I yawn as I watch the Fire Ferret's train, Korra looked so drained yet they were only warming up. "What is the big idea with making me train early?" She questions. She became an official member of the Fire Ferrets and now trains most mornings with them and much to my displeasure she drags me to them as well. "The morning is evil."
"We're rookies, so we get the worst time slot in the gym," Bolin says as he catches the ball they are passing to each other. Over the few days we had known the boys, I've seemed to developed a small crush on Bolin. He was kind and goofy, but it was obvious that he had feelings for Korra.
"And you're the rookies of us all, we gotta get you up to speed if we wanna survive in the tournament," Mako explains. He was a good brother and looked out for him but when it came to dealing with Korra he always went about it the wrong way. Trying to be dominant and bossy but she doesn't respond to that well. "Deal with it!"
"You deal with it!" Korra says annoyed. She pegs the ball at Mako making him fall back and onto the ground. We all laugh at his expense, I turn to the entryway as a man enters the gym. He seemed sleazy and I made me uncomfortable.
"There are my little hard-working street urchins," He says, I stand up from my spot and move so Bolin was between me and the man. I've always found taking after my mother a blessing when it comes to height, I've always been better at stealth then my Dad. The man turns to Korra, "It's an honour to finally meet you, Avatar and you, Master Nini."
"Are you are?" Korra asks him as I stay silence watching him carefully. I'm sure he was an alright guy but I didn't want to take any chances, especially when my gut was agreeing with me.
"Butakha. I run this whole Pro-bending, shebang. Here's your winnings from the last match." He shoves his hand into his pocket and pulls out some money, Mako goes take it but Butakha pulls it back. "Ah, ah, ah not so fast. First, you owe me for the Avatar's new gear, gym and equipment rentals from last month, rent on your apartment and a personal loan for groceries"
After Butakha took the money, there was none left. We all glanced at Bolin who looked guilty, "What? I'm a growing boy." He rubs his belly and I notice a small creature sitting on his shoulder. It was an actual Fire Ferret, I have never seen one in person. After this man leaves it will be my chance to play with it.
Butakha was about to leave when he turns back to the boys, "Oh, and one more small item of business. The Fire Ferrets need to ante up thirty thousand yuans for the championship pot." I stare at the man shocked, that is a lot of money. Bolin repeats the price, his eyes wide open "Sorry kids. You got 'til the end of the week to come with the dough or else you're out of the tournament."
He pats Mako's shoulder then leaves the room, the boys watch his retreating figure still stunned. They look down at the floor, I can't imagine how upsetting this news is. It is no secret that they aren't a rich pair. They both look up at Korra turns to them, Bolin looks at her desperate, "You wouldn't happen to have a secret Avatar bank account overflowing with gold, would you?"
"I got nothing, I've never really needed money. I've always had people taking care of me." Korra states pulling out her pockets and they were indeed empty. Avatar Korra was raised in a compound in the Southern Water Tribe by the White Lotus, a ploy to keep her safe from another attempt on her life.
"Then I wouldn't say you have nothing," Mako says walking over to his bag. I watch him curiously, I have not heard Mako be so bothered by a small piece of information. Korra tries to apologise but Bolin interrupts her.
"No, it's alright. It's just ever since we lost our parents we've been on our own." Bolin explains. I place my hand on his shoulder and he looks down at me. I can't even imagine the pain that losing their parents brought them, my parents are everything to me and have given me all I have. I know that the only way to thank them is to continue to utilise the skills and gifts they have given me.
"So anyway, how are we going to come up with the money?" Mako asks, changing the subject. I glance between the group who stare at each other blank-faced but Bolin's lights up. He smiles brightly and stutters out his idea. He tells us that he has been training Pabu to do tricks and that people would pay to see them. I smile at his enthusiasm but his brother quickly dismisses the idea. "Come on, Bolin. We need serious ideas."
"I was serious," He says quietly. I glance at him with a sad smile, all he was trying to do was help and I know Mako is trying to be realistic but I find it cruel to dismiss him like that.
"Don't worry about it, I will figure it out." He picks up his stuff and starts walking out of the room, "I always do."
I turn back to Bolin and smile at the boy. I hold my hand out to Pabu and he sniffs it before climbing across onto my shoulder. "I have never seen a Fire Ferret in the flesh, he is adorable."
"He sure is, we've been best buds for ages." He scratches behind the Fire Ferret's ear and puts on a strange voice, "Haven't we?"
"I have a flying lemur at home, Lena, she is very playful but she is getting older now." I say scratching the small creature under his chin, he squeaks at me and my smile grows wider. Bolin's gaze drops to the ground, "I thought your idea was a good one, I don't think it will make much money but it's definitely a start."
He perks up and his familiar smile reappears. My heart jumps at the sight and my cheeks heat up, "We can go down to Central City Station and perform there." He states, a glint of determination in his eye. I nod, too bashful to reply to him.
We arrive at the station and I glance at the large statue of Firelord Zuko, a good friend of my Grandfather. He retired from his position many years ago, his daughter took over from him and he moved to Ember Island with his wife. I have met the man many times but my siblings cannot say the same as we have not seen him or his family in a few years. Bolin sat down in front of the statue and set up a small ladder. He puts on a fake moustache, I laugh at him as I sit down next to him. To keep me from drawing attention to myself, I had changed into the Watertribe clothes before coming with Bolin. It always felt strange when I wasn't in my robes.
"Come one, come all! See Pabu the fantastic Fire Ferret as he crosses the ladder of peril, upside down!" Bolin announces. I watch the people that pass us not sparing as a glance. I glance down at Pabu who sat on his pedestal licking himself, Bolin signals again for him to go. He walks across the ladder on his front feet, "Big finish, buddy. Stick the landing. Tada!" Someone throws a single Yuan into the cup, I pick it up and stare down at the shiny coin. "Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen! You're too kind."
"One Yuan down, Twenty-nine thousand, Nine hundred and ninety-nine to go." I sigh, I share a glance with Bolin and he looks just as spiritless. A car screeches as it pulls up in front of us, we both look up and the driver winds his window down.
"Hey Bolin, is that you?" The strange man asks, his eyes fall on me and he smirks. I shift uncomfortably under his gaze, "And you have a lady friend now."
My eyes widen and cheeks reddened but Bolin does notice this as he stares down at the slightly full cup in front of him. "Oh, hey there Shady Shin." I glance between the two guys, I recognise that name from my Father, he is in the Triple Threat Triad. They are benders that use their abilities against non-benders to extort them.
"Heard you're a big-time Pro-bending player now, not bad," Bolin mutters a respond, I wonder why this man has gone out of his way to stop to talk to Bolin and me. My Dad would have my head if he knew who I was speaking with at the moment. "So, I got an offer for ya. Lightning Bolt Zolt is lookin' to hire some extra muscle and I'm sure your little lady won't mind coming."
"Ah well..." I stutter as I try to disagree with the man but Bolin speaks over me.
"I don't know, Shin. Mako told me to stay away from the Triple Threat." I nod agreeing with Bolin's respond but Shady Shin just huffs. If Bolin gets caught with the Triad, He could be sent to gaol and for a long time. Bolin is not someone who deserves to be in prison.
"Your brother ain't the boss of you. It's just a little security work nothin' crook." Shin says slyly. I narrow my eyes at the guy, Bolin glances at me and I shake my head at him but then Shady Shin throws a wad of yuan into the cup. My face falls as Bolin's lights up with amazement, "You game?"
"Hell yeah!" Bolin says standing up. I quickly follow his lead and grab his shirt, I was not the person to speak up. I've always been taught the opposite in my training as an Airbender, I'm timid and kind. I am always told that I have the same temperament as my Grandfather but I was not about to let Bolin make this mistake without a fight. He looks back at me, "Nini, it's alright."
"Bolin, this isn't a good idea. What happens if you get caught? We can get the money another way." I state, he shakes his head and I drop my hand.
"No, we can't."
"I'm coming with you then," Bolin opens the door and I slide into the car. Shady Slim winks at me, I cross my arms and turn to look outside the window. Bolin what have you gotten us into.