Hi again people. Sorry for the delay, I had planned to publish before, but I had technical failures so I could not polish the chapter, much less translate it. I'm still looking for a beta to help me with spelling and grammar issues, if someone wants to volunteer, send me a PM.

Now, regarding this chapter, it is something simple the truth, only Ryu walking through the metropolis and meeting someone from the Avatar team. Those who have seen the series (which I believe are all those who follow my story) will know immediately which chapter I'm putting Ryu into.

A word of warning from now on, I do not plan, in any way, to make my character a FULL OP BAD ASS INVINCIBLE GARY STU. No, none of that. It is not a fantasy of power, so do not expect a protagonist Xianxia who can do everything with a minimum effort, my time to like that type of stories is over.

Another thing I warn, I plan to completely trash the canon. Ryu could be a drop in the ocean, but it will be a drop thrown at the speed of sound. In the next chapters you will know what I mean.

Any comments or reviews you have, feel free to do so, but with a lot of respect please. Also, if you have ideas for my story, you can send me a PM that I will gladly answer. Without further ado, enjoy.

I DON'T OWN AVATAR, THAT'S NICKELODEON

Chapter 2: Republic City

I'm in my new suite on the ship I just saved from pirates, eating a whole buffet brought to me by the grateful cooks. Finally, human food.

Gone are the days when you have to eat undercooked meat or dried fruit! From now on, I will only eat what a professional chef prepares for me! Whenever I can, of course.

The suite is undoubtedly much more comfortable than the dark warehouse where I was hiding. A nice piece of space along with a luxurious desk, king-size bed, private bathroom, and even a minibar! The rich do know how to live.

Since I didn't have any money, I had to stowaway. The ship was huge and didn't look bad so, combined with my skills, I would know that I wouldn't be spotted anytime soon. Perhaps his elegant appearance caused the pirates to risk attacking so close to land.

If I had my things, I could have bought a ticket from the start.

The damn storm I ran into when I was returning to the Human World took away all my supplies and my travel bag, including the gold nuggets I had with me to exchange for money. It's lucky I wasn't wearing my sleepwear or I would have been left with nothing. Damn opportunistic storm. Attacking while I sleep.

My guitar, my gourd of water and my cane were the only things he couldn't take from me. And boy did he try, if it were not because all of the above was with a rope around my body, surely I would be without anything right now.

Luckily, the storm left me near a port where they were making a large shipment to Ciudad Republica. Using my airbender ninja skills, I was able to sneak in with relative ease. I spent it trying to meditate or thinking how she was going to survive without money, I did not dare to go out to explore for fear that they would find me.

It was a few days of travel later that my rest was disturbed.

Some idiots decided to storm the ship where it was. I easily took care of the ones on the cargo deck and then treated the pilot of your ship. When I left them unconscious, with several broken bones, I destroyed their ship's engine so they cannot escape and went up to the upper deck to help the ship's passengers and crew.

It wasn't difficult, the guys seemed to move like turtle ducks and their attacks were so predictable they were embarrassing. One in particular made me a little angry because he made a girl cry. I've always had a soft spot for crying girls, not to mention little girls. I was tempted to kill him, but I refrained from doing so and only broke his jaw into a thousand pieces. What a good guy I am.

It was a bit shocking when everyone began to thank me through tears and screams. It had been a long time since I saw another human being, so it took me a bit to adjust. The little girl in particular looked ecstatic when I patted her head. Have I discovered a new power? Pat on the head?

After all the greetings and thanks, Captain Shenyi offered me first-class accommodations. If he suspected that he was a stowaway, he did not show or care. He seemed like a nice guy who just wanted to show his appreciation. And considering that he did not want to go back to the cargo deck, I readily agreed.

And now here we are, living the good life.

We would be arriving at the Republic City Port in a few hours, so I would use this time to relax as much as possible. We were in overdrive because of the situation from before. According to what the Captain told me, these pirates are going to spend a long time in jail, that is if they are not executed first. Tough but fair.

It has been too long since I slept in a bed made to rest the fragile human body. And while sleeping in Cloudy was fine, nothing compares to a top-notch bed specially adapted for the fragile human back.

When I finish all the food and drink some orange juice (luckily the fruits are not hybrid), I lie down on the bed and get ready to rest. I want to be in top condition when I get to Republic City. I still have to plan what to do once I arrive.

"Yes ... much better than Cloudy"


"Damn. I should have thought of a better escape plan", I tell myself as I climb some stairs to the dock, away from the ship I came from. My whole body soaked in water that, I hope, is not very dirty.

Surely the police would want to question me, being an airbender would only complicate things. I know that sooner or later it will be known, but right now I don't want much attention. In a few days I'll be ready to go see Tenzin and learn some human airbending. It never hurts to enlarge the repertoire of movements.

Before that I want a few days to observe the city. Live in it and enjoy what it can offer me. I've been in forests and natural areas too long, I want a bit of the toxic urban landscape that Republic City has to offer. You know, to cleanse the palate.

Hence my brilliant idea of jumping into the water when we were docking and swimming as far as possible to avoid the police. Luckily I'm good with my air bubble helmet. Damn Claudy! I did not mean it!

Claudy apparently overheard my comment about her comfort, so she got upset with me and I had to use another alternative to get off the ship. Who knew that a cloud could be so sensitive?

Once above the docks, I use a little air control to dry myself off. My guitar, like the rest of my things made of wood, are made of a special material that absorbs water and becomes more durable. Or so Wokung and Feng told me. Spiritual wood, yes of course. This is magic wood!

I pull on the hood of my robe and leave the harbor.

As I walk through the streets of Republican City, I realize that it is very much like New York during Prohibition, or whatever era The Great Gatsby is based on. Of course, it has unique characteristics, as are buildings. All the buildings have a certain oriental flair, if the Chinese pagoda-shaped roofs are something to mention. They seemed made of granite and steel.

The "satomobiles", as the cars were known here, were like in the 1920s, with thin wheels, without four doors and, I hope not, without air conditioning. There were also trams on rails that ran all over the city, with a roof resembling a palanquin from some Chinese dynasty, as did some cars. The oriental style was predominant here.

Which also applied to the incredible airships that soared in the skies. They were fucking awesome! I mean, even the modern airships of my previous world couldn't compare to the ones in Republica City. These were far better, at least in appearance.

The technology is sure to have boomed since the fifth nation was created. With the Fire Nation's industrial advancements during Aang's time, I'm not surprised that they reached this stage in just 70 years. It's still a bit fanciful that they built an entire country like the United Republic of Nations at the time, but with the benders to do the heavy lifting of building buildings and cities, it just took people.

Benders are like Age of Empires hacks.

Then there were the people. Fashion was a combination of modern and old from my land, being a mixture of western and Chinese styles. The men wore Chinese-style blouses and a jacket with a variety of lapels, along with pants that were tucked into tall boots and wore a variety of hats: bombine, fedora, etc. The women dressed similar to the men, jackets with dresses with leotards and leather stockings. A bit sexy really. And they had their hair down mostly, not like in the 1920s.

It's like a fusion of Shanghai and New York. I love it!

When I was on the boat I could see the statue of Aang, as the Statue of Liberty would be in New York, on what was the coast of Yue Bay. Sokka sure named the place. And if my eyes are correct, I just passed a building that had a metal Toph, which she probably made herself, in the middle of a big building where a lot of people in black uniforms that look like they were made of metal. They must be the metal control police.

I had heard of them 10 years ago. They were the toughest guys you could get to enforce the law. Toph's daughter was in charge when I left, Lin Beifong if I remember correctly. Will she remain in office? I hope you are not upset about not staying to give my statement.

The last thing I wanted was a raging Beifong after me.

Eating some kind of caramel fruit on a stick, I stopped when I saw a statue of Zuko in the middle of an open field. He had his right hand up high with a flame coming out of it. Yep. Not at all like a dictator.

Behind Zuko's back, there appears to be a large building from which people rush in and out. From what I can see, it is a kind of train station. I have to buy a damn map.

I'm starting to get annoyed with having to guess every location.

When I get a little closer so I can see if the statue has its signature scar in the right place, my gaze goes to the base of the statue. There seems to be a guy doing some kind of street show with a… red rat?

"Come on, come all! See Pabu, the fantastic fire ferret as he crosses the ladder of peril… Oh, Upside Down!" The subject, with a ridiculous mustache, makes exaggerated movements to attract attention. It seems natural at that. However, his fire ferret doesn't seem to be very supportive of him.

"Psst, psst!" he tells the pet about him, he stops licking his paws and gets to work. "Big finish, buddy. Stick the landing!" his owner gives him breath in whispers.

Your pet walks headlong down the little wooden pole with a bit of difficulty and ends with a jump on one hand… or leg. "Ta-ta!" exclaims its owner.

"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen! You are too kind. Seriously, too kind!" says the guy, not at all affected that only one coin fell into his jar. Or he's really excited to win a single coin. It doesn't look like he's starving. "You can come back here and put the money right in this… Okay, that's fine, that's fine" now he seems resigned. "One yuan down ... 29,999 to go" I almost spit out what he was swallowing.

"What do you need so much money for !?" I can't help asking. "Do you want to buy a satomobile to impress a girl or something? Because there are cheaper ways to impress, man"

"Eh?! No no, nothing like that ... although maybe ... No! Now is not the time for girls… for now" he seemed to be considering. "No. Why do you think I want money for that?"

"I do not know. You just seem like the type who would wear flashy gifts that would make the girl not know about your intentions. But it's just a guess of mine", I shrugged. "Still, why do you need so much money if it's not for a girl?"

He seemed to want to argue, but in the end he only gave a sigh. "Haah. My team and I need the money to enter the Pro-Bending tournament" he explained to me. "And if we don't pay in a week, we will have to wait a whole year for another opportunity", he finished crestfallen.

"Wow, is that Pro-Bending thing still that famous?" It seems like I lost a bet against my past self that the sport would disappear in 10 years.

"What?! Of course still famous! He's the coolest thing in the world!" for him it certainly is, apparently. I don't think I'll ever understand the appeal of that game. They are just some guys who throw stones, water and fire at each other without harming anyone, although it could be my self-desensitized to the tenuous violence that speaks. Having stones thrown at you faster than the human eye can grasp tends to do just that.

"Easy man, I didn't mean to insult your sport. I apologize" I said as I finished my sandwich and soothed him. "I just didn't think that sport would get so big that it would take 30,000 yuan to get into their tournament" I didn't know many of the rules 10 years ago, but I knew, from the guy who never shut up about the games he heard on the radio, that it only took 1000 yuan to enter the tournament back then. Wow, it has become popular.

"Haah. Does not matter. I don't even have the strength to defend him if I want to" the boy seemed downcast. He gave me a little pity. "Anyway. Hi, I'm Bolín", with a smile Bolín introduces himself and shakes my hand.

"Ryu" I extend mine to him. "And I'm sorry about your situation. I know what it's like to be at a crossroads" I sit next to her as I take out dried meat that she buys along the way. "You just have to wait for the right moment to act and PUM! You will have your chance" I broke some pieces of meat and gave them to Pabu.

"Maybe. But I want to help my brother, he always makes everything difficult you know. Sometimes I feel like I'm just getting in the way" Bolín takes a breath and continues. "He's probably looking for work now, while I 'm here. Earning one yuan a day" Bolín ends with his gaze at the ground, making circles with his finger.

"Uhm. Give it time, surely someone will appreciate good street art" I encouraged him, while I casually took the container where they put their winnings and left it behind him with a couple of yuan without him noticing. Luckily the pirates had cash.

"Yeah well - PABU, NO!" her scream surprised me. Her pet fire ferret became very affectionate with me and she was crawling up my shirt to my neck. "Aww. I'm so sorry. Don't worry, Pabu doesn't bite" Bolín is biting his nails out of nervousness.

"Don't worry, bigger things have bitten me." Chuckling, I pull down the hood and hold the little red rodent by stroking it a bit. "However, it's nice to be appreciated" I said looking Pabu in the eye. It made a sound as if to say ?equally?.

When I turn to see Bolin, I see that he was staring at my head. Most likely my hair. "Yes, it is white. And yes, it is natural" I respond to what he will probably ask me.

"Aa-ah. So-orry, I didn't mean to be rude" he said as he looked away. "It's just, uh, it's not a very common color"

"Tell me!" I raise my voice a little without wanting to "I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm a guy who prefers dark colors! White makes my style look bad!" I tell him as I show him my black robe and dark Jedi monk robes. I always liked how Anakin wore in Revenge of the Sith.

"Could you paint your hair?" Bolín asks me timidly "I mean; dyes are already becoming a fad… among women. But surely they will understand your style problem!", Good save Bolín.

"Nah. I've already tried, somehow it goes white again the next day. I have also shaved my head several times. But it always grows white again" I don't know if the dyes in this part of the world would have the same effect as those in the Dark Continent, but something told me it would be the same.

"Wasn't it always white?"

"No. I always had amazing black hair. But 4 years ago poof! It turned white like now", I'm really upset about that. I look like a fucking inverted emo.

"That's weird. Maybe it had to do with spirits?" Bolín asks me a little curious.

"Are you saying it because of Princess Yue?", Bolín nods at me. "Yes, maybe. I have some theories of what it could be, but nothing for sure", with the crazy things that happened to me on my trip, it could well be gray hair.

It's funny that the theme of Princess Yue becoming the new spirit of the Moon has become common knowledge. According to the little girl on the ship, who also wondered if she was like Princess Yue, that story became popular when Sokka released a series of children's stories based on her adventures. What a nice guy.

"Putting that aside. Ryu! You look new in town. Where are you from?" It seems that my new friend is very quick to recover. Besides that, I guess I'm not from here, although that would be easily explained by my worn out clothes and totally out of place, I seem to come from a town far removed from the metropolis. Which is true ... more than he imagines.

"I can't see where you could be from." He looks at me with a narrowed eye. Surely not wanting to hint at my dress, he is a very polite goat, I have to give him that.

"Yeah, that's how unrecognizable I am", we both shared a little laugh. "Actually, I have no idea where I am from. I lost my memory when I was young, well, younger. There was no one I could call a father or mother, so I was always traveling from one place to another. So, I'm from everywhere I guess." I sincerely say to Bolín.

"Wow, that's, uh, bad. The memory thing, I mean. I'm sorry" Bolín looks a bit uncomfortable as he leans in to apologize.

"Nah, don't worry. I've gotten over it a long time". I take my guitar to play a bit. "Time heals everything, my friend Bolín" I play some notes to tune it. "That and a good vacation around the world", not the Human at least.

"And what about you, Bolín? Are you from here or do you come from the Earth Kingdom?" He had black hair with green eyes. He didn't want to be judgmental, but at least don't ask if he's an earthbender, that would be racist. He could be a firebender on his Pro-Bendind team for all he knew.

"Yes, I'm from here. My dad his mute from Ba Sing Se to Republic City, he met my mom and… well, the rest is history", he finished softly, it seems that he did not want to talk much about the subject. Okay, considering I'm a total stranger.

"It seems like a good story like any" I'm finishing tuning my guitar. "Hey, how about I support you a little?" I start to play a happy tune to get the audience's attention.

"Would you do that?! Thank you so much Ryu!" Bolín gives a happy cry while he looks at me.

"A little help is never too much", now I start with the good. I start playing Flight of the Bumblebee at full speed. That draws more than a few glances. Including that of Bolín.

"Waah! Are you a genius?" Bolín seemed excited.

"Yes, something like that", I keep playing without taking my eyes off the front. I'm even speeding up more. My fingers should look fuzzy at this point, like the wings of a fly-bee flying. Good analogy, Ryu.

"Whoaa"

"Take advantage of the attention, Bolín" I blurt out so that he picks his jaw off the ground. "Make us earn some money"

"True true. Ladies and gentlemen! This day, for the only time, we present Ryu, the musician who has traveled the world!", Well, not the human world. "And Pabu, the most adorable fire ferret in the world! We have two world categories today, ladies and gentlemen", with a small laugh, I continued my piece. He really is a showman.


"We did great!" Bolín could not believe his luck. "Look, the jar was full!" He had faith in Pabu and the idea of him. But he really he never believed that he would fill his jar in just one morning. Mako will be in for a surprise. That will teach you not to dismiss my ideas so quickly!

Bolín knew that not everything was thanks to him and Pabu, he had to give credit to his new friend, Ryu. "Yeah, well, that's what happens when you put good music together with a good show, Bolin" Ryu said as he got up and stretched his legs.

Ryu played his rare instrument incredibly well. He told her it was called a guitar, an acoustic instrument that he invented. To Bolín it seemed like a strange Banyo, to which Ryu laughed and told him that he was inspired by the Banyo to make his instrument.

Bolín liked the way the guitar sounded. It was an almost relaxing sound and he could feel the excitement generated by the happy melodies that Ryu played to attract people.

"Now, I think it's time to eat a little. Do you want to go somewhere?", Ryu is strapping his guitar on his back with a strap and taking his wooden staff, he seemed ready to go.

"Eh, no, I mean, it's not that I don't want to go, it's just, uh, I want to stay a little longer, you know, to see if I can earn a little more", Bolín knew that, despite the good day that they had, they weren't even close to winning enough for the tournament. Even if you did shows 24 hours a day and earn the same as you do now, it would not be enough. That's why he had to work as hard as he can, with the work that Mako will find, maybe they can reach the payment on time.

"Uhmm. Well, don't overdo it. You may appear to be made of stone, but even stone can give." Bolin appreciates Ryu's concern. "Then see you. Tomorrow I'll stop by to get back together. And I have the public, who knows, maybe a rich girl will be interested in you and decide to sponsor your team"

"Haha. Yeah sure. That only happens in radio novels that Mako listens to" says Bolín almost whispering. If only girls knew that his "cool" brother likes those cheesy novels ... They'll probably fall even more in love with him.

As Ryu walked away, Bolin turned his thoughts to how he quickly became friends with him. He was friendly, funny, and most importantly, he was easy to talk to. Bolin doesn't know why he opened up so easily to a stranger, but something about Ryu told him that he was a great guy to deal with. As if he knew him all his life and it was impossible for him to do something wrong to him. I hope my instincts don't fail me this time.

It would not be the first time that someone wants to be friends with Bolín either, to have free tickets to Pro-Control games or to meet Mako. And yes, most of them were crazy fans/fansgirls, as Mako would say, but Bolín is a boy who likes to believe in the good of people before anything else.

Keeping your winnings in a small box to clear your jar. Bolin notices that Ryu is approaching him with a slightly embarrassed look.

"Hehe, well, you see, it turns out I have no idea where I can have lunch" he says while rubbing the back of his neck and lowering his head in shame. "Would you tell me a place where I can eat something? Also where I can buy clothes and maybe a tourist guide? I have to orient myself, you know". It seems like his new friend was never really in a place like Republic City. But Bolín never abandons his friends!

"Hehehe, don't worry. You can go to the small Ba Sing Se Fashion; it is the largest shopping center in Republic City. There you will find everything you need", then Bolín gave him the instructions to get to the shopping center, while Ryu nodded with an attentive look "... and if you get to Appa Avenue, you've already passed."

"I have it, thanks Bolín" said Ryu as he said goodbye.

"Wait! Are you sure you don't want more money, Ryu?" He had only taken a couple of coins, leaving a large part for Bolín.

"I'm fine dude. I told you to take money from some thieves who thought I was easy prey. I come with me a lot", says his friend as he gently taps a leather bag next to his hip. Bolín did not know if he would believe him. Ryu seemed like the type that would say that to help a friend. He had no proof, but he also had no doubts.

"Okay, I guess. See you tomorrow Ryu", Bolín said goodbye. He wouldn't refuse to do business with Ryu again for the world.

"See you later, Bolin", Ryu walked away while raising his hood.

Sitting back in his place, Bolín prepares to give another show. He knows that he won't win that much without Ryu's help. But Bolín has never given up on anything! And it wouldn't start now! Also, there was still plenty of daylight left, so he had time to refill his jar and get closer and closer to the jackpot.

He had to work hard if he wanted to enter the tournament with Korra and Mako!

After all, money does not fall from the sky.

I wish it were so, there is a lot of money missing and there is little time. When will my opportunity come?

A luxury red satomobile pulls up in front of the Bolín circus, the window is rolled down and an unexpected acquaintance greets it. "Hey, Bolín! Is that you?"

"Hey there, Shady Shin" Says Bolín, a little cautious.


"Thank you for your purchase", I receive the bag with the fruits that I bought and I say goodbye with a grateful smile.

It was already night when I finished shopping for everything I need. Lots of canned food, Republic City history books, hair dye (never too much to try), some clothes to blend in better, a map of the known world and the star map version of this place. Apparently there are fans every night in the homes of their favorite Pro-Bending player. Is there no other sport that uses bending?

I think that at this rate I will have to implement soccer or basketball because Republic City has no sports for non-benders. That is criminal. No wonder that Batman imitation gets so much publicity.

On my walk through the mall I saw many signs and posters of him, whose slogan seems to be EQUALITY. Something like: I am Batman, of that guy.

I tie the excessively large bag on my cane and carry it on my shoulder. Now I look like a vagabond from feudal Japan. I like it!

It is fortunate that Bolín told me about this little Ba Sing Se, it is the closest thing to a shopping center in my old world. I took my time observing all that it had to offer. I almost spent all the money I took from the pirates, but it was still worth it! I like this being in another world more and more. New exotic places to visit, exotic people to meet ?And I haven't seen much yet!

Unfortunately I had to leave the place because it was late at night and the stands in the shopping center were already closing. I had to find a place to sleep, and although it doesn't bother me, I didn't go back to the human world to sleep outside.

The kind lady who sold me the hair dye told me about a cheap and comfortable place in the Koi District, not far from little Ba Sing Se. I hope that the words of the old woman are true and not only receive commission for how many victims she throws to the hotel that she recommended to me. But I decide not to lose my faith in humanity yet.

Walking through the increasingly empty streets, I pay attention to the signs so as not to get lost. The lady was specific with the streets. "Street Piao… Street Piao… Street Piao", my directional ramblings are interrupted when I notice a large white spot running at full speed across the street. It looks like some kind of polar bear, and someone is riding it!

"Damn. This city has everything", I shake my head and continue on my way. I don't want to arrive and find out that there are no more rooms.

Something tells me that tomorrow will be a great day.