Red Moon: Chapter One

"My Name is Makoto Lin and this is the story of how I die." -Makoto Lin, Year ???

Year: 170 ASC, Avatar: Korra

How long had it been since the Avatar had freed Republic City from Amon and his equalists? A few weeks and things were finally beginning to settle down and become normal again. Well as 'normal' as it got for her. She lived and worked most of her time in the seedier underbellies of the city. The portions of the city that still needed repairs. She sitting down at her favorite food stand in triple threat triad territory could see the remnants of a Mecha tank only a few feet away. It had been looted for parts by the gangs that lived in this portion of the city and all that was left was the metal remains that the city police force had yet to pick up. Of course they were too scared to enter this part of the city without Lin Beifong in charge. She had yet to be reinstated due to some bureaucratic snafu. Of course it was more related to the fact her bending had been taken away. Though it had been returned somehow. Probably the avatar, Makoto mused to herself.

Looking down at the watch on her wrist the raven haired women stood up from her seat and turned to the stands owner. "Thanks for the meal put it on my tab. Oh, and the fire flakes could use a bit more heat they're kind of bland." Shrugging her shoulders at the cook as he grumbled about them being 'fine' she simply walked away from him. Not before taking note of the orange haired girl at the stand sitting only a few chairs from her. She knew that girl didn't she? Turning her head she smiled at her and leaned in. "Yumi from the Fire Wolves right? Your teams going up against... The Shadow Nation right? Their pretty nasty so keep an eye out for their water bender. He likes to sneak in ice to keep their opponents stuck long enough for the earth bender to land a chest shot. Just keep it in mind The Referee sure will." She winked at Yumi once again knowing full well that she was that referee. Of course she didn't mention that to Yumi. Nodding to the barkeep, "Fire Flakes for the Pro Bender. My tab."

Heading off from the stand she slipped into the alley for her next 'appointment'. Being an information broker killed what little of her social life existed in the first place but it was worth it to pay back the Shadow Broker to for the help he had given her.  She was less than surprised to find Zen, lieutenant of The Triple Threat Triad, approaching her with two of his body guards. "How about this weather?" God did Makoto hate the code she had to initiate her conversations with. You had to be sure your appointments were who they said they were after all.

Zen blinked at her and tilted his head, "Its crappy." He scowled as he kicked at a puddle on the ground. "So, how about that information I asked for? Your the girl right?"

"Nope, not me." Makoto shrugged. Should she be surprised that a gangster was trying to steal another gangsters information? As much as she'd love to just give it to him she couldn't. Principle of the matter and all that. He didn't pay for it and you didn't give a con artist what they wanted right?  She'd have to have word with the leader of the Triad about his Lieutenants tactics. If he expected to ever use the information brokers in the city again he'd have to follow their rules. He had to pay for the information. Slipping past Zen she took note of the blood on his fists. So that was how he had gotten the info on the meeting place. She scowled. She didn't exactly like violence especially when it was over information.

Turning towards him as she passed him she spoke. "If you want an appointment with me though... you can contact my boss. You should know how. Play by the rules Zen or don't play at all."

"What did you say? You Insolent-" His hand reached out and gripped her by the shoulder and his nails dug into the exposed flesh. She was already regretting wearing a tank-top today and not putting on her coat like usual. She had nothing to hide her hidden blades and so of course she wasn't wearing them. His grip dug in more and the nails drew blood from the woman. "You tell me what I want to know and maybe I'll let you escape with your pretty face bruise free-"

His words were cut off as a leg connected with the back of his head. He stumbled forward away from Makoto and towards his guards who both took earth bending stances. Makoto's eyes glanced over to her orange haired rescuer, Yumi. She nodded to her and brushed a streak of blood on her arm letting it smear and stain her exposed skin. "Thanks, but I had this."

"Run, I can take care of this." Her voice came back with a tint of anger. She had clearly been annoyed by Zen's actions. Makoto let that slip.

"I did say I had this. Jeeze." Makoto shrugged and pushing back on her right foot shot forward in a tackling lunge. Her body connecting with Zen's the duo rolling across the muddy alley. Makoto's fist connecting with the gangster's nose breaking it in a powerful blow. Standing up she turned to see the two earth benders both eating the flames from Yumi's bending. She was quick Makoto had to give her that much at least. The three members of the Triad quickly left bleeding and bruised after only a minor conflict.

Makoto scowled as they ran shouting back at them. "Seriously? I was just getting warmed up!" She grumbled and spat a small bit of blood onto the ground. Her hand reaching up to her broken lip still bleeding somewhat. Yumi on the other hand was unscarred and blemish free from the 'battle'. She was quite jealous. She should have just bended her way out of it like Yumi had but she didn't have the heart to do that. Her fists worked well enough anyway. "I told you I could have handled that."

Yumi blinked at her staring somewhat dumbfounded as Makoto spoke. "Really? You didn't look like you could."

"Hmph, I was beating punks like that when I was eight. Zen's a puppy dog. His bending's got no drive behind it other then greed so its fairly weak. I think a normal person could take one of his fire blasts and walk away. Besides, I'm an information broker I get into scuffs like this all the time... I usually come prepared though." Makoto sighed. Last time she left without her blades. So much for trying to get a date later. She had neglected them so she could look 'nice' and not scare her date away with the pointy instruments kept under her jacket.

"Ah, sorry, I never did introduce myself. The names Makoto Lin and I'll be your pro-bending referee in two days. I also work as an information broker from time to time so if you ever need anything look me up-" The words were cut off by the choking noise that followed and the blood that Makoto coughed up. Looking down she could see the shard of ice sticking out of her chest. It had come from behind Yumi from a member of the triple threat triad currently fleeing the scene.

"D-damn." She cringed and fell forward limp in front of Yumi. Her 'savior' still standing there in shock with Makoto's blood splattered on her. This was definitely not Makoto's day.