:) I'm back.
Chapter 17 Family
Some would say the big house was the worst, the prison, the dungeon, and jail time but to Ube it was being grounded and looking up at his ceiling with a hardened look. Ube laid on his bed
"I'm not sure how long I've been here, the boiling rock sounds ten times better. All I know is I'm a man who was caught by the law,"
"Ube it's only been three weeks, and stop monologuing out loud you sound silly," Opal said. She was reading a book while she lay on a folded-out mattress. Ube stared at the ceiling.
"It appears that even my cousin can hear my thoughts. Jail is a hard- ACK!" Ube felt his stomach being hard with a pillow. Opal was the one who threw the pillow. Placing her hands on her hip and narrowed her eyes at Ube.
"Alright Mr. Drama Queen, just leave that attitude when we have to go to work today," Opal said. Ube had sat up and crossed his arms.
"Well I can't help it, the city has been quiet for days, no fires, robbery, or muggings. It's like the whole place just went dark, Mom is not even letting me help with the rebuilding of the city," Ube said out loud. Opal understood but at the same time, ube had so many other things on his plate.
"You're not stuck here, you trained almost every day with Grandpa Kanto and Tetrax," Opal said.
Opal decided to call Mr. Kanto grandpa, she did really love the man as a family but calling someone great uncle to her sounded off, also she had never had a grandpa before so it was incredibly welcoming. Ube signed knowing she did have a point while he couldn't go to the streets and stop crime, His mother gave him another choice: start training and learning how to apprehend people correctly, and then she would judge if he were ready.
"But mom, won't even let me make her lunch anymore, what am I supposed to do now!" Ube said, grabbing his face in anguish though Opal slapped her forehead thinking about how ridiculous Ube sounded.
"She is a grown woman and can make her lunch," Opal said. Ube cast a worried glance at Opal.
"That's not true, She tried to boil water once and it caught fire, she needs my cooking!" Ube said in panic. Opal rolled her eyes and tossed a pillow at his face. Ube ducked and laughed at her attack.
"Ha I'm already three steps ahead of you, all this training has paid off," Ube said with pride.
"It's also given you a big head," Opal smirked, seeing she had burned Ube. The young man got up, rolled off his bed, and began getting ready.
"Alright so I might be a little cocky but hey, I feel like I can take on the next big bad, that comes my way," Ube said, getting his work uniform ready.
"Yeah, ready for anything, like asking Asami out?" Opal said with a teasing smirk. Ube froze at the words and shook off any of those thoughts.
"Maybe not now, I might wait until I'm older, she might like me more mature," Ube said looking in the mirror and fixing his bedhead.
"And how old would that be?" Opal asked. Ube gulped and finished styling his hair in a brushed-out manner.
"Ube, Asami would probably be with somebody else by that time!" Opal said, marching over to the mirror by Ube's side. "What are you even afraid of?"
Ube let out a sigh and sadly looked into the mirror.
"She is just too good for me, I mean she is rich, smart, strong, and beautiful but her personality just leaves awestruck," Ube said, lost in the image he made of Asami, then he looked back at himself in the mirror but didn't like what he saw. Opal puffed in annoyance and started to mess with his hair much to his dismay.
"Opal, what are you doing?" Ube was then faced to the mirror and could see his hair was messy in a cool way.
"Now you listen to me Ube, you're strong, brave, cool, kind, a good cook, and a Superhero. Asami would love you for who you are, trust me girls like it when you're honest," Opal said. Ube looked at his reflection and asked himself if he was that. Then he could take pride in himself.
"Yeah maybe you're right, I am a good catch," Ube said with pride.
"Still have a big head though," Opal said. Ube only laughed at the comment.
"Thanks for that, sometimes I just get stuck in my thoughts for a long time," Ube said, he took a deep breath and felt ready for the day. Though he looked at Opal, there was something he needed to ask.
"And what about you, your mom is supposed to be coming over to the city soon," Ube asked. Opal's face went downcast. She gripped her arm worriedly, The day was upon her that Suyin Beifong was coming to Republic City, something she was dreading.
"Hey come on, I'm sure it's going to be fine. She was probably just worried about you. I beat my mom and Aunt Suyin are going to have a swell talk," Ube said with a cheerful smile. Opal thought back to the time she asked Aunt Lin why she hated her mother so much.
This was something she wanted to know but did Opal want Ube to find out? After what Aunt Lin said to her. Those words were just stuck in her head.
"It's funny I always tell Ube that I got this scar from a very nasty criminal. You are right about Ube having a temper toward anyone who hurts his family, that's why I never told him, he doesn't need to hate your mother, I already do that," Lin said. Opal was stumped and didn't know what to say.
"Opal you good?" He asked. The young teen was snapped out of her memory seeing a worried Ube. Quickly she acted like nothing had happened.
"Ube I'm fine let's just get to work I'm sure, grandpa Kanto is setting up early," Opal said, getting ready. Ube nodded and walked out of the room.
"Alright let's go and no hoverboard you almost got caught last week remember,"
Opal sat on the bed and gripped her face in a stressful manner. "Oh I hope, things just go normally,"
Ube and Opal were working in the kitchen. The sound of grills cooking meat and dishes being cleaned might as well have been music to the teen's ears. Opal had started to enjoy the work, finding it to be rewarding getting work muscles and enjoying the labor. The pay wasn't the best but she found it to be a great learning experience. However, the best part had to be closing time, every time Opal and Ube would close up. Grandpa Kanto would set up a special meal for them, it was always something she didn't like but to have such a close table with a great family was fun.
Grandpa Kanto walked into the swinging door and grabbed a prepared plate.
"Alright we're closing early again, Hey Ube, Asami coming here to pick up a paycheck, in a few moments so you and I can get off, Tetrax wanted to talk about your Diamond Head transformation," Kanto said, grabbing a dish of stir-fried noodles. Ube felt an awkward smile on his face. Opal was so happy to see Asami again, she worried that her father might have never let her out of the house.
"That's great I don't have to be the only girl here anymore,"
"Hey Grandpa Kanto," He asked, making the man stop in his tracks, facing Ube.
"What do you need?"
The young teen nervously gulped and fiddled with his fingers.
"Before we leave for training do you mind if I could talk to Asami before we go, it's just wanted to see how she was doing," Ube said, trying to be nice as he could. Kanto smirked and looked at Ube.
"Sure why not, try not to blow this moment, women can smell fear, Toph always could," Kanto said walking out with the dishes in hand. Ube took a deep breath and watched the clock begin to tick away.
"This is, Ube just ask Asami if she wants to hang out, and see how's she doing,"
Opal also watched the clock slowly move, the time for her to finale to her mother was coming soon. Both of them had felt nervous about the next minutes to come.
Ube watched the final customer walk out of the door and could see Grandpa Kanto pull out the close sign. Ube began to worry that Asami wasn't going to show that he wouldn't get the chance.
Then the door opened, and Ube peeked out of the kitchen window. With excitement, a low behold standing in the doorway was Asami holding her gentle smile.
Wearing her regular clothes and walking to the counter. Mr. Shi pulled out a white envelope from behind the counter.
"Here you are Miss Asami, I trust you'll be able to return to work pretty soon. We're starting to miss you," Kanto said with a kind smirk. Sadly she didn't smile back and looked at the man.
"I'm sorry but after the attempted break-in, I'm back on a more strict schedule with my father. I'm going to have to give my two weeks notice,"
Kantos eyes widened slightly but he nodded at Asami, understanding her situation. Kanto gave a weak smile.
"Don't worry about it, as far as I can tell you'll always have a place here with us no matter what you were a great worker," Kanto said. She smiled at the man and nodded appreciating his words. Her eyes darted around the room like she was looking for something.
"Hey, you wouldn't happen to know where Ube is?" Asami asked.
"I'm here!" Ube shouted trying to scramble out of the kitchen. Ube quickly pulled off his apron, hanging it up on the hook wall. Then stood across from her with an awkward smile.
"Hey, Asami what's up?" He tried to ask calmly but sounded more shy. Both Opal and Kanto mentally face each other. Asami wasn't bothered at all because this was her friend and she was just happy to see he was doing all right.
"Hey Ube I can see your arm healed up pretty good," She said looking at his appendage. The last she saw, it was completely broken. Ube gulped nervously and flexed with it a little.
"Oh you know, guys can heal from pretty much anything!" Ube said. Then he took a deep breath and focused on the next words so we're gonna come out of his mouth. he didn't wanna end up sounding like a complete and total spaz, but still, he wanted to be gentle.
"So… Uh you're not gonna be coming around working here anymore, but do you think it would be possible if me and Opal could still hang out with you?"
"Of course, you guys can, I'm just happy that you're still my friend after you know the incident. I just felt really bad that you got mixed up and all this," Asami said talking about her extraordinary life as a millionaire. A life that can make enemies from anywhere.
"Hey it's cool, I would get thrown out 100 windows if it meant you were gonna be OK," Ube said smirking at the beautiful young lady. She curtly smirked back, gently playfully punching his shoulder.
"Well you certainly do like to take punishment, don't you?" Asami joked. The two found themselves laughing and then slowly fading into a comfortable silence only the two of them. They stared at each other with calm joyful expressions but she looked at the clock. She was sadly reminiscing about the fact that she had to leave soon.
"I have to go, I'll see you later," Asami turned her back to her friend and slowly began to head towards the door. Ube currently watched but didn't want her to leave. He boldly reached out and grabbed her hand, stopping her. Freezing at the gentle touch that halted her, Asami turned around to see Ube with an embarrassed flushed face.
"Asami before would you… Would you…" Ube was trying to force the words past his lips, but yet nothing came out. Trying to overcome the mountain of embarrassment that was asking someone out. Opal and Grandpa Kanto were on the edge of their seats as they watched from afar. Ube was stumbling over his words when a soft hand-held him, breaking him out of the confused daze.
"Ube what's wrong?" She asked. Ube's eyes slightly widened while his cheeks began to turn red. Then like a damn collapsing due to the weight of emotions. Ube spoke fast.
"Asami, would you like to go with me to the fire festival this upcoming week!" Ube said finishing his sentence with a nervous gulp. Asami looked at the young man with a tiny blush and tucked a strand of rouge hair behind her ear.
"Ube.. I will see you there," She smiled and walked out of the door leaving only the young man alone as he realized what he had just done. Feeling an overwhelming joy swell within him, while his heart was beating out of control. He had finally achieved one step toward confessing his love for Asami.
He wanted to fist-bump the sky and cheer himself on but realized that would be childish.
"Oh my gosh, finally you're going on a date with Asami!" Opal gushed. Kanto gave a proud smile and walked over to Ube patting the young on the back.
"Good work my boy, you're starting to turn into a real lady killer like me,"
"Oh my gosh, that was so hard! I thought I was gonna pass out mid-sentence. Why is love so hard?" He asked out loud. Kanto laughed at the worry of the young man.
"It's called caring and I think you're gonna show that young lady a wonderful time. Come on you don't wanna be late for training," Kanto guided. Ube out of the shop and to the back entrance.
"Opal lock up," He then dug into his pocket and tossed the keys to Opal who quickly caught them in her rough hands, the smooth pedicure, hands that used to get daily spa treatments for now turned into rough working hands. Something that she now understood the importance of.
"Opal," Kanto said, her name gaining the youth's attention. "I just want you to know I'm very proud of you. You've done a lot of good work here and you've certainly helped your cousin more than a couple of times, you're a good person, by the way, Lin's going to come around and pick you up so don't forget,"
Kanto walked out of the door. Leaving only Opal alone. She slowly looked at the key in her hand and the restaurant around her. She may have been a runaway, but she found a home, a place where she worked and lived and did not sit around while the finest things in life were given to her. This is a place where she had to earn it and she enjoyed it with a family that understood that perspective.
With the greatest adventure she had had in her life happening right here in this city. Not to mention, her cousin was going through many trials and she would make sure he wouldn't have to face them alone.
"I'm not leaving this place, Mom, I'm standing my ground no matter what!"
Ube and Kanto drove through the city, watching out for any stop lights and pedestrians. However, city life would slowly begin to turn into suburbs and then open fields, which were vacant and undisturbed, that made for great practice grounds. Kanto could see the agitated slouch that his grandson was showing as he stared out the window like a sad dog.
"Do you wanna get something off your chest there?" He asked gently. Ube glanced at the dashboard thinking about what was on his mind.
"Grandpa, why didn't my mom ever talk about her family?" Ube asked. The old man understood that this was some deep family drama, and being kept in the dark was the last thing Ube needed. Kanto took a deep sigh. He was going to spill the beans about it and knew there was gonna be some backlash from his daughter, but if he knew one thing about his grandson, it was that he cared.
"You're aunt and mom, didn't have the best relationship. From what I heard when Toph married someone else, I heard he was a real D bag. Anyway, you're Aunt Suyin got into trouble and hung out with the wrong crowd, she ended up being a getaway driver for a robbery. They almost got away if it weren't for Lin stopping her. In her attempt to arrest her, Suyin gave her that scar on her face… Your grandma's mother destroyed the arrest report and sent Suyin to live with your great grandparents, then Toph retired a year later, I'm shocked she never told you," Kanto said. The old man's eyes glanced at Ube seeing the young man's hands were gripping tightly.
"Grandpa, let's go back to Opal, I want to make sure she's okay," Ube said. Kanto disapproved of Ube's reaction.
"Ube no, that's your one weakness. It's your temper, I get what it's like to be mad but to not be able to control it doesn't make you stronger. These past days you've made some great distances with combat but you shouldn't use that rage as fuel, it only hurts you and the people you love," Kanto deeply exhaled took one of his hands off the wheel, and gently patted Ube's shoulder. The young teen's fists started to relax; only for a little.
"Besides, your mother is the better person, just trust her and Opal is going to make the right choice, have some faith in others, you don't have to worry about everyone's problems," Grandpa Kanto gently said. Ube reluctantly let go of his hand and let out a big sigh. Ube glanced at his hands and knew that those words were so true. His anger was getting him into more trouble than good.
"You're right Grandpa, I'm sorry it's just I've been a little tense after Vilgax, I just want the people that love to be safe," Ube said.
"I know Ube but remember, you need to learn to care about yourself, then you can start to worry about others. How can you care for others when you don't care for yourself," Kanto calmly informed. A truth that hurt Ube, anger was never the answer Ube used it as a crutch.
"It's a good thing we're going to train out here, I probably would have started a scene with Suyin," Ube jokes,
"Oh yeah that's why your mother told me to take you out here," Kanto said relaxed.
"WHAT!" Ube shouted in shock.
"Don't what me! This is the best thing for everyone. We have to let your mother work this out," Mr. Shi said. Ube let out a loud frustrated groan.
"Fine! But I'm going to talk to Mom about this and Opal still needs a lesson with her hoverboard," Ube said. Kanto then paused at the words, he looked into the driver's mirror, perfectly reflecting Republic City.
"Yeah Ube, when Opal gets back,"
Opal and Lin sat in a quiet restaurant. The decorative red tablecloth and the traditional lanterns that hang above the windows showed a great view outside showing they were quite a distance up. Opal wasn't wearing her metal-bending clothes, instead, she wore the simple humble clothing of cotton brown pants, and a yellow kola sheep wool shirt but still had a brown cap. i
His finger having a mind of her own nervously twirled them. It was a different feeling; she was never really a bad kid, so it was rare for her to ever get into trouble. The worst she had ever gotten was a stern talking-to, but she couldn't even imagine what was going to happen after the stunt she pulled.
Still, it was nice to be in such a nice restaurant, easing her worries for only a little.
"Relax kid, I can hear your stress from over here," Lin said. Opal, embarrassed at her actions, looked away.
"Sorry, I just don't know what my mom is going to say," Opal said. Then she let out a weary sigh. "Aunt Lin, I know this does not mean anything to you but I'm sorry for what my mom did to you, you're probably one of the best cops in this city and one of the most fantastic people I've ever met,"
Lin looked at the teen with a shocked face for a brief moment Opal could that her words. Lin put a comforting hand on her niece's shoulder.
"Opal you are a foolish girl but have a heart of gold, if ever get the chance I wouldn't mind showing you around the city," Lin said proudly. This wasn't her sister, but a smart girl who was briefly a part of Lin's small family, a moment that she would treasure for a long time.
"You know I can understand running away, a smart, strong beautiful girl, like you need to see the world," Lin said. Opal smiled and nodded at the words.
"Well, I'm just glad Ube isn't here, I was afraid he was going to blow a top when he was going to meet my mom, thank goodness he going on training," Opal quickly covered her mouth and felt she had overstepped. That doubt was soon killed by a warm chuckle. Lin nodded her head at the comment.
"I tell you when I first adopted Ube, he acted like a guard dog, any time I got home, making sure I wasn't followed, staying up all night calling it look-out security," Lin reminisced over those long, humorous nights. Those were the days when Ube was overcoming his doubts and depression. Opal mused at the idea.
"Well at least Ube was an only child, I tell you, it is so hard to stand out when all brothers tend to steal the show, with their, art, sports, and intelligence. That leaves plain old me," Opal mumbled slouching in her seat. Lin raised a suspicious eyebrow.
"You're the only daughter in the family, I'm sure she would give a lot more attention," Lin said Opal shook her head.
"You're not the only one who adopted Aunt Lin, you see a while back my mom visited Ba Sing Se, and she found a poor girl bringing her back to the metal clan, her name was Kuvira. My mom made her a part of the guard for the city but if I'm being honest, it was more like an adoption she was always around the house, Mom would always practice metal bending with her, while I could only read books," Opal looked at the table remembering years of lonely birthdays, for when she achieves something it would be overshadowed by another. Lin knew what that was like to pine for the affection of your parents, even though they never really looked your way or truly acknowledged your path.
"Opal take this from someone who's tried to get the attention of a person that didn't deserve it. You are your own person, all you have to do is do the right thing and you'll make yourself proud," Lin advised. Opal nodded and took those words to heart. Finding them to be inspirational.
"Thank you, Aunt Lin,"
Lin felt herself enjoying the company of her niece. For so long, she had robbed herself of the other family members that she could've connected with, but now being here in this moment, made her realize that maybe she should have asked a word or two with the people she was called family. Yet she wouldn't say that her life now was terrible for she wasn't alone.
The main door to the restaurant opened, Opal sat up politely and took her elbow off the dinner table. Lin didn't even flinch as she crossed her arms. Opal stood up, taking a deep breath.
"Hi, Mom,"
Standing in the doorframe were women and men wearing metal tribe clothing, with their stylized green tunics. The lady had short gray hair styled in a nice short top, while her sun-kissed skin matched her green eyes.
The man wore black framed glasses and his hair in a neat workmen's style, he had a black goatee but a gray streak on both sides of his hair. They looked to an older couple but not yet elderly.
"Opal!" The Woman cried. Running across the room embracing her child tightly. Opal let out a sigh and hugged her back closing her eyes.
"I missed you, Mom," She mumbled. Suyin smiled at her daughter, glad to see she was finally found. After a month of screeching, they were able to find their lost daughter. Her eyes then glanced at Lin who sat crossed arm only watching the two. Opal's father hugged her as well but Suyin smiled at Lin.
"Lin, it's been too long thank you," She said, bringing her arms out wanting a hug. Lin raised an eyebrow, Suyin understood the silent sign.
"Well, it's nice to see you too Lin, I'm sorry for my situation with Opal coming to your city,"
"It's fine but I need to talk with you, about Opal," Lin informed. Suyin let out a tired sigh.
"Lin, Please let me take her back to the metal clan. Don't arrest my baby girl for whatever she did," She asked.
"I'm not arresting your daughter," Lin said sternly.
"Oh, well thank you for that, I'm sorry for all the trouble," Suyin apologized but it looked more like she was trying to get out.
"I need to have a word with you about Opal, so please… sit down," Lin phrased the last word a bit strongly but Opal's parents both looked at each other and sat at the table.
Opal nervously gulps expecting a family brawl to happen. Then she took the seat by Lin but felt confident about this meeting in case the worst happened she would take a step up.
"So what's this about?" She asked.
"After you take Opal back home, and severe whatever punishment you're going to deal, which I bet is probably going to be very soft-handed. Opal is always welcome here at my house, I hope she'll be able to come back soon," Lin offered calmly. Suyin looked surprised at the offer. Smirking thinking Lin was finally over all that nonsense. Even Opal's father Baatar likes the idea.
"That's wonderful, maybe I could stay here for a couple of nights and Opal would love that too-"
Suyin was cut off by Lin with a stern look. "Just Opal she earned my trust, that's it,"
"Well, that might be a little shaken knowing how dangerous the city is," Baatar said nervously. Suyin agreed with that as well. When she heard about all the chaos and destruction, she bolted over here as fast as she could. I heard the news about outward affairs rarely reached the metal tribe so it took a while before she found out.
"He has a point, flying ships, mutated monsters, and dinosaurs coming back from the grave. Looks like you have more work cut out for you here Lin," Suyin said. Opal let out a sad sigh and knew what was the main reason. The danger of the city was a little overwhelming.
"I can take care of myself and Opal is under good watch," Lin sternly informed. Opal then decided to chip in.
"Mom, I know this city is dangerous, but I feel so free and happy here. I have my job. I'm living under someone else's roof. I'm finding out responsibilities. I've even upgraded my taste palette. I can eat anything at this point," Opal said with a nostalgic joy. However, Suyin did smile but wasn't fully convinced.
"Opal I get what's like to feel trapped but you can't just do whatever you want, especially with your family worrying about you," Suyin said softly.
Lin snorted at the comment and crossed her arms. "That's rich coming from you,"
Suyin and Opal paused at what Lin had said. Suyin then had a stern expression, looking down upon Lin. "Something you want to get off your chest?"
Opal and her father both tensed up seeing the stare-down the two were having. Suyin was putting up a calm front while Lin had bitterness in her stare.
"Well since you got to go around the world and explore whatever your heart's content, it would be fair that Opal would have the same treatment. Mom always lets you do what you want," Lin informed with a slight tone of arrogance.
"Well, I'm not our mom, Lin. I don't just do that. We all have to grow up," Suyin said. Lin was unfazed and glanced at Opal, yet the moment he glanced back at Suyin with anger.
"Is it called growing up or not facing your consequences?" Lin asked. Suyin's eyes flared in anger.
"What did you say?" She asked, agitated by the comment.
"Honey, I think it would be best if we just go," Opal's father asked. Lin then felt a smirk appear on her face. Perhaps it was years of raising a child who is very smart with their comments, but she quickly picked up on it and mastered that skill of the tongue.
"Well I'm just saying it would be a bit hypocritical of you to say, I mean you're just always going forward not looking back, must be nice," Lin said. Suyin was about to speak when suddenly the waiter came to the table and brought them a cup of hot tea.
"How may I take your order today?" He asked.
"We're not eating-," Suyin was cut off again. When Lin spoke over her.
"I'll take today's special of soup and Opal will have the Kiyoshi coy fish salad. Opal, you should eat before you go. You have a big trip ahead of you," Lin said. The waiter nodded his head and left the table to deliver the order. Opal smiled and sat down by her aunt.
"Now it would be rude to leave a meal that's not finished, a very wise important friend told me that, or did you forget your manners," Lin said. Suyin gritted her teeth and took a seat as her husband followed her actions.
"Suyin, I feel you and Opal aren't being entirely honest with each other, I know what it's like to have a rift between family it's better to address it now than later," Lin said. Suyin felt a small chuckle leave her mouth.
"And how would you know that? You've pretty much done a bang-up job but not forgetting the past," Suyin said making Opal gasp at her mother's comment.
"It's hard to not forget the past when I have a constant reminder every time I look in the mirror," Lin said, making her sister silent with guilt. "Good now that you're listening it's good to learn from the past so you don't repeat it,"
Lin took a gentle sip of her teacup. Then cast a strong and gentle look at her niece. "Opal is there something you wanna tell your mother, why you want to stay,"
Opal was stunned at the question not sure if she could even speak but thinking about this moment then, how much trouble her aunt set this up. Taking a deep breath she looked at the two.
"Mom, Dad. I don't want to leave Republic City," Opal said with a stern look. Suyin gently sighed and put a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder, although it was more controlling.
"Opal I know what you want but what are you even going to learn here? It is not a very well-educated place," Suyin said. Opal narrowed her eyes and gently punched the hand off her shoulder.
"Mom I can't, being here has taught me so much, I have a responsibility here. Friends and work that needs me here. This might sound crazy but the people, culture, and action. It feels liberating to live here. I can't go back, I need to help the people here," Opal said. Suyin was taken back and so was her father.
"But Opal there is nothing here besides crime and gang wars, what could this place give that the metal clan can't,"
"It gives me a healthy dose of reality, that I was a bird in a very privileged cage. Now that I'm here, I see what the real world is like and it needs help. Mom, I was there when the incident happened,"
That's what people were calling it when Vilgax attacked, no one could think of a name that perfectly described what happened, so they only called it the incident. Opal took a deep breath.
"There was a boy trapped under the rumble of building, aunt Lin said I should've stayed out of that zone, and I didn't but I was able to save that child with the help of an earthbender. I can't leave, especially when the city is recovering. There are still people that need help and need all they can get," Opal said with a stern, unwavering tone showing she was serious. Opal glanced at her aunt next to her, seeing a smile on her face; not some sarcastic expression but genuine happiness.
Suyin also saw the genuine joy on Lin's face, a happiness that she hadn't seen her sister express for a very long time.
Suyin was speechless and her husband couldn't utter a word. They came here to look for their lost and confused daughter and yet here she was standing tall and confident of her surroundings.
"Well, we can't just leave in this city, Opal please understand you're still young, and oh what do I say," Suyin said stumbling over her words.
"Here, let me make this easier for you. I'll watch over Opal and I promise to keep her safe here in the city. If you want to take her home, you may but I am more than willing to take care and help my niece," Lin said calmly, making her offer. Suyin took a deep breath and glanced at her daughter, seeing her calm composure. Baatar took a small gap and decided to speak.
"It seems like you like it here and you have a good family looking after you, so why not let her stay for a bit," Baatar said, making Suyin quickly turn to him.
"What!" Suyin said in shock.
"Really Dad thank you!" Opal said, hugging her father over the table. Baatar looked at his wife with a kind expression saying why not. Suyin let out a tired sigh and realized in her life, she was sent away to explore the world at a very young age to think that her daughter wanted to experience that right now was alarming. However, maybe she could accept this right now. She saw an opportunity to reconnect with her sister. it was now or never.
"Opal, you can stay with your aunt. Lin on one condition every month I get to visit you and see how Opal's doing," Suyin said. Lin, still holding a laid-back attitude narrowed her eyes.
"Fine, I accept," Lin said with a begrudging tone.
Opal's heart was filled with so much joy. "Oh, thank you so much, I guarantee I'll be home after winter Mom. Ube is going to be so happy to hear this!"
Suyin and Baatar both had a curious look on their faces that sounded like a boy's name. Lin on the other hand awkwardly looked away, making Suyin only more suspicious.
"Opal who's Ube?" She asked innocently.
"Oh sorry I forgot, my cousin and your nephew," Opal said innocently. Suyin had a perplexed face as she was just accepting this knowledge. It was as if the knowledge was shocking.
Lin only slid back in her seat, almost wanting to not be seen by the family. The waiter soon came to the table, putting down the bowl of hot soup.
"Be careful now, it's quite popping hot and not to mention, the chef has a special ingredient in there that we're not allowed to reveal it's so secret, if we told you guys, you'd probably be dropping your jaws, whelp I'm gonna leave you guys with the surprising soup, Have a good day," The waiter said leaving the table.
"So uh, what is it like in metal tribe," Lin said trying to change the conversation.
"I have a nephew!" Suyin yelled in shock. "Hold the phone you dated someone else besides Tenzin!"
Lin let out a tired sigh, this was going to be a long day.
"No, I didn't, Ube is adopted. That still doesn't change the fact he's my child," Lin said confidently. Suyin flet a hurt expression, at how Lin didn't make a single phone call or letter to ask how she was doing. Now my other sister is having her own life.
"You could have told me, Ube would love to meet the rest of the family, especially Kuvira," Suyin said. Then she raised her eyebrow. "Wait, does Mom know about this!"
"No, I haven't seen you two since Mom retired and moved out of the city, while you were off taking an adventure across the world," Lin said. Suyin awkwardly scratches the back of her neck.
"Well guess that's on me, maybe next month, we can talk about him right now. We need to discuss about Opal's living situation if we're going to agree to this,"
Lin let out disgruntled anger and nodded. "Fine as soon as we get this over, the sooner I can get back to work.
Ube sat under a tree watching the sunset, it was another day of training, and he was trying to enjoy these small moments of learning about his different forms and understanding where each of them came from. It was a surprise that Tetrax handled more of the history lessons of each alien race he turned into, while Grandpa Kanto handled his physical training.
Ube in the past month learned about many different fighting techniques and styles. granted he didn't master the techniques, but he was starting to get a hang of a couple. some forms were going to be improved. The sound of dry grass being stepped on gained his attention.
Walking to his side Grandpa Kanto looked outward with his grandson at the beautiful view of Republic City during this time.
"How are you feeling?" He asked. Ube took a deep breath and kept his gaze at the site. His hands resting on his legs.
"Better, just a whole lotta things are changing in my life. I just didn't expect it to be right here in front of me, you know but at least I can confidently say that I'm ready," Ube said with confidence.
"Ube, there is an important lesson that you're going to have to understand. No matter how prepared you are or whatever you plan, the future is always gonna knock you down, it never going to stop," Kanto said, making the young man. Hurt and confused by his words.
"What's but I have the Omnitrix I'm unstoppable. I can fight the impossible odds," Ube said.
"I am not saying you won't bounce back up, but you have to understand that life's greatest teacher is failure. Ignore it and it will destroy you, except it, and it will raise you to greater Heights. You won't be able to know exactly what will happen next, but as long as you keep true to yourself then you'll be fine" Kanto said. Ube brought his knees to his chest looking sad.
"Is that why Mom hasn't been letting me do patrols? She doesn't think I'm ready," Ube said sulking.
"No, no, nothing like that. Look me and your mother understand. One thing, training makes perfect while you are powerful. You still need to know the correct way to do things. you're always clever like a fox, figuring out things in the situation but you should make a plan before just charging in and hoping you'll just overpower your opponent, you see that's where Vilgax got the best of you. You had to think of other ways to beat them," Kanto explained then slowly sat back up. Taking another deep relaxing sigh.
"Don't you worry, I've talked it over with Lin, these next days I'll supervise while you're patrolling the area,"
Ube's ears perked up and with joyful curiosity, looked at his grandpa. "Really? How did you let Mom even agree to that?"
"Well she doesn't hate it, and it's not like I left her and I was just always there watching from afar, making sure she was alright… I still have to explain to her why I watched from afar," Kanto said, finishing his last sentence sadly. Ube smirked and patted the man's back.
"Don't worry my mom always sees the good in people, just give her time," Ube said.
"Well, that's easy for you to say you're in our good graces. She still has yet to forget what her sister did to her, and I don't know how she could ever forgive her silly old man like me," Kanto moped, but still stood and held out for hope putting on his stern front, never giving up filtering or surrender to that desperate motion known as despair.
"Hey, look on the bright side. At least it can't get any worse than Vilgax right," Ube said with an enthusiastic smile. Kanto took a deep breath and put his hands together.
"Ube, I'm going to ask that you never say those words again, the universe to punish people for it," Kanto said.
"I think you're overreacting. Let's go get some dinner. I am starving,"
When night had set upon Republic City, the lonesome fishermen would set their boats to catch the late-night sea bass. On the outskirts of the Republic City coastline, a singular wooden boat was paddling outward. The man had a thick beard and wore an old yellow raincoat. The sea was still tonight but that wouldn't stop him from finishing, Looking to the sea and settling on a spot he pulled out his pool. Then threw its lure into the ocean.
He sat calmly without any worry of the world. His line began to stir as he noticed some bubbles began to surface near his lure. The fishermen kept calm and waited for the right time. The bubbles began to rise rapidly to the surface.
The fisherman had an excited look and quickly stood still waiting for the reel. Then something pulled on his line. He stood up and hanked as hard as could. Something fought back but the poll was ripped from his hand, He fell back on his boat, making his vessel shake. Quickly looking over the edge the bubble had stopped.
The fisherman let out a defeat huff and was upset at the loss. Unknown something large had emerged from the water behind him, it surfaced so quietly and moved akin to a snake. The Fisher only stared out to the horizon.
"Don't turn around," A smooth voice like velvet echoed behind the Fisherman who was paused with fear.
His body didn't move and his blood began to turn cold. His human nature warned him that terror was behind him. So he listened to the voice like a higher power.
"Good, now I'm going to ask some questions. Now nod if you understand,"
The fisherman nodded. Koh glanced at the towers and highways. His eyes glanced at shining lights not made by fire. It's been so long since he had stepped into the human world. Seeing how strange the humans had become, made him excited to see what new faces there were.
"Is this city behind us, has it had any strange creatures running around?"
The old man stuttered, trying to speak. "Do you mean the spirits of Republic City?"
"Is that what the outsiders are doing, masking around as us noble spirits? How free-spirited they are, they need to be taught a lesson," Koh's mandibles slowly tapped the man's head.
"Please don't hurt me, I have a wife and child, I try to catch fish here because it helps with feeding us," He begged, still not turning around. Koh brought his empty sock of a face close to the back of the man's head. He could hear the tiny whisper of many voices crying out to him. While the hot breath of a monster blew behind his neck.
"Relax, I have a penalty on the fishermen's faces. It's just I enjoy the manners, thank you for your cooperation." The fisherman could feel Koh slowly let go. Then without warning the pressure was back as Koh had grabbed him again. The man felt his life being dangled by a string.
"How about a game before I leave, you paddle back to shore without turning your head around, and I won't steal your face. Deal?" Koh asked. The fisherman thought that was a crazy idea.
"But I can't do that, the current will send me to who knows where!" He shouted.
"Hmmm so that makes you a lying fisherman, Never had that face to my collection," Koh said with joy, like a child seeing a new toy for them to play with.
"Wait! Just let me try," The man pleaded with his life. Koh's finale popped out his pale white face, smirking with his red ruby lips.
"Alright then, let the game begin…"
Unknown to the city the people who lived there would bear witness to the games of the face stealer.
Notes: So this chapter is more of a setup than anything, well that and some more set for Ube and Asami. While also showing just how scary Koh is and just being a regular creep. So we see that Ube has been training these past months but no new aliens yet. However soon will be getting the new guy, this is going to get really good. Also, Korra fans don't worry we have she'll be coming home soon. They're going to be some new changes and some scary bad guys and Amon is not one of them. Anyway, It's great to post something like this again. See you next time, The next Chapter will be a while, I have a new project I'm working on. So anyway you guys take care and have a great day.