"As your Chief, I have spent my life working for the good of this city." Reporters and people alike gathered at City Hall, awaiting the next words Chief Peizhi Lan had to say.
"When Chief Mako handed me this job, the city was in shambles, but I used all of my strength to prove that it would return to its former glory. I did countless hours sitting at a desk, making conferences, and striking a chord with the hoodlums that now roam these once beautiful streets. Now, my time has come to pass on the honor of my role to a person who has shown outstanding achievement as my pupil. She has made mistakes, yet she has learned from them in order to keep moving towards a better goal; trials and tribulations have prepared her for this. I present to you, Republic City, your new Chief; Chief Jin Lan."
The citizens applauded the woman in front of them at the podium. She smiled brightly at her people, knowing she would be better than the man at her side. "Thank you, Republic City. As your new Chief, I have many big things planned for this city. There will be new restrictions to set these 'street rats' in line."
Officer Lee Feng stood at her right side, fearful for her rank as Chief. Republic City would be at her mercy and he didn't like the sound of that.
She continued her speech as she was clueless to his thoughts. "Their actions will NOT be tolerated any longer. With my first act, I need your help. There is a certain thief amongst you all; her name is Nyla and she is an earthbender. If anyone knows of her whereabouts, report immediately to me at the precinct. Thank you all, no questions." Men and women kept throwing question after question at the new Chief, but they had all left back to the precinct.
Assistants were running all over the place with papers flying out of their hands. Jin took a mugshot from her desk and smiled. A knock came to her door. "Ah, Lee! I'm glad you're here. Do you think these wanted posters look ok?"
"Jin, why are you doing this? She's gone and you don't have to worry about her anymore. She's been quiet for a few weeks."
"There's where you're wrong, my right hand man. She has actually fallen under our radar as of late. A small merchant discovered his produce was missing along with some cash. He filed a report this morning."
"You have no proof it was her. Besides, you want to make restrictions on people trying to survive in the streets? What's the point of that?"
"She escaped! I've questioned everyone here to see if we had a mole, but no one's confessed."
He eyes widened with shock. "You.. you didn't ask me."
"I know you, Lee. You'd never betray me. In any case, I'm the Chief. I have to make tough calls no one is willing to make. Those riffraffs need to be punished for the crimes they committed!" She banged her hands on the desk. "If you won't help me, so be it. These are my laws and no one will change them."
"You know I trust your judgement, but this is too extreme, Jin. Think about it." He walked to her side, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Get off of me!" She pushed him to the floor. "You should take to day off if you know what's good for you. Someone could jeopardize their job."
Lee picked himself up, sprinting out of the office and a young man walked past him. "Wow, sounds like you've got a problem I can solve."
"What? Who are you?"
"Name's Takumi. It looks like you need a little help in the right direction."
"How are you supposed to help me?"
"Easy there, Chief. You meet my demands and I give you the information you need. For instance, your buddy isn't who he's all cracked up to be. It's a give and take situation."
She turned to face him. "You know something?"
"Give and take, my friend." He put his hand out and she shook it quickly. "Isn't this peachy? Anything I need, you give to me. I decide who get placed where in this city, got that?"
"Deal. Tell me what you know." She was anticipating his information.
"Lee Feng, was it? He may or may not know a little more about your.. setback. All I can and will reveal to you is you're gonna have a fun day in court with a street rat who owes me BIG time." He smirked and she smiled brightly.
***Back on Air Temple Island***
Jinora was settling Harmony into meditation. "All you have to do is relax and breathe. Let your mind and your spirit be free."
Harmony took deep breaths in and out to focus her mind. Ok, I think I got it."
"You're doing perfect, Harmony. My son is going to join us in a few minutes. He's late to some meditations." She closed her eyes as a young boy came barreling towards the two on an air scooter. He crashed into Harmony with a yell. "And that would be him." She frowned slightly, opening her eyes.
He stood on his feet, helping Harmony onto hers. "Sorry, mom. I was busy with Dad and practice with the guys lasted longer than.. I am going to shut up now before I keep rambling. Sorry, Avatar. I'm Bankei. It's nice to finally meet you!" He scratched his head in embarrassment and held his hand out to her; his face brightened with a blush.
"Uh, just call me Harmony." She shook his hand and they both sat down. "I didn't know you had a son, Master Jinora."
"Mhm, and your father knew you had to meditate with me and we both know your probending practice isn't today."
"Uh, it got.. changed?"
"Really? Then you just might have to miss a few practices." She crossed her arms, frowning at him.
"No! Uh, I mean please? Probending is my life. I bet Harmony would love to hang with us, wouldn't you?"
The young red head raised her hand and was instantly cut off by her teacher. "I--"
"Harmony has training and so do you. Listen to me, you need to learn the basics before you just run off with your bending."
"I know you don't like me probending, but I love to do it! Can you please be happy for me?" He looked to her with longing in his eyes. "Please?"
"That's enough. If you're under my roof, you abide by my rules, Bankei."
He stood up and scooted away from his mother and the Avatar. "I knew you wouldn't understand. My team has a match to win."
"Bankei!" Jinora sighed heavily. "What am I going to do with that boy?"
"Master Jinora? If I may, I think he would love to show you a part of himself."
She glared in her direction. "Oh, what do you know? You're not a mother. I'm trying to look out for his best interests. Probending isn't something he should be doing. I'm not getting any younger and I want him to take over the temple when I'm gone. Is that so much to ask?"
"What if he doesn't want to--"
"Of course he wants to. He has wanted to be like me since the day he was born, but he changed.. I need to get to that arena and find out what's wrong with him."
"I don't think anything's wrong with--"
"Hush now. Let's get down there with Pepper and see if she's up for a little ride."