Petals in the Window

Part 12 Bolin's missing?

Book 1 Part 12

Bolin's Missing?

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It was Monday morning.. That meant .. Work.. Apparently, after Korra joined the team yesterday, Mako wrote up a serious training schedule and they started this morning. Fae had left pretty early, about when I was opening up the shop. I had special company while working today. A cute little spirit sat in a flower pot on my desk as I watered some of the flowers around the shop. It was scarily peaceful this morning. A few regular customers came in and bought some mixes for tea, and a few people came in for some flower seeds. whenever someone came in, Aery would perk up a bit and look at them. It didn't take long to realize that they couldn't see her.

It was really curious. I always read books about spirits. My favorite fairy tale was about a girl who lived with spirits. I knew that Spirits could be selective about who could see them for the most part, but there were also cases of some people who could just see spirits, and some people who just couldn't.

I sat down at my desk with my cup of tea and Aery had climbed out of the pot and gotten closer to me. She was one of the most beautiful creatures I had ever seen. It was really calming, drinking tea with a spirit. I felt like the character from the fairytale... fitting.. And almost. Ironic.

I sighed as I leaned back in my chair. My eyes on the fans that hung above the doorway to the back. It had been what? Three years? Since getting to republic city? It felt so much longer than that. So much has happened in such a short amount of time.. I thought back to the last few years... Last night Bolin came too close to slipping.... I looked back to the spirit sleeping peacefully in the plant on my desk. I crossed my arms and laid my head on them on the desk.

"Mom would have loved to meet you." I sighed as the spirit chirped peacefully in her sleep. The bells I hung over the front door jingled, snapping me out of my hypnotic headspace.. I looked up to greet who entered but was just... confused.

"Chief Beifong?" I stood up and walked over to the police chief who stood at the door with her arms crossed. Aery was looking at her but it was clear that the chief had no idea she was there.

"Hello... "She seemed very awkward and like she didn't want to be here..

"If you are looking for Fae I think he's with Korra at the probending arena.."

"Actually I'm here for you." what?.. I was really confused... she coughed before continuing.. "We have reason to believe that your shop will once again be a target.." Oh fantastic.. Wait

"But.. weren't they arrested?"

"Some of them yes, but as I'm sure you know the triads operate under three leaders. ... and there has been an increase in gang activity in the area." I guess it was kind of naïve to think that with Viper gone.. The others wouldn't come too.. I was visibly uncomfortable.... Aery had come over and basically positioned herself next to me.. At least she made me feel a little better about this.

"Oh.."

"We are actively working on catching them, but I thought it would be best to let you know to be careful."

"Well.. thanks.." I rubbed my arm as I felt a little on edge.

The chief had said goodbye and left and I had attempted to go back to work like nothing had happened. It was hard. My mind was racing.. At least they felt it important to like.. Warn me? But the way she said it.. 'We have reason to believe your shop will once again be a threat..' What is the reason? Is it just because the avatar stepped in to help me?