── 𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕.

[ 005 ] WITNESS THE REVELATION
❝I could totally be your partner, right?❞

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 AT A TROLLEY STOP, Sanyu, Mako, and Korra sat next to one another, trying to figure out where the Equalists were planning their rally. The leaflets in their hands were more confusing than helpful──no specific location, just vague phrases and images of masked figures. They were all struggling to make sense of it.

 After a moment, Korra sighed heavily, while Sanyu tapped her fingers impatiently on her lap, her eyes flicking between the leaflets and the city streets. Mako was deep in thought, his mind clearly racing as he inspected the back of one of the leaflets. He squinted at it, and then his face lit up with realization.

 "Wait a second..." he muttered, pointing at a small symbol etched on the back. He then spread all the leaflets out together, revealing a map to the Equalists' rally. "This matches the map of the city. It's a clue."

 Sanyu raised an eyebrow, impressed despite herself. "You could make a good detective one day," she said, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. But she wasn't totally kidding. Mako was quick on his feet, sharp, and resourceful. She wasn't used to seeing that in people.

 Mako's face softened, and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You really think so?" His voice held a bit of surprise, but also something else──like he was secretly flattered. "I mean, yeah. I could totally be your partner, right?"

 Sanyu's eyes widened a fraction, and she quickly held up a hand to stop him. "You know what, never mind," she deadpanned, giving him a pointed look. "You talk too much."

 Mako's face fell slightly, as though she'd just popped his bubble. He sent her a look of mock outrage, but he couldn't hide the disappointment in his eyes.

 Korra's brow furrowed. Partner? The word lingered in her mind. She glanced between Mako and Sanyu, trying to keep her expression neutral, but her stomach twisted in a way that left her uneasy.

 Why did that word bother her so much? She couldn't put her finger on it. Was it the way Mako said it, so casually, like it was the most natural thing in the world? Or was it the way he looked at Sanyu──like she was fascinating, someone worth studying, someone worth... everything?

 Korra's chest tightened, and she swallowed hard, trying to push the thought away. No, stop it. You're being ridiculous, she told herself. But she couldn't unsee it: the slight curve of his lips when he talked to Sanyu, the spark in his eyes that Korra couldn't pretend wasn't there.

 And Sanyu barely seemed to notice. She sat there, her usual composed self, brows furrowing just enough to acknowledge Mako's words but never giving too much away. How could she be so unaffected? So... perfect?

 Korra felt a pang of jealousy twisting deeper with every second. But she didn't know who she was jealous of.

 Was it Mako, for being so captivated by Sanyu? Or was it Sanyu, for having a part of Mako that Korra wasn't sure she ever could?

 She bit her lip, forcing herself to look away before either of them noticed her staring. Her heart thudded heavily in her chest, a traitor to the calm facade she was trying to maintain.

 She didn't have time for this. They had bigger things to deal with──enemies to fight, Bolin to save. Yet, in that moment, sitting there with the two of them, Korra felt like she was battling something far worse than an enemy: the ache of doubt in herself.

 Sanyu turned her head away from Mako to mask the guilt that flashed through her. It wasn't that she didn't think Mako could be a good partner. In fact, he had potential. But his enthusiasm was like a tidal wave crashing into her quiet world, and she didn't know how to keep up. He reminded her of Korra, somehow.

 Sanyu shifted uncomfortably, trying to push the thought out of her mind. It felt too vulnerable, like something she couldn't say out loud. Not after everything. She glanced back at Mako, who was still throwing her a slightly wounded look, and sighed.

 "You think I'm just some idiot, don't you?" he said, his tone teasing but also a little unsure.

 Sanyu's mouth twisted slightly as she glanced away again. She wasn't good at comforting people, wasn't good at giving compliments.

 Growing up without a father made it harder to figure out how to be kind, how to say the right thing. Her mother had never been the warm, affectionate type. She spoke bluntly, reprimanded anyone who got in her way. That was what Sanyu had learned to do──to keep people at a distance, to avoid being open. Saying something nice always felt too much, too soft, too vulnerable.

 "I never said that," she finally said, her voice a little quieter now. "I just don't like how much you talk. That's all."

 Mako didn't press her further. He gave her a half-smile, clearly unsure of how to respond but appreciating that she didn't shoot him down completely. "Fair enough," he said, nodding. "But hey, maybe you'll reconsider that partnership offer sometime."

 Sanyu didn't reply, but she felt a strange tug at her chest as she looked back at him. She didn't have the words for it, not yet, but she wondered if having someone like Mako around wasn't so bad after all.

 Before heading to the rally that night, Sanyu made a quick detour back home after returning Mako's coat. The house was eerily quiet when she entered──no clattering of pans, no murmured conversations. Lin was nowhere to be found, but there was food on the table, lids still on, likely waiting for someone to dig in.

 Sanyu hesitated by the doorway, her fingers brushing the edge of the table. It was clear her mother had made the meal, probably before rushing off to work. The faint scent of stewed vegetables and freshly baked bread lingered in the air, but Sanyu couldn't shake the knot of guilt tightening in her stomach. They usually ate together, no matter how hectic or late the day had been. It was their ritual that kept them connected.

 But recently, she had been slipping away more often. The arrival of Avatar Korra had changed everything.

 Sanyu found herself spending less and less time at home. At first, she'd gone to Air Temple Island to check in on her siblings, to play the dutiful older sister. But she couldn't deny the real reason anymore.

 Her father's presence on the island had always been a reason to linger, even if their relationship was strained at best. But now, with Korra there, Sanyu had another excuse to linger. It wasn't just about seeing her siblings anymore. She found herself sticking around, watching Korra train, feeling something stir in her chest.

 Maybe it was Korra herself who kept her there──the way she smiled, wide and genuine, as though she truly saw Sanyu. Or maybe it was simply Korra, always Korra, drawing her back again and again.

 Shaking her head, Sanyu turned away from the table, promising herself she'd make it up to Lin later. She didn't have the time or the space to dwell on guilt tonight.

 By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, she was ready to head out. She dressed with deliberate care──a dark coat over a white t-shirt, black high-waisted pants that hugged her form, and her favorite boots, the ones with hidden compartments for her knives. Her hair was swept into a sleek bun before she wore a worn-out cap, and she'd even taken a moment to swipe on some dark blue eyeshadow.

 The streetlights flickered as she met up with Mako and Korra. They were waiting at their agreed-upon spot, their figures barely visible in the shadowed alley. But the moment Sanyu approached, Korra's eyes lit up as she took in Sanyu's look.

 "Whoa! Blue really suits you," Korra complimented with genuine admiration. Her gaze lingered on Sanyu's face.

 Sanyu couldn't help but feel a rush of heat crawl up her neck. She raised an eyebrow, feigning indifference. "It does, doesn't it?" she replied, adjusting the collar of her coat as she examined their outfits.

 Mako wore his usual muted colors, paired with a hat, while Korra was dressed in a simple brown overcoat and an ugly hat, with Mako's signature red scarf draped around her neck. If it weren't for the fact they were all in disguises, Sanyu would've thought they were trying to blend in with a pile of dirt.

 She frowned at their choice of style. "You two look like you're trying to win an award for blending in. Honestly, you'd make flowers wilt with that color scheme."

 Mako gave her a disapproving look, but Korra merely laughed.

 "Okay, okay. We get it," Korra chuckled, giving Sanyu a wide grin. "But hey, we all blend in better together, right?"

 Sanyu gave them both a thumbs-up, though internally, she was already thinking ahead to the rally. It wouldn't be long before they were deep in the crowd, and she would need to stay focused. No room for distractions.

 The three of them moved in silence toward the rally's location. From a distance, they spotted a group of people heading toward the factory site, all dressed in muted colors and clutching small invitation leaflets.

 "This is the place," Mako said as if bracing himself for what they were about to walk into.

 With a nod, Sanyu followed Mako and Korra as they approached the building. She noticed a doorman checking invitations at the entrance. After approving one, he stepped aside to admit the person, then turned his attention to the next visitor, who presented their own invitation.

 As they neared the doorman, Sanyu saw Korra move closer to Mako, grasping his arm.

 "What are you doing?" he hissed at her, an annoyed look on his face.

 "Relax," Korra whispered, pulling him slightly closer. "We'll attract less attention if we look like a couple."

 Mako sighed, clearly unconvinced, but didn't pull away.

 "Uh, hello? What about me?" Sanyu interjected, folding her arms across her chest. She raised an eyebrow at the firebender. "I could be your other partner. Make it a whole act."

 Mako pinched the bridge of his nose. "Just... be yourself," he muttered, slightly exasperated.

 Sanyu rolled her eyes. "Right. That's the great strategy," she said under her breath. Then, without waiting for a response, she strode forward, tugging her jacket tighter around herself.

 As she approached the doorman, she handed over her leaflet with a bright, overly sweet smile. The man barely glanced at her before nodding her through. Sanyu turned on her heel just before disappearing through the door, sticking her tongue out at Mako like a mischievous kid.

 Mako, predictably, looked unimpressed.

 When the others finally joined her inside, Mako wasted no time. "What the heck was that?" he snapped, his hand darting out to grab her arm. But the grip wasn't as firm as Sanyu expected──it was gentle, as though despite his exasperation, he couldn't bring himself to be rough.

 Sanyu shrugged nonchalantly, yanking her arm away from Mako's grip. "You told me to be myself. That was me," she replied with an innocent face, her gaze already scanning the crowd.

 Korra stifled a laugh as Mako groaned under his breath.

 The trio pressed deeper into the factory, squeezing through the throng of bodies packed tightly together. The massive room buzzed with anticipation, everyone's eyes fixed on the far end, where an empty, illuminated stage awaited. The air crackled with tension for the so-called "Revelation."

 "I knew people hated benders, but this?" Mako muttered, his eyes darting around the crowd. "I've never seen so many of them in one place."

 "Keep your eyes peeled for Bolin," he added, sounding more like a stern officer than a friend. Sanyu and Korra exchanged a glance before nodding, their expressions serious.

 A sudden eruption of cheers snapped their attention to the stage. Sanyu's head whipped toward the commotion.

 "Please welcome your hero," an announcer's voice boomed, reverberating off the factory walls. "Your savior... Amon!"

 Sanyu froze. A trapdoor on the stage slid open, and Amon rose slowly from the shadows, the spotlight capturing his masked face and the line of Equalists standing at attention behind him like soldiers. The cheers grew deafening, shaking the very air.

 Her heart pounded painfully in her chest as she stared at the figure before her. Amon. Sanyu's stomach twisted. This was the man whose name haunted the city's streets, whose voice fueled fear and rebellion. The man she had only ever seen on posters and wanted notices.

 Her breath hitched as reality sank in. They had no backup──just her, a cop, and two hotheaded benders whose idea of stealth was anything but subtle. If Lin ever found out, she'd be tearing them apart with more force than Amon ever could. But there was no turning back now.

 Amon raised his hands, and the crowd fell silent, their gazes locked on him as if he held the answers to everything wrong with their world.

 Sanyu glanced at Mako and Korra, her voice barely above a whisper. "I hope you two know what you're doing. Because if we get caught..."

 Mako met her gaze, his eyes brimming with a confidence that stirred something within her──a confidence that made her want to believe him, even though she couldn't fully trust him. "We won't," he said.

 Korra didn't respond. Her gaze were locked on Amon, her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles had turned white.

 As Amon stepped up to the microphone, the crowd erupted in cheers. His presence commanded attention, and Sanyu couldn't help but listen closely, determined not to miss a single word of what he had to say.

 Amon spoke about his life, about how he and his non-bending family had once lived peacefully on a small farm. But their peace was shattered when they were tormented by a firebender. The memory of that event, Amon said, changed him forever. It left him scarred, both physically and emotionally, and from that moment on, he wore a mask to cover the burns that marked his face.

 But he also claimed something even more shocking. Amon said that the Spirits had given him the power to take away a person's bending permanently.

 Sanyu's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't an expert in airbending, and she had never undergone formal training, but the thought of losing her bending was terrifying. The ability to bend, to soar through the air, was everything to her. It wasn't just a power──it was her freedom. The idea of not being able to fly, to feel the wind beneath her feet, was unbearable. The thought of being grounded forever was like losing a part of her soul.

 "No..." The word escaped Sanyu in a breathless whisper. The thought of losing her bending made her recoil, a cold shiver running down her spine. Amon's words unsettled her. It was the worst thing she could imagine──especially for someone like her, who had the gift of bending.

 Korra, standing next to her, looked as though she couldn't believe what she was hearing. "That's impossible!" she exclaimed. She turned to Mako and Sanyu, her eyes wide. "There's no way. This can't be true."

 Sanyu bit her lip, fighting the dread creeping into her. Only the Avatar had the power to take someone's bending away, and only through energybending. She thought back to the stories her grandfather, Avatar Aang, had shared with her. Aang had taken Fire Lord Ozai's bending away, sparing his life instead of ending it. And the idea that Amon could do something like that was terrifying.

 "This guy is insane!" Mako muttered, his face twisted in anger and disbelief.

 Amon raised his voice, clearly enjoying the crowd's reaction. "Now, for a demonstration. Please welcome Lightning Bolt Zolt," he announced into the microphone. "Leader of the Triple Threat Triad, and one of the most notorious criminals in Republic City."

 The crowd jeered at the captive, and Sanyu felt a stirring within her──a strong urge to do something, anything to stop what was about to happen. She knew Zolt was a criminal, that he was no good, but seeing him treated like this made something twist in her gut.

 Equalist guards brought forward four more benders, forcing them to kneel before Amon. Among them, Sanyu's gaze locked onto Mako's younger brother, Bolin. His face was pale, his eyes wide with fear as he looked around, taking in the dangerous scene unfolding before them.

 "There's Bolin!" Korra exclaimed, taking a step forward, but Mako quickly grabbed her arm with a firm grip, stopping her.

 "Wait, we can't take them all on," Mako warned, holding her back. "We need to think this through."

 "Then come up with a plan," Korra snapped. "Team Captain."

 Mako's eyes flicked toward Sanyu. "She's supposed to be the Team Captain!" he said, pointing at her. Sanyu shot him a glare in response. "As a good-person-chasing-bad-people, you should think of something, too. You're more than qualified to lead."

 Sanyu's patience wore thin. "Just because I'm a good-person-chasing-bad-people doesn't mean I can come up with anything right now!" she shot back. "I'm overwhelmed, okay? Let a good-person-chasing-bad-people get some rest!"

 She turned her attention back to the stage, where Amon was demonstrating his terrifying power on the leader of the Triple Threat Triad. As Zolt attacked Amon with lightning, Amon swiftly defeated him, placing his hand on Zolt's forehead as the man knelt before him. Zolt's lightning crackled, slowly morphing into fire before ceasing entirely.

 "The era of bending is over. A new era of Equality has begun!" Amon's voice rang out, sending a chill through the crowd.

 Sanyu's heart sank as a gasp of horror escaped her lips.

 She couldn't bear the thought of her bending being taken away permanently. Even though she rarely used her airbending skills except for gliding, she still clung to it. The memories of that night──the trauma──still haunted her, but flying was something she loved, something she didn't want to lose.

 Unwilling to let anything happen to Bolin, Mako quickly came up with a plan to save him. He told Korra to create a distraction using the steam from the nearby boilers while he and Sanyu went to rescue his brother. With any luck, the plan would go smoothly.

 "Come on, stay close to me," Mako urged Sanyu, who grumbled but reluctantly followed him, clearly annoyed at being told what to do. As Korra headed toward the boilers, they both kept their eyes on each other, staying alert in case they were caught.

 When they got close to the stage, Sanyu stopped next to Mako, who was still watching the spot where Korra had disappeared. They both waited, hoping the Avatar would use the steam to cause enough of a distraction so they could move on to the next part of the plan.

 Time seemed to drag on, and Mako muttered impatiently under his breath, "Come on..."

 Sanyu cursed quietly as an Equalist guard moved toward Bolin. Her eyes widened as she watched him struggle with Bolin's ropes, hearing his soft whimpers. When the guard finally freed Bolin and shoved him forward, Sanyu's body tensed, itching to act──to do anything to save Mako's brother. Without realizing it, a gust of air blew around her due to her emotions, knocking off nearby hats and coats.

 Noticing this, along with her growing agitation, Mako reached over and squeezed her shoulder. "Sanyu..." he reminded her, urging her to stay calm. After a moment, she took a deep breath and forced herself to steady her nerves.

 She closed her eyes for a second, focusing on the steady rise and fall of her chest. She pushed her fear and anxiety down, burying them in the pit of her stomach. It was a feeling she knew all too well, one she'd learned to hide, even when the darkness of her past threatened to pull her under. Amon's ruthlessness brought back memories of Zaheer, both showing no mercy, and it unnerved her, but she didn't let it distract her.

 A loud explosion to the left made Sanyu release a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Steam poured into the meeting room, followed by the sound of panicked screams. That was the signal.

 Mako was the first to spring into action, leaping onto the stage and grabbing the Equalist who was about to take his brother. Bolin's face lit up with pure joy at the sight of his brother. Meanwhile, Sanyu wasted no time, taking down two Equalists with swift punches.

 "Bolin, you okay?" Mako asked worriedly.

 "Yes!" Bolin responded, clasping his hands in relief before holding them out for a hug. "Mako, and this gorgeous woman, I love you!"

 "Yeah, yeah, we're happy to see you too, big guy!" Sanyu replied, giving him a look. "Now, cut the crap! We need to get out of here!"

 Before Bolin could say another word or even attempt to hug them, Mako grabbed him by the neck and yanked him away, dragging him into the steam. Sanyu followed close behind, her eyes darting around.

 "Wait, where's Korra?!" she called out, scanning the area while she fled with the brothers. "We can't leave her!"

 "There's no time!" Mako called back, kicking open a door so forcefully that a flock of birds took off in alarm. "We have to go now!"

 The three of them rushed onto a balcony, heading for a ladder. Bolin went first, quickly followed by Mako and Sanyu. Just as they were about to climb down, a figure appeared at the door, charging toward them. Sanyu froze when she saw the Equalist Lieutenant, twirling his kali sticks menacingly.

 In an instant, Sanyu made a split-second decision. She kicked the brothers off the ladder, sending them tumbling to the ground below. Without looking back, she leaped after them, narrowly avoiding the Lieutenant's charge. Electricity crackled as he aimed a burst of energy at the ladder, hoping to fry it──and them. But Sanyu had already moved, and the charge struck only empty space.

 She had faced criminals of all kinds before: benders, weapon-wielders, and specialists with dangerous tools. Many had used kali sticks or electric gloves, weapons designed to target police officers, especially metalbenders vulnerable in their metal armor. Sanyu had seen it all.

 Bolin and Mako grunted as they hit the ground with a heavy thud. Sanyu landed beside them with barely a sound, muttering a quick apology for not warning them first.

 The Lieutenant jumped down from the balcony, his kali sticks crackling with electricity. Without hesitation, he aimed a strike at the brothers. Sanyu, not willing to take any chances with the deadly charge, quickly shoved them both out of the way. The electric burst barely missed them, hitting the ground with a loud snap.

 The fight unfolded quickly. The brothers, despite their experience with bending and combat, tried to land a few hits on the Lieutenant, but he easily dodged their attacks, countering with a few strikes of his own. Within moments, the battle was over. The Lieutenant stood unharmed while the brothers were on the ground, nursing bruises and defeat.

 As the Lieutenant turned toward her, Sanyu felt a pang of regret. She'd left her glider behind──she could really use it right now. Now, it was just her and him. No shortcuts, just a dangerous fight with the risk of getting electrocuted with every move.

 The Lieutenant lunged, sending a swift strike toward her. Sanyu ducked just in time, the crackle of the electricity barely grazing her. Her heart raced as she studied him, searching for an opening. He advanced again, and Sanyu countered with a swift kick to his midsection. The blow knocked him off balance for a second, but he quickly regained his footing and came at her again, this time with a barrage of quick punches. Sanyu ducked and weaved, but each time she landed a hit, she could feel the crackling energy of his sticks too close for comfort.

 As the Lieutenant lunged forward again, Sanyu reached down into her boots, pulling out two combat knives. They gave her a sense of control, a sense of power she had learned to rely on through countless battles. These knives felt like an extension of her own body.

 The Lieutenant swung his kali sticks with lightning speed, aiming a strike toward her head. Sanyu blocked it effortlessly with one of her knives. The electric charge sizzled against the blade, sending a jolt through her hand. She winced but didn't let it throw her off. She was used to it──she had endured far worse in the military. The sharp buzz of electricity on metal was nothing new. What mattered was keeping her footing, staying grounded.

 In one smooth movement, she slid to the side, narrowly avoiding another strike from his kali sticks. She flicked a knife at him, forcing him to block it with one of his weapons. The instant his guard was up, Sanyu moved in. She was fast──too fast. Her body blurred with action as she aimed for his arm, targeting the tendons. But he was quick, spinning out of the way just in time.

 The Lieutenant sneered, recognizing that she wasn't just fast──she was skilled. He attacked again, launching a series of rapid strikes, trying to catch her off guard.

 But Sanyu was ready. She danced around him, her knives flashing with every movement. Block. Parry. Dodge. She moved with a grace that made it hard to keep up with her. Every time he thought he had her, she was already somewhere else.

 Then, with a quick sidestep, she disarmed him. One of his kali sticks flew from his hand, landing a few feet away. Without hesitation, she lunged forward, driving one of her knives toward his chest. But he twisted his body just in time, and the blade grazed his side. He grunted in pain.

 Sanyu didn't give him a chance to recover. She pressed forward, relentless, knowing he wouldn't back down easily. With a flurry of strikes, she forced him onto the defensive. His breathing grew heavier, his movements more erratic as he struggled to keep pace with her speed.

 Then, she saw her chance. The Lieutenant shifted his weight to his back foot, his guard lowering just for a split second. That was all Sanyu needed. She stepped in close and drove her knee into his gut. He gasped, the air knocked out of him. For a moment, he was off balance.

 Sanyu spun, using the momentum to bring her knife down with deadly precision. The blade sank into his shoulder, and the Lieutenant let out a sharp cry of pain. He stumbled back, his other kali stick slipping from his grasp.

 With one final, powerful shove, Sanyu sent the Lieutenant crashing to the ground. She stood over him, panting heavily, but to her frustration, he managed to push himself up. Despite the beating she'd given him, a beating so hard she thought he might actually die from it, he was ready to fight once more.

 "Sanyu!" Her name rang out from a distance. Sanyu glanced to her right and saw Korra running toward them.

 In an instant, Korra used her earthbending to call up a pillar of rock that shot up beside the Lieutenant. It slammed into him, throwing him violently against the side of a building. He hit the metal with a sickening thud, the kali sticks flying from his hands. He crumpled to the ground, and as he tried to rise, Sanyu delivered a swift blow to his head that knocked him unconscious.

 Turning around, Sanyu couldn't help but feel a wave of relief as she saw Korra standing tall. She had feared she might share the brothers' fate──electrocuted and defeated──but thankfully, that wasn't the case.

 Korra whistled on her fingers, calling her animal companion. In response, Naga barked and came charging around the corner. The large polar bear dog bounded toward them, leaping down the ramp. Korra smiled, relieved, and quickly turned to help Mako to his feet as he struggled to stand alongside his little brother.

 Sanyu rushed to Bolin's side, offering her support. She guided him carefully toward Naga, helping him onto the large animal's back. Things were getting more dangerous by the second──Equalist fighters could be closing in at any moment. They had to leave, and fast, before they were surrounded.

 "Thanks for saving me, gorgeous woman," Bolin said with a dazed grin, still clearly reeling from the fight. He looked at Sanyu with a tired but warm expression.

 Her eyes rolled in response. "Don't get too comfortable," she retorted. She stayed close to him to make sure he didn't fall off Naga as they made their escape into the night.

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RULER OF HER HEART | ❝You don't like me
the way I like you, don't you?❞