-:-


Book 1: Redemption
Chapter 4: Relationships


Several weeks had passed since Lei's run-in with the Equalists and Avatar Korra, yet she still heard no word from Captain Lee on when he would allow her to return. The metalbender had mostly been spending her time reading through the handbook for the millionth time and training in the backyard to keep her mind busy, but as the days grew colder, her will to continue began to fade.

The teen had been moping around the house all day, now lying on her bed as she stared at the silver badge between her fingers. Once a cadet is made an officer, there is a short ceremony of sorts where the badge is pinned upside down on their armor—in its usual position for officers. Lei was hoping to go through this soon, but the chances seemed slim with everything that had been going on. With a sigh, she looked up, mind wandering elsewhere. Maybe Lee was right... maybe she just wasn't cut out for this.

A knock at the door prompted the brunette to stand and make her way into the main room, but her mother beat her to the door and opened it, revealing her best friend in a snazzy tuxedo.

Ping smiled. "It's nice to see you again, Taifeng. How have your parents been?"

He tensed and glanced away. "Fine. Is Lei around?"

Answering his question, the young woman stepped into view with a soft smile. "Hey. Why're you all dressed up?"

He gave her a lopsided grin. "Tarrlok's throwing a gala for Avatar Korra tonight. You've been such a sad sack lately, so I'm taking you out whether you like it or not."

Lei's friend and coworker pulled out a package from behind his back and handed it to her. Upon opening it, she found a dress inside. It was a bright green to match her heritage, with a more modern sleeveless style. While she wasn't there to shop for it herself, it looked like something she would have picked for such a formal event anyway.

He knew her well.

Ping chimed in with an encouraging smile, "I think that's a wonderful idea. Getting out of the house and socializing will help you."

Taifeng nodded before pushing Lei toward her room, "Go on. Get ready so we can go."

The teen laughed as she stepped inside. "I'll be just a minute!"

After changing and fixing her hair to match the formal style of the gala, Lei returned to the main room and stopped next to Taifeng. The earthbender's mother grew teary-eyed as she looked between the two teens with a sad smile.

She laughed and wiped a tear as she apologized. "I remember when you were both little kids playing together in our backyard. You just look so grown up now. Where did the time go?" She sighed before ushering them out. "Have fun!"

As Ping waved them off, Lei and Taifeng started making their way to the gala, the moon rising as they walked side by side.

"I tried to talk to my Dad a few times to see if he'd bring you back sooner," Taifeng confessed, his brows furrowed slightly. "Obviously that hasn't done much of anything… but the chief's concerned about the rise in Equalist activity after what you found out. I think she'll end up overriding Dad's decision and bringing you back—we'll need as much strength in the Elite as possible."

"Doesn't Tarrlok have a task force targeting the Equalists?" she asked. "Would she really feel the need to have us do the same?"

"Yeah, but do you honestly expect his vanity project to do much good?" he retorted, eyebrow raised. "Beifong will bring you back… It's only a matter of time."

Lei grinned. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Taifeng."

The older teen returned her expression with a playful nudge. "It's no problem. Someone's gotta keep you going."

She laughed before flashing him an apologetic smile. "Hey, I never got to say sorry for skipping out a few weeks ago. How did the move go?"

He waved a hand dismissively. "It's alright. You were pretty busy with that whole Equalist thing anyway. Shirou was able to stop by and help. I didn't have much to bring anyway."

"That's good." She nodded to herself. "Y'know, I'm honestly surprised that you managed to find an apartment at such last minute. Why did you move out so suddenly?"

Taifeng tensed and avoided eye-contact. "Let's just say that I don't see eye-to-eye with my Dad on a lot of things, and leave it at that."

"Oh..." She trailed off before asking, "So, how do you like living on your own?"

His lips curved into a wide grin. "It's great. I wish I'd moved out sooner. If I were you, I'd do the same as soon as I reached officer. You'll be much happier."

The brunette shrugged. "I guess... It hasn't been so bad lately."

"With Jin?"

"Yeah." The pair fell silent again before Lei asked, "Have you heard any news on that kidnapper? It's been a while since the last disappearance."

He frowned. "No, but everyone's going to be vigilant from next month onward just in case he comes back early again."

Cars drove by as the teens approached the gala, marked by the swinging music coming from within and the massive banners of Avatar Korra hanging outside the building. Hundreds of Republic City's most influential people filled the rooms as Lei stepped inside with Taifeng. Not even a minute had passed before they ran into two familiar faces.

Lee and his wife smiled at their son, but the teen immediately tensed and glanced away. The Captain then glanced to Lei and furrowed his eyebrows. The young earthbender awkwardly waved at him.

Taifeng scowled and stepped between Lei and his father as he snapped, "She's not here to start another argument. She's just here as my date today."

His parents exchanged confused glances while he rolled his eyes and dragged Lei away.

Once they were out of earshot, he mumbled, "Sorry."

Looking around, the young woman caught another group making their way toward her. Mako was at the front with a beautiful woman at his side and his brother not far from the pair. Behind them was a middle-aged man who the whole city could recognize—inventor of the satomobile, supplier of all police vehicles, and head of Future Industries: Hiroshi Sato.

Mako gestured to the cadet. "This is Officer Lei Chen. She's the person who helped us save Bolin."

The older man stepped forward, placing a hand on Lei's shoulder. "So you're the girl I've heard so much about. My name is Hiroshi Sato and this is my daughter, Asami. Thank you for your bravery in saving this young bender."

Asami smiled and thanked her, but the youngest earthbender's volume overpowered hers.

Upon locking eyes with Lei, Bolin grinned and wrapped her in a bear hug. "It's you again! I can't thank you enough for saving me from Amon!"

Lei laughed as she hugged him back. "I'm always glad to help anyone in need."

Mako frowned slightly as he glanced between Lei and Taifeng. "Uh… Bo?"

Bolin backed away. "Huh?"

The firebender sighed and shook his head before turning to Taifeng. "Sorry about him."

Bolin furrowed his eyebrows. "What'd I do?"

Mako grabbed his brother's arm. "I'll tell you later. Why don't we go say hi to Korra?"

His face immediately lit up. "Korra's here?"

Once the groups parted, Taifeng commented, "That Mako guy probably thought we were a couple."

Lei tilted her head. "Why would that matter anyway? He was just hugging me to say thanks."

"It wouldn't," he assured her, "but some people get possessive, and he probably just assumed on the side of caution."

After having refreshments and mingling around some more, the pair found themselves listening to the jazzy music played by the live performers. It wasn't long before Taifeng convinced Lei to dance with him. Her footwork was stiff and gave off an uncomfortable appearance, especially in contrast to the fancy-footed nonbender.

The raven-haired teen snickered. "Man, you really suck at this, Lei. I know you earthbenders are supposed to be as unmovable as earth, but you can't stick to your training in all walks of life—you need to be more flexible."

She laughed and stuck her tongue out at him. "Alright, twinkletoes, I dare you to do better."

He smirked. "Watch and learn, Lei. Watch. And. Learn."

Lei's best friend proceeded to dance circles around her—literally—showing off all his skills and showing her up in the process. Perhaps it was her own competitive streak or just her love of fun, but she joined in soon after—her awkward movements a stark contrast to his grace as they danced the night away.

-:-

It was only after Lei left the gala when she heard how Councilman Tarrlok manipulated Avatar Korra into joining his task force. Their teamwork lasted a few weeks before the headlines grew silent.

Using her earthbending, she held up a dummy in the corner of her small backyard—only the body's chi points marked on it. Levitating her bending needles from their pouch, she shot them into her targets.

"Good evening, Lei."

She blinked owlishly for a moment, but grinned and turned upon recognizing the voice. "Hey, how's it going?"

Haku smiled at her from over the short fence that separated their houses.

"Hey, now that you're here, would you like to spar with me?" the metalbender asked. "It's easier to practice with a partner."

The brunet shook his head. "No, but thank you for offering."

She flashed him a grin. "Come on, don't be such a spoil-sport. It would be fun. Please~?" A moment passed, and she added, "You should be able to protect yourself from the Equalists. Word is, there's a bunch of them living in the area."

He frowned as he straightened his posture. "I appreciate your concern, Lei, but my answer is still no. I may be a waterbender, but I am not a fighter and I will not use my abilities for such. I ask that you please respect my wishes."

She pouted. "Aww... fine..."

Changing the subject, he asked, "Do you know what came of the Avatar's challenge to Amon? I heard rumors that she left Councilman Tarrlok's task force shortly thereafter." Looking down, he added, "Admittedly, I'm concerned that Amon may have taken her bending away… The world would struggle to retain balance without the Avatar."

"Well…" The earthbender glanced around before whispering, "Taifeng told me what happened, but you gotta keep it a secret."

She went on to explain how Korra went to the statue of Avatar Aang on the night of her challenge and was attacked by Equalists. Amon was there, but didn't take her bending away—he only threatened her and knocked her out. She quit Tarrlok's task force after that, but nothing was made public. Lei only knew what Taifeng overheard from Chief Beifong.

Haku pursed his lips and nodded. "I see. Hopefully she can stop Amon before he manipulates this rift between benders and non-benders into an all-out war..." Lei started to practice again when he commented, "We need someone to unify not just Republic City, but the United Republic as a whole. With our council full of appointed benders, and so politically divided, I feel that we need a new approach to achieve this goal."

She raised an eyebrow. "How would we be able to change it with the people so divided? I mean, no matter what, some people would be upset with whoever's in charge. The United Republic is a diverse nation."

He pursed his lips. "That's true. Perhaps this is the sort of position that should change every so often—with fresh leaders when the current ones are no longer able to help the nation prosper… and who represent the majority's wishes for the future. We could hold a national vote to determine the leader."

Lei frowned. "Even if you had a perfect system—and I know you could easily do that—we'll still have a problem switching over. Councilman Tenzin and most of the others may agree to it, but I really doubt that Tarrlok would let go of his power so easily."

The scholar sighed. "I fear you may be correct. A man can dream, though."

Lei embedded another needle into the chi point at the base of the dummy's neck.

As she drew her weapons back, Haku tilted his head. "I've been meaning to bring this up… How did you come to learn chi-blocking? It's uncommon among benders."

"My mother was a Kyoshi Warrior before she moved to Republic City," she explained. "They fight with their fans and chi-blocking. She taught Jin and I when we were little. I just adapted it for long-distance combat."

He nodded sagely. "Ah, Kyoshi Island is a great cultural hub of the Earth Kingdom. I once read that after the Hundred Year War, they began accepting members from the Fire Nation and Water Tribes."

She nodded. "That was about the time when chi-blocking became a staple in their combat. It's pretty interesting how the fighting styles merged." With a smile, she added, "My mom even brought chi-blocking classes to Republic City when she moved here—she had her own academy and everything until Dad died."

The waterbender frowned. "She gave it up?"

"She couldn't afford to keep it running and us under a roof at the same time," the young woman explained. "That's why we ended up moving here from our old home. It was the only place she could afford, even while doing overtime at the hospital."

"I see…" He grew quiet for a moment before asking, "How are you and Jin doing?"

Lei smiled softly. "It's… actually not bad. Sure, we still fight, but that's what siblings do—I'm pretty sure, at least. We'll get through this."

-:-

With Nanuq working late again, Haku joined the Chen's for dinner. Both Lei's sister and mother were present for the meal, so it was a full house. Partway through it, Jin cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the other occupants.

"So, the Wolfbats made it to the pro-bending finals again, and Tahno gave me a few free tickets," she began, looking between her mother and sister. "Would you guys want to come to the game with me next week?"

Lei's lips extended into a wide grin. "Heck, yeah! This is gonna be awesome! Thanks, Jin!"

Ping smiled apologetically. "I would love to, sweetheart, but I'm working a double shift. I can't tell you how happy I am to see you two getting along again, though."

Her daughters exchanged smiles before Jin turned to Haku. "You can come too, if you want."

The dark-skinned man frowned slightly and tilted his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I have never followed Pro-Bending before. How does the sport work?"

"There are three benders on a team," Lei began, "an earthbender, a firebender, and a waterbender. The goal is to knock the opposing team over the back end of the arena and into the water, or as far back as possible. The placement of the players on the field counts as points if anyone is still standing."

Haku furrowed his brow. "I'm not sure I follow… So, there are sections on this arena?"

She grinned and waved dismissively. "Don't worry. I'll explain it at the arena, but you're really smart and you'll probably pick up on it way faster than I did the first time." He smiled and she added, "Jin's boyfriend, Tahno, is the captain of the White Falls Wolfbats—the defending champions." Lei leaned in and stage-whispered, "They cheat a lot."

"Hey!" Jin protested.

The earthbender playfully stuck out her tongue.

"The Wolfbats are playing the rookie team, the Future Industries Fire Ferrets," Jin explained.

Haku raised an eyebrow. "Future Industries… I'm surprised Mr. Sato was willing to support a team of benders after what happened to his wife."

Lei's eyes widened. "You know about that?"

He nodded. "I may not have lived in the city at the time, but the Sato's are known around the nation. Her murder was in the news for months… It's good that he didn't let it fester into a prejudice against benders."

"His daughter seems to be dating the firebender on the team, Mako," Lei commented.

"Mako…" he repeated pensively. "That's the person you helped at the Equalist rally a few weeks ago?"

"Yeah. His brother, Bolin, is the earthbender on the team."

"Then the Avatar is the waterbender, correct?" Lei nodded, and Haku clarified, "I read about them a few months ago, when the Avatar joined their team. This could be an interesting experience." He turned to Jin with a smile and bowed his head. "Thank you for your generous offer."