反射

Book 1.5: Reflections

Chapter 17: Dance of Leaves

Fire and ice engaged in a deadly dance. Screams filled the air as the Water Town slums erupted in a fierce battle.

Todo, the man in dark glasses, stared down at her with contempt as he drew water to his hand in preparation for a lethal hail of ice.

Ginseng, the large and brutish man with the dragon on his arm...

Saiyu, the Blood Queen. A woman who reminded her of... well, of herself in so many ways...

"Korra? Are you listening to me?"

Tenzin's voice startled her out of muddled thoughts and brought her mind back to the present. It was a pleasant day on Air Temple Island, with only patches of clouds marring an otherwise perfect blue sky. Birds twittered in the trees and the skyscrapers of Republic City rose in the distance, looking perfectly peaceful.

Looks were indeed deceiving.

"Sorry," she said, tugging on her orange and yellow airbending robes in a vain effort to get them more comfortable. "What were you saying?"

The monk sighed and again gestured up at the air temple that they were standing outside. "This is the very spot that my father taught me some of the more advanced forms of airbending. We will start today with the Dance of Leaves."

Korra's cerulean eyes widened at the news. She was going to start learning advanced airbending forms? She took in the pagoda tower rising into the sky above them and realised that Tenzin must have chosen this spiritual spot for a very specific reason. He was hoping that she might fluke some connection with Aang's spirit.

"The Dance of Leaves and its branch, the Rising Twin Dragons, are two master forms of airbending," Tenzin continued. "If you are to master air, you must first master these forms." He bowed his head in concentration.

I'm a leaf on the wind... Watch how I soar.

When he began, it looked as though he was performing a dance. A series of spins and twirls with his feet set his body through a series of spiral motions that were both beautiful and dizzying to look at. Blasts of wind swept outward in various directions as the monk thrust his arms out and pulled them back in, guiding the air as an extension of his body. Fallen leaves on the ground nearby were sent flying into the sky all around them.

Rising Twin Dragons was even more impressive. Tenzin rose into the sky on a funnel of air, and his hands came together in a complex set of hand seals and signs. A cyclonic maelstrom extended from the master airbender in an awe-inspiring display.

Tenzin touched down on the ground, his red and yellow robes settling down as the wind dissipated. He looked over at his student solemnly. "You have been working hard, and it's time to apply that to your bending. The many different forms I've been teaching over the past few weeks, I want you to now combine them and execute the Dance of Leaves."

Korra exhaled. "Okay... Let's do this."

She thought back to the many forms she had learned and what she had just witnessed. She may be struggling with a lot of aspects of being the Avatar, but she still was a natural bending prodigy. She could do this.

The teenager thought back to Todo and his ruthless fighting style. Normally in a fight like that, Korra would have made use of her waterbending to turn her opponent's ferocious energy against him. But with only air to call upon now, she had been soundly defeated by the Red Monsoon.

If she wanted to bring balance to this city, she had to get stronger.

Her robes billowed outward as she swirled and turned. The leaves of nearby trees rustled as she channelled her chi, culminating in powerful blasts of air. Her euphoria soared as she realised she was doing the Dance of Leaves, one of the more advanced forms of airbending.

"Very good, Korra – " Tenzin began, but stopped himself when he saw her take a knee down on the ground. Is she going to do it...?

The Avatar crossed her arms over her chest. "Rising Twin Dragons!"

The monk threw an arm over his face against the sudden onrush of wind. He looked back and his pride swelled as he saw his student rocketing upward in a rapid spin. However, the air around her continued to swirl chaotically. Something was wrong.

"Korra, stop!" he shouted as he ran forward, his arms outstretched.

The wind dissipated of its own accord, leaving the girl in question stranded high in the air. She let out a strangled yell as she fell. Tenzin cried out in shock as Korra crashed down on top of him in a tangle of limbs. The young Avatar lifted her head when she realised her landing was much softer than she had been expecting.

"Tenzin!" she exclaimed when she saw that she was lying on top of him. "Are you okay?"

"Ouch..." he grumbled, as he was helped into a sitting position. "You're a lot heavier than you look."

Korra giggled sheepishly. "Sorry about that. I guess I wasn't ready to try something as advanced as that yet."

"Maybe not yet, but you performed the Dance of Leaves very well, albeit a little roughly. With more work, I know you will become a master airbender."

She grinned at Tenzin's encouraging words and helped him to his feet. She could not help but chuckle slightly when he brushed his robes down and attempted to regain his dignity.

"Now, why don't you go and get changed, and then meet us in the dining hall for lunch," he suggested, before turning on his heel and marching off.

By the time Korra had changed back into her Water Tribe clothes and crossed the island to the dining hall, she found the airbender family in their private dining room, with plates of rice and vegetables set out before them.

As always, Jinora had her nose buried in a book, while Ikki fired off a never-ending barrage of questions at her. As Korra sat down to lunch, she noticed the bold words 'Fire Ferrets' in an advertisement in the newspaper sitting on the table. She picked it up and felt a pit forming in her stomach when she saw that it was a request for a "talented waterbender to contact Bolin for a chance to earn a spot on the illustrious Fire Ferrets".

The young woman was tempted to feel angry, but firmly steered herself from that path. After all, she herself had told Bolin to look for a new waterbender. It was obvious that her pro-bending career was over.

Looking at the advert made Korra realise how much she missed hanging out with Bolin. Both times they had seen each other since she got back to the city had turned into disasters for various reasons.

"Tenzin, may I use your phone?" she asked politely.

"Ohhhhhhh, gonna call your boyfriend, Mako?" Ikki teased, causing the older girl to shoot a glare of daggers at her.

"He's not my boyfriend!"

Despite the insinuation, Tenzin allowed it and Korra made her way to his study and lifted the heavy handset. She twisted the ring, dialling the number for the brothers' apartment complex and asked to be put through to their apartment. She just hoped one of them was home.

Sure enough, the earthbender's cheerful voice blared into the receiver. "Helllllllllllloooooooo! This is Bolin of the Fire Ferrets. Are you calling about the waterbender position?"

The teenage girl swallowed the pang in her stomach and maintained a cheerful voice. "Nice touch with the newspaper ad," she teased. "Next thing is getting Shiro Shinobi on side."

"Korra?" the voice blanched. "I'm sorry – I don't want you to think that we're replacing you or anything... Well, I mean, we kind of are, but – "

"Don't worry about it," she said reassuringly. "I'm glad you're taking charge of the team. It's your right as captain." She really meant it. It was great to see the growing maturity of her friend. With Mako no longer in charge of the team, perhaps this was an opportunity for Bolin to grow.

"Ahhhhhh, thanks," he replied, and Korra could imagine him sheepishly scratching the back of his head. "Sometimes I feel like I'm not cut out for this whole captain thing, but – "

"That's nonsense. You're a great pro-bender, and I know you'll make a great captain. You just do what you have to do."

There was a short silence, but when Bolin spoke again, he sounded very grateful. "Thanks, Korra. That means a lot."

"You're welcome," she replied genuinely. "So, what are you up to today? I was wondering if you wanted to catch up for lunch or something – "

"Oh, monkey feathers!" he cursed. "I almost forgot! Today's the opening races of the Republic City Circuit! I tried to get in touch with you to tell you about it for the past few days, but I've never been able to catch you on the island..."

Korra felt a fresh flash of guilt at avoiding her friends for the past few days.

"Get over to the city now!" Bolin continued. "The Fire Ferrets will be racing for Future Industries. It'd be great if you were there too to cheer us on!"

"You and Mako named your racing team the Fire Ferrets?" she asked in amusement.

"Well, why not? We even made Pabu the mascot again. Anyway, get your butt over to the racecourse on the edge of town! I'll meet you at the entrance."

Korra thought about it for a moment, and then leaped out the window and ran across the island to find Naga, before Tenzin could say no.

The Republic City Racetrack was a long and winding road, nestled at the foot of the snow-capped mountains outside the city. Several large viewing stands were littered along the track, already crowded with cheering spectators. At the starting line, several banners bearing the insignias of Future Industries, Cabbage Corp and other companies lined the road.

Inside the complex above the main stands, Asami walked alongside her aide toward the private box that her father's company had owned for years. The past week had flown by in a blur, interspersed with meetings, getting her ragtag racing team ready for the tournament, and making arrangements for the garage space for said team.

"Mako and Bolin are downstairs in the garage, making last minute preparations. They seem competent enough," her aide said conversationally as they walked. "And Mako got some impressive times on the practice runs. You did a good job getting a team together at such short notice."

"Well, it helps to have friends in the right places," Asami replied.

The man nodded, and then looked uncomfortable for a moment.

"Is something wrong?" she inquired.

"Well... I wasn't supposed to tell you this until after the racing tournament, but Liu and the other directors rejected the budget proposal for the biplane research."

Asami's eyes widened in shock. "They did what? And they didn't tell me?"

She stormed off before the aide could answer. She was angry. Fiercely so. How dare they pull the funds for the biplane project without informing her? She was the head of the company. She deserved to know such things, especially when the airplane research could prevent Future Industries from going bankrupt.

It was not long before she found the man she was looking for, in the Future Industries corporate box. Aside from Asami, the only women in the room were the ones serving drinks, a fact that did not escape her. The other occupants were men dressed in suits and formal wear. The far wall of the room was made entirely of glass, through which the racetrack and crowded stands could be seen.

But right now, the upcoming race was of little concern to Asami. She marched over to a pudgy and balding man who wore a monocle, and a gold trimmed waistcoat and suspenders. "Liu. I think you and I need to have a discussion."

"Ms Sato," he said slowly. "Is now really the time? The opening race is about to start."

"What do you think you're doing, cancelling the budget for the biplane research?" she ploughed on relentlessly.

The business man's face flickered. "I and the other directors feel that those funds would be better spent improving the Satomobile production line, rather than squandering them on some ill-fated project that will never be profitable for this company."

"Airplanes are the way of the future!" Asami snapped. "You saw the figures yourself; Satomobile sales are way down. Innovation and progress is what Future Industries needs right now. If we don't find a way to stand out and get ahead of the competition, we're going under."

"I'm not about to argue this matter with you. You're young, you have no experience, and no ability to comprehend the bigger picture," Liu said dismissively. "You're the face of the company, so why don't you focus your efforts on making sure your little racing team does well in the Circuit? Leave the business part to us."

Asami's eyes narrowed at his condescending tone. She noticed how the man had specifically stated that she was the 'face' of the company, rather than the 'head'. She whirled and left the room before she caused a scene.

Mako walked through the bustling lower hallways of the racing complex, sidestepping workers and other racers, and trying to convince himself he was not lost. The garage for Future Industries was somewhere around here, but he had trouble remembering where.

He and Bolin had visited the racetrack of Republic City quite often in the past few days, for Asami to give them a tour of the garage, and for them to drive practice runs around the track. The course itself was fairly straightforward, with only a few difficult turns to keep in mind.

Despite his cold and aloof exterior, on the inside, Mako was very excited about competing in the Republic City Circuit. It was something that had always fascinated him since he was a kid. And Future Industries' race-cars were sleek, powerful, and a joy to drive.

Perhaps the only downside was the tight, form-fitting racing outfits he and Bolin had to wear. Asami had ordered for them to be tailored to look like their red and white pro-bending uniforms, to bolster and reinforce the Fire Ferrets' identity.

"Mako? Is that you?" a familiar voice rang out through the hallway.

He turned to see a man with bushy eyebrows and a curled moustache at the corners of his mouth. He was dressed in a formal green waistcoat and dark jacket, and his bald head was covered with a regal brimmed hat.

"Butakha!" the young firebender exclaimed, recognising the owner of the Republic City Pro-Bending Arena. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," the man replied. He nodded at the logo on Mako's racing uniform. "Racing for Future Industries, huh? I knew you had talents, but I didn't know driving was one of 'em!"

Mako caught on to the older man's condescending tone and frowned.

Butakha raised his hands in a placating manner. "Look, if you think you've got the guts to race in this town, more power to you. I'm sure you'll do good out there today."

"Thanks..."

The bald man tipped his hat and sauntered off. "I'll see you around, kid."

Mako stared after him for a moment, and then continued his search for his team's garage. A little while later, he came to a cluttered workshop, its walls lined with tools, spare wheels and car parts. The shutter doors to the racetrack were closed at the moment, casting most of the place in shadows.

Two racing cars sat in the middle of the main floor; their sleek bodies accentuated with red and white paint that matched the colour of his racing uniform. His amber eyes widened in surprise when he saw the Avatar leaning against the nearest car, chatting amiably with Bolin. His younger brother was dressed in an identical racing uniform to his.

Bolin noticed Korra looking past him, turned and saw Mako entering the garage. "Hey, bro," he called out. "It's about time you showed up. I was starting to worry you got lost or something."

"I didn't get lost!" the firebender snapped. Noticing his brother's expression, his facade cracked and he sighed. "Okay, maybe a little."

Korra stood up straight and brushed down her light blue vest. "I'm looking forward to seeing you guys race," she said, crossing her arms and flashing him a teasing grin. "Your brother's been talking up your driving abilities big time. I hope he can put his money where his mouth is."

Before Mako could respond, Asami entered the garage, looking flustered and angry.

"Hey," Korra called out tentatively, noticing her expression. "Is everything alright?"

"Of course not!" the heiress said bitterly. "My own company is being pulled out from under me! I just know that the development of commercial airplanes is the direction that Future Industries needs to take, but the directors won't listen to me!" She collapsed into a stool at the edge of the room and sighed. "They think I'm just a stupid girl who doesn't know what I'm doing..."

"That's ridiculous!" the Water Tribe girl said, driving a fist into her palm. "Do you want me to knock some sense into them?"

Asami smiled weakly. "I appreciate the sentiment, but I don't think the Avatar beating up on some old men would go down too well."

Korra sighed in frustration. "Yeah, probably not."

"What are you doing down here?" Bolin asked. "Shouldn't you be up in your dad's fancy corporate box?"

"I'd rather spend my time down here with you guys, than up there with those sexist weasel-snakes," Asami replied.

A sombre silence fell over the garage as the group contemplated her predicament.

"I got it!" Bolin cried, snapping his fingers. "If Mako and I were to win the Republic City Circuit, the prize money would be huge! It should be more than enough for you to push your idea and have your company construct a prototype airplane."

"Come on, Bolin," Mako sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "You and I are only filling in to save face for Future Industries and maintain its public image. We aren't professional racers."

"Oh come off it, Mako. You're an excellent driver! And you got some of the fastest times during the practice laps!" his younger brother insisted. "I reckon, with a bit of practice, we have a serious chance at winning this! Or at least qualifying for the finals, which would earn us some prize money, at least." He glanced over at Asami. "Any money would help you out, right?"

"Well, of course, but it's a big undertaking – "

Mako's voice cut her off. "Alright. We'll do it."

Everyone in the garage looked over at him in surprise. "Really?" Bolin ventured.

His older brother nodded and looked at his girlfriend. "We'll do our best to win the lower class races and qualify for the Championship Race. I promise that you'll get the money you need for your biplane project."

Asami said nothing, but her green eyes shone with gratitude.

"Attention, all racers," a voice blared through the speaker above the garage doors. "Please report to the starting line. The Class Three opening race is about to begin."

"You're up, Mako!" Bolin exclaimed, springing to his feet and throwing open the shutter doors. Sunlight streamed in through the opening, through which the bustling racetrack could be seen. The roar of the crowd and revving engines drifted through the air.

"Come on, Asami," Korra said, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the inner exit. "If you don't want to go up to your corporate box, let's go find some seats in the stands!"

Mako climbed into the leading car and pulled on his helmet as a three-man team of mechanics entered the garage and ushered Bolin out of the way.

"You know what to do if something goes wrong?" the lead mechanic said.

"Yeah," Mako replied, pulling his driving goggles down over his face. "I pull into the pit stop, and Bolin takes over in the other car."

"Good luck, bro!" the earthbender in question called out from the sidelines.

Mako snapped him a two-fingered salute, and then turned the key in the ignition. The race-car came alive, its engine thrumming with a throaty purr. Mako shifted the stick into first gear and eased the car out of the garage and onto the racetrack.

The noise outside was deafening, and the flashes of hundreds of flash-bulb cameras glittered in the stands. Mako's heart was pounding, but he took a deep breath and pulled up to the starting line, where a row of other race-cars were waiting. Due to his fast times during the practice runs, Mako had managed to secure a starting position near the front of the pack.

The firebender kept his eyes on the road ahead, ignoring the dirty looks he was receiving from other drivers. His gloves creaked as he gripped the steering wheel. The blare of the opening announcement was lost on him as he focused on the road ahead. Before long, the lights above the starting line flashed.

Red...

Yellow...

Green.

Engines roared as the race began.

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Kudos to whoever spotted the Serenity reference in this chapter.

Sorry for the long wait between this chapter and the last, but writer's block sucks like that. Fortunately, Book 2 of the show has reinvigorated my muse. Personally I haven't enjoyed it quite as much as Book 1, but it's still absolutely awesome, and I can't wait for more (if that makes any sense whatsoever).

Anyway, reviews and feedback is always appreciated and taken into account.