Lin Beifong: Mall Cop

Row upon row of enticing treasure troves, all encased beneath an elegant glass roof. In fact the Sato Arcade was the largest gathering of shops under one suchroof in all of Republic City – and the world. Here one could find everything from exotic chocolates to the latest fashions. The perfect place to score a big bargain. And the perfect place to make a big score.

Three shady figures sat on a bench, studying the luxurious shop opposite them. The sign said "VarriGleam Jewellery" and promised "Certified 100% Conflict-free Diamonds" – albeit a promise with more asterisks attached than it had syllables.

One of the gangsters glanced nervously at his watch – or rather, at his wrist where his watch would've been if he had one.

"Calm down, Slim. This'll be a piece of cake." The ostensible leader of the trio grinned with confidence. "You'll find that things are a lot different now that Beifong ain't runnin' the police no more."

The third member of the squad nodded enthusiastically, the many gold chains around her neck rattling in agreement. "Man, I thought she'd never retire! Mark my words, give it a couple more weeks and we'll run this town!"

"Alright, alright, one step at a time!" the boss chuckled, although the dangerous glint in his eye made it clear he was entirely on board with the idea. "Let's start by clearing out this joint, 'kay? Right... let's go."

All but leaping to their feet the three gangsters sauntered very, very casually towards the jewellery store. All they needed to do was grab as many valuablesas they could get their hands on and then they would be on their way.

Suddenly the leader halted his advance. Perhaps it was a premonition. Or perhaps it was the soft whirring noise approaching.

Rounding the corner, none other than Lin Beifong rolled into view on her Future Industries hoverboard. Stopping a few meters away from the crooks she took a long, ominous sip from her VarriSweet Big Gulp and fixed all three with a withering glare.

For a moment it was as if the whole bustling mall stood still. Then the boss swallowed hard, breaking the spell. Sweat poured from his brow as he glanced around nervously. The unmistakable sound of pissing in pants. The chattering of teeth.

Lin's lips let go of the straw on her soda and twisted into a sneer. The world started moving again.

Exploding into action, the crooks stumbled over each other in their attempt to escape. Losing their balance they crashed into a mannequin on the way before promptly ricocheting off into a fruit stand on the opposite side.

Calmly taking another sip of her drink, former police chief Lin Beifong watched the careening muddle of arms and legs roll down the avenue as if a ball in the world's largest pinball machine. With one last scream the would-be robbers shot through the door, never to be seen again.

* * *

With a weary sigh, Lin flopped down to land heavily in one of the food court's many chairs.

"Rough day?" Kya asked from across the table.

"I wish!" Lin groanedand rolled her eyes towards the glittering glass roof above. "When I took this job it was because the manager told me they had a real crime problem. But since I started there hasn't been a single robbery! Not even any shoplifting!"

The former police chief threw out her arms in exasperation, then crossed them with a grumpy huff.

Kya just shook her head and laughed. She was getting used to this little song and dance. "And here I thought the reason you took this job was because you were going crazy staying at home all day."

"That's..." Lin began to protest, but as usual Kya was the one person who could make her lost for words.

"Well I for one think it's a good thing that it's quiet around here... That means I get to spend more time with you at lunch," Kya smirked and pushed a bowl towards her partner. "Here, I got us ramen."

Still ostensibly upset, Lin could not help but happily accept the bowl. How dare that damn perfect woman be so thoughtful when she was trying to be angry! For a good while she simply chowed down in silence, begrudgingly accepting that, as usual, Kya knew exactly what to get her. The broth was not too spicy but very salty. Almost too perfect. Just like the company.

"Thanks... it's...good..." Lin managed eventually, muttering into the empty bowl.

"Please, don't feel forced to say anything." Resting her chin on her hands, Kya smiled dreamily... then mischievously. "The way you slurp your noodles says it all."

Blushing furiously, Lin's retort devolved into a silent pout – perhaps the last expression you'd expect to see on this woman of steel in her fifties. That was just the effect Kya tended to have on her.

"It's quite adorable."

"W-well I better get back on duty..." Lin muttered. That was her go-to excuse.

"Are you sure you don't want a refill?" Kya smirked. Lin knew by her expression that the crafty waterbender had already ordered another bowl.

"It is pretty quiet today..." Lin agreed with mock reluctance. More importantly the ramen was a good excuse to spend more time with the most beautiful woman in Republic City. "I've got time."

Reaching across the table to caress Lin's cheek, Kya offered a sympathetic, if slightly patronizing, smile. "Aww, you poor thing,"

Lin swallowed heavily, her hard features growing soft. Even after all this time such public displays of affection still embarrassed the grizzled former police chief. Adorably bashful, she averted her eyes.

"This isn't good enough, huh?" Kya teased her as the fresh bowl of ramen arrived. The feigned outrage immediately prompted a response – as usual.

"You know that's not–"

"Well you'd better hurry up and finish your lunch, then," Kya interrupted.

Already tucking into the ramen despite herself, Lin's eyes now narrowed suspiciously. "Why?"

Kya fluttered her eyelashes innocently and then... not so innocently. "Well don't you want... dessert?"

Sitting there slightly hunched over her bowl, noodles hanging from chopsticks, Lin Beifong's brain malfunctioned. Frozen in time, she just stared, gaping, at the waterbender, as her cheeks grew more and more flush. Here?? In the mall??

"So... no?" Kya asked, all puppy eyes and hidden devilry.

Feeling as if she had to speak now or forever hold her peace, Lin blurted out a hasty: "Yes! I mean... no, I do! I want it..."

"Great!" Kya grinned. To Lin's surprise she turned around and snapped her fingers. "Excuse me, can we get two fruit tarts and some ice cream, please?"

Realization dawned on the former police chief only slowly, but by the time Kya turned back to her, Lin's face was in full 'scowl mode'. "You're awful," she muttered through grumpy mouthfuls of ramen.

"Admit it..." Kya smirked, then paused to let her partner finish. Once the last noodles had been adorably slurped up, the waterbender twirled her finger. "You love it."

Since they were still waiting for their order, Kya's gesture was answered by a dollop of sorbet from a passing waiter. Looking into Lin's eyes, she used her waterbending to guide the frozen treat towards the flustered woman'slips.

With some reluctance, Lin opened her mouth. "I suppose..."

"Excellent." Kya clasped her hands, delighted. "Then let's do this again tomorrow?"

 "Spirits help me..." Lin sighed and rolled her eyes. But even the spirits couldn't save her from how much she loved this damn woman.