Author's note: I originally posted this on my tumblr account (.com/) before I learned a Legend of Korra category had come into existence. I may or may not continue this. I'd like to, I just don't know if I have the time. I see Mako as one of the more introspective characters on the show - the type who would have a journal and write daily happenings and thoughts with a sparse tone and a simple writing style. Would be nice to get inside his head because, let's all face it, Mako's such a dork.
The irony would not be lost on his older self. Years ago, as he collected small change as payment for the newspapers he sold on street corners, the young boy with the red scarf wished to know what the headlines read - what the symbols on the large, dirty leaves of paper meant. They were important, and he knew them not. They taunted him.
Learning to write had been painful. He easily lost his temper with himself, with his mind, with his hand, with the ink. But he forged onward.
Years later, a journal came into existence. He told his brother it was to plan their training sessions and record their matches, but the little brown book became his constant companion.
The book remained a secret. Unread by others, his record of his greatest and most painfully won person triumph yet would remain his and his alone. And that was how he wanted it to stay. Yet he was proud.