Fragment 23:7, "In the balance of justice, the weight of sin shall not tip the scales, for in the heart of righteousness, equity prevails."

~Toph Beifong, Head of Clan Beifong and Founder of the Goddmashin

Republic City Police

Lin:

“Chief, Lin, Chief Beifong… come in, Chief…” Groggily, Lin grabbed her G18 Portable-X, also commonly referred to as a Brick by some of her less educated partners in the force. Sitting up from her cot, Lin clicked the receiver with her thumb.

“Trinity Spirits, I hear you, Wan. What is it?” Lin replied to her Brick.

“Chief, we’ve got a break-in on 145 Willow Street, four dead and another critically wounded. I think you're going to want to see this.”

Pressing down on the receiver, “Alright, Wan. You have my attention. I’ll bring Yu and Lee with me as well.”

“Thank you, Chief,” replied Wan, her deputy and husband for over seven years. Getting up and ready, Lin made her way into the other room, “Yue! Lee! Let’s go.” She called, knowing they received a similar transmission from Wan and his men separately. “Yes, Chief!” She got back in return.

***********

Arriving at the 145 Willow Street apartment complex, and getting out of her automobile, Lin noticed the crowd gathered outside. As she moved up the stairs to the fourth floor and passed a broken balcony, she also noticed how rough the neighborhood was.

As she turned into room 4B, her eyes took in Wan and his men. However, they couldn’t help but gravitate to the large hole left in the ground. Peculiarly shaped like a body. Lin scanned the room first before stepping further, quickly and precisely scanning for details. Seven, no eight bloodstains, she thought. Various parts of the floor and walls are ripped up. Four dead bodies, likely gangsters, and the killer fled from the scene. Lin concluded before walking forward to inspect the large hole in the floor closer.

“There is a missing body, Wan,” Lin said, noting the out-of-place bloodstain with no body to match. Lin crouched down to examine the hole. So many broken wood chips, Lin thought before Wan responded, “Aye, Chief. Amongst the four dead Triple Threats, Mrs. Wei was found in critical condition. We moved her out, obviously, for emergency care.”

“Her apartment, no?” Lin asked, knowing the likely answer. “Yes, and it seemed there was a fight with at least one other. It is unknown how many were involved.” Wan continued to give his assessment, and Lin quietly listened and watched.

After a time, as Wan finished, Lin stood back up and faced the rest of her men. “Yue and Lee, go straight to Mrs. Wei at the hospital. You are on guard duty. Wan, I want a detective here at the earliest request. Question Mrs. Wei’s neighbors, find out her activities, and bring me all we have on her and any family she has.” Lin barked out to her men.

As Lin and Wan walked out of the apartment, down the stairs, and out past the police perimeter to their automobiles, she turned to Wan. “Get changed into civilian clothes. We’re heading out to Platinum Ridge.”

“Platinum Ridge,” Wan stated more than questioned, “Zolt is going to throw a hissy fit, Chief.”

“Correct, I aim to get to the bottom of this sooner rather than later. We have at least one rogue metalbender, and in this City, the longer we wait the more difficult finding him or her will become.” Lin replied.

Thoughts ran through Lin’s mind as they got into their automobiles. The Cities were a hub for metalbenders. Republic City, especially so. Many metalbenders lived well off due to the high demand for their services. In an age where almost everything was made with metal, metalbenders were never out of work. It was almost as rare as the Earth King’s pet bear to find one turning to crime.

Wan started the vehicle and turned off onto the road. Lin sat quietly in the passenger seat and continued to reflect on her City. “The Tunnels will not make it easy,” Lin spoke, grabbing Wan’s attention from the road.

“You so sure it is an earthbender?” replied Wan. “Metalbender,” corrected Lin, “the killer is most certainly a metalbender. Too many woodchips and no metal left from the broken floor and wall. I’m still thinking through why the pipes, pans, and Trinity know what else was bended, went.”

“Aye, it certainly points to being a metalbender. However, my men didn’t find any metal lying around. No spikes, barriers, or even warped pieces were found. It’s almost as if the killer or killers picked up and hauled off all the metal,” Wan rebutted back. "Yes, it is odd. I’ll give you that,” Lin said, “but it doesn’t disprove my theory. It is merely an odd detail to figure out.”

“I concede to your point, Chief. That’ll make it a right nightmare to find them. However, The Tunnels are not kind nor easy to search.”

In a city with such a high number of earthbenders per capita, everyone wanted their own basement, wine cellar, or place to store grandma’s belongings. Fifty years ago, all the underground rooms and tunnels were already vast. And each new generation just kept on expanding them. Permit or not. It was just too easy for earthbenders. Making it a nightmare to search and a phenomenal place for hideouts and secret locations. The City stopped mapping them eighteen years ago, giving up to the colossal beast that made the underside of Republic City. Lin would bet that would be where the killers went. Half a century back, before the Tunnels were so vast, people would refer to them by their district. Platinum Ridge, Emerald District, Silvercrest Heights, and such. Now, people just refer to them collectively as The Tunnels.

As Deputy Wan navigated the patrol car through the winding streets of the industrial city, the contrast between the impoverished neighborhoods they were leaving behind and the opulent Platinum Ridge district ahead was stark.

The skyline shifted from dilapidated warehouses and crumbling tenements to towering skyscrapers adorned with shimmering glass and polished steel. Platinum Ridge rose above the rest of the city like a gleaming badge of wealth and privilege, its streets lined with manicured lawns, ornate fountains, and picturesque estates.

Chief Lin glanced out the window, her eyes taking in the sight of luxury automobiles gliding past. Their sleek lines, shining paint colors, and wax jobs reflecting their automobile were a testament to the affluence of the district's inhabitants. Lin briefly noted pedestrians strolling along the sidewalks dressed in designer clothing, their expressions relaxed and self-assured. Not a worry in the world.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Parking in front of a beautiful gate and a more gorgeous house, Lin and Wan got out and walked up to the buzzer.

Pressing it once, twice, and on the third time, the voice of a butler sounded through the fuzzy speaker. “Hello, Chang’s residence. Who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?”

“Lin Beifong, I’m here with my deputy. I hope to speak with Zolt Chang about a situation in the Little Chin district. Please let him know I desire to speak with Zolt over this matter tonight.”

After a short pause, the voice replied, “One moment, ma’am.”

“You really think Zolt would want to discuss anything, Lin?” Wan asked.

“I think it's likely. Zolt isn’t known to fear the law as much as the other gangs. He has too many lawyers and magistrates in his pockets. I doubt he would even consider us much of a threat,” replied Lin.

Eventually, the butler’s voice sounded off: “I will unlock the gate, and you can wait in the small library.” Right before a clinking of metal sounded, unlocking the front gate. As Chief Lin and Deputy Wan pushed through the iron gates of the gang leader's residence, they found themselves standing before a mansion that exuded wealth and privilege.

The estate was surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens, lush greenery framing the path that led to the front door. A few marble statues stood sentinel along the walkway, their serene faces watching over the visitors with an air of silent superiority.

Chief Lin and Deputy Wan ascended the marble steps to the entrance, their footsteps echoing against the polished stone. The front door swung open to reveal a butler dressed in impeccable livery. His expression schooled into a mask of deference as he greeted them with a polite bow.

"Welcome, Chief Lin, Deputy Wan," the butler said, his voice smooth and cultured. "Please, follow me."

Chief Lin and Deputy Wan followed the butler into the opulent foyer, their eyes taking in the luxurious surroundings. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the marble floors and intricate tapestries that adorned the walls.

Servants bustled about, attending to their duties with quiet efficiency. Two maids dusted and polished, while a footman carried trays of refreshments on silver platters. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume, and the sound of soft music drifted through the halls. They arrived at the small library, its walls lined with towering bookshelves filled with leather-bound tomes and ancient scrolls.

Zolt Chang was already seated at the polished mahogany desk with a glass of plum wine in hand and regarded them shrewdly. He gestured for them to take a seat opposite him, his demeanor composed yet tinged with an air of arrogance.

"Chief Lin, Deputy Wan, please, have a seat," Zolt said, his voice smooth and measured. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

Chief Lin and Deputy Wan took their seats, and the leather couches were smooth and cool to the touch. Both Lin and Wan’s expressions were serious as they prepared to discuss the recent attack in the Little Chin district. Chief Lin wasted no time in getting to the point, her tone firm and authoritative.

"We're here to discuss the incident in the Little Chin district," she began, her eyes meeting Zolt's with steely resolve. "We have reason to believe that your organization may be involved."

Zolt raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a sardonic smile. "And what evidence do you have to support such an accusation?" he asked, taking a sip of his plum wine with casual indifference.

Chief Lin bristled at his dismissive tone, but she remained professional as she outlined the details of the attack, leaving out their conclusion of a metalbender as the killer and the full involvement of the Triple Triad men. She spoke of the witnesses who had reported seeing members of Zolt's gang in the area, as well as the neighbor's inquiries that placed Triad men at the scene of the crime.

Zolt listened attentively, his expression unreadable as he considered her words. After a moment of silence, he leaned back in his chair, his gaze locking with Chief Lin's.

"Chief Lin, Deputy Wan," he said, his voice low and measured. "I can assure you that my organization had nothing to do with the attack in the Little Chin district. We may have our differences, but I have no interest in starting a war with the police."

Chief Lin narrowed her eyes, her skepticism evident. "Then why were your men seen in the area?" she pressed, her voice sharp with suspicion.

“What my men do during their free time is not my concern. Many are from poor families, and I tend to draw those with more questionable backgrounds.” Zolt’s voice was cool and calm as water. “I gain nothing from attacking a poor, innocent woman. Nothing at all. However. I will tell you that my men were sent to the Little Chin district to oversee my youngest daughter's charity event. The silly thing has been raving about how charity events are all the rage now in her circle. But that ended hours before the events you described.”

As Wan scribbled in his notepad, Lin paused before giving her reply, “Very well, thank you for that detail. The force will want to question your daughter as well. I would also like to know the names of the men you sent.”

“That can be arranged,” Zolt confidently replied, seemingly unperturbed by the situation. "But before we determine if I can give you information, let me first ask if I should. Tell me, Chief," he said, his voice starting to lace with derision, "what does it feel like to be nothing more than an offshoot of the Beifong Clan? To be just another great-granddaughter of the legendary Toph Beifong, relegated to scurrying around the city like a rat? Why should I waste any time on you?"

Deputy Wan tensed beside Chief Lin, his fists clenched as he stopped writing, but Lin remained stoic, her expression betraying nothing as she met Zolt's gaze.

"I may not be a direct heir of the Beifong Clan," she said, calm and measured, "but I carry the same blood and legacy. And I assure you, Mr. Chang, my accomplishments speak for themselves."

Zolt chuckled dismissively, waving a hand as if to brush off her words. "Of course, of course," he said, his smirk never faltering. "But let's not pretend that you're anything more than a glorified police dog. I wonder, does it keep you up at night? Knowing the heir of Clan Beifong lives like royalty while you chase peasants? All because you married the wrong man.”

As he started to get off his chair, “However, as entertaining as this has been, it will have to wait. My butler, Mr. Carlton, will escort you out. I am very late for dinner, and my wife will only grow more peeved by the minute if I keep her waiting.” He said as he started to walk out to the hall they came in through.

Lin and Wan also stood, glancing at one another. A few minutes later, Chief Lin and Deputy Wan were escorted out of Zolt Chang's mansion by the ever-watchful butler. A sense of unease lingered in the air. Despite Zolt's assurances of innocence, they couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the situation than met the eye.

Once outside, they made their way to their patrol car in silence, the cool night air heavy with the weight of their unspoken suspicions. Chief Lin unlocked the car door with a click, her movements quick and decisive as she slid into the driver's seat. Deputy Wan settled into the passenger side, his gaze fixed on the darkened windows of the mansion looming in the distance.

"I don't trust him," Deputy Wan said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "There's something off about the whole situation. Beyond his barbs at you."

Chief Lin nodded in agreement, her jaw set. "I know, Wan," she replied, her tone grim. "But without concrete evidence, there's little we can do. Let him make his fun. A man like Zolt likes to hear himself talk, yet words are weak. I piss harder than his insults."

As Chief Lin started the engine and pulled away from the mansion, they both knew that their suspicions would not be easily put to rest. The Triple Threat Triad gang was known for its ruthlessness and cunning, and Zolt Chang was no exception. They would need to keep a close eye on him and his organization if they hoped to prevent further violence from erupting in the city and catch the killers.

But as they drove through the streets, their headlights cutting through the darkness, Lin couldn’t help but feel as if she was missing something. It almost tugged at her mind, yet no matter how much she twisted over it, no answer seemed to come forth. The more her mind twisted and the unease settled in, the more she noted it almost felt like a physical burden. Almost like an invisible weight.

***********

Zolt watched in silence as Chief Lin and Deputy Wan's patrol car disappeared into the night, the sound of the engine fading into the distance. Alone in a different section of the dimly lit library, he took another sip of plum wine, the taste bitter on his tongue as he mulled over their words.

The butler, Mr. Carlton, had been dismissed earlier to give Zolt some space to think. Now, with the mansion eerily quiet, Zolt's mind raced with thoughts of the recent attack in the Little Chin district and the implications it held for his organization.

As he swirled the wine in his glass, Zolt considered the possibility that another gang may be responsible for the attack. The Triple Threat Triad had many rivals, each vying for control of the city's lucrative underworld. It wouldn't be the first time they had crossed paths with their enemies, and it certainly wouldn't be the last.

Lost in thought, Zolt barely registered the soft scraping sound that echoed through the library. He paused, his senses on high alert as he strained to listen for any sign of danger. But the sound was gone as quickly as it had come, leaving him with a lingering sense of unease.

Just as Zolt was about to dismiss it as his imagination, a massive metal arm crashed through the bookcase beside him, sending splinters of wood flying through the air. Before he could react, the metal hand wrapped around him like a vice, crushing his ribs with its strength.

Zolt struggled against his assailant, fire and lightning weakly spurting out of his fists trapped against his sides, his heart pounding in his chest as he fought for breath. But the armored figure held him fast, its grip unyielding as it dragged him into the darkness beyond the shattered bookcase. As Zolt disappeared from view, the only sound that echoed through the library was the soft clink of his glass as it fell to the floor, its contents spilling across the velvet carpet in a dark pool. And the only thought that sparked in Zolt’s mind was how strange that the air felt heavy.