Note: Happy holidays from GodSaveTheKings. We'll see you next year. Enjoy the chapter.
"So, we walked up to her," Asami explained through stilted laughter, "and I tell her something like, 'It's lovely to meet you. Mako told me so much about you.' And then she just glares at me, and says, 'Really? Because he hasn't mentioned you at all!' It was awful."
"That's definitely true love for you," Shang laughed, lounging in his seat. Varrick and Zhu Li snickered nearby, cuddled in each other's embrace. Asami rolled the wine in her glass, and smiled fondly.
"You have no idea," she said. "I was really nervous to meet her, because I kept hearing how wonderful she was, and she was the Avatar, and I wanted to make a good impression. But she hated me immediately! It was probably one of the most embarrassing moments of my life."
"Have you talked to her about it?" asked Zhu Li.
"I only brought it up once when we first started going out," Asami snickered. "You should have seen her face. I don't think I've ever seen her feel so bad about something. It was actually kind of adorable how sorry she was. She kept buying me all sorts of jewelry and stuff to make up for it, even though I repeatedly told her that I didn't hold it against her."
"It's a miracle you two ended up being friends at all," said Shang. "If someone was that rude to me, I would have never spoken to them again."
"It wasn't her fault," Asami swore. "She had a crush on the guy I was dating at the time, and she used to be a lot more judgmental. It was really complicated at the time. I'd rather not go into it…"
"Boo! Give us the details!" Shang clamored.
"I've been talking about my love life for the past half hour! You talk about your wives for once."
"What's there to talk about? One of them is smart, the other is attractive. One lives up north, the other out west. They both like me for reasons other than money—probably—and it's a joy to be with them. My family just aint that interesting compared to someone who is engaged to the Avatar."
"I don't have anything else to say," Asami groaned.
"Fine then. What about you two?" Shang asked, pointing at the married inventors. "What's your story? How did you meet?"
Zhu Li blushed, and adjusted her glasses. Varrick coughed awkwardly.
"Yeah, how did you two meet?" Asami asked, leaning forward. "You've never talked about it before."
"Well, it was a long time ago," Zhu Li stated. "I don't think you want to hear it."
"Oh, I think I do," Asami pressed further.
Zhu Li took another sip of wine. "I started working for Varrick Global Industries as an intern many years ago. It was back when the company was primarily in its infancy."
"Infancy schminfancy," Varrick interrupted. "We were selling goods all over the Fire Nation by that point."
"It's irrelevant," Zhu Li continued. "Anyway, I was interning under one of the engineering programs straight out of my university. About a month in, I noticed an error with some of the data for one of our new inventions, and I went to inform the manager, except he was out. I didn't know any better, so I decided to see the CEO himself about it. I walk into the room, and stumble across this poor guy being yelled at and blackmailed by his personal assistant."
"She was a woman named Brie," Varrick said with disgust. "Terrible manners, always short-sighted; she had no idea how to make a decent cappuccino! Also, she tried to rob me of thousands, and threatened to have me arrested for extortion. What a hack!"
"Gosh, that's rough," said Asami. "So what did you do? Did you call the cops on her? Fire her?"
"Well," Zhu Li said, blushing once more, "I realized that she was threatening my boss, and I didn't want to lose my job if anything happened to him, so I… well, I punched her in the face."
"Pow! Right in the schnozz!" Varrick said, swinging his fist through the air. "I've never seen someone with such powerful forearm strength before. It was remarkable."
"You knocked her out?" Asami asked with shock.
"Yes, I did," Zhu Li nodded shamefully. "I panicked, and didn't know what else to do."
"I hired her as my new assistant on the spot" said Varrick. "Luckily, 'Brie' and 'Zhu Li' sound similar, so it was easy to get used to someone different."
"And it's been wonderful ever since," Zhu Li sighed contently. She snuggled closer to her husband, and he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Shang applauded with delight.
"See, now that's a fun story!" he exclaimed. "There's so much love in this room. Avatar love, punching love, polygamous love… why don't we get along with each other more often when we're all so happy?"
"Because we aren't usually drinking," Asami said with confidence.
"Touché. Seriously, I haven't had this much fun since my dad and I built that power generator when I was twelve."
"Your dad was an engineer too?" asked Asami.
"He was the one who got me into the manufacturing business in the first place," Shang explained. "He was pretty great growing up with. Childhood was the best. Once I got older though, we had a falling out. It was pretty tragic. We just couldn't agree with what we wanted to do with our lives. I wanted to expand my business into a larger corporation, while he wanted me to work with him to help with his passion of creating killer robots."
At once, the room went completely silent. Shang poured himself another glass of wine, fully oblivious of the three sets of confused gazes that were shown towards him. Only once he sipped his beverage did he notice that everyone stared at him like he was a madman.
"What? Did I spill something on my shirt?" he asked worriedly.
"Did… did you just your father wanted to build killer robots?" Asami stammered.
"What can I say? The man liked robots," Shang said with a shrug. "Once mom died, he spent all day in his workshop, tinkering with machines to make them act like people. Maybe he wanted company. He never got one working though. I didn't stick around long enough to see if he made any improvements, but the last time I saw him working on his machines, one of them blew up in his face. He ended up in a hospital for two months, spending the whole time muttering about how he would improve his inventions. Crazy guy."
"Is he still alive?' Varrick wondered aloud.
"I don't know. Probably. Maybe he joined a cult or something. Or maybe he's in a cave somewhere, working on his robots. Or maybe he's dead. I don't care. I'm not really a robot guy. I'm more of a rocket ship person. Love seeing things fly. That's why I'm so invested in your engine work. That's why I'm taking you out on this trip, after all."
"If your father is still alive, you should try to find him," Asami said with sincerity. "I wish I could spend more time with my father. I always wish we had a better relationship before he passed."
"Screw 'em," Shang said bitterly. "Man was a rambling psychotic. He's probably better off dead. You can't spend too much time worrying about those who've already gone to the other side."
"I guess you're right," Asami sighed. She rose from her seat, putting down her glass. The room spun slowly around her, and her stomach felt heavy. "I think I might call it a night. We have a long day ahead of us."
"Goodnight! Don't let the killer robots bite!" Varrick called as Asami slowly made her ways back to her quarters. The wine began to catch up with her, which was only worsened by the fact that she was on a constantly moving airship. By the time she made to back to her quarters, she felt like the weight of the world was pressing against her scalp. She lowered herself into bed and wrapped the covers tightly around her shoulders. She knew drinking was going to be a mistake; she was absolutely terrible with alcohol. But, she felt like she needed any relief possible from the stress. The airship was like a flying prison, and her room was her personal jail cell. She only hoped that Korra was having a much better time than she was.
"Thank you for waiting until the school day ended to talk," Illu said half-heartedly. "Although, I'm not exactly sure why you couldn't have just waited to see me during the weekend or any other time I would be available."
"Sorry," said Korra. "I didn't know where you lived, and I wanted to see you as soon as possible. I hope I didn't cause too much trouble."
"You damn near gave me a heart attack," Illu bemoaned. "Did they never teach you not to walk up to random children in Avatar school?"
"I actually never really knew other kids when I was being trained. I was kept in isolation in the Southern Water Tribe."
"Was that to make you more able to focus on your bending or your spiritual training?"
"Actually, it was because a secret terrorist organization tried to kidnap me when I was young," Korra explained nonchalantly. "But I think we're getting off topic."
The pair headed west as they walked the street of Republic City, the ever-present glow of the spirit portal serving as their only light source as the sun settled down beneath the horizon. Korra did not necessarily mind waiting for Illu to finish her after-school activities, as long as she was willing to speak. Yet, when she approached her with the questions about her sister, Illu quickly gave a grunt and turned her head.
"I know you're curious about my sister," she said discouragingly, "but we haven't spoken in years. I don't think you'll get anything you want to know."
"It's not just about getting information," Korra explained. "It's part of a healing process. Hopefully, you'll be able to find peace in her loss."
"Trust me, I'm not shaken up. When I used to speak with Ami, I only remember how much of a brat she was. She was the kind of person who everyone loved for being so perky and cute, even though to me, she always seemed like the most irritating person on the planet. She had so many friends that she thought she was above the rest of us 'normal folk'. The last words she ever said to me were, 'Don't wait for me in the Spirit World. Unlike you, I'm living forever.'"
"Was there any other reason she decided to break off contact? When exactly did this happen?"
"About five years ago. I have no idea why she did it other than what I just told you."
"Maybe she got involved with a bad crowd?" Korra suggested.
"She was a theater student. Unless you think she was murdered by a bunch of drama kids…"
"I see your point," Korra said with a nod. "So you don't know anyone who would actively try to hurt her?"
"None that I know about," Illu restated bitterly. "I didn't have control over everyone she met, you know."
"Of course," Korra said, pursing her lips. "What else can you tell me about her? Is there any place she liked to go often? Something she said that might have hurt someone? Would you describe her as particularly envious by any chance?"
"I don't know, Avatar," Illu said more harshly. "Really, I've barely known her these past few years. I don't think that anything I say will help you find the person who did this to her. And before you say otherwise, I don't need help getting over it. My son might, but I don't."
"Son?" Korra asked with interest. "You didn't mention you had a child."
"I thought you would have already known, given how you've been stalking me," Illu said distastefully. "Lee's been pretty shaken up ever since died. He used to visit her a lot when he was younger. They used to be really close." Illu paused, and grit her teeth. "He's been through so much. The last thing he needed was you threatening him in front of the entire school."
Many things ran through Korra's mind: being called a stalker, hearing of a child's grief, letting the victim deny help. Yet, as she processed the information, her concern grew to revelation, and her revelation grew into anger.
"Your kid…" she muttered, jutting a finger into Illu's face, much to the teacher's surprise. "That was your kid who was bullying Masaki! He nearly beat that poor child half to death!"
Illu swatted the finger away, only to be met with a forceful glare from bridge between two worlds. "I'm fully aware of my son's actions. He's under a lot of duress at the moment, and he shouldn't be held fully accountable. His bad behavior is just a cry for help, and I'm doing my best to prevent it."
"Clearly, you aren't," stated Korra. "This isn't just some isolated incident. According to Masaki, this has been going on for months, or even years. Lee didn't seem like he was used to being reprimanded for his actions, when it should have been drilled into his head by you long ago. The kid needs punishment. I shouldn't be the one who has to explain this to you."
"Then why are you so insistent in getting involved?" Illu asked defensively. "You barely know anything about Masaki's problems, you don't know anything about Lee's problems, and you know absolutely nothing about my problems, so why bother focusing on this when there is a whole world's worth of other problems to solve?"
"Because I have a problem with people use their powers to hurt others," Korra said passionately. "It doesn't matter if it's a dictator abusing a nation or one child picking on another. I just won't sit by and watch as the person who can do something does nothing at all."
"How noble of you, Korra," Illu said mockingly. "But maybe you should focus more on the dictators than on how I raise my own child."
"And maybe you should focus more on being a better mother," Korra said with equal distain.
Illu scowled, and turned away. "I think I've had enough of you insulting my family today. If you don't mind, I'm going to go home, and take care of my son… something you will never get the happiness of knowing."
The teacher stormed away without a word, and Korra resented her as she left. She considered that she might have come across too harshly, but cast off her doubts after a few moments. She also considered following her, given how she essentially learned nothing, but realized that she did not want to give the accusation of being a stalker any basis in reality. Besides, her job for Lin was complete. Feeling more dejected than before, Korra began the long trek back to her home, as the darkness cast its great shadow upon the city.
At the very least, being in the older section of the city meant that there were less people around. Korra could actually hear herself think, which allowed her to mull over what she would tell the police chief about her lack of information. Lin hardly expected much of her, so she probably wouldn't be too disappointed, but Korra was seeking more than that. As someone whose entire purpose in life was to help people, it stung that she could not do any more with what she had been given. She had the sneaking suspicion that the moment she told Lin that she learned nothing of value, she would be told to go home and wait for Mako to find the Hanzi Killer. And, while she bore no discriminatory feelings towards her old boyfriend, it was hardly a comforting thought. Korra needed a way to force her way back into the action, and she needed it soon, before something even worse than a nail through the intestines happened. The worst scenario would be if Lin only let her join because another victim's bloody body was found lying in the streets.
Blood. Victim. Pain.
Korra stopped dead in her tracks, and turned sharply to her left. An overwhelming sense of nurturing overcame her, and before she knew what was happening, her legs carried her out of the inner city, through the darkened alleyways, and directly into Avatar Korra Park. She walked swiftly along the barely visible path, drawing closer to the heart of the peaceful reserve. After passing by a small bench and a hungry squirrel, Korra came face-to-face with her own stone reflection, mounted atop its great pedestal, a young boy sat squarely beneath it.
"Hey," Korra called out gently. Masaki's head turned sharply, his eyes wide with surprise. "I thought I might find you here. You have a minute to talk?"
Masaki nodded. Korra took a seat next to him, and rested her elbows on her knees. Masaki sat with his legs crossed, occasionally casting a wistful gaze up at the statue. A thick, white bandage covered his nose.
"How are you feeling?" Korra asked.
"Alright," he said plainly, smiling pleasantly. "The healer said that my face should be all fixed up in a few days."
"That's good to hear. Hopefully, they'll leave you alone."
"I'll make them. I won't let Lee push me around anymore," Masaki said with determination. "The next time he tries to start something, I'll assert myself, like you said. I don't care if Miss Satori tries to get in my way, either."
"You know about Illu's… I mean Miss Satori's problems?"
"She's no help at all. No matter what I say to her, she never tries to stop Lee from attacking me. But now, it doesn't matter what she thinks. I'll fight back so hard that Lee will never even look at me ever again."
Korra smiled. "I hope you do, but don't go actively seeking trouble. I had a chat with Miss Satori myself, and hopefully she'll teach Lee some manners. But if he continues to bother you, don't be afraid to fight back."
"Right," Masaki responded with a large grin. He looked back at the statue, and sat silently as Korra watched him. His grin consumed half of his face, and Korra leaned in closer.
"Um, Masaki," she said cautiously, "if you don't mind me asking… why do you always smile so much?"
Masaki thought for a long moment, wondering whether to be offended or not, before finally stating, "Birth defect. When I was born, the umbilical cord was wrapped around my head. The doctors told my mom that the lack of oxygen caused nerve damage in my face. Even when I'm angry or upset, my face always keeps smiling."
"Is that why they keep bullying you? Because you can't stop?"
"I can stop," Masaki clarified. "It just hurts a lot. Besides, I think it makes me look happier."
And a bit creepier, Korra thought instantly. She buried the thought, and smiled right back at him. "That's a very optimistic way of looking at things."
"It was something my mom taught me," he said earnestly. "She taught me a lot of good things."
"You never really talked about your parents," Korra wondered aloud. "I mean, they can't be totally comfortable with letting you stay out this late."
"They're fine with it. I don't like talking about myself too much," Masaki said quickly. He hurriedly changed the subject. "Thanks for checking up on me, Korra. It's good to have a friend like you."
"It's good to have a friend like you, too," Korra said. Instinctively, she reached over and pulled the young boy into a hug. It was very brief, and he did not return the favor, but she could tell that he appreciated the gesture.
"But you did lie to me, though," Masaki added while in the embrace.
"What?"
"When we were talking last time, you said that your relationships were complicated. But you're wearing an engagement ring, and I heard you're marrying that business woman. That doesn't sound very complicated."
"Clearly, you are too young to understand marriage then," Korra joked, and gently pushed the child away. "Get back home, Masaki. I'm sure your mother is worried sick."
"Okay, I'll go," Masaki sighed contently. He walked back in the direction of the park bench, before turning back one last time, and with the same positivity, shouted, "Be careful out there, Avatar! You never know what psychopaths you could run into!"
Korra watched him fade into the darkness, significantly less-disturbed than when she first met the boy. She considered walking him home, but figured that it might be rather difficult to explain to a mother why a strange, muscular woman was walking alone with her son. Korra instead continued eastward towards the bay, where she longed for a decent meal and a hot bath. She exited the park and moved hastily through the last few city blocks. She bounded around one of the last street corners, still thinking of ways to convince Lin to let her stay on the case.
And then, she spotted two figures conversing in the shadows nearby, and darted back behind cover. A sense of dread washed over her as she poked her head out behind the buildings for another look. Illu Satori was hunched over, casting around nervous glances while a larger, bearded man spoke to her. Even from meters away, Korra could make out remnants of their conversation.
"Come on, Illu," said the man. "You can't leave us hanging like this. We need you."
"Tell your boss that I'm out," she said defiantly. "That's not who I am anymore."
"Stop lying to yourself, girl. We have to look out for each other, 'cause there aren't too many of us left."
"I have my own things to deal with. Very personal things. I wish I could help, but it isn't going to happen. I can't risk something like that, especially after what happened to Ami."
"Well, just think it over," insisted the bearded man. "The boss has a big plan going forward. I wouldn't want you to suffer the consequences for not being involved."
"I will," Illu groaned. "You've been a good friend, Yao. I'll see you around."
Korra slipped back into the shadows as the two parted ways. A hundred questions ran through her mind. Boss? Plan? Ami? Whatever was going on, one thing was readily apparent:
Illu Satori was hiding something.