's a party! Bring someone, preferably Kya. See ya later man.

- JP

A party? Sounds like something different for a change. As entertaining as the letter was, it did sound fun. Something needed a change and this was perfect. Plus this was a great opportunity to spend time with Kya.

Wait? If this is a private party, would I be allowed to bring her? I thought. Suddenly I got worried. If this was to celebrate those on the task force then I wouldn't think she'd be allowed.

I cursed to myself. I really wanted to bring her but I saw no way to get around this. I turned over the note and surely enough their was another part of the message.

P.S

I don't care how you bring her, just bring Kya. Make it a date and sneak her in, I don't know, just do it!

"Wow. Even when he's not here he's still with me." I said allowed. I laughed at the irony.

"So how was your night with Kya?"

I turned around to see Ruan at the door. He had a giant smile on his face and I could tell Johnathon had clued him in on what had happened.

"Calm down, nothing happened, or at least not what your thinking." I said.

He folded his arms and started to laugh, walking closer to the bed, he picked up KA-BAR and examined it closely.

"Seriously though, it's not what you think. So you've heard the news?" I asked.

"About the party? Yea man, the whole city is buzzing about it. Saying it might be able to turn around this damn civil war."

"Yea. That's what I hope."

Ruan's face suddenly went serious. He looked at me as if someone I knew had died.

"I, also heard about Captain Sven and the "investigation" of Yu's death."

"You to, huh?"

"What'ya going to do man?"

I got off the bed. Honestly I didn't have a straight answer. I tucked the KA-BAR in it's holster which latched on nicely to my belt.

"I don't know. Hope it blows over? Avoid the cops? Clear my name? I'm only human man, I'm not sure what to do. What about you are you going to the thing?" I asked.

"Nah. Porter says I need to train more, plus I'm not really much of a formal party type of person."

I rolled my eyes.

"So you want to come with me and pick out a suit or something classy?" I asked. A blank expression formed on Ruan's face.

'Sure. First let me put away my stamp collection and feed my pet fire gecko."

"I'm not sure how a fire gecko fits in with your sarcastic comment." I said.

Ruan rolled his eyes and laughed. His sarcasm was terrible but I wasn't fond of buying clothes either.

Anto's Apparel

I was never a man of style but rather out on whatever was there. Finding a suit or maybe even newer clothes would be fine with me. Johnathon had left me with 300 yuans, plenty to buy something new and to have some left over.

Anto's Apparel was a place I would have never even thought about going to. It's fairly close to the coffee shop, maybe a little further but I had never noticed it. It was a top notch, very classy place. Carrying anything from men's tux's to ladies wedding gowns. The place glowed with incredible decorations. Gilded tapestries, mahogany tables carved down to the finest detail, and red royal rugs as if made for a king or queen.

Not to mention a chandelier hung on every other square inch of the ceiling. It lit up the whole store, making a grand luminescent display for anyone who walked by. I literally had to cover my eyes when I first entered, it had been so bright.

Mirrors paneled the ceilings, that was not taken up by a chandelier. Long mirrors hung on walls and yet I was not surprised to see the spoiled, wealthy class citizens taking on their luxuries one bit at a time. Taking hours to admire themselves, wearing a single hat they already own.

There was only the single floor but it was enough to make you seem like you had just stepped inside heaven.

"You there! Greasy brown haired boy!" A man shouted.

Why did people insist on calling me a boy? I'm 19 for fucks sake! Although I could've taken a shower before I had walked over here. I thought to myself.

"Uh, me?" I asked.

A large made wearing a tan suit had come out of nowhere. He was a pretty large man, and I'm not talking about in height. A top hot and monocle had pushed the limits, making him look like some sort of old prospector during the 100 year war. The diamond mounted cane he held was useless because he walked without limp. He also spoke with a sort of a proper feminine accent.

"Yes child, what are you doing here?" He asked.

"I'm buying a couch, got any that can fit in my apartment? It's alright because the door already off its hinges." I said jokingly.

The large man gawked at my sarcasm. Depending from his clothes, sense of humor, and tone of voice, he probably didn't have a sense of humor.

"Look I'm joking, I'm just looking for something classy for this party I'm going to." I informed him.

His eyes grew bigger. He examined me closely as if he knew me.

"Get out!" He ordered

"What?" I asked.

"I said, GET OUT!"

His face flushed to a bright red. His nose snarled and his eyebrows rose beyond their normal height. I almost thought he would have blown his mustache clean off his face.

"Look It was a joke. I'm sorry if it up-"

"Oh please. I deal with immature brats like yourself, almost everyday. I wasn't referring to your sarcastic remark." He interrupted.

Just as he said that, I figured it out.

"You know about me huh?" I said.

"I want nothing to do with fugitives, criminals, or anything that is willing to disturb the peace. Especially if those are Equalists! Now get out! Your kind isn't allowed here. It's a disgrace that Chief Bei Fong has requested you to live here with those new "Predatorians" or whatever the hell they're called. Oops my apologies, "heck', I'm not much of a curser." He said adding in a slight feminine chuckle.

Usually I'd be at the point where I would want to slit someones throat. That or my self esteem would have been stricken down. However being with the short time I had with Kya seemed to have changed a lot of things.

Seeing as it was coming from a guy, or rather, person like this, it felt like taking a punch from a pillow. My emotions didn't change, nor did my tone or facial expression but I rather felt a little happy.

I had noticed a suit over the man shoulder, It was a full black suit but not as black as a tux would be. It came with a white under shirt and a black tie. On the sleeves were a set of round, silver cufflinks. It wasn't anything special, compared to the clothing that the councilman and higher officials wore but it was still decent enough to be seen at a fancy party.

A pair of black, brightly polished shoes sat underneath the suit, as each piece had been hanging differently on a hook. The suit had also came with a pin striped fedora but seeing as I wasn't a hat person my mind was only drawn to the body pieces.

"Sure thing, but I will be leaving here in that." I said pointing the the luxurious suit behind him.

He spun around and laughed, nearly loosing the position of his monocle.

"Are you serious? Your a mere lower class beggar, what make you think you can afford that?" He asked.

I took out the bag of yuans, Porter had left me, along with the knife and the note. After tossing the money over to the man, he went into shock. His body froze and this time his monocle fell, only to be caught on the golden chain it had been connecting to. He had let go of his cane, proving my theory that nothing had been wrong with his leg but rather wanted it to be fancy. It slid slowly over his massive belly and after coming to an abrupt halt, a smile had grown across his face.

"Now we're getting somewhere?" I assume.

The man laughed tremendously and after pocketing the coins into his over sized pocket, he stepped aside. He picked up his cane and tugged on the top folds of his suit, filing out any wrinkles.

"Your talking my language young man, right this way! Anto Baebeu, at your service!"

The Coffee Shop

It had been getting very late at this point and I assumed Kya would have been getting off soon. After obtaining the suit, I immediately went home and hung it somewhere out of sight. Luckily, I had a bottle of polish Anto had given to me for free. Just in case I needed to shine my shoes or my silver cufflinks.

For right now, I dressed in my usual dark red shirt, thin black jacket, and dark jeans. I wanted her to be surprised to know that they were going to a party. It wasn't much of a formal, dance party but rather to celebrate the new task force created to stop the Equalists. There would be dancing and I would imagine the usual type of fancy atmosphere set up, to lure the eyes of anyone who was important enough. However this was the type of party would probably be just a way for Councilman Tarlock gain more fame from the reporters.

Even though this was just a publicity stunt, a party is a party. Kya would love to go and have a good time and I would be glad to invite her. Time past and a little old lady had walked out of the shop. The grey haired lady that owned the shop had left first. She walked out in a short brown apron that ended at her knees. I immediately identified her as owner of coffee shop.

A few minutes later and Kya hadn't left. I began to worry, she was already at her apartment. I began to walk up to the front door, knowing the owner hadn't locked it, I assumed Kya had still been in there and was probably ready to close up.

I opened the door, triggering a bell above. Almost immediately, a voice followed.

"I'm sorry we're closed." A female voice echoed.

I already knew it was Kya. I entered a little bit closer, shutting the door, the bell rang again.

"Hey, it's me Khai." I called back.

"Oh hey! Give me a sec, I'm just locking up the back pantries." Kya replied.

She walked out a little bit later, dressed in her usual work clothes. A dusting of coffee had swept across her apron and a greater smell of coffee beans had entered the room.

"Hey, hows it going?" i asked

"Not to bad, shifts are killer, but all in all the pays good." She said uttering a laugh.

Her smile was big and her eyes were beautiful as always. She laughter was contagious, no matter what how soft it was.

"Hey, I have great news! Would you like to go on a date with me to the Gala Event?" I asked. Her face shown a bit of confusion but it was the type of confusion which was both exiting and hard to believe. After flashing the invitation, I had packed before leaving, her face lit up

"Thee Gala Event? Khai, how the hell did you get tickets to that?" She said.

"I had people." I said sarcastically.

"It was Johnathon wasn't it?" She said, raising a brow.

We both laughed. We talked a bit more on the subject and she confirmed the invite.

"Thank you, thank you!" She said. Wrapping her arms around me.

"Hey, I want to spend more time together with you. This seemed like the beginning of many wonderful events together." I said.

Her lips gently pressed on my cheeks and eventually moved over to my lips. My arms rapped around her and I could tell that this was definitely going to be the beginning of many things.

The Pride

The sanctuary bar was cleared out. No bottles, chairs, tables, trash, or anything in the room besides every members of the pride. Admiral Geming stood up front, while the others stood patiently in in front of him, their blood boiling with rage.

"My Brothers and Sisters of a better bending nation. Last night another member of ours, Yu was killed. This is a second defiance of our clan since Kessen was killed by a man, no older then 19. How can we let this happen, my brothers? Our whole organization of a better bending nation is falling apart! This is a time of great chaos that could unravel at any second! Our enemies, The Equalists and those benders who oppose us for what we do for them, need to realize that we are not weak! We are strong unified minds, who's devotion for a better world, will not be broken! Yet, two of us have been killed. My friends we might not have much respect for each other but at least we can say one thing! Bending. is. superior. We need to show them what we are all about, we need to take back republic city for ourselves! As you may know from the picture of the man that killed two of our clansman, that he is nothing! How can suck a weakling defeat two of ours! We are the best, who support the best, and will triumph over the worst. Only the strongest survive ladies and gentleman, burn that into your brains! Our enemy, Khai, an ex Equalist, now supports the benders? Ha! A failure of life, who deserves only the worst for his treachery and cowardly return. This is the last time we'll be seeing the place, you know our new locations and I expect you to be there. Thanks to our scout, Mao, we now know that our main target lives somewhere in the Yangchen district. We will be sending out death squads but to make sure our clan lives on, most of them will not be made up of us. Remember my brothers and sisters, life is only round one. Round two will consist of a far greater threat. Make sure everyone wins round one."