Hello everyone, welcome back to another chapter. I hope you guys are ready for this. Let's get started.
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DCDGojira: Thanks as always. I'm glad you enjoy it.
Austin: Surely Tenzin was happy when Shen saved Jinora and I'm a bit disappointed in myself for not portraying that after you pointed it out. I do plan on certain over the top moments like that but not on that level but we'll see.
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BOOK 1 CHAPTER 6: Love and Threats
"I like you Shen."
Shen immediately took his hands out of Korra's grasp. Bolin did say to act surprise when Korra confesses but Shen wasn't. He slowly blinked to bring himself back into reality. Korra fiddled with her fingers and her eyes just zoomed all over the place except the boy of her affections.
"Are you serious Avatar Korra?"
The Avatar rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Of course I'm serious. I wouldn't be embarrassing myself like this if I'm not. Have some common sense, Shen. Dear spirits." She hide her face in her hands in hoping it would hide the blush on her face.
Shen fidgeted a bit in his spot. "Umm. I thought you have a crush on Mako?"
"I did. I admitted that. Even up to gala, I still like Mako but after you saved me from Amon. I feel like this connection between us. My heart felt light and beat faster every time I reminded myself that you promised to be my shield. You were there for me since the beginning. Sure, your constant admiration is a bit turn off at times but I hope we could be equals soon enough."
"Avatar Korra, I…"
Korra smacked her hand into Shen's face.
"Nope. Stop right there. First thing first, drop the 'Avatar Korra' thing. It's annoying. Second, you don't have to say anything right now. Think this through alright?"
"Sure thing."
Korra stretched her arms and let out a loud exhale. "Wow. That was something. Glad to finally get it out there. Eh?" Korra playfully nudged Shen's chest with her elbow.
Shen did not respond and only smiled awkwardly at her, which she returned one back at him.
"Okay. Let's get back in there. Our food's getting cold. Come on. You got to try the Steam Artic Hen Salad. It's great."
Korra was almost at the door when Shen gripped her hand and pulled her into an embrace.
"S...Shen…?"
"I like you too. Korra."
For some unknown reason, hearing him calling her name on its own was enough to trigger multiple emotions within her. She's happy that he's acknowledging her as a person rather than a highly figure. She's angry that it took him this long to see her as a friend and equal. Sadness erupted when she dare to think what would happen if anything happened to him.
"Will you…"
"Will you be my boyfriend?" Korra beat him to it. Shen raised a brow as Korra put on her best 'Avatar smug face'. They chuckled a bit before Korra gave Shen a small kiss on his nose.
"Two can play at that game." Shen proceed to kiss her forehead.
"Want to wrestle with me, Mr. Xiang?" Korra suggested.
"I rather take it slow first."
"Fine by me." Korra laughed before they slowly capture each other's lips. It was warm and sweet. Korra wrapped her arms around Shen's head and he returned it by wrapping his around her torso and pulling her closer to him.
They enjoyed this interaction very much. For the first time in their lives, they felt whole. The moonlight shined down upon them, as if it too celebrating the newly formed couple.
"Shen? Shen? Shen! Wake up!"
Shen burst from his slumber and fell flat onto his face. He looked up and saw a very displeased Talah looking at him.
"Mother? What is it?"
"You asking me? Korra is downstairs, waiting for you. I thought you two are going to meet up with your friends today." Talah shook her head. "It's not nice to keep anyone waiting like this, especially your girlfriend. I can't believe my son is dating the Avatar!"
Shen covered his ears to protect his precious eardrums from his mother excited squealing. It was a few days since he and Korra started dating and Shen's parents were among the first to know. They were happy for their son for finding love. They officially accepted Korra into the family.
Korra on the other hand happily told him that she will introduced him to her parents, Tonraq and Senna when they go to the Southern Water Tribe to enjoy the Glacier Spirits Festival later that year. This has put Shen in a nervous wreck at the thought of meeting Korra's parents.
Tenzin needed a bit of persuasion from literally everyone to approve of Korra's and Shen's relationship especially from Pema, who threaten to unearth their almost forbidden relationship to everyone. He gave in after convinced that it would not get in the way of Korra's Avatar training.
The only people that doesn't know are their friends. Today, they decided to tell them that. Coincidently, Asami called them all to meet her somewhere.
Shen shot up and saw the time on his table-side clock. 8.15 p.m.? They agreed yesterday that they would meet up at 8.30. Shen quickly went into the showers.
"I'll tell her to wait." Talah exited the room. "Don't make this a strike one Shen. She's a keeper you know."
After dressed, he ran downstairs.
"Bye Mother. Bye Father."
"Be careful out there Shen." Bilan shouted from kitchen.
"Take her somewhere nice for lunch as an apology!" Talah shouted as well.
Shen ran out the door and almost ran into Korra, who was petting Naga. The Avatar was taken off guard by his sudden appearance.
"Good morning Korra. I'm sorry I'm late."
"That's okay. I'm surprised that you overslept. You usually more punctual than me."
"Yeah. I was up late reading."
'I can't really say I'm had a dream about us kissing.'
"Sure you do." Korra rolled her eyes. She moved forward and kissed Shen on the lips. She took a step back and the two just standing there, blushing.
"Still need some time to get used to that." Shen admitted.
"A little bit. Yeah."
The two smitten teen would be standing there all day long if not for Naga barked and nuzzled in between them.
"You're right Naga. Let's go. Hop on."
Shen and Korra mounted on the polar bear dog and Shen, with still awkwardness, put his arms around Korra's waist with a tight hug, surprising her.
Korra smirked and turned around. "You seem to get comfortable quite fast there buddy."
"As much I wanted to joke around Korra. I'm more scared for my life right now."
Korra laughed wholeheartedly before giving Naga the dreadful order.
"Let's go Naga!"
Naga sprinted onto the street with little to no care about the surrounding cars. Shen hold on tight as Naga zigzagged across the street. Korra was laughing while Shen just prayed they didn't crash into anything.
Asami, Bolin and Mako waited outside one of Future Industries warehouses. Asami and Mako chatted happily while Bolin sat with Pabu on a box nearby. Bolin looked around, angrily crossed his arms.
"Where are they? I'm hungry. I still haven't my breakfast."
Mako turned to his annoying brother, "We ALL haven't our breakfast. We did promised to get it together after Asami showed us something."
"Can't it wait till later? You know? After breakfast?"
Asami put her hands together in apology, "Sorry about this Bolin but I want to do this before most of the workers are here. To avoid too many questions. Oh there they are."
Naga came in like a wind. She stopped right in front of them.
"Morning guys." Korra happily jumped off while Shen slowly and wobbly walked away from the huge white moving fur. "So, what are we here for Asami?"
"This. Ladies and gentleman. I give the newest motorcycle model of Future Industries."
Asami pressed the button on the side of the warehouse and the door opened up. Inside the almost empty warehouse, was a single motorcycle. It was black in color and look similar to the police motorcycles except this one was higher at the back and lower at the front, forcing the rider to lean forward. A single headlight and a windshield on the front.
"Holy spirits!" Bolin ran to it and immediately get on it.
"Oh yeah baby. I could see it now. Ladies, be careful because Bolin's coming for you."
"Bo, get off of that." Mako pulled Bolin away from the vehicle.
Korra whistled at the beauty, "Wow Asami. This is a nice ride. Almost different from the current models on the market."
Shen nodded and went in to take a closer look. "But, why are you showing it to us?"
"Easy. Because it is yours Shen."
"WHAT!?"
Bolin ran over and pushed Shen aside, out of Asami's view. "Wait a minute, why are you giving it to Shen?"
Shen ran back into Asami's view, "Yeah. Why are you giving it to me?"
Before she could answer, Korra spun Asami around to face her. "Yeah. What's the catch here future Misses Hat-Trick?"
Mako pulled his girlfriend away from their three questioning mob of friends, "Calm down you guys. Asami will explain."
"Thanks Mako. As you all may know, Shen's been fighting as Agito for quite some time. A few weeks ago, I saw how Shen ran out of the gala. I knew that he must be going to confront the evil spirits. With a stroke of luck, the attack was quite near and he returned after half an hour."
Korra starting to get annoyed at this girl for eyeing her boyfriend even when Shen wasn't back then. "What's your point Asami?"
"She's getting there Korra." Mako told her.
"So, I asked myself. What would happened if the problem wasn't so near? I'm sure that would be problematic for him. So, a little string pulling and tada, I got the newest and latest motorcycle model that still not available on the market just for him. What do you think Shen?"
Shen turned to his friends for assistance but only got an envious look from Bolin and a deadpan look from Korra. Clearly none will be coming from them. Asami's eyes currently filled with hope and sparkles.
"I don't know whether I could take this Asami. This motorcycle must be very expensive. I don't have the money…"
Mako cut him off, "What part of 'giving' don't you understand? She's giving it to you. For free." He explained as Asami nodded.
"But why? You don't have a reason to…"
"I have my reasons Shen. You are Agito that fought the evil spirits for the people's safety. There's nothing more noble than that. It is you that have no reason to fight but you did it anyway. To counter your statement, I wish nothing more than to help you keep doing what you did. That's the least I could do."
"Wow. If you put it that way. I'll do my best to protect this city."
He walked over to the motorcycle and sat on it. The grip felt good and it was at the right size. Not too big or too small. Korra quickly seated behind him.
"Come on. Ride. I want you to take me somewhere nice."
"Korra. Please. I'm still new at this."
"Wait? Korra? Since when Shen call her that?" Bolin questioned.
The two teen on the motorcycle began to look worried. They lose the element of surprise and now on the defensive. Abort! Fission Mailed! They turned to each other and need a quick distraction.
"Asami. Where's the keys?"
"Oh no. You two not going to change the subject." Asami kept the keys away from Shen's reach. "Spill it you two. What change?"
Shen looked at Korra and the girl just shrugged.
"Korra and I got together?"
The two of them prepared for the worst but they were tackled by their friends. Bolin was the most expressive as he cried river of tears as he hugged Shen tightly. Asami pressured Korra to tell her everything while Mako just pat Shen on the back.
"Make sure you take good care of her Shen. She might be the Avatar but she's still fragile."
"Hey. I heard that Bolin." Korra called out.
"Now Korra. I met a lot a guys like Shen. He might be shy at first but the moment you gave them the green light to advance, you better watch out." Asami smirked.
Korra immediately blushed and shook Asami's shoulders. "You make it sound like I want to seduce him."
"Don't you?"
"Sure but not now. Damn it."
Asami fondly looked at her female friend. "Oh Korra. You're so cute when you're thinking about boys. A lovesick Avatar Korra."
"Shut up." Korra grabbed the keys from Asami's hands. "I'm taking this."
Asami smiled as she stared at Korra argued with Bolin who gets to ride with Shen first.
After breakfast, they went on their separate ways. Bolin and Mako got a part time job while Asami needed back home to help her dad. Korra and Shen currently raced each other towards Air Temple Island.
Shen gripped the handle and gave his motorcycle a nice rev. He managed to get ahead of Korra and smirked at her slowly disappearing image from his rearview mirror.
He turned the last corner and could see the ferry station from there. A dark figure covered him and he was surprised to see Naga materialized out of an alleyway. She flew over him and landed in front to secure the victory.
"Yeah. Another victory to the Avatar."
"Yeah. Yeah. You only won because the Machine Tornador decided to keep on the main street unlike somebody."
Korra looked at him, "Machine Tornador?"
"That's what I call my ride. Nice huh?" Shen lovingly patted the windshield.
Korra frowned and poked Shen's chest. "You name it after the one element I could not bend?"
"Ummmm." Shen was lost of words and just waved his hands around.
Instead berate at him, Korra chuckled and kissed him on the lips.
"You're lucky you're cute, Shen. By the way, are you sure that you want to stay for my Airbending training? It might be boring."
"Of course. I always interested in learning about the cultures of an Air Nomad. Plus, I want to see 'Airbending Master Tenzin' in action."
The first thirty minutes was a meditation segment. The airbending children, Korra and Shen sat in front of Tenzin and they meditated. Shen had lost track of time after a few minutes. He was relaxed as he ever been in his life. He was so relax that he felt slight vibration next to him. He peeked and 'felt' small vibration from Korra.
He took a deep breath and let it out. Slowly, the vibration cease to exist and Korra entered a more relax state.
After that was the Airbending stances training. Korra stood in the middle of a Ying Yang symbol and do Airbending stances as Tenzin monitored her.
Shen sat at the stairs next to Jinora.
"Is that your new motorcycle Shen?" She pointed at the vehicle parked nearby.
"Yup. Looks nice huh?"
Jinora nodded with excitement, "Very. That's must've been expensive."
Shen smiled at her, "Well, between us, it's more like an investment from a friend."
"Woah. That's nice. You're lucky Shen."
Shen smiled did not fade for a bit as he talked to Jinora. They did put the incident on their 'date' behind them and they became closer friends because of it. Jinora make it clear that she still have some admiration for Shen even though the romantic part had disappeared for quite some time.
"Shen. I want to thank you again for saving me. You're my hero. I wish I could find a nice guy like you."
"No need to thank me Jinora. It was my duty to protect everyone."
Jinora wanted to hear something along the line that he solely wanting to protect her but that's too much. He's dating Korra now and Jinora was happy for them. The two people she saw as an older brother and sister finally end up together. That, and she got 20 Yuan from Ikki and Meelo out of a bet how long for the two to get together.
"Korra. Why are you so stiff today? You're not relax at all." Tenzin told his student.
"I'm sorry. I'm not in the best state of mind today."
"Is this about Amon? Did he make himself known lately?"
Korra waved her hand, denying the claim. "No. It's not Amon, Tenzin. It's just one of those days that I felt like I should see some improvement but there's none, so I got a little depress."
"I see your point and I could relate. I was like that from time to time when I was learning Airbending from Avatar Aang. Maybe we should call it a day for today."
"What? No. I promised to do better Tenzin."
"Relax Korra. I'm not mad. I know better now to force someone continue doing something without their heart in it. Right now, I want you to relax a little. Maybe that could at least, get rid of the stiffness."
Korra sighed and gave Tenzin a bow, "Thank you for today's lesson Tenzin."
Tenzin returned it and walked back to the house with Jinora following him. Korra accepted a water bottle from Shen and drank it as she sat next to him.
"Sorry you have to see that. I wasn't in my best state."
"It's okay Korra. Everyone gone through it once in a while, but I do realized that you're a bit stress out just now. Anything you want to share?"
Korra chugged down some more water, "It's like what I said, I feel like flipping out that I'm not going anywhere with my training. I still can't make a small breeze, the tournament final is coming up soon, Amon is still out there and now I'm making a fool of myself in front of my boyfriend."
Shen laughed as Korra waterbend some of the bottle's content to his face.
"It's not funny Shen. I'm dead serious."
"I know Korra but Tenzin right. Why don't you try to relax yourself for today? Too many things going on might cause the stress. What do you usually do when you're stress and want to relax?"
"Umm I like riding on Naga but even I don't feel like doing that right now."
Shen nodded and stood up.
"I know what we could do. It's sort of my favorite thing to do to relief some load off my shoulders. Come with me."
Shen lead Korra to a small secluded location on the island. The trees are bigger there and the branches and leaves are lusher than the ones on other parts of the island.
Korra looked around and smirked at her boyfriend. "Wow. I never thought you had it in you. Asami was right, let you take the lead and you take me to a nice secluded place."
Either Korra's teasing didn't get through him or he kept it hidden well, Shen just smiled.
"Nah. It's too early for that. Maybe after the finals? As a reward? From me too you?"
Now it's Korra's turn to blush, "Hey! You can't teased me! I'm supposed to tease you! What are we supposed to do here anyway?"
"This." Shen located a small patch of empty grass and lied down there. "Come join me."
Korra did just that and the two just laid down on their backs and looked up into the bright blue sky.
"The sky looks so nice." Korra admitted. "How come I never notice it before?"
"Maybe you're too busy focus on achieving things instead of the things around you Korra."
Korra turned sideways and Shen did the same. Now the two face each other. "What do you mean?"
"From my point of view, since the first day I met you. You're always up and about doing something to fulfill your 'Avatar Destiny', to the point of you being stretched out in different directions by different people."
"Of course. That's my duty." Korra defended.
"Yes they are but when the last time you do something you want that doesn't involving impressing others besides Pro-Bending?"
"I haven't thought of that. But, people keep telling me that they expecting great things from me."
"That's true but I think it's those guys misinterpreted what great means. For me, being great is not being stubborn, loud or able to beat opponents in less than a minute but it's able to stand up to the tide when it arises."
"It's that basically the same?" Korra frowned.
"A little bit. Yeah. What I'm trying so say is…"
"I get it Shen. I need to know how to take better care of myself. Mentally at least. To think I'm this way because of overthinking."
"It's okay to think but sometimes it's good to slow down and just stay still for a moment." Shen rests his hands under his head and looked up to the sky.
"So, what are we doing?"
"Nothing. Just relax."
"So, you brought me her to meditate again?"
"Hmmm. Not really. Meditating, despite not doing anything, we still need to focus our spiritual energy in some way. That's what I got from practice this morning. Now, we really let loose and let stay still."
Korra was beginning to worry about Shen as he talked about weird things like staying still like meditating but not meditating at the same time. She was about to argue when a small breeze brushed against her body. It was very light and hardly noticeable but it fell very soothing.
"It's sure is windy today."
Shen closed his eyes, "It's been breezy since morning Korra. Notice how Councilman Tenzin's robe moved slightly every so often during your training earlier?"
"I didn't realized that." Another breeze came over them. "There it is again. It feel so nice and cool. First the sky and now the breeze? How come I never notice it before?"
"Nice isn't it? See what you could sense when you're not rushing everywhere?"
Korra closed her eyes and felt the earth beneath her. The solid ground and the short grasses all around her that felt kind of nice against her clothes and skin. That alongside the breeze and the beautiful blue sky was just perfection.
"This is so nice. Just chilling and be one with our surroundings. Thanks for bringing me here Shen. Shen?"
Korra prompted her body up with her arms to see Shen had already fallen asleep. Korra scoffed at the sight.
"Nice to see you're relaxing at least."
Korra noticed that the sun rays shined directly onto her boyfriend's face. She got up and pulled some of the nearby branches closer to them, covering the young warrior's face with the shades.
She laid back down, closer to him. Korra found his left hand and held it firmly. She quickly planted a light kiss on his cheeks before feeling a bit drowsy herself.
"I love you Shen."
With that, the Avatar fell into a slumber of her own.
Detective Yaozun wrote into his notebook as he sat in his car parked at the side of the road. His partner, Detective Shou was outside. He was talking to a police officer as two more exited a shop, dragging a man tied with metal cords around his wrist.
"I'm innocent. You cannot prove anything."
Shou scoffed and pulled out a roll of paper. He smacked lightly the man's head with it. "Nice try but we got this notes and invoices how the Equalist had supplied you with posters and your shop act as an Equalist meeting spot for the last few months. I believe we can prove it."
The man growled as Shou just smirked and shook his head. "Stop this tomfoolery and cough up."
"Cough up? Sure." The man proceed to spit into Shou's face, causing the officers to aggressively pulled him away.
"You all will be sorry! Amon will get every single one of you and he'll take away your bending! We all will be equal at last!" The man screamed as he was shoved into a police car.
Yaozun finished his notes and walked towards Shou.
"I saw that. Bad luck to be you." Yaozun joked.
"Yeah. You won't be laughing if this landed on you. Ugh, I need a shower. Where to next?"
"Back to the station. Got word Chief Beifong said she got some news on the evil spirits from a new source."
They drove back to the station and meet up in Chief Beifong's office. They woman was going through a file as the two walked in.
"Detectives. Glad you could make it."
"Sure thing Chief." Shou casually answered.
"Now, Yaozun. Shou. I need you two to go through this file and figure out a strategy for us to handle on this matter. If anything in this file to be believe we're in deeper problem than we initially thought."
She offered him the same file she read just now. Inside was a bunch of notes with almost unreadable scraggly handwriting, as if it was written in a hurry. Inside was also a small map of a certain area of Republic City. On the map, some more notes written on it. Tucked underneath the papers was dozens of pictures clipped onto the file. The pictures were quite dark and the figure in it was hard to make out but they have an odd shape for a human. This only means one thing…
"Chief. Is this…?"
"It's information on where some of our informants had managed to gather on what supposedly sightings of those evil spirits all around the city and even outside of the borders of Republic City, in the Earth Kingdom."
"I'll make sure to handle this."
"Don't be a fool Detective. I'm not about to send out two men against of dozens of evil spirits. There aren't any attacks in quite a while. Either they stopped or…"
"Those guys are planning something big. Boom." Shou smiled and slapped Yaozun's back.
"I wouldn't joke around if I were you Detective Shou. The council as usually did not care much about the spirits. Whenever I brought it up, Tarrlok would continue to bring up how Agito is doing a fine job protecting the city thus far."
"He's going to use Agito as the fall guy if Shen mess up."
"Exactly. Just like he used the Council. I don't have any opinion of Agito or the boy at the moment, but to be put in that position unknowingly by the council made me feel a bit bad for him. Detective, make sure you rely this message to the boy, subtly of course. We don't want to stress him out. Also, to remind the Avatar as well. I have fear she might be targeted by Tarrlok as well."
"Will do Chief." Shou replied.
"Make sure it stays between us five for now. We're one order away from treason. Thank you for coming. Return to you duties. Dismiss."
The two saluted and Chief Beifong returned it. The two left and returned to the road.
Shou sighed as he looked out of the window. "Can't believe Tarrlok's being such a bully. He's practically egging people on and just waiting for them to slip on a banana peel. Figuratively for his ego and literally for his amusement."
"There's no deny that he wants more power and influence but in every set of councilman, there's always one or two that sticks out than the rest."
Shou nodded. "Hmm. In this case it's him and Tenzin. Those two always busting heads. The Earth and Fire representatives? Those two are more silent than my grandmamma, and she's dead."
"What surprises me more is that Chief Beifong is asking us to do something that seems going against the council. Never thought I see the day." Yaozun lightly tapped his temple out of disbelief.
"The Chief begin to gain soft spots for the Agito and the Avatar. I knew she would. Who could hate those two? They looked like a likable pair. You seem to be fond of them in some way."
"Wh...What…do you mean Shou?"
"Come on Yaozun. It's obvious. You have massive respect for those two."
Yaozun coughed at the statement. "Of course I do. To be able to carry out a huge responsibility at such a young age is very admirable."
"Is that all?" Shou poked his partner's cheeks.
Yaozun returned the gesture by pushing Shou's hands away. "Yes, that is all."
"Come on Yaozy. Tell me the truth."
"That is the truth. How do you know my police academy nickname anyway?"
The two continue to have random conversations about their daily lives. Yaozun was surprised how many dark secrets Shou knew about the members of their stations, making him more weary of his partner that might have more dirt on him.
Their journey to Air Temple Island was fast and they found themselves sitting in front of Shen and Korra at the dining hall.
"I'm surprised to see you here Shen. Got business with Councilman Tenzin?"
"No Detective. Just wanted to witness Airbending training first hand but someone was not in the mood today."
"Hey, give me a break. There's so much stuff on my plate right now." Korra scoffed.
"I know. I know Korra. Don't get too riled up or that stress will come back."
Shou stared at the two and leaned in closer to his partner. "These two seems closer for some reason. 100 Yuan I say their dating."
"I'm not playing such a childish game. There's nothing strange about a boy and a girl being close as friends."
"Is that what that girl rejected you at Fire Nation Police Academy said to you? Oh Yaozy…"
Korra cut in their conversation, "What are you doing here Detective? You want to see Tenzin? A bad time I say. He's just left for a meeting at the council."
"Oh no Avatar Korra. I'm here to see you and Shen. There's something we need to tell you."
"Yeah. Big adult stuff. You kids will appreciate this." Shou snickered.
"What is this about?" Korra questioned him.
"It's a bout Tarrlok."
Shen crossed his arms in annoyance with just mentioning the guy's name. "What about him?"
"A little advice for you two to be aware off. Multiple sightings of the evil spirits have been sighted in various time and locations. Some were even sighted in the Earth Kingdom."
Shen was surprised and greeted his teeth. He's been all love struck while those evil spirits were out there?
"You two might realized that they haven't been attacking for quite some time. We afraid that it might be gathering strength for whatever they might be planning. This has become a serious threat to the city and we asked the council to relay some resources to repel the evil spirits on our own to some degree."
Shen shot Yaozun a look. "I thought fighting the spirits was my duty?"
"It is kid." Shou pulled out a cigarette. "May I?"
Korra shook her head, "No smoking in here."
"Fair enough." Shou put it back in the box and into his pocket. "You still will fight. It's just, the police, clueless as we are, we're not going to sit back while you get all the action."
Yaozun nodded and proceed, "So, when we asked the council, Tarrlok was very outspoken about it."
"Figures. That guy will have a mountain sized ego." Korra rolled her eyes. "What did he say?"
Shou drink his tea. "He said along the line of 'Agito's doing a wonderful job. Let him handle the spirits while the Avatar and I will handle the Equalist and hog the glory. If Agito mess up in any way, then I'll help while tarnishing his good name in the process because the people seems to like him for some reason, but in reality everyone should admire me and only me. All hail Emperor Tarrlok.' I'm paraphrasing by the way."
"What? Tarrlok's going to blame Shen if he mess up?" Korra slammed her hands on the table.
Shen pulled his girlfriend back down. "Calm down Korra. I'm sure Detective Shou is just exaggerating. Right Detective Yaozun?"
"As much as I want to say 'yes' but Detective Shou wasn't too far off. Tarrlok will put everything on you in some way and will bring you down as a way of saying 'I'm the only savior this city needs' and 'Don't get in my way'."
"Urgh. That guy a pain the butt. Who does that guy think he is? The next time I meet him, I'm gonna…"
Korra didn't get to finish when Yaozun stopped her.
"I understand your anger Avatar Korra but right now we mustn't let Tarrlok realize that we're on to him. What Tarrlok's doing is not entirely malice. He's a politician being a politician, but the way he's willing to step on others to get to the top is despicable."
"I never knew my appearance put me in the antagonistic light in Tarrlok's eyes. I feel like I want to meet up and set things straight between us."
"Woah there kid. That's nice and dandy and all but that's not going to solve anything. That's would only get him more riled up. It's as if you're looking down on him."
"What I'm suggesting the two of you is to be weary of Tarrlok from now on. Don' trust him entirely and be cautious what he offered you. Unless he shows signs of betterment, we need to be on guard. Especially you Avatar Korra. You're still with him on the task force."
"I understand. I never like the guy but he's my only way to Amon back then and now I know better. Thanks for telling us this."
"Don't thank us. Thank Chief Beifong." Shou laughed. "She ordered us to make sure the two of you well-equipped with the info."
Korra's face turned sour a bit but sighed. "Sure. Tell her we say thanks."
The door slide open and an Air Acolyte brought over some rice, seaweed and vegetables.
"Oh. Rice Rolls. It's been a while since I had these." Yaozun was happy to be greeted with food.
"Please help yourself Detectives. These vegetables are fresh from the garden." Korra told him as Shen picked a slice of seaweed and place some rice and vegetables on it. He wrapped it tight and dipped it in soy sauce.
Yaozun did the same and almost took a bite when he immediately dropped it on the table as he caught a glimpse of Shen hand feed his Rice Rolls to Korra. The Avatar giggled and took a bite of it.
Shou's laughter roared in the hall as he holding his stomach in pain. "Pay up Yaozy!"
Yaozun was in deep frozen state.
Shen saw this and cursed that he completely forgotten that the detectives were present. "Yeah. Korra and I got together a few days ago."
"Surprise?" Korra squeaked out.
Yaozun got up and look frantically around the room. "Where's the bathroom?"
Shen blinked and tried to make sense of this predicament he's in. Detective Yaozun asked for the bathroom and immediately pulled him and Detective Shou in as well. He's now with the two detectives standing inside the medium sized bathroom. Shou was smirking from ear to ear and tried to hold in a laugh as Yaozun was standing in the corner, ashamed of himself.
"Detective?"
"Yeah?"
"Why did you brought me and Detective Shou in here with you?"
"Yeah, Yaozy. For the last time, I'm not into this kind of stuff."
"I'm sorry. I panicked and want someplace private to talk and bathroom was the first thing I thought of."
Shen scratched his head, "We could just go outside…"
"I know that Shen, thank you very much."
"Hey hey, Yaozy. Don't yell at the kid. Now. We're alone. What is it you want to talk about?"
"You and Korra. How?"
"Korra and I? Well, we just like each other and found comfort in being together. We decided to give it a try and here we are."
Yaozun slapped his face so hard that the two others in the bathroom with him flinched. "Is it that simple all this time?"
"Did you say something Yaozy?"
"No. I did not."
Shen scratched a nonexistent itch on his nose. "Why are you so worked up about this? Are you against me dating Korra?"
"What? No. Shen. I'm happy for the two of you. Just surprised as all. It's just that at any given moment, thousands of hormonal boys out there would kill to be with the Avatar. You lucky boy you." Yaozun ruffled Shen's hair, harder that he attended.
"Ow. Thanks detective. I guess."
"So. Quick question. Did you and Avatar Korra….?" Yaozun trailed off.
Shou smirked as he knows where this is going. "He and Korra what?"
Yaozun didn't say a word but just making an upward fisting motion. He bit his lip and sounds threaten to escape his mouth but he held it in.
Shen stared weirdly at Yaozun's face that was getting redder and redder every second.
"Did you two…you know?"
Gone with upward motion and now with both fist moving in a circle beside him like a coupling rod of a steam train.
"Oh." Shen realized it. "You're asking whether or not we slept together."
"Dah! Don't say it like that!"
"I like you Shen." Shou roared out. "Now, answer the question before this man has a heart attack."
Shen shook his head, "Don't worry detectives. Korra and I promised to go at it slowly. Nothing beyond kissing before marriage."
"Boriiiing." Shou groaned.
"I'm glad you're a respectable man Shen. Treat girls with respect." Yaozun smiled.
"My mother thought me that. Both sides needs to respect and understand each other for a relationship to work."
"Your mother thought you well then. We better get back out there. Avatar Korra might be wondering what we're doing in here."
They opened the door to meet a smug looking Korra and Ikki. Beside them was a smiling Pema.
"I hope you find our bathroom satisfactory, officers and Shen."
"It's very lovely Ma'am." Shou casually replied.
"Seriously?" Korra looked at them, "You three acted like little boys. What? You three never been in a relationship before?"
The three looked at each other before answering, "No."
At a nearby playground, a police officer was making his daily patrol. He saw a father and his daughter were playing there. He was about to walked off when he saw a figure watching them from behind the bushes.
The Zebra Unknown jumped out towards the duo.
"Watch out." The officer shot out his metal cables and wrapped it around the Unknown's throat,
"Run!"
The father picked up his daughter and makes haste from there. The Zebra Unknown growled at its victim's escape but settled for a second choice. It pulled the cable and officer shot another cable to latch onto a nearby tree.
The Unknown growled and jumped at an amazing feat towards the officer. He metalbender was caught off guard as the Unknown leaped right onto him. He tried to bend the earth but the Unknown kicked him down immediately.
ZHING!
"Shen?"
"It's them." Shen sprinted off as Ikki cheered him on.
"Go Shen! Go! Kick its butt!"
"Wait Shen. Naga!"
A whistle later, Naga arrived instantly and Korra ride her, following her boyfriend.
"Let's go Shou." Yaozun jumped out with his partner behind him, stuffing his mouth with more Rice Rolls.
Pema stared at their backs, "Be careful you four. Stay safe! Argh." She clutched he pregnant stomach and winced at the slight pain.
"Are you okay mama?" Ikki asked as Pema returned it with a smile.
"I'm okay Ikki. I just got a bad feeling."
Agito ride his motorcycle beside Yaozun, who was driving his car. His motorcycle was no longer black but it now has a yellow and red theme to it. To his surprise, his motorcycle, for whatever reason, changed colors when he transformed on it.
"I'll head there first."
"Be careful Shen."
Agito sped off with Korra behind him. They ride carefully towards the scene. Once there, they saw the officer laying down on the ground, bloodied. Agito got off his motorcycle to check on him.
"Sir? Could you hear me?"
Korra examined his pulse, which was barely there. "He's still alive. We need to get him out of here."
"Watch out."
Ahito pushed Korra aside when the Zebra Unknown came back. It leaped on Agito and thrown him to the ground. With the Unknown on top of him, he could only defend from its attacks.
"Get off of him!" Korra send a few fireballs and few small sized boulders. That managed to get the job done as it was thrown off of Agito.
"Thanks Korra." Agito went it to face the Unknown as Yaozun appeared.
Shou exited the car and immediately raced off to the fight. "Shen and I will handle that thing. Yaozun and Avatar. Help the officer."
"Shou wait. That guy's a pain sometimes."
Shou came in running towards the Unknown and immediately throw in some kicks and punches. The Unknown was unable to do anything as it keep on getting backwards and backwards.
"What? Not so tough now huh? Guess our theory was correct. You can't attack non-benders for whatever reason. Try to defend from this." Shou went in hastily with a side kick. The Unknown jumped backwards but landed on a tree branch.
"Hey. Get back down here." Agito called out.
The Unknown complied as it jumped towards Agito. The warrior readied a punch of his own but Shou came in between them. He tried to tank it but he was send flying backwards.
"Detective Shou!"
Korra ran towards him and saw a blood oozing out from a wound on his chest. It wasn't deep but enough to feel massive pain. Shou was breathing heavily. He's still conscious but it was clear he was in pain.
Korra summoned some water from her water bottle and use her healing ability to keep the reckless detective alive.
"What did you do that for, you idiot?" Korra yelled at him.
"I can't let Agito have all the fun. Ow, not to harsh." Shou smirked.
"You idiot." Yaozun greeted his teeth.
Agito readied to fight the Unknown. "You'll pay for that." He was about to charge in but the Unknown began to wailed in agony. It look frantically all around them, as if expecting someone or something to appear but also hoping nothing does.
There was a moment of silent when a large fireball landed in between them. Both Agito and the Unknown crashed a few feet away. Much to everyone's confusion, they looked around to see where it comes from.
"Shen. You okay?"
"I'm fine Detective. What was that? That's truly hurts." Shen felt light pain on his entire body. If the fireball was any closer, he would be a goner.
As they waited, footsteps could be heard. A figure approached them from behind the trees. As it walked towards them, the patch of ground where it stepped on was on fire. The tree branches around it was set ablaze as it walked pass by.
The Zebra Unknown was seriously injured by the large explosion. It was leaning against a tree, trying to escape. It makes more panicked noises as the newcomer approached it.
"Who's that?" Yaozun asked.
Korra squinted at the figure. "Another spirit perhaps? Shen, be careful."
"Got it."
The figure slowly making itself clearer. Like any other Unknown, it has a human body but the head of a lizard. What set it apart from other Unknowns so far was, its body was covered in bright red pulsing veins.
Its bloody red eyes stared at Agito. The warrior got up and stood in front of Korra, Yaouzun and the injured Shou. "Another one?"
The Unknown's eyes set on Korra and look at her without blinking. This send chills down Korra's spine to no end. She felt almost throwing up.
The Lizard Unknown turned it gaze onto the Zebra Unknown. It tried to escape earlier but now it was paralyzed in fear. The newcomer immediately grabbed it by the throat and began to strangle it.
"What?"
"Why is it attacking its friend?" Korra asked but she didn't get any answer, since no one could provide it.
The Zebra Unknown screamed in pain as the Lizard Unknown's hand glow bright red. Its other free hand pulled out a spear from a light above its head. The Zebra Unknown could only looked at his attacker, asking for mercy that would never come.
"You…have…sinned." A low growled voice came from the Lizard Unknown.
The spear was rammed through its stomach and the Zebra Unknown exploded right on the spot. Korra summoned an earth wall to protect them. The explosion was massive and they could feel it from behind the barrier. Once it died down, Agito moved forward.
The assailant did not moved an inch from the explosion, which for Agito, could be red flag. It slowly turned around to face Agito.
"Who are you?"
The Lizard Unknown wasted no time as it launched itself at Agito. It used its spear to strike Agito mercilessly.
Agito blocked an attack and took the chance to rapidly attack back. He let out rapid punches to the body, elbow to the face and a kick to the side but nothing happened.
"My attacks did nothing?"
The Unknown grabbed Agito's wrist and throat. Its hands glowed bright red and Shen felt as if he was burned alive.
"Argh!"
"Shen!" Korra and Yaozun blasted it with fireball but it was swipe aside by its spear. He tossed Agito aside and changed it attention to them but Agito, still in pain, pulled it away. "Go! Get Detective Shou and the officer medical help. I'll be fine."
The Lizard Unknown strikes Agito in the chest and slashed him in the chest. Each strike felt like hot metal that was just came out of a burner.
"I'm not leaving you here."
Korra summoned her water and launched it as several large icicle spikes. The Unknown either destroyed it with its spear or it disintegrated upon impact.
The Avatar bend the earth to shot up from the ground the Unknown but it managed to avoid it with superhuman agility. It saw Korra dismantled the earth pillars and turned it into smaller chunks of rocks. She imbedded it with fire and send it flying.
The Unknown twirled its spear and once again, destroyed the incoming projectile with ease.
Agito came in once again to distract its attention.
"Go you two. This guy's dangerous."
Korra grumbled and helped Yaozun getting Shou into the vehicle. Agito thanked the spirits when he saw those two left. He pushed the side of his belt and changed into Storm Form. Then, he pulled out the Storm Halberd and send a gust of wind at the Unknown.
It expertly withstood it and jumped into the fray. The two rod based weapon user clashed out with their weapons. Agito know that this Unknown was on another level. It was stronger and more ruthless than the others. It killed its own ally.
"Why did you kill your friend?"
The Lizard Unknown stayed silent and answered with a forward thrust that hit Agito in the chest. Agito lost a bit of balance and easily found himself being strike multiple times without a chance to attack back.
Agito went for its legs but it jumped high into the air. It came back down bringing its spear and Agito blocked it with every bit of strength he had. A knee to the gut set Agito stumbling backwards. The Storm Halberd thrust forward but the Unknown single handedly grabbed it inches away from its stomach.
No matter how much Agito tried to push it forward, the Unknown did not budge. All that earned Agito a punch to the face.
The punches he received felt like someone hit him with a fist coated with fire. Even with his armor, he could feel the heat and pain as if it was directly applied onto his bare skin.
The Lizard Unknown disarmed Agito of the Storm Halberd and kicked him against a tree. With a snapped of its finger, the ground under Agito exploded. He crashed a few feet away as the Unknown conjured a fireball.
Agito tried to get up but his feet were failing him. The fireball came in quick and all Agito could remember was immense pain. His armor was gone and now he was lying on the ground. He saw the Unknown walked towards him. He wanted to run but he was too weak at this point.
Before he lost his conscious, his mind lingered to someone.
'I'm sorry Korra'
Shen thought he was dead, he curse himself for losing. Something good finally happened between him and Korra and he got beat up and died. Did he though? When he finally opened his eyes, he saw the ceiling. He was lying on a soft and comfy bed. He tried to get up but the pain was unbearable.
He felt up his body. He was shirtless and wrapped in bandages. His throat on the other hand felt dried like desert. He tried to get up again but only able to crash back onto the bed with a loud bang.
"What's going on in here?"
The door opened and Shen was surprised to see a female Air Acolyte out of all people.
"Master Tenzin. He's awake!" The woman screamed as she ran back towards Shen suspected the others were.
'They found me? I thought I was dead.'
The door burst open to see a heavily breating Tenzin. The Airbending master smiled as he entered.
"Shen. Thank goodness you are safe. We thought we lost you. You were out about for a day."
Tenzin was shoved aside by Talah that seemed to be crying her eyes out. The woman ran to Shen's bed side in a hurry. Bilan followed his wife into the room calmly.
"Shen. How are you feeling? Are you hurt anywhere? Who did this? I knew something like this was going to happen sooner or later. I told you. I did, didn't I Bilan?"
"Yes you did Talah."
"Mother I'm fine."
"Where exactly is this fine? You tell me young man." Talah scolded him.
Shen braced for the scolding of a lifetime but he received a loving caressing hand on his cheeks instead. "I know that one day we have to face situation like this. If we could choose, we don't want you to go through such ordeal but we can't protect you forever."
"Thanks mother."
Bilan stepped forward, "You're lucky that Korra arrived when she did. She had some trouble but she managed to drag you out of there."
"Korra. Where is she? The police officer? Detective Shou? Are they alright?"
"Fine Shen." Tenzin calmed him down. "They are all fine. They need to rest but they'll survive."
Talah helped Shen get back lying on the bed. "I'll tell Korra that you'll be needing rest. She's doing something important right now. You two could meet up soon. When you do, good luck."
"Good luck?"
Talah giggled, "You'll see."
It wasn't long until Shen figured out the good luck was for. Korra gave him the most destructive and irritating ear rant of his life. She went on and on for almost two hours. Talah's was bad but Korra was on another level.
"What did we learn from this Mr. Xiang?"
Shen pouted but continue on chewing his sandwich. "Don't tell you to…"
"Don't tell me to run ever again. I am not going through that again. Do you know how I feel when I saw you motionless on the ground with that spirit looming over you? I don't know what came over me. The next thing I knew, I was spamming every element I got at it and had Naga dragged you away. It quite thrilling to be honest, but that's not the point."
"Korra. I'm sorry that…"
Shen was silenced by the Avatar's lips on his. When they parted, he saw his reflections in Korra's teary eyes.
"Please be careful next time. I want to fight and keep the city safe alongside everyone. I want to be by your side. We promised to be each other's shield didn't we?"
"Yes. Yes we did, Korra."
They went in for another kiss but Shen flinched in pain. He looked at his body that still wrapped in bandage.
"Time to change those bandages." Korra pulled out a new roll of bandages as Shen ripped off the old ones. Korra froze as she stared at Shen shirtless form. He wasn't muscular or anything. Mako's more muscular than him but he wasn't beefed like Bolin either. Once again, Shen was right in the middle.
"Korra?"
"Yes?"
"The bandages?"
"Bandages? Oh yeah." She tried to wrap it without staring too much. After their done, Shen felt nice with a set of fresh bandages. He turned to Korra, who was facing away from him and breathing heavily.
"Korra? You okay?"
"I'm fine. Just a bit out of breath."
"Okay?"
Korra gathered her breath and sat next to Shen on the bed. She leaned in closer to him.
"Shen? Could I asked you something?"
"Sure. Anything."
"How long did you like me? You were a bit love struck when we first met."
Shen thought about it as his face turned red, "As embarrassing it is to admit but I always have a fond for strong girls such as yourself even before meeting you. Girls that know what to do and take charge when necessary. Girls not afraid to come face to face with things but at the same time, nice, caring and affectionate to those she care for. When I heard about you, and heard your voice for the first time through an interview, let's just say that no other girls caught my attention since then."
"Ugh. I remember that interview. My water mentor gave me an earful for that. I must've sound very cocky and arrogant, didn't I?"
"A little bit but I saw it as the new Avatar was no pushover. I like that. Hey, what about me? You like me since the night I save you from Amon?"
"That was the final nail but I did have a small attraction to you since you gave me that free bowl of noodles." Korra bashfully nudging her two forefinger together.
Shen looked at her with deadpan expression, "Really? Here I was glorified you and you like me because of a bowl of noodles?"
"Hey. I was new to the city. Penniless, hungry and lost. Suddenly, you came along offering free delicious food. What more a girl wants? You're a spirit send Shen."
Shen pouted and Korra laughed at her boyfriend. She hugged him slowly and kiss his cheeks. "Does it matter how it started? We're together now. We found each other."
"Yeah. We did. Thanks. By the way, I totally saw you staring at me shirtless just now Korra."
The Avatar sprang backwards. "You notice that?"
Shen did not replied and just wiggled his eyebrows.
"Jerk." Korra cursed him as Shen kiss the top of her head. "Promise me that you will not tell anyone, Shen. That'll ruined my Avatar creditability."
"I promise."
"You want me to promise too?." A third voice came from the door and they turned to see Bolin standing there.
"Bolin!" Korra shrieked.
"How long you been there man?"
"Umm. Since Korra asked you how long you like her?"
"That long?! And you haven't said a word?"
"Hey, it was a touching moment and I love that kind of development."
Korra went up to Bolin and put her hands on his shoulders. "Bolin. You need to promise me and Shen that you won't tell Mako and Asami about this."
"Why?" Bolin asked.
"Because it is embarrassing Bolin." Shen told him. "So please? Stay quiet?"
"Well, sorry. No can do."
"Why?"
"Because they're already here with me." Bolin pushed the sliding door further to reveal a smirking Asami and Mako.
Later, the room was filled with laughter. Everyone's except Korra's and Shen's.
"Come on Shen. I want to hear it one more time." Mako teased the young warrior.
"Leave it alone Mako." Shen groaned. He looked to the corner of the room where Korra was mercilessly questioned by Asami.
"So, how's looking at your boyfriend shirtless for the first time?"
"Leave me alone Asami. I'm not in the mood for this."
"Of course. You're in the mood for Shen right?"
"Argh!"
Bolin was eating a bowl of ice-cream from a pint that he brought for each of them. "Man. We were scared out of our skin when we heard you were beaten like that. We thought of the worse."
Mako nodded, "Don't get us wrong Shen but we have to assume that there's going to be a stronger spirit out there. We need to be ready."
Asami smiled as she side hugged an annoyed Korra. "If there's anything you two need, you let us know. We'll help in any way we could."
"Thanks guys."
The door opened again to show Detective Yaozun and Jinora behind it.
"Shen. The detective is here." Jinora walked in. She handed him a few books while supported a blush. "I brought you some books. In case you're bored out of your mind."
"Aren't these the ones you bought at the fair?"
Jinora smiled, "You remembered. Yes. I finished them already. I got to go. I'll visit you soon."
She walked out of the room, completely ignoring everyone.
"Detective. Thanks for coming. I'm glad to hear Detective Shou and the officer survived."
Yaozun sat at the edge of the bed. "I'm glad you alright as well. I'm sorry that I couldn't be better help."
"That's okay Detective. I'm glad that everything is alright in the end."
"Any news of the spirit?" Korra asked him.
"No. The spirit vanished and we have no trace of it. I did some research and it turned out that it wasn't one of any previously sighted ones."
Asami joined it, "At the moment, what we know about this spirit?"
"It's very strong." Korra replied.
"It used fire and explosive based attacks." Shen told her.
"The spirit it murdered seems to be scared of it. Maybe it recognized this one to be its superior in some way?" Yaozun pointed out.
They all went silent before Bolin's stomach grumbled.
"Sorry. It's almost dinner time. Haven't had the appetite to eat lunch when we heard about Shen."
Korra realized something. "Tenzin's family is not here tonight. They got a dinner event. Let's have dinner here. I'm sure Shen would love the company."
Yaozun got up and went for the door, "What do you kids want for dinner? My treat."
That was one of Detective Yaozun's biggest mistakes. He's immediately bombarded with four very hungry teens' suggestions for dinner. Shen looked at them with a smile on his face. The pain from the beating was still there but the sight of his friends, the detective, Jinora's books and the room that Tenzin gladly lend him was enough to get his spirit up to be even stronger.
'Looks like it's time. I need to use it. I need it to least give me an edge.'
That's it for this chapter. Initially I was planning to make it a bit shorter but I want to end it on a happy note. What do you guys think of my first original chapter? At first, I don't want to do this but I need to introduce my original Unknown and this book secondary antagonist. The next chapter might be another original chapter or mix, I haven't decided it yet.
TRIVIA
When planning about Shen's feelings for Korra, I was inspired by the the song, 'I Knew I Loved You' by Savage Garden. That song act as a mold for Shen's feelings for her. I might explained it terribly here but that's the gist of it.
Anyway, please follow, favorite and leave a review. It is greatly appreciated. Stay safe and healthy everyone and I'll see you all amazing readers next time.