Burning Bright - A Legend of Korra Fic

Chapter 13 - Shame!

Mako was silent, his head hung, as he sat in his metal jail cell of the Republic City prison. The door to his cell opened by a metal bending officer.

"You've got a visitor."

The officer steps aside and Bolin walks in dressed in a rather dapper outfit.

"Hey, Mako," He greeted

"Hey. What's with the fancy duds?" Mako asked gesturing to Bolin's clothing.

"I'm on my way to the big finale for 'Nuktuk: Hero of the South.' Yeah, everyone's gonna be there except for, you know, you....because you're in jail and stuff," Bolin said

"Thanks for the reminder," Mako said

Bolin pulls a poster out of his jacket. "Hey, I brought you something. I thought this would brighten up your new place. Read the inscription."

"'Dear Mako, Nuktuk says, Keep smiling.' Did you come by just to give me a poster?" Mako said

"No, I came by to give you my sincere, heartfelt words of encouragement. I know our lives have been moving in two different directions, but I want you to know that I will always be there for you. We are brothers, after all, even if one of us is a member of high society and the other one is a criminal," Bolin said

"I am not a criminal!" Mako snapped

"Of course I know that, but you do kinda look like one, cause you're in jail and that's where criminals live," Bolin said

"I was set up! Varrick knew I had figured out he was hiring gangsters to pose as Northern soldiers to get Republic City to join the war. That's why he had me arrested," Mako said

"Ah, I see what you're doing. You're going for the insanity defense. Smart," Bolin said

"No! I'm trying to tell you that Varrick isn't what he seems. Where's Asami? She'll listen to me," Mako said

"I asked her to come, but she said it was too hard for her. You being in jail like this reminds her of her dad," Bolin said

"Then what about Chai?" Mako said

"You know I haven't seen her around. Okay, gotta run, but I'll be back tomorrow. And I am gonna get you the best attorney fame and fortune can buy," Bolin said

"Bolin, wait. If my theory about Varrick is right, something might go down tonight at your premiere. Promise me you'll keep your eyes peeled," Mako said

"Yeah, okay, big brother. I promise."

The cell door opened and Bolin walked out chuckling.

"Whew! That insanity defense is definitely gonna work."

It wasn't that long after Bolin's visit did Mako's door open again.

"Well someone's popular. You've got another visitor."

He moved aside and there stood Chai.

"Chai!" Mako exclaimed surprised as he stood up.

"Hello, my jailbird Mako. How's the life of a hardened criminal?" Chai jokes

"Chai," Mako said curtly

"Okay, okay, you know I jest," Chai said

"Why are-" Mako paused when he saw the state Chai was in. "-What happened to you?"

Chai's hair was a mess, the golden locks barely in her braid. Her clothes were disheveled and there was some ash along with burns on her clothing. Most noticeable was the bruise forming on the lower left side of her face.