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[ATLA + DC Comics] Part of the Plan
Title: Part of the Plan
Fandom: Avatar: the Last Airbender + DC Comics crossover (set in ATLA's universe but featuring DC Comics characters)
Relationships: Aang/Katara, Aang+Zuko (friendship), Aang+Damian (friendship)
Summary: Set four years after the series, but pre-Korra. Aang's setting up Republic City and making sure it's going according to plan... but a masked vigilante? So wasn't part of it. Any of it.
Notes: Written as a gift for my friend Fish. ♥ I hope she enjoys it!
Aang never thought he'd hate anything as much as he hated paperwork. After he and Zuko navigated mountains of it, Aang wanted nothing more than a visit to the local teahouse on their way home. Some Earl Grey sounded really, really good right about now. As Zuko led him past the throngs of people on their way home, Aang immediately clung to Zuko's arm. People might've been staring; was the mighty Avatar reduced to this? Aang ignored their burning stares of bewilderment. Instead, he looked up at Zuko and offered his friend a smile.
"You'd think the traffic would lighten up a little," Aang remarked, neatly dodging a cabbage mercant and his cart before they crossed the street. "It's starting to get crazy."
"It won't lighten up for a while." Zuko shook his head. Once they reached the entrance of the teahouse, Zuko stopped mid-stride and gazed at some overzealous fans who'd followed them there. Immediately, Zuko pressed against the opposite wall and motioned for Aang to follow him to the side entrance. The waitress aided them before fending off the rest of the eager fans with her mighty tea platter.
Aang winced upon hearing the clangs outside. "Sure doesn't sound like it."
Zuko snorted, folding his arms. Another waitress closed the door behind them and stepped to the side. As they were ushered to their usual corner booth, Aang slid gracefully into his seat and gave the waitress a nod.
"Don't worry about the menus." Aang grinned cheekfully. "We'll just get our usual... and some Earl Grey tea for me, if you'd please."
"Of course," the waitress laughed, leaving them to talk amongst themselves. The second she was out of sight, Aang rested his arms on the table.
"I really hope this tea's got as much caffeine as you promised."
Zuko merely rolled his eyes. "If it doesn't keep you awake at 2 AM, then we've got problems."
A chuckle escaped Aang's lips. Katara'd probably hate it if he kept her up so late. They'd been getting along so well lately too! Not that they normally weren't easygoing, but Aang's and Katara's sleeping schedules were becoming increasingly different lately. Between Aang's work with settling Republic City and Katara's work in the clinic, they often found themselves exhausted at the ends of their respective days.
"I'll keep that in mind," Aang noted, watching the waitress as she brought a large teacup, filled to the brim with brewed Earl Grey, along with cream and sugars. Setting it down, she then brought Zuko's raspberry crumb cake and Aang's pound cake and set them in front of the young men.
When she disappeared, Aang eagerly stirred sugar into his tea before blowing on it and taking a sip. "Mmmm, it's good."
"I wouldn't have recommended it otherwise," Zuko commented wryly as he took a fork and plowed into his crumb cake. After a second (and a couple bites of cake), Zuko then swallowed before he asked, "So what do you think about those rumors we've been hearing lately?"
Did Zuko have to bring that up now? Aang didn't really want to think about it. For a couple of weeks now, Republic City had been getting nightly visits from a masked vigilante who claimed to fight for justice and the truth - or at least, that's what his record insinuated. The vigilante had never killed anyone, but he had disarmed several members of various Triads, and he had also unmasked a crime lord in his effort to keep the streets safe. As expected, it'd thrown Chief Bei Fong into a frenzy. Even Aang didn't want to approach Toph when she got this furious over someone sneaking out under her own nose! To make matters worse, no public official had actually seen this masked man. They only had hearsay, and the occasional witness who profusely thanked the masked man for saving her life.
Aang willed himself to merely shrug, instead of actually voicing his fears in such a public place. "I'm not sure. It's not like we've actually seen this masked vigilante going around..." But at the same time, it didn't disprove anything either. Experience had long taught Aang to believe in the impossible. "Should we be worried?"
"He IS going against the law you've set up," Zuko calmly reminded him. "You, Toph, and Sokka need to figure out how you're going to deal with that kind of thing. I can tell you how the Fire Nation would've dealt with someone like him, but..." He cut himself off, instead taking another bite of crumb cake. Aang knew exactly what he was going to say: "but this isn't the Fire Nation." Republic City was setting itself up as the capitol of a new country, one that united the Fire Nation colonies and the Earth Kingdom; it needed to establish its own laws.
For better or for worse, everyone believed Aang would have the answer. But how could he fight someone he hadn't ever seen before in his lifetime? It sounded complicated. Aang stared down at his reflection in his tea. "Yeah, I know. I'll figure something out. I always do."
"You know, I'm not leaving until this weekend." Zuko looked slightly amused as he glanced up from his food. "So if you need me to do anything, just say the word."
Without even meaning to, Zuko still sounded like a total dork. Aang couldn't wipe that smile off his face, not even a tiny bit. Thank goodness he had friends like him. "Got it---"
He winced. Since when was this quiet teahouse so loud? He could even hear the clicking gears of those new-fangled cameras. Did these people really care that much about him? Aang turned his head to spy another man, roughly around his age, waltz inside and take a table near the windows. His dark black hair was neatly cropped above his ears and he was dressed properly in the attire of a young businessman with a properly pressed suit and watch hanging out of his breastpocket. Every now and then, he'd pull the watch out and stare at it, as if he had somewhere else he needed to be.
Aang stared at him for a little longer than necessary. Then the young man turned on Aang and glared at him with the intense, dark blue eyes of the Water Tribes. Shamed by the glare, Aang retreated back to his tea and Zuko.
"Who's that?" Aang asked quietly. "I've never seen him before."
"That's Dei Mi-An," Zuko responded just as softly, finishing off his cake. "He's one of the Fire Nation's most prominent businessmen. I'm surprised he's here in Republic City... I thought he would've been finishing up work back at the Capital."
No wonder this guy was getting so much attention. If he was a well-respected businessman in the Fire Nation, despite his eye color signifing that he was descended from waterbenders or the Southern Water Tribe, then his presence in this city was unusual and probably wanted. (Perhaps his family immigrated there centuries ago?) Aang didn't really keep up with businesses - that was more Sokka's tihng - so he hadn't heard much about someone so young rising up to power. "What kind of business?"
Zuko had to think about it for a moment. "Weapons production, I think. That's what his family was known for... but last I heard, Dei's getting involved in the technology business. He wants to build things the world hasn't seen before, and he thinks the tech's going to be available in the near future."
"Oh." Aang took another peek at Dei Mi-An. It was weird, knowing that someone his age had risen to power just as quickly for a completely different reason. "I guess that's why he's in Republic City, right? To see if he can make any potential business deals?"
"Probably."
For someone who should be happy, Dei seemed rather melancholy. He ordered masala chai and toast, instead of something sweeter like Aang would've guessed, and kept staring down at his pocket watch every five minutes or so. Aang understood that time was of the essence; it always was with businessmen and people who had places to see and things to do. But it seemed so futile and useless with Dei. Just what was he so upset about?
Then Dei noticed Aang staring at him. Again. This time, Dei rose to his feet and approached Aang's table.
"Avatar," He gave a polite nod towards Aang, "and Fire Lord Zuko. What pleasure do I have of meeting you both at a place like this?"
Aang felt sheepish. "Could you please not call us that? It's just Aang and Zuko here..."
Zuko chuckled. Looking up at Dei, he motioned for Dei to sit next to him. "It's good to see you again, Dei Mi-An. What brings you to Republic City?"
"I've got a few business deals I'm working on," Dei said vaguely, dismissing the idea with a wave of his hand as he brought over his tea and toast. He observed Aang and stared quietly at the arrow tattoos on the Avatar's face. Aang couldn't help sweating. Was this person judging him? And if so, for what? Aang couldn't remember making any controversial decisions lately...
Noticing the look on Aang's face, Dei's frown instantly melted into a warm smile. For a second, it felt genuine. "Is everything going alright, Avatar?"
"I told you to stop calling me that!" Aang pouted. Completely forgetting the roles he and Dei were supposed to play, he insisted, "I'm just Aang, and you're just Dei, okay?"
"Well... Just Aang," Dei replied, smirking widely as he took another sip of his tea. "How've things been for you?"
Aang could totally see Zuko snorting out of the corner of his eyes, and he didn't like it one bit. It hadn't even been five minutes and these two were ganging up on him already! "Things have been fine." Aang tried very hard to keep that smile on his face as he glanced back at Dei. "We've basically been working on paperwork and getting the legal things sorted out between Republic City and the Fire Nation."
"That'll make it easier for business." Pleased by the news, Dei's smile seemed even more genuine than Aang expected. "I suppose you two're also working on the issues of vigilantes?"
Aang and Zuko exchanged uneasy glances. After what felt like forever, Aang finally broke the awkward silence with a, "We're attempting to. I haven't actually met this vigilante yet, but Chief Bei Fong promises that she'll bring him to justice for breaking the law? As it is, he certainly wasn't part of the plan..."
Dei's face darkened for just a second. When Aang blinked, that peaceful, non-committal smile had returned to the young businessman's face. "So you think he's a menace to society?" Dei questioned. "I hear he's been doing some good to the poorer neighborhoods in Republic City, the ones that need it most."
"Those are just rumors," Zuko interrupted, though he seemed a bit weary at the news. "If there is such a person, then we'll figure out how to deal with him... but in the meantime, just enjoy your time here in Republic City. I know you're probably on a tight schedule, what with your plans for improving technology back in the Capital and all."
"Right." Once he'd finished his tea, Dei rose to his feet and gave an apologetic nod. "Sorry to have bothered you, Fire Lord and Just Aang. I suppose I'll see you around sometime?"
"Definitely," Zuko and Aang said in unison. Dei chuckled, tucking his hands in his pockets as he turned to leave.
The millisecond he was out of sight, Aang remarked blasedly, "He seems okay. Kinda solemn for someone my age."
"Yeah, he's definitely more like an adult than an eighteen year old..." Zuko shrugged. "But it makes sense. He's kind of like us, in that his dad was the one who originally owned the company, and now Dei's swooping in to protect it."
"Kinda."
Dei'd definitely piqued Aang's curiousity. He knew he probably wouldn't see the other kid again, but now he kind of wanted to. It wasn't every day that he met someone his age doing all of these incredible things! Katara might've chided him and thought him a little foolish, but Aang didn't really care. Now that he had a peer admist all of the elders, maybe he could actually concentrate on that paperwork.
Concentration, unfortunately, would have to wait. Zuko'd been right about the caffeine in that Earl Grey: at 2 o'clock in the morning, Aang couldn't sleep. He felt too restless to fall back under the covers. Instead, he lay in bed for another minute or so, listening to Katara's soft snores and the wind rustling outside. Silently, he pushed the covers towards his wife before he rose and changed into proper clothing.
For some reason, he felt like heading downtown and investigating more about this masked vigilante. However, he didn't want to wake Katara up; he knew she'd had a long day, and the last thing he wanted was a grumpy girlfriend. He settled for blowing her a kiss before he gently closed the doors behind him and descended into the city. At this hour, most of Republic City slept. Save for the lamplights and the occasional street fight, most people had decided to turn in early.
Yet it didn't quite feel like a ghost town. Aang could feel the energy of the people pulsing through the streets as he slowly navigated his way around. Every now and then, he could hear something out of place - a scream, the sound of a wheelbarrow darting into an unsavory place, but he tried his best to ignore it.
Then, without warning, he finally caught his first glimpse of the mysterious masked vigilante. The man was about as tall as Aang was - maybe even a little taller with those steel-toed boots on; his green mask obscured his face (and his eyes); and he was dressed neatly in a custom red-and-black skin-tight uniform, with hunter green gloves and yellow trim along the edge of his cape. As he stomped on one of his assialants, he felt even more imposing in person.
He was fighting more than a few of the local thugs. Aang was half-tempted to join the fight, but this masked man knew exactly what he was doing. One thug attempted to attack; the masked man dodged, ducking underneath, before pulling the thug to the ground and hitting him hard. Before Aang could even say a word, the masked man had promptly disposed of one thug and disarmed the rest with one clear wide sweep. All without a single instance of bending too! Was this guy a non-bender?
Aang turned to leave just as the scuffle died down. If he pretended he never saw him, maybe then---
"Where're you going?" Busted. Despite the masked man's gruff, deep voice, it sounded almost familiar. Aang couldn't place just where he'd heard it before.
Aang froze. Slowly, slowly turning to face the vigilante, Aang asked quietly, "What do you think you're doing?"
"Answering my question with another question, Avatar?" The masked man stepped closer towards Aang and folded his arms. "Your reputation really does precede you."
Again? Aang wanted to protest against the use of his title, but in this instance, it didn't feel quite right; this caped freak didn't need the privilege of knowing Aang's actual name. Aang narrowed his eyes, trying to figure out just where the masked man's eyes were underneath those white-out lenses. "Is there anything wrong with that? It's not like I'm breaking the laws every night."
"No, but you make them." The masked man said, effortlessly circling Aang. "The laws that you think help these people only serve to hurt them further."
"You dare question my authority?" Okay, so maybe Aang hadn't really thought through asking that question, but dangit if he didn't sound cool while doing it. This... this guy just seemed to effortlessly bring charisma and suaveness with him, even while skirting the law. The Avatar wasn't supposed to admire someone who just beat up criminals!
The masked man stopped mid-stride. "Did I ever say that?"
"You insinuated it," Aang retorted with a huff, though he couldn't help feeling proud. He'd actually managed to throw the masked guy off-guard! "I'd say you should be the one worrying."
"Oh, so now I'm the bad guy." The masked man sounded almost amused as he shifted his weight to his other foot. "Tell me, Avatar, just how much do you know about me?"
Aang opened his mouth to retort something witty, something that showed this jerk just how much he knew! Which also happened to be.... "Absolutely nothing."
The masked man rubbed his temples. "You're kidding me, right?"
Ashamed, Aang awkwardly stared down at his feet. "I only know what I've heard from people. You're one of those vigilantes that doesn't listen to Chief Bei Fong's orders and instead chooses to fight criminals on your own terms. You don't kill people, but you also don't let them off easy either... and most people think you don't even exist."
"That's a little bit more than 'absolutely nothing,' Avatar." When the masked man laughed, it sounded incredibly surreal. Aang didn't think this guy had it in him! Aang desperately tried not to gawk as the masked man continued, "I wouldn't go that far---- uh."
Aang sheepishly shrugged. "Sorry, it's just... you don't seem like the laughing type." The masked man snorted. Aang cut him off quickly, adding, "But uh... what do you call yourself? I don't see a nametag anywhere or---"
"Robin."
Robin? Surely he meant Hawkrobin, or even Robin-cats? Just plain old Robin? Aang tilted his head to the side. "Huh? Like the Hawk-Robins?"
"Not exactly." The masked man tried to hide that smile underneath a layer of indifference, but Aang could feel his amusement. "Plain ol' robins signify the coming of spring."
"And thus, a better Republic City."
Aang could get the logic behind that, he really could! But it felt odd conversing about it with someone that seemed to destroy everything Aang had been working so hard for. Solemnly, Aang turned to leave again. The police would surely be on their way at any moment, and this was the last place Aang wanted them to see him. "If anyone asks, I never saw you."
"Aw, you aren't sticking around?" Robin sounded almost wistful. "Shame."
"Just don't let me see you in court," Aang retorted. "Stay clear of Chief Bei Fong, if you know what's good for you."
Robin gave Aang a playful salute before jumping into the nearest rooftop. "Got it."
Just then, the sound of the police siren wailed. Aang swerved to face an oncoming squad as they raced on their bicycles and various other man-powered vehicles. The leader of the squad immediately screeched to a halt upon meeting the Aang. He gave him a polite nod before assigning his men to load up the rest of the thugs.
"Did these men give you trouble, Avatar?" The police leader was asking him. Aang blankly stared at the spot where Robin had once been.
"Uh..." Aang shook his head. "No, Officer, I'm fine."
"Alright then." The police officer bit his lip, but seemed relieved as they loaded the men onto various wheelbarrows and rickshaws and what-have-you. "I know I'm not supposed to encourage vigilantism, but I'm glad you were able to defend yourself."
Aang clamped his hand on the older man's shoulder. "It's fine, sir. I hope you sleep well tonight."
It felt weird, having older people constantly defer to you all the time, but Aang also knew that respect was a two-way street. Honor these people and their obligations, and they'd probably honor your wishes in return. He wanted to watch the policemen off, but they insisted on escorting him back to his apartment.
Awkwardly, Aang accepted the offer and quietly returned home. The entire time, the burning question of Robin remained on his mind. Just who was this Robin fellow - and how was he able to keep himself so far removed from law enforcement while fighting criminals? He knew he wasn't going to get answers anytime soon, but this kid just wouldn't leave him alone.
Maybe he should talk to Zuko about it again... Aang stared out the window when he arrived and waved the policemen off. He was just about to head back to bed---
"Sleeping so soon?"
DANGIT. Aang nearly blasted Robin with a torrent of water in his panicked state. Managing to catch his breath, Aang stared bewilderedly at the vigilante resting casually on his balcony, as if nothing else in the world mattered. "Hhh-how did you know where I lived?"
Robin's smile melted into a confident smirk as he pulled one knee close to his chest. "That's my little secret."
"Like your face and your name?" Aang remarked, managing to compose himself as he opened the window fully to allow Robin in. Robin remained where he was, choosing to refuse the invitation.
He instead rose to his feet and pressed a gloved hand against the windowpane. "Exactly."
"I told you to stay clear of Chief Bei Fong---"
"But you didn't say to steer clear of you," Robin finished. "Which is why I'm here to say I won't stay here long."
Aang furrowed his brow. "Wait, why? I thought you were going to make Republic City a priority." He certainly seemed that way, what with his deft ability to silence most of his enemies and how brilliantly he'd evaded an entire police squad and Toph. If he wasn't staying in Republic City, Aang didn't know where else a person like him could easily blend into the scenery.
"I am, and I will." Robin promised. "But right now, there's other circumstances forcing me elsewhere..."
"... and when you come back, you want me to make sure I turn a blind eye?" Aang slowly asked, as if he weren't quite believing his own words.
"I can't ask you that much." Robin gave the Avatar an exasperated smile. "Even I know that's a fool's favor. I just want you to know that I haven't given up - and if I have to fight you to keep my right, I will."
A non-bender wouldn't last long against the Avatar, and both of them knew it. If anything, it was a gesture that signified more in actions than any words could; if Aang harmed someone who aimed to seek justice, then it'd marr Aang's reputation and turn Robin into a martyr. Republic City couldn't afford to have a martyr so soon; it wasn't even five years old yet!
"I understand," Aang said softly. "But don't think I haven't given up either."
"I look forward to it."
The wind rustled behind Aang. Was Katara up again? Aang glanced over his shoulder, watching as his girlfriend slowly walked out of their shared bedroom, but the minute he turned back to the window, the vigilante was gone. Again.
"Aang?" Katara asked slowly. "Are you okay?"
Aang nodded, floating back towards his girlfriend and gently kissing her cheek. "I'm fine. Go back to sleep, dear; we've got long days tomorrow."
Zuko and Dei Mi-An left for the Fire Nation the following weekend. Curiously enough, with their departure, Robin too left the city streets. Aang desperately searched for him the first couple of nights, but he came up surprisingly empty; instead, he only encountered a few more criminals and would-be burglars. Toph repremanded him for his efforts ("Come on, Twinkletoes, we've got police officers and firefighters for a reason!") but Aang was too distracted to really feel the effects of her words.
Just where did this Robin disappear to? He clung to Aang's mind like a sick leech, unwilling to let go, and Aang wasn't quite sure he wanted this vigilante to be more than a passing memory.
About four months later, Dei Mi-An returned to Republic City with an important announcement. Before the Councilmen, he announced that he would represent the Fire Nation as a liason between the two countries - and that he and his company would settle permanently in Republic City. Aang welcomed him with open arms, despite the protests from councilmen who weren't Sokka. So what if Dei wasn't more than eighteen years old? Aang was the same age, and he was doing pretty well so far!
Just before they left the council hall, Dei flashed Aang a grateful smile. "Thanks for believing in me," He said quietly as they descended the stairs. "I didn't think anyone would go along with this."
"You're a friend of Zuko's," Aang responded cheerfully. "And any friend of Zuko's is going to be a friend of mine too."
Dei stopped mid-step, staring at Aang with a look of mixed confusion and concern. "You really believe that?"
"Of course I do," Aang cheekily grinned. "Why wouldn't I?"
Running down the rest of the way, Dei merely wrinkled his nose before he started to disappear into the crowd. "Whatever you say, Just Aang."
Aang laughed loudly as he followed his new friend's lead. At least life with this new councilman certainly wouldn't be boring! Not even Sokka could claim to be this out-of-the-ordinary, not after knowing Aang for so long, and certainly... maybe this town needed something exciting.
That night, just to satisfy his own curiousity, Aang took to the streets again. He floated just above the sidewalk and searched every nook and cranny, just to catch that familiar sight of red, black, and green. After about an hour of searching and hoping, he was just about to turn tail and leave when a giant scuffle broke out before his own eyes.
A few Triad members were again face-to-face with Robin, and this time? Robin wasn't letting them get the best of him. Just after Robin'd successfully punched a few onto the ground, he caught sight of Aang and gave him a cheeky grin before resuming the fight.
Aang returned the grin before disappearing back home. Maybe, just maybe, Robin was what this town needed all along... even if he wasn't part of the plan.
Fandom: Avatar: the Last Airbender + DC Comics crossover (set in ATLA's universe but featuring DC Comics characters)
Relationships: Aang/Katara, Aang+Zuko (friendship), Aang+Damian (friendship)
Summary: Set four years after the series, but pre-Korra. Aang's setting up Republic City and making sure it's going according to plan... but a masked vigilante? So wasn't part of it. Any of it.
Notes: Written as a gift for my friend Fish. ♥ I hope she enjoys it!
Aang never thought he'd hate anything as much as he hated paperwork. After he and Zuko navigated mountains of it, Aang wanted nothing more than a visit to the local teahouse on their way home. Some Earl Grey sounded really, really good right about now. As Zuko led him past the throngs of people on their way home, Aang immediately clung to Zuko's arm. People might've been staring; was the mighty Avatar reduced to this? Aang ignored their burning stares of bewilderment. Instead, he looked up at Zuko and offered his friend a smile.
"You'd think the traffic would lighten up a little," Aang remarked, neatly dodging a cabbage mercant and his cart before they crossed the street. "It's starting to get crazy."
"It won't lighten up for a while." Zuko shook his head. Once they reached the entrance of the teahouse, Zuko stopped mid-stride and gazed at some overzealous fans who'd followed them there. Immediately, Zuko pressed against the opposite wall and motioned for Aang to follow him to the side entrance. The waitress aided them before fending off the rest of the eager fans with her mighty tea platter.
Aang winced upon hearing the clangs outside. "Sure doesn't sound like it."
Zuko snorted, folding his arms. Another waitress closed the door behind them and stepped to the side. As they were ushered to their usual corner booth, Aang slid gracefully into his seat and gave the waitress a nod.
"Don't worry about the menus." Aang grinned cheekfully. "We'll just get our usual... and some Earl Grey tea for me, if you'd please."
"Of course," the waitress laughed, leaving them to talk amongst themselves. The second she was out of sight, Aang rested his arms on the table.
"I really hope this tea's got as much caffeine as you promised."
Zuko merely rolled his eyes. "If it doesn't keep you awake at 2 AM, then we've got problems."
A chuckle escaped Aang's lips. Katara'd probably hate it if he kept her up so late. They'd been getting along so well lately too! Not that they normally weren't easygoing, but Aang's and Katara's sleeping schedules were becoming increasingly different lately. Between Aang's work with settling Republic City and Katara's work in the clinic, they often found themselves exhausted at the ends of their respective days.
"I'll keep that in mind," Aang noted, watching the waitress as she brought a large teacup, filled to the brim with brewed Earl Grey, along with cream and sugars. Setting it down, she then brought Zuko's raspberry crumb cake and Aang's pound cake and set them in front of the young men.
When she disappeared, Aang eagerly stirred sugar into his tea before blowing on it and taking a sip. "Mmmm, it's good."
"I wouldn't have recommended it otherwise," Zuko commented wryly as he took a fork and plowed into his crumb cake. After a second (and a couple bites of cake), Zuko then swallowed before he asked, "So what do you think about those rumors we've been hearing lately?"
Did Zuko have to bring that up now? Aang didn't really want to think about it. For a couple of weeks now, Republic City had been getting nightly visits from a masked vigilante who claimed to fight for justice and the truth - or at least, that's what his record insinuated. The vigilante had never killed anyone, but he had disarmed several members of various Triads, and he had also unmasked a crime lord in his effort to keep the streets safe. As expected, it'd thrown Chief Bei Fong into a frenzy. Even Aang didn't want to approach Toph when she got this furious over someone sneaking out under her own nose! To make matters worse, no public official had actually seen this masked man. They only had hearsay, and the occasional witness who profusely thanked the masked man for saving her life.
Aang willed himself to merely shrug, instead of actually voicing his fears in such a public place. "I'm not sure. It's not like we've actually seen this masked vigilante going around..." But at the same time, it didn't disprove anything either. Experience had long taught Aang to believe in the impossible. "Should we be worried?"
"He IS going against the law you've set up," Zuko calmly reminded him. "You, Toph, and Sokka need to figure out how you're going to deal with that kind of thing. I can tell you how the Fire Nation would've dealt with someone like him, but..." He cut himself off, instead taking another bite of crumb cake. Aang knew exactly what he was going to say: "but this isn't the Fire Nation." Republic City was setting itself up as the capitol of a new country, one that united the Fire Nation colonies and the Earth Kingdom; it needed to establish its own laws.
For better or for worse, everyone believed Aang would have the answer. But how could he fight someone he hadn't ever seen before in his lifetime? It sounded complicated. Aang stared down at his reflection in his tea. "Yeah, I know. I'll figure something out. I always do."
"You know, I'm not leaving until this weekend." Zuko looked slightly amused as he glanced up from his food. "So if you need me to do anything, just say the word."
Without even meaning to, Zuko still sounded like a total dork. Aang couldn't wipe that smile off his face, not even a tiny bit. Thank goodness he had friends like him. "Got it---"
He winced. Since when was this quiet teahouse so loud? He could even hear the clicking gears of those new-fangled cameras. Did these people really care that much about him? Aang turned his head to spy another man, roughly around his age, waltz inside and take a table near the windows. His dark black hair was neatly cropped above his ears and he was dressed properly in the attire of a young businessman with a properly pressed suit and watch hanging out of his breastpocket. Every now and then, he'd pull the watch out and stare at it, as if he had somewhere else he needed to be.
Aang stared at him for a little longer than necessary. Then the young man turned on Aang and glared at him with the intense, dark blue eyes of the Water Tribes. Shamed by the glare, Aang retreated back to his tea and Zuko.
"Who's that?" Aang asked quietly. "I've never seen him before."
"That's Dei Mi-An," Zuko responded just as softly, finishing off his cake. "He's one of the Fire Nation's most prominent businessmen. I'm surprised he's here in Republic City... I thought he would've been finishing up work back at the Capital."
No wonder this guy was getting so much attention. If he was a well-respected businessman in the Fire Nation, despite his eye color signifing that he was descended from waterbenders or the Southern Water Tribe, then his presence in this city was unusual and probably wanted. (Perhaps his family immigrated there centuries ago?) Aang didn't really keep up with businesses - that was more Sokka's tihng - so he hadn't heard much about someone so young rising up to power. "What kind of business?"
Zuko had to think about it for a moment. "Weapons production, I think. That's what his family was known for... but last I heard, Dei's getting involved in the technology business. He wants to build things the world hasn't seen before, and he thinks the tech's going to be available in the near future."
"Oh." Aang took another peek at Dei Mi-An. It was weird, knowing that someone his age had risen to power just as quickly for a completely different reason. "I guess that's why he's in Republic City, right? To see if he can make any potential business deals?"
"Probably."
For someone who should be happy, Dei seemed rather melancholy. He ordered masala chai and toast, instead of something sweeter like Aang would've guessed, and kept staring down at his pocket watch every five minutes or so. Aang understood that time was of the essence; it always was with businessmen and people who had places to see and things to do. But it seemed so futile and useless with Dei. Just what was he so upset about?
Then Dei noticed Aang staring at him. Again. This time, Dei rose to his feet and approached Aang's table.
"Avatar," He gave a polite nod towards Aang, "and Fire Lord Zuko. What pleasure do I have of meeting you both at a place like this?"
Aang felt sheepish. "Could you please not call us that? It's just Aang and Zuko here..."
Zuko chuckled. Looking up at Dei, he motioned for Dei to sit next to him. "It's good to see you again, Dei Mi-An. What brings you to Republic City?"
"I've got a few business deals I'm working on," Dei said vaguely, dismissing the idea with a wave of his hand as he brought over his tea and toast. He observed Aang and stared quietly at the arrow tattoos on the Avatar's face. Aang couldn't help sweating. Was this person judging him? And if so, for what? Aang couldn't remember making any controversial decisions lately...
Noticing the look on Aang's face, Dei's frown instantly melted into a warm smile. For a second, it felt genuine. "Is everything going alright, Avatar?"
"I told you to stop calling me that!" Aang pouted. Completely forgetting the roles he and Dei were supposed to play, he insisted, "I'm just Aang, and you're just Dei, okay?"
"Well... Just Aang," Dei replied, smirking widely as he took another sip of his tea. "How've things been for you?"
Aang could totally see Zuko snorting out of the corner of his eyes, and he didn't like it one bit. It hadn't even been five minutes and these two were ganging up on him already! "Things have been fine." Aang tried very hard to keep that smile on his face as he glanced back at Dei. "We've basically been working on paperwork and getting the legal things sorted out between Republic City and the Fire Nation."
"That'll make it easier for business." Pleased by the news, Dei's smile seemed even more genuine than Aang expected. "I suppose you two're also working on the issues of vigilantes?"
Aang and Zuko exchanged uneasy glances. After what felt like forever, Aang finally broke the awkward silence with a, "We're attempting to. I haven't actually met this vigilante yet, but Chief Bei Fong promises that she'll bring him to justice for breaking the law? As it is, he certainly wasn't part of the plan..."
Dei's face darkened for just a second. When Aang blinked, that peaceful, non-committal smile had returned to the young businessman's face. "So you think he's a menace to society?" Dei questioned. "I hear he's been doing some good to the poorer neighborhoods in Republic City, the ones that need it most."
"Those are just rumors," Zuko interrupted, though he seemed a bit weary at the news. "If there is such a person, then we'll figure out how to deal with him... but in the meantime, just enjoy your time here in Republic City. I know you're probably on a tight schedule, what with your plans for improving technology back in the Capital and all."
"Right." Once he'd finished his tea, Dei rose to his feet and gave an apologetic nod. "Sorry to have bothered you, Fire Lord and Just Aang. I suppose I'll see you around sometime?"
"Definitely," Zuko and Aang said in unison. Dei chuckled, tucking his hands in his pockets as he turned to leave.
The millisecond he was out of sight, Aang remarked blasedly, "He seems okay. Kinda solemn for someone my age."
"Yeah, he's definitely more like an adult than an eighteen year old..." Zuko shrugged. "But it makes sense. He's kind of like us, in that his dad was the one who originally owned the company, and now Dei's swooping in to protect it."
"Kinda."
Dei'd definitely piqued Aang's curiousity. He knew he probably wouldn't see the other kid again, but now he kind of wanted to. It wasn't every day that he met someone his age doing all of these incredible things! Katara might've chided him and thought him a little foolish, but Aang didn't really care. Now that he had a peer admist all of the elders, maybe he could actually concentrate on that paperwork.
Concentration, unfortunately, would have to wait. Zuko'd been right about the caffeine in that Earl Grey: at 2 o'clock in the morning, Aang couldn't sleep. He felt too restless to fall back under the covers. Instead, he lay in bed for another minute or so, listening to Katara's soft snores and the wind rustling outside. Silently, he pushed the covers towards his wife before he rose and changed into proper clothing.
For some reason, he felt like heading downtown and investigating more about this masked vigilante. However, he didn't want to wake Katara up; he knew she'd had a long day, and the last thing he wanted was a grumpy girlfriend. He settled for blowing her a kiss before he gently closed the doors behind him and descended into the city. At this hour, most of Republic City slept. Save for the lamplights and the occasional street fight, most people had decided to turn in early.
Yet it didn't quite feel like a ghost town. Aang could feel the energy of the people pulsing through the streets as he slowly navigated his way around. Every now and then, he could hear something out of place - a scream, the sound of a wheelbarrow darting into an unsavory place, but he tried his best to ignore it.
Then, without warning, he finally caught his first glimpse of the mysterious masked vigilante. The man was about as tall as Aang was - maybe even a little taller with those steel-toed boots on; his green mask obscured his face (and his eyes); and he was dressed neatly in a custom red-and-black skin-tight uniform, with hunter green gloves and yellow trim along the edge of his cape. As he stomped on one of his assialants, he felt even more imposing in person.
He was fighting more than a few of the local thugs. Aang was half-tempted to join the fight, but this masked man knew exactly what he was doing. One thug attempted to attack; the masked man dodged, ducking underneath, before pulling the thug to the ground and hitting him hard. Before Aang could even say a word, the masked man had promptly disposed of one thug and disarmed the rest with one clear wide sweep. All without a single instance of bending too! Was this guy a non-bender?
Aang turned to leave just as the scuffle died down. If he pretended he never saw him, maybe then---
"Where're you going?" Busted. Despite the masked man's gruff, deep voice, it sounded almost familiar. Aang couldn't place just where he'd heard it before.
Aang froze. Slowly, slowly turning to face the vigilante, Aang asked quietly, "What do you think you're doing?"
"Answering my question with another question, Avatar?" The masked man stepped closer towards Aang and folded his arms. "Your reputation really does precede you."
Again? Aang wanted to protest against the use of his title, but in this instance, it didn't feel quite right; this caped freak didn't need the privilege of knowing Aang's actual name. Aang narrowed his eyes, trying to figure out just where the masked man's eyes were underneath those white-out lenses. "Is there anything wrong with that? It's not like I'm breaking the laws every night."
"No, but you make them." The masked man said, effortlessly circling Aang. "The laws that you think help these people only serve to hurt them further."
"You dare question my authority?" Okay, so maybe Aang hadn't really thought through asking that question, but dangit if he didn't sound cool while doing it. This... this guy just seemed to effortlessly bring charisma and suaveness with him, even while skirting the law. The Avatar wasn't supposed to admire someone who just beat up criminals!
The masked man stopped mid-stride. "Did I ever say that?"
"You insinuated it," Aang retorted with a huff, though he couldn't help feeling proud. He'd actually managed to throw the masked guy off-guard! "I'd say you should be the one worrying."
"Oh, so now I'm the bad guy." The masked man sounded almost amused as he shifted his weight to his other foot. "Tell me, Avatar, just how much do you know about me?"
Aang opened his mouth to retort something witty, something that showed this jerk just how much he knew! Which also happened to be.... "Absolutely nothing."
The masked man rubbed his temples. "You're kidding me, right?"
Ashamed, Aang awkwardly stared down at his feet. "I only know what I've heard from people. You're one of those vigilantes that doesn't listen to Chief Bei Fong's orders and instead chooses to fight criminals on your own terms. You don't kill people, but you also don't let them off easy either... and most people think you don't even exist."
"That's a little bit more than 'absolutely nothing,' Avatar." When the masked man laughed, it sounded incredibly surreal. Aang didn't think this guy had it in him! Aang desperately tried not to gawk as the masked man continued, "I wouldn't go that far---- uh."
Aang sheepishly shrugged. "Sorry, it's just... you don't seem like the laughing type." The masked man snorted. Aang cut him off quickly, adding, "But uh... what do you call yourself? I don't see a nametag anywhere or---"
"Robin."
Robin? Surely he meant Hawkrobin, or even Robin-cats? Just plain old Robin? Aang tilted his head to the side. "Huh? Like the Hawk-Robins?"
"Not exactly." The masked man tried to hide that smile underneath a layer of indifference, but Aang could feel his amusement. "Plain ol' robins signify the coming of spring."
"And thus, a better Republic City."
Aang could get the logic behind that, he really could! But it felt odd conversing about it with someone that seemed to destroy everything Aang had been working so hard for. Solemnly, Aang turned to leave again. The police would surely be on their way at any moment, and this was the last place Aang wanted them to see him. "If anyone asks, I never saw you."
"Aw, you aren't sticking around?" Robin sounded almost wistful. "Shame."
"Just don't let me see you in court," Aang retorted. "Stay clear of Chief Bei Fong, if you know what's good for you."
Robin gave Aang a playful salute before jumping into the nearest rooftop. "Got it."
Just then, the sound of the police siren wailed. Aang swerved to face an oncoming squad as they raced on their bicycles and various other man-powered vehicles. The leader of the squad immediately screeched to a halt upon meeting the Aang. He gave him a polite nod before assigning his men to load up the rest of the thugs.
"Did these men give you trouble, Avatar?" The police leader was asking him. Aang blankly stared at the spot where Robin had once been.
"Uh..." Aang shook his head. "No, Officer, I'm fine."
"Alright then." The police officer bit his lip, but seemed relieved as they loaded the men onto various wheelbarrows and rickshaws and what-have-you. "I know I'm not supposed to encourage vigilantism, but I'm glad you were able to defend yourself."
Aang clamped his hand on the older man's shoulder. "It's fine, sir. I hope you sleep well tonight."
It felt weird, having older people constantly defer to you all the time, but Aang also knew that respect was a two-way street. Honor these people and their obligations, and they'd probably honor your wishes in return. He wanted to watch the policemen off, but they insisted on escorting him back to his apartment.
Awkwardly, Aang accepted the offer and quietly returned home. The entire time, the burning question of Robin remained on his mind. Just who was this Robin fellow - and how was he able to keep himself so far removed from law enforcement while fighting criminals? He knew he wasn't going to get answers anytime soon, but this kid just wouldn't leave him alone.
Maybe he should talk to Zuko about it again... Aang stared out the window when he arrived and waved the policemen off. He was just about to head back to bed---
"Sleeping so soon?"
DANGIT. Aang nearly blasted Robin with a torrent of water in his panicked state. Managing to catch his breath, Aang stared bewilderedly at the vigilante resting casually on his balcony, as if nothing else in the world mattered. "Hhh-how did you know where I lived?"
Robin's smile melted into a confident smirk as he pulled one knee close to his chest. "That's my little secret."
"Like your face and your name?" Aang remarked, managing to compose himself as he opened the window fully to allow Robin in. Robin remained where he was, choosing to refuse the invitation.
He instead rose to his feet and pressed a gloved hand against the windowpane. "Exactly."
"I told you to stay clear of Chief Bei Fong---"
"But you didn't say to steer clear of you," Robin finished. "Which is why I'm here to say I won't stay here long."
Aang furrowed his brow. "Wait, why? I thought you were going to make Republic City a priority." He certainly seemed that way, what with his deft ability to silence most of his enemies and how brilliantly he'd evaded an entire police squad and Toph. If he wasn't staying in Republic City, Aang didn't know where else a person like him could easily blend into the scenery.
"I am, and I will." Robin promised. "But right now, there's other circumstances forcing me elsewhere..."
"... and when you come back, you want me to make sure I turn a blind eye?" Aang slowly asked, as if he weren't quite believing his own words.
"I can't ask you that much." Robin gave the Avatar an exasperated smile. "Even I know that's a fool's favor. I just want you to know that I haven't given up - and if I have to fight you to keep my right, I will."
A non-bender wouldn't last long against the Avatar, and both of them knew it. If anything, it was a gesture that signified more in actions than any words could; if Aang harmed someone who aimed to seek justice, then it'd marr Aang's reputation and turn Robin into a martyr. Republic City couldn't afford to have a martyr so soon; it wasn't even five years old yet!
"I understand," Aang said softly. "But don't think I haven't given up either."
"I look forward to it."
The wind rustled behind Aang. Was Katara up again? Aang glanced over his shoulder, watching as his girlfriend slowly walked out of their shared bedroom, but the minute he turned back to the window, the vigilante was gone. Again.
"Aang?" Katara asked slowly. "Are you okay?"
Aang nodded, floating back towards his girlfriend and gently kissing her cheek. "I'm fine. Go back to sleep, dear; we've got long days tomorrow."
Zuko and Dei Mi-An left for the Fire Nation the following weekend. Curiously enough, with their departure, Robin too left the city streets. Aang desperately searched for him the first couple of nights, but he came up surprisingly empty; instead, he only encountered a few more criminals and would-be burglars. Toph repremanded him for his efforts ("Come on, Twinkletoes, we've got police officers and firefighters for a reason!") but Aang was too distracted to really feel the effects of her words.
Just where did this Robin disappear to? He clung to Aang's mind like a sick leech, unwilling to let go, and Aang wasn't quite sure he wanted this vigilante to be more than a passing memory.
About four months later, Dei Mi-An returned to Republic City with an important announcement. Before the Councilmen, he announced that he would represent the Fire Nation as a liason between the two countries - and that he and his company would settle permanently in Republic City. Aang welcomed him with open arms, despite the protests from councilmen who weren't Sokka. So what if Dei wasn't more than eighteen years old? Aang was the same age, and he was doing pretty well so far!
Just before they left the council hall, Dei flashed Aang a grateful smile. "Thanks for believing in me," He said quietly as they descended the stairs. "I didn't think anyone would go along with this."
"You're a friend of Zuko's," Aang responded cheerfully. "And any friend of Zuko's is going to be a friend of mine too."
Dei stopped mid-step, staring at Aang with a look of mixed confusion and concern. "You really believe that?"
"Of course I do," Aang cheekily grinned. "Why wouldn't I?"
Running down the rest of the way, Dei merely wrinkled his nose before he started to disappear into the crowd. "Whatever you say, Just Aang."
Aang laughed loudly as he followed his new friend's lead. At least life with this new councilman certainly wouldn't be boring! Not even Sokka could claim to be this out-of-the-ordinary, not after knowing Aang for so long, and certainly... maybe this town needed something exciting.
That night, just to satisfy his own curiousity, Aang took to the streets again. He floated just above the sidewalk and searched every nook and cranny, just to catch that familiar sight of red, black, and green. After about an hour of searching and hoping, he was just about to turn tail and leave when a giant scuffle broke out before his own eyes.
A few Triad members were again face-to-face with Robin, and this time? Robin wasn't letting them get the best of him. Just after Robin'd successfully punched a few onto the ground, he caught sight of Aang and gave him a cheeky grin before resuming the fight.
Aang returned the grin before disappearing back home. Maybe, just maybe, Robin was what this town needed all along... even if he wasn't part of the plan.